Trek part of the Alta Via 1 – the classic high route of the Dolomites! You’ll revel in 4 days of hiking through some of the most breathtaking scenery in these incredible Italian Alps. This is the perfect quick trip for those looking for a classic trek but who are short on time!
Highlights
- Trek the first part of the Alta Via 1 – one of the famous High Routes of the Dolomites!
- Hike hut-to-hut for 4 days and enjoy the atmosphere of a different mountain rifugio each night
- Short on time? This is the ultimate quick getaway for hikers looking for a classic route and a great experience in the Dolomites
Itinerary
Truly a hiker's paradise, thousands of trails wind their way between the fantastic pinnacles of the jagged Dolomite Mountains, and the Alta Via represent the “best of the best.” These routes are multi-day, hut-to-hut alpine tours, and offer some the most breathtaking, challenging, multi-day trails available in this mountainous wonderland.
The Alta Via 1 is a fantastic trek, highlighted by breathtaking views, rustic and lively mountain refuges, a sense of excitement of what lies around the next bend or the next pass and the satisfaction of traveling by foot through this beautiful and remote area. On this quick getaway, we’ve shortened the classic trek from 11 days to 6, but retained all the excitement of traveling across the Dolomites! Our linear trip travels north to south through the Italian Alps, covering the first portion of the AV1; beginning in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, moving south through the Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri areas, and concluding in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The impressiveness of the scenery and the variety of terrain on this route is matched only by the warmth and hospitality offered by the mountain huts. The unusual contrasts in landscapes, changing colours and textures of the mountains and curious mix of Italian and Austrian influences means fantastic hiking, stunning scenery, and plenty of pasta!
Programma ( 6 )
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Day 1
Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Dolomites
Arrive to Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m / 4,016') at your leisure (transfer available on request and with extra cost).Cortina d’Ampezzo is a charming alpine resort town surrounded by stunning peaks. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, and co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains. This chic town also caters to the high society crowd, offering many year-round social activities, shopping, and fine dining.In the late afternoon you will meet your hiking guide who will provide a trip briefing.Dinner in a local restaurant in town (not included) -
Day 2
Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park
In the morning, take a private transfer to Malga Ra Stua (1,688m / 5,538’), a cozy hut-dairy farm set in a valley lying between the Croda Rossa (northeast) and Lavinores (west) Dolomite groups at the entrance of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Reserve.The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Reserve comprises an area of approximately 25,453 hectares (62,069 acres). Clusters of old log-built farmsteads adorn the mountainsides called Viles and are a typical feature of the Ladin-speaking valleys. These tiny communities were once self-sustaining, with outbuildings and baking ovens shared communally. The Fanes High Plateau is a popular walking and hiking area with a typical karstic limestone landscape characterized by caves, fissures, underground streams, and small lakes. Rugged rocks eroded by the action of wind and weather rise in all directions. Today, you will hike in the Sennes section of the Nature Reserve along the Alta Via 1.(~5 hours hiking 12km / 7,4 miles, 920m / 3,018’ ascent, 630m /2,067’ descent.) -
Day 3
Altopiano di Fanes
Departing your rifugio this morning, you’ll hike downhill towards Rifugio Pederù (1,548m / 5,079'). The trail travels on a steep dirt road for 1hr30 minutes (the last part of the road approaching the rifugio is a 20% slope). From Rifugio Pederù, hike uphill in the direction of Lago di Limo. When you reach Lake Lé Piciodel you’ll hike through a charming landscape studded with little lakes and rounded mountain-tops along the Ru d’Al Plan River. At the fork, continue toward your rifugio for tonight. Located just beneath the Limo Pass, you’ll have a splendid view of the Tofane Mountains.(~4 hours hiking, 8.1 km / 5.1 miles, 530 m / 1,740’ ascent, 460 m / 1,510’ descent.)Dinner à la carte (not included) -
Day 4
Cime di Fanis & Lagazuoi Massif
Today is a lovely hike through the Altopiano di Fanes to the Lagazuoi Massif. You'll enjoy beautiful panoramas of the Western Dolomites and the Marmolada Massif, the "Queen of the Dolomites.”From your rifugio, Alta Via N.1 continues through the beautiful high meadow and karst formations, climbing to the Forcella del Lago, a narrow and dramatic gap in the mountain with a trail descent through steep talus on the south side. At the base of the slope is the lake called Lago di Lagazuoi whose green waters are framed by pines with a backdrop of the sheer walls of the Cima del Lago and the Cima Scotoni. From the lake, the path begins the long, steady climb to your rifugio. Entering open, rocky terrain, you'll come across ruins from the First World War, en route to your rifugio, one of the highest in all the Dolomites (2,752m / 9,029'), with incredible 360-degree vistas. (~6-7 hours hiking, 12.7 km / 7.9 miles, 1,050 m / 3,445' ascent, 390m / 1,280' descent.) -
Day 5
Cinque Torri Area
This stage is of great interest for both the spectacular mountains around and the abundance of reminders of the terrible years of WWI due to the vicinity of the former border between the long-dismantled Hapsburg Empire and Italy.From your Rifugio, descend to the main road either by cable car (not included) or on foot. Hike a memorable traverse below the awesome Tofana di Rozes, ascend three forks (2,573m / 8,442', 2,507m / 8,225', and 2,331m / 7,648'), and gradually descend along a line of trenches. Climb through forests to the fascinating, renowned Cinque Torri area (option to ascend by chairlift, not included) and stop at a lovely Rifugio for lunch, with incredible vistas around.After lunch, you may wish to circumnavigate the Cinque Torri. This area saw heavy fighting during WWI. Trenches and Italian army shelters have been restored, creating the Grande Guerra open-air museum of WWI, offering insights into the war and fighting through interpretive panels. Here, you have the opportunity to walk through the open-air museum, through trenches, and visit military installments. After the “museum,” you will hike through the middle of the rock towers, where you will likely see climbers high up on the walls, finally arriving at a Pass, from where you will have a transfer back to Cortina. You may also choose to skip the museum and interior of the towers and follow the path directly to the Pass.(~5-6 hours hiking 11.6km / 7 miles, 582m / 1,908’ ascent, 1,040m / 3,412’ descent). -
Day 6
Depart
Breakfast depart at your leisure (transfer on request)
More information
Participants minimum:
4 people
Try to go as light as possible and take only the essentials.
Excess baggage can be a burden to you and to our support personnel. Due to space limitations in our transfer van, we ask that your limit your luggage to one piece per person.
Consider the weather when you are packing. The summer months (mid-July through September) have warm temperatures and plenty of sun – perfect for hiking, climbing, via ferrata, and cycling trips! While temperatures may reach the 80s °F / 25°C on the valley floors during the day, the gentle wind of the Dolomites guarantees refreshing moments in the shade of rich green woods, and evenings can be as cool as the 50F (10C). Also keep in mind, that as you gain elevation, it will be colder. For every 1,000 feet you climb, the temperature will drop 3.6°F (6.5°C for every 1,000 meters). What may be an 80°F / 27°C day in Cortina or Alta Badia could be 60°F / 15°C on one of the summits during the day, and 30s°F / 0°C in the evening!
• Bring comfortable clothing that will protect you from cold (and possibly wet) weather.
• Please make sure you bring the appropriate rain gear
• Sturdy, properly fitting footwear can make your trip much more pleasurable
More information
Want to learn more about our hospitality?The Dolomites offer a unique culture and history, reflected in every village we visit. We carefully select accommodation to ensure an authentic experience for our guests. You’ll also enjoy local cuisine and breathtaking views of the Dolomites!
Rifugi – or mountain huts in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, most rifugi are accessible only on foot, some by cable car, and a few exceptions that are reachable by car. These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.
The Dolomites rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided (in private rooms only), hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.
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