The Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina, Italy

September 3-10, 2022

Arrive in Innsbruck, Austria

Guests will fly into Innsbruck, Austria where the group will stay overnight at AC Hotel by Marriott. Located in the heart of the Capital of the Alps, AC Hotel Innsbruck is situated close to the Main Train Station and the old town. The first AC Hotel in Austria is also the perfect choice to explore the city on foot or as a base for fantastic Hiking in the surrounding area. Originally built in 1972 for the Winter Olympic Games this landmark hotel in Innsbruck has been completely refurbished and upgraded with all 187 rooms enjoying breathtaking views of the Alps. With great connections, be it on foot, by car or indeed train, the AC Hotel Innsbruck is the ideal base for either exploring Tyrol or simply enjoying the delights of the city.

Drive to Cortina

In the morning, we will drive to Cortina, Italy. The town of Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy is rightly known as the "Queen of the Dolomites". This town in the province of Belluno is beautifully embedded in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site. Our group will check in to Marriott's Cristallo.

Initially inspired by the Art Nouveau movement that characterizes its architecture, Cristallo, overlooks the storied mountain village of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Rifugio Auronzo

We will hike one of the most popular trails in the Dolomites and one that you absolutely shouldn’t miss if it’s your first time visiting the South Tyrolean region. The hiking circuit is located in the Tre Cime National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are many different hiking trails in the Tre Cime National Park but this one definitely offers the best view over the Drei Zinnen. The hike starts at the infamous Rifugio Auronzo and takes about 4 hours in total to complete. If you’re a photographer you might want to calculate an extra hour cause you’ll be in for a real treat during this spectacular hike.

We will enjoy breakfast each morning at our hotel and packed lunches while out on our hikes. Please note that our hiking itinerary is always subject to change based on weather and the group’s ability. Our guide will plan and adjust accordingly.

 

Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis is a glistening turquoise lake backed by the craggy buttresses of the mountain, which shares its name. While many of the lakes in the Dolomites are crowded, this one requires a decent hike, so it is usually relatively peaceful and secluded.  

The hiking trail winds through shady forests and over rocky ledges as views stretch off to jagged, craggy peaks. The crisp mountain air, crunchy alpine foliage, and crystal clear lake reflections make this Dolomites hike well worth conquering.  

Val di Funes and Seceda

Val di Funes is a stunningly picturesque valley, and a highlight is the two beautiful churches, surrounded by fields of hay, backed by the soaring spires of the Odle-Geisler peaks.  

The best views are captured on this easy Dolomites hike along the Panoramaweg and Sunnseitenweg trails. The two paths traverse the edge of the Funes valley are undulating meadows unfurl below them. Higher up, fields lined with colorful alpine flowers frame the two churches and their towering backdrop, forming on the best sights in the Dolomites.

The views from the summit of Seceda are extraordinary and possibly the finest in the Dolomites. From the ridge, a jagged line of soaring spires appears like the teeth of a mangled saw. The joy of this easy walk is that it hardly takes any effort. From the top of the dramatic ridge, it descends past several rifugios, each with spectacular views.

Brenta Dolomites and Aldof Munkel

Few people explore the Brenta Dolomites, so this is a unique opportunity. Its rocky canyons, towering needles, and massive blocks of stone are home to some of the best Via Ferrata in Europe. This Dolomites hiking route is our favorite of the region. While long, it is not as hard as it may look. A cable car takes most of the height, and an optional bus trip can take 3k off the trail. So we will grab our gear and head into this rocky wonderland.  

On our final day of trekking, we will hike the Aldof Munkel Trail.  This hike gets up close and personal with the jagged teeth and countless soaring spires. So close you'll be straining your neck to see them. It's one of our favorite hikes in the Dolomites, and it's an excellent way to end our stay in Cortina.  

After the Aldof Munkel Trail hike, we will spend our final night at Cristallo. The following day we will drive back to Innsbruck, Austria to drop off guests at the airport, if you choose, or spend a night at AC Hotel Innsbruck again if you are continuing to Tyrol with us. 

 

  • What's Included

    7 nights accommodation in 4-star luxury hotels

    Full breakfast each morning at Cristallo

    Packed lunches each day for trekking

    Private van transportation throughout

    Airport transfers from Innsbruck Airport for guests arriving at the designated time

    Taxes; wifi and complimentary spa at Cristallo

  • Make sure you add these items to your daypack

    A refillable water bottle – Please don’t bring any plastic with you when hiking in the Dolomites. The nature here is beautiful and protected so make sure not to litter.

    Polarised Sunglasses

    Sunscreen – Even on a cloudy day you can get a sunburn in the mountains so make sure to bring some sunscreen with you in your pack.

    Snacks, a jacket, and your camera

    Our guide will send a packing list, before departure.