Dolomites Alta Via

Introduction
Northern Italy Italy
This hiking tour leads through three language areas and their related cultures.

Starting in the German-speaking Hochpustertal, you then go through the Ladin-speaking Fanes and you finish in the south of the Passo Falzàrego, where the Italian language dominates.
In addition to the visible traces of the former so-called Alpenfront (Alps Front) which can be seen in an open-air museum, this hiking path offers the possibility to meet this magical world in all its facets: extraordinary picturesque beauty, magnificent views, stunning peaks and wonderful walks. A true paradise and an exciting adventure for people who love the mountains!

The hiking route runs along marked mountain paths and hiking trails. The tour is suitable for anyone in good basic physical condition. Climbing experiences are not necessary!

Accomodation

Accommodations
During this trip, nights are spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodations consist of a mixture of 3 and 4 star hotels as well as 1 night spent in a mountain guesthouse. All locations offer private bedrooms with ensuite facilities.

Local tax
Some cities charge a tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels.
This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and the number of days of stay. It is usually between 1 and 5 € per person per night.


Meals
All breakfasts are included.

Riding

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Hochpustertal (Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco)
Individual arrival at the hotel in Hochpustertal. Free, unguarded public car park near the hotel.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco

Day 2: Lake Pragser Wildsee to San Vigilio/St. Vigil
Starting at the pearl of the Dolomite lakes, the lake Pragser Wildsee (1.494 m), you hike through the romantic area of the nature park Fanes-Sennes-Prags which is one of the largest protected areas of South Tyrol. In the shade of the impressive mountain massif Seekofel you will reach the high alpine pasture Fojedöra. Stop and enjoy the homemade bread and the tasty alpine cheese. Through the lonely high valley you hike past the lake Hochalpensee and finally reach the highest point. Far down in the valley you can already see the villages of the Gadertal.
Ascent: approx. 800 m / descent approx. 1.100 m / approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in San Vigilio/St. Vigil

Day 3: San Vigilio/St. Vigil to Badia/Abtei
The cable car Piz de Plaies takes you from San Vigilo to the starting point. The path leads through light woodland and meadows to Piz de Corn. The mountain Peitlerkofel is enthroned on the opposite side. You hike on to the saddle Ritjoch and cross the mountaineering village of La Val. The mighty flanks of the mountain Heiligkreuzkofel are always in view. At the foot of the peaks Neuner and Zehnerspitze you reach the shelter Heiligkreuz. After a short descent you take the cable car to Badia.
Ascent: approx. 1170 m / descent approx. 770 m / approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Badia/Abtei

Day 4: Badia/Abtei to San Cassiano/St. Kassian
The cable car takes you up to the pretty alpine huts above Abtei. The view invites you to linger: the peaks of the Sella, Puez Group, Peitlerkofel and Kreuzkofel seem close enough to be touched. Through larch and pine forests, you hike in the direction of St. Kassian. On the way you will pass „viles“, as the original settlements of the Gadertal valley are called.
Ascent: approx. 170 m / descent approx. 660 m / approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in San Cassiano/St. Kassian

Day 5: San Cassiano/St. Kassian - Cortina d´Ampezzo
At first, the trail runs comfortably along the valley floor to the Capanna Alpina. In the shadow of the majestic Fanes and Conturines peaks, you hike to the Scottoni refuge and on to the crystal-clear Lagazuoi lake at the foot of the Scottoni peak, in whose waters the bizarre peaks of the Fanes Dolomites are reflected.
Via the Dolomites High Trail you hike to Lagazuoi, which was turned into a veritable fortress with tunnels and trenches by soldiers during the First World War. You have the option to take the cable car directly from the summit to the Falzarego Pass and to continue by bus to Cortina.
Below the Tofanen you hike to Pocol and from there by bus to Cortina.
Ascent: approx. 900 m / descent approx. 600 m / approx. 7-8 hours
Variant St. Kassian - Falzarego Pass: ascent approx. 1,050 m / descent approx. 900-600 m / approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cortina d‘Ampezzo

Day 6: Cortina d ´Ampezzo - Son Forca - Ospitale - Hochpustertal
The last day of hiking starts in the centre of Cortina d‘Ampezzo. Through woodland and meadows, the route is initially relatively to the Rifugio Mietres, from where you can take a last look at Cortina, once more.  A fantastic panorama at the highest point will soon make you forget the efforts of the ascent.
Afterwards, it is almost all downhill through the idyllic Val Padeon to the end of the stage in Ospitale. You then continue by public bus to the Alta Pusteria.
Ascent: approx. 970 m / descent approx. 720 m / approx. 5-6 hours
Variant Son Forca by chairlift to Rio Gere: ascent approx. 500 m / descent approx. 800 m / approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco

Day 7: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Dolomites Alta Via

Dates Note: Custom dates possible for groups of 5+ pax

Other Info
Meeting: Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco
Airport: Innsbruck
Transfer:

Climate:
                        Villabassa/Niederdorf area