Step into the heart of Italy’s most iconic mountain range with jagged limestone pinnacles rising above vast green meadows. 

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, the Dolomites are renowned for dramatic rock formations, picturesque alpine villages, and fascinating geological significance. Ancient coral reefs were lifted and sculpted into high craggy spires, cliffs, and plateaus by the volcanic and geological forces that mold and remake our planet. Comfort and hospitality are never far away as we explore the culture that opens its doors to adventurous travellers.

Over seven days, we’ll: 

• EXERT hiking legendary trails

• EXPLORE vistas of towers, spires, and soaring peaks 

• INDULGE over long lunches in mountaintop rifugi

We will gather and begin well with one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites, Tre Cima Lavaredo (the three chimneys). Cima Grande, Cima Ovest, and Cima Picola tower over screen slopes and vast meadows. With warmed muscles and a few (thousand) selfies already in the bag, we’ll enjoy a scenic lunch at Rifugio Auronzo. After checking into our hotel and enjoying the beer cart, we’ll meet for an incredible welcome dinner at the Michelin-recognized El Brite de Larieto. Che inizio!

It might be hard to top yesterday’s famous hike, but Cinque Torri will leave you breathless from the second you exit the ski lift. A guided tour of the open-air World War I museum begins our journey, followed by a challenging hike with a little bit of tricky footing to keep us sharp. Lunch at Rifugio Averau will revive our spirits before we enjoy the scenery on the lift back down. We’ll check into Lagació Mountain Residence and maybe have time for a post-hike stretch and aperitivo (of course) before enjoying a casual pizza dinner.

After the challenging hikes in our first couple of days, we’ll give our legs a little break. Enjoy the space for a relaxed breakfast before we meet up to take the lift up to the top of Piz Sorega for a workout with a view. We’ll start with recuperative mobility and move into essential core work (with extended challenges for those interested). We’ll get in our steps with a two-mile walk to lunch at Rifugio Col Alt. But today, we will walk less. And we will FLY more!

The thrill seekers among us will head out from Rifugio Col Alt to experience 3km of adrenaline and panoramic views on one of the longest ziplines in Europe. Those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground will return to the earthen heights of Piz Sorega for mountain-top yoga. Guided wine tasting and a group dinner rounds out a day of adventures

An alpine lake? Yes, please! After a lighter day on our feet, our legs should be ready for an energizing hike with views of a stunning Lech de Crespëina. After a trail-ending lunch at Rifugio Col Pradat and a relaxing tour of the scenery on the chairlift back, we’ll wrap up with evening yoga and mobility class to help keep your legs nourished before tomorrow’s adventure.

Enjoy some time to explore and have an early dinner on your own.  You’ll want to rest well because tomorrow will be our biggest day!

Our most challenging hike will bring us incredible rewards: soaring vistas, a steep ascent and descent with a lake view, a coffee and strudel stop (of course), and lunch at Rifugio Scotini. We’ll definitely need some stretching this evening, then we’ll set you free to sleepily celebrate your success with dinner on your own (or perhaps soaking your well-worked legs in the mineral pool or steaming in the sauna).

If you’re a little sore when you wake up, a light core and strength class will help iron out the kinks. Our last hike will be a little more gentle, but the views will still be fierce and inspirational as we hike above the tree line. We’ll give you a little free time to soak or relax in the afternoon, before we travel in 4x4’s up up up to Rifugio Las Vegas for a rowdy, celebratory finale dinner. We’ll raise our glasses as the sun sets and feel all the feels, tired muscles, full hearts, and reflection on an incredible week-long journey together. 

We’ll return you to Cortina d’Ampezzo in time for the buses back to Venice. Or perhaps you’ll stay in the region and explore the prosecco vineyards, the Ötzi museum in Bolzano, or the Shakespearean town of Verona. Either way, the Dolomites will have carved their way into your hearts and your aching muscles. 

Quote: There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” - Alex Lowe