Discover the Magic of the Dolomites: An Exclusive 8-Day Hiking Adventure

Explore the jaw-dropping sceneries of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where towering rock formations, verdant valleys, and pristine lakes create the ultimate hiking haven. You’ll climb forested paths, cross vibrant alpine pastures, and ascend dramatic ridges, all while taking in breathtaking views of iconic massifs like the Marmolada, Sassolungo, and Rosengarten. Each day brings new adventures, and I’ve crafted an itinerary to capture them all!

We’ll be staying in a welcoming mountain hotel, complete with comfortable twin-share rooms and access to a rejuvenating spa—the ideal retreat after a day on the trails. For those who prefer a private space, a single-room upgrade option is available at a £260 extra charge; please email me at info@kozatrails.co.uk to reserve your upgrade. Availability is limited, so don’t wait too long to enquire!

Every evening, we’ll indulge in a traditional Trentino dinner, highlighting the unique flavours of the region. This culinary experience combines Italian and Alpine influences, offering hearty dishes that showcase the warmth and authenticity of mountain cuisine.

For this adventure, you'll need to be in good physical shape, as some sections of the hikes are challenging and will test your endurance and stability. You can expect steep ascents, some rugged terrain, and a few challenging inclines that will push your limits in the best way possible. Stamina and sure-footedness will be essential to fully enjoy each day's journey. That said, this is not a race, and we’ll keep a steady pace with regular breaks at scenic viewpoints and mountain huts where you can rest, refuel, and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Each day’s hike will range from around 6 to 7 hours, depending on the route and pace of the group. If you’re comfortable walking for several hours a day on varied terrain and have a passion for the outdoors, you’ll find this trip incredibly rewarding.

This isn’t a self-guided trip; I’ll be with you every step of the way, planning each day and ensuring that everything runs smoothly, so you can focus entirely on the experience. From airport transfers to meticulously planned routes, all you need to do is show up and get ready to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Val di Fassa

Welcome to Italy! After a private transfer from the airport, we’ll have time to settle into our hotel in the charming Val di Fassa. This valley is surrounded by limestone peaks that glow pink at sunset, a defining characteristic of the Italian Dolomites. Enjoy a relaxing evening with mountain views to set the stage for the days ahead.

Day 2: Hike to Rifugio Alpe di Tires
• Distance: 17 km / 11 miles
• Ascent: 795 m / 2,608 ft

Our adventure begins with a short taxi ride to Rifugio Micheluzzi, where we start our first hike of the trip. The trail climbs steeply through shaded woodland, gradually revealing the rugged beauty of the Dolomites. As we reach Sasso Piatto, the landscape opens up to breathtaking alpine views. From here, we'll follow the ridge path surrounded by dramatic peaks before making our way to Rifugio Alpe di Tires, which sits at 2,440 meters (8,005 feet). Located on the main crossroads between the Val di Fassa, Val di Tires and the Alpe di Siusi, the hut was first built in 1957 by a young man named Max Aichner, who decided to build a mountain refuge to escape from the hunger and poverty of post-war Italy.

At this elevation, the views are magnificent and offer a sweeping panorama of several iconic Dolomite massifs. To the south, we’ll spot the majestic Catinaccio range with its rocky towers and peaks, including the striking Rosengarten group. To the east, we can see the distant Marmolada Glacier, the highest peak in the Dolomites, while to the north, there are views toward the rugged Sella Group.

This hike offers not just rewarding physical exertion but also the opportunity to marvel at the Dolomites’ unique combination of steep limestone formations, alpine pastures, and vibrant valley views.

Day 3: Vajolet Towers – Dolomites’ Crown Jewels
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Ascent: 950 m / 3119 ft

Today’s adventure takes us into the Rosengarten group and the legendary Vajolet Towers. At the start of the hike, we’ll embark on a steady, challenging climb through dense woodlands. The path is steep but rewarding, as after the demanding ascent, we’ll reach Rifugio Ciampedie at 1,998 meters (6,555 feet). Ciampedie, which translates to "God's Field" in Ladin, the local language, is aptly named, as it opens to stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Here, we’ll get a first glimpse of the rugged peaks in the Rosengarten range.

From Rifugio Ciampedie, we’ll follow a scenic route leading to the famous Vajolet Towers, slender rock spires that rise like ancient stone guardians from the landscape. At 2,243 meters (7,359 feet), the Vajolet Towers are among the most iconic rock formations in the Dolomites, and their dramatic, vertical rise makes them a must-see. Rifugio Vajolet, near the base of the towers, provides the perfect spot to pause, relax, and marvel at this geological wonder.

Day 4: Seceda Ridge Loop- Iconic panoramas of the Dolomites
• Distance: 12.5 km / 8 miles
• Ascent: 480 m / 1569 ft

Today we’ll conquer the Seceda Ridge, one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites. After a private transfer, we’ll take a cable car halfway up the mountain, saving our energy for the most scenic part of the hike. From the top station, we’ll walk to the Seceda viewpoint, the ascent is steady, gradually revealing sweeping views over the valley below. As we approach Seceda’s iconic ridge at around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), the scene becomes truly breathtaking.

The ridge’s striking, serrated rock formations stand against a backdrop of expansive views that stretch across the Odle (Geisler) group and the vast, rugged terrain of the Dolomites. As we begin our descent, we’ll pass through scenic alpine meadows, with stunning views of the famous jagged “stone teeth” of the Odle Group. Our path takes us past charming mountain huts such as Rifugio Troier and Rifugio Firenze - perfect places to pause, relax, and take in the breathtaking surroundings.

This hike not only captures the best views of Seceda but also gives an unforgettable sense of the Dolomites’ alpine charm.

Day 5: Free Day
Today is your chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Val di Fassa at your own pace. You can indulge at the SPA of Wonders-QC Terme https://www.qcterme.com/destinations/dolomiti/qc-spa-do, take a casual stroll through the charming villages, or visit the fascinating Ladin Museum for a glimpse into the unique history and culture of the Ladin people. This is the perfect day to rest, recharge, or dive deeper into the culture and natural splendour of this incredible area.

Day 6: Piz Boè – Summit hike with moon-like landscape and epic
views
• Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles
• Ascent: 415 m /1361 ft

Today, prepare for an exhilarating hike to Piz Boè, the highest peak of the Sella Group at 3,152 meters (10,341 feet). The trail starts with a cable car ride that brings you into the heart of the Dolomites' dramatic landscapes.

The terrain here is a rugged, lunar-like landscape with barren rock formations and sparse vegetation. This surreal environment feels like stepping onto another planet, with vast views of craggy peaks in every direction. Following this plateau, a steep ascent awaits, this time with a few exposed sections secured with metal cables and steps. These features offer a taste of the Dolomites' renowned via Ferrata routes, making it an exciting experience for those new to this style of climbing. The metal aids add an extra layer of thrill, allowing you to navigate these exposed sections safely and enjoyably.

Upon reaching the summit of Piz Boè at 3,152 meters (10,341 feet), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the Marmolada Glacier, the Sassolungo Group, and the towering peaks of the Dolomites. This challenging but adrenaline-charged day offers one of the most memorable high-altitude experiences of the trip.

Day 7: Sassolungo Circuit - Complete loop around a Dolomite Icon
• Distance: 17 km / 11 miles
• Ascent: 780 m / 2,559 ft

Today’s adventure takes us to the legendary trail that skirts the Sassolungo massif. The day begins with a cable car ride to the starting point of the Friedrich-August path, named after the German king who adored these landscapes. The name “Sassolungo,” meaning “long stone,” truly captures the essence of this massive Dolomite peak. Only by hiking its full circuit we can truly appreciate its vast scale and rugged beauty. This hike will take us through alpine pastures, forested trails, and scree slopes. Along the way, we’ll pass charming mountain huts, including Rifugio Sassopiatto at 2,300 meters (7,546 ft), where we’ll catch a glimpse of Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau.

This remarkable loop trail offers an unforgettable experience, weaving through stunning alpine landscapes with sweeping views, and it is the perfect capstone to our journey, allowing us to savour one last day of the Dolomites’ beauty.

Day 8: Departure
After a week filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, unforgettable hikes and breathtaking scenery, it’s time to say farewell. Following breakfast, a private transfer will take us to the airport. However, you may wish to extend your stay, allowing you to spend a weekend exploring the charming city of Verona before flying home later. Whether you leave today or linger a little longer, I hope you’ll be carrying home a sense of accomplishment from challenging hikes, along with cherished memories of one of the world’s most stunning mountain ranges.

Included in the Trip Price:
• Accommodation: Seven nights in a twin-share room in a mountain hotel (private rooms upgrade available).
• Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner, offering local flavours.
• Airport Transfers: Private transfer from the airport upon arrival and back to the airport at departure.
• Private transportation on two of the days for easy access to the starting point of the hike.
• Local Transportation: You’ll be provided a Val di Fassa card, which can be used to travel free of charge on public transport.
• Cable Car Rides.
• Tourist Taxes: Covering all regional and local tourist taxes.
• Hotel SPA: access to the hotel’s SPA facilities, the perfect way to relax after a day of hiking.

Not Included in the Trip Price:
• Flights.
• Drinks: Beverages during dinner.
• Lunches during hikes: We will stop at Rifugios for lunch, or you can pack lunch yourself for a picnic along the way.

Payment Information & Deadlines:

Trip Price: £1,290

Non-Refundable Deposit (£120): Payable via Meetup upon sign-up to secure your place.
Remaining Balance (£1,170): To be paid via bank transfer.

Please ensure the full balance is received no later than the 3rd of August. Bank transfer details are as follows:

Account Name: Milena Kichukova
Bank Name: Barclays
Sort Code: 20-90-56
Account Number: 73205924
Payment Reference: Dolomites1126

If full payment is not received by August 3rd, your booking (including your deposit) will unfortunately be forfeited, and your space on the trip will be lost.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss a payment plan, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Complimentary Airport Pick-Up:
To make your arrival as easy as possible, a free group transfer from Verona Airport to our accommodation will depart at 10:45 AM (local time). If you’d like to join this transfer, please plan your travel so that your flight arrives before 10:00 AM on the day. Alternatively, consider flying in the day before to relax and explore a bit before we start our adventure.
Should your flight arrive later, you will need to arrange your own transfer to the accommodation.

For your return flight, I recommend booking a departure in the late afternoon (after 4:00 PM ideally) or evening if you are flying home the same day. This ensures you can fully enjoy the final morning of the trip without feeling rushed. Additionally, if your schedule allows, consider extending your stay to explore the beautiful city of Verona over the weekend before heading home.

For any questions or additional information, feel free to reach out at info@kozatrails.co.uk