Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as queen of the Dolomites, following a breath-taking journey, providing you with a taste of what the week has in store for you. Take time to settle into your hotel for the week, or, depending on your arrival time, take a stroll through the bustling town and soak up its unique energy as a Mecca for mountaineers, mountain bikers and white water kayakers alike. Grab a coffee in one of the many trendy cafes within the picturesque piazzas and stroll through picture postcard streets leading to the church spire below the jagged mountain tops. In the evening, you can look forward to sampling the local cuisine whilst watching the colours of the Dolomite rock formations change as the sun sets.

Waking up to the awe inspiring Dolomites, today you get to put on your hiking boots and explore them more closely. Walking through the town as it springs to life you can seize the opportunity to enjoy a coffee before following the trail out of town to ascend through the alpine forest, accompanied by the unmistakable aroma of the mountain dew burning off the pine trees beneath the morning sunlight. Following the Druse pass you will soon encounter Tofane’s towering rock walls as you pass beneath them, leading you to the majestic Lake Ghedina with its crystal clear waters and welcoming mountain restaurant. Legend has it that this haunting lake was part of a nocturnal ritual for warrior prince Ey de Net who came here to consult the lake’s nymphs for their omens on the kingdom's future. Take time to relax and enjoy the lake's beauty before returning to Cortina to sample more of the culinary delights this evening.

Today begins by taking the bus to Falzarego Pass, one of the most popular trailheads in the Dolomites, and for good reason too, it sits at the base of the famed rock towers of Piccolo Lagazuoi. Fuelled by breakfast your route will take you up the Lagazuoi Pass (2573m) to the summit where your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of the valley below. You will also be greeted by the ruins of several old military installations, a reminder of the Dolomites role in the First World War, where heavy fighting took place. Hard to believe when you are stood high breathing in the peace and tranquillity of the mountains today. When you have finished taking in the view you will begin your descent through the lovely wide rocky valley, beneath the steep cliffs where you will spot climbers on the via ferrata. Arriving at Lake Lagazuoi (2180m) at the foot of Mt Cima del Lago, this is a lovely spot to relax for a moment before continuing on to the Scotini Hut, where you can enjoy a welcomed refreshment and perhaps one of the tasty mountain treats on offer. The final leg of the trail descends to the Valparola where you can catch the bus back to your hotel to decide which of the great restaurants to choose for dinner this evening.

Today you will explore one of the most distinctive mountains in the Dolomites- Coda da Lago. Taking the bus from Cortina to the Giau Pass you will begin your hike up through the forest, as it comes to life in the morning sunlight, towards the Formin Valley. Little by little the glimpses of the rocky landscape increase and the forest thins out to reveal the Croda da Lago in its full glory. Making your way through the boulder field and along the base of this formidable rock wall you will cross the Formin Pass (2462m) to reveal the southern Dolomites in all their majesty. Take a moment to breathe in the view and Civetta’s legendary north face before descending towards Ambrizolla pass (2277m) and a little further to the Rifugio Palmieri, the perfect place to stop for a refreshment before the final push to complete the Croda da Lago circuit to the beautiful lake and Giau pass beyond. Feeling accomplished, take the bus back to Cortina where you can enjoy dinner and raise a glass to another great day on the trails.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before taking a private transfer to the Auronzo Hut (2,320m), a stopping place on the Alta Via 4 and a great place to enjoy a morning coffee before setting out on your hike. From the hut you can admire the pinnacles of Cadini di Misurina Chain. Your route will take you along gentle terrain at the foot of Tre Cime’s south face to the breath-taking Laveredo Lake and the majestic pinnacles reflected on its surface. Take a moment to take in its beauty and relax by the water before taking the path to circumnavigate Mt Paterno via Pian del Cengia and Cengia Pass accompanied by fantastic views along your way. Your trail winds you back towards the Locatelli Hut where you can reward your day’s efforts with a cool refreshments whilst views of Tre Cime’s north face leave you in awe. The final section of your route will take you beanth several legendary north faces dotted with climbers scaling the towering rock walls as you make your way over the Medo Pass returning you to Auronzo Hut and your private transfer back to Cortina.

Your hike today will take you to explore the outstanding Tofana di Rozes, Cortina’s iconic mountain. Your day starts by taking a private transfer to the Dibona Hut beneath the towering Tofana. Setting off on foot your hike begins to ascend steadily towards Tofana’s towering south face before contouring the base of the steep cliffs, offering one breath-taking view after another. As you make your way over Boss Pass, Val Travenanzes takes you around the western side of Tofana before descending down the zigzags to Majarie gully between the mighty Tofana peaks. From here your trail ascends once more to the Giusani Hut (2,580m) where you can reward your efforts with a slice of well-earned strudel. The hut is the base camp for those ascending the main peak and you may spot climbers on the via ferrata above. When you have finished taking in the view and watching the climbers high above you, continue on your hike descending towards the Dibona Hut where your driver will be waiting to return you to your home for the week.

Your final hike of the week begins in the same way as your first, with a bus journey to Falzarego Pass. However, today you head away from Lagazuoi and Tafane to explore the opposite side of the valley. This is a walk of contrasts as you begin your hike through alpine meadows, alive with flowers in the spring, first to a small ski resort and then on up to the higher lunar-like landscapes that have accompanied you through the week. You will soon arrive at the imposing base of Averau where many climbers will head off towards the via ferrata. Your route continues around the base of this rocky spire to the Nuvolau Pass from where you have the option to ascend to the summit of Nuvolau Peak. An optional addition we recommend for surefooted hikers, it is certainly worth your efforts to arrive to simply amazing far reaching views, and the opportunity to experience the hospitality and atmosphere of a typical high peak hut in the Dolomites. Returning to the Nuvolau Pass you continue towards the legendary Cinque Torri, possibly the most famous climbing rock face in all of the Dolomites; a must climb for all aspiring Dolomite climbers and where many got their start. The area boasts a rich history, particularly during WW1 with an open air museum dedicated to the battles which took place in the area. We recommend brushing up on your history before visiting to see the region from another point of view. Your week of walking ends at the Dames Lake where you take the transfer back to Cortina where you can raise a glass to a great week in the mountains.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps enjoy a final stroll along the luxurious high street of Cortina before making your onward journey. If you would prefer to explore the region a little longer then why not add an additional night or two to your trip. Please speak to our sales team for further details.