Europe
Italy
Dolomites
The Legendary Dolomites Traverse, Ladin Valleys - 7 Days

Italy

The Legendary Dolomites Traverse, Ladin Valleys - 7 Days

High mountain passes, incredible sweeping vistas of dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys

The Legendary Dolomites Traverse, Ladin Valleys - 7 Days

High mountain passes, incredible sweeping vistas of dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys

Hike across the Dolomites South Tyrolean Ladin valleys and explore the incredible geography and geology of theDolomites – high mountain passes, incredible sweeping vistas of dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys set between vertical walls – as you experience the centuries-old Ladin culture that is so unique to this region.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Traverse the legendary Ladin valleys of the Dolomites as you explore Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia, and Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Walk on scenic trails through lush alpine pastures and over high mountain passes
  • Enjoy the atmosphere of the mountain refugios, the real mountaineer flair
  • Experience the rich Ladin culture with many traditions that make the Italian Alps so unique

OVERVIEW

For thousands of years, the Dolomites have been home to the Ladin people. In part descended from the Romans in the middle ages, the Ladin culture is rich in traditions and customs that recall ancient times. And on this magical itinerary, you will travel across three or four of the Dolomite Ladin valleys on foot – Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, and Alta Badia (7-day trip), and Cortina d’Ampezzo (10-day trip).

But this is not just a cultural trip. Along the way you’ll experience the mountainous wonders of the Dolomites as you hike through wild alpine meadows, deciduous and evergreen woods,high altitude lunar-like terrain soaring peaks, and dramatic walls with towering heights. These alternate with the refined South Tyrolean towns of Val Gardena and Alta Badia, the Ventian village of Cortina d’Ampezzo (10-day trip), and hidden delicious mountain inns that you encounter during your hikes.

As you are enjoying these mountains, be sure to enjoy the Ladin people and the cuisine and crafts of this unique tri-cultural region. The Ladin language – a Rhaeto-Romance language also referred to as neo-Latin – is officially recognized as a minority language in parts of the Dolomites. In the valleys where you will be traveling, you will find most signage written in all three languages of the region – Italian, German, and Ladin. Before you depart, you may even learn to speak some Ladino yourself.

‍PRICING

Group Departures:

  • June 25 - July 2, 2023
  • Sept 17-24, 2023

Self Guided Trip: (departures on all dates - subject to availability)

$1,175usd per person (mininum 2 participants)

$1,050usd per person (minimum 4 participants)

Guided Trip: (departures on all dates - subject to availability)

$2,700usd per person (minimum 2 participants)

$1,825usd per person (minimum 4 participants)

‍

The cost is based on 3-star hotels, it can be upgraded to 4/5-star, please contact us for a quotation.

High season supplement from July 20th to August 31st: 5% surcharge

Private room supplement in refugios (based on availability)

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Trip ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive in Val Gardena, Dolomites

Arrive in Val Gardena / Gröden (~1,500m / 5,000') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). The valley of Gardena is best known for skiing and rock climbing, and woodcarving which has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena is written in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin!

Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore one of the three villages of Val Gardena – S. Cristina, Ortisei, or Selva Gardena.
‍

Accommodation: Hotel in Val Gardena, D

Day 2 - Puez-Odle, Rasciesa, & Geological Phenomena

In the morning, meet your hiking guide (or a representative for self guided trips) who will provide a trip briefing and orientation. From Ortisei, take the Resciesa funicolar to Chalet Resciesa from where you will start your hike. This is an easy hike, suitable for almost anyone, as the trail is predominantly flat with little or no elevation change. Stop for a drink at Rifugio Brogles (2,045m / 6,709') and admire the north faces of the dramatic Odle Group.

From here, either return to the funicular on the same path (easier option) or hike downhill to the middle cable car station, Mount Seceda (~1,690m / 5,545'), from where you can choose to ride the gondola or hike down to
town.

‍(5 hours hiking ~13 km / 7,8 miles, 367m / 1,204' ascent, 705m / 2,312' descent with the gondola down).‍

This afternoon, discover the charming Tyrolean town of Ortisei on foot.

Accommodation: Hotel Val Gardena B,D

Day 3 - Sassolungo – Sassopiatto Circumnavigation

Today’s hike offers high altitude panoramic walking with superb scenery; wild flowers grow in abundance on the grassy slopes populated by cows and marmots, while small birds of prey hovering for rodents can be observed

In the morning transfer to Passo Sella (2,244m / 7,362'), for your hike on a wide, well-marked trail under the Sassolungo north face and Sassopiatto massifs. Right after the impressive Sassolungo North Clock Tower spire,you’ll hike right into the heart of the massif to Rifugio Vicenza (2,253m / 7,391'), a typical Dolomites rifugio and the perfect place to enjoy lunch.

After lunch, a green landscape will replace the rocky scenery you just hiked through. Stop for a drink at the cozy Murmeltier Hütte (Marmot Hut, 2,133m / 6,998') before hiking the final kilometer to your rifugio for the night(2,300m / 7,546'). This evening you will marvel at breathtaking pink sunsets on the walls of Sassolungo, and the quietness of the mountains from your rifugio. (~5-6 hours hiking 13km / 7.5 miles, 507m / 1,663' ascent, 451m /1,480' descent.)

Rifugio - B,D

Day 4 - Catinaccio / Rosengarten Massif

Today you’ll take a fantastic hike across the Catinaccio / Rosengarten massif, one of the most recognized landmarks of the Dolomites. This is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable and beautiful itineraries in theDolomites, and should definitely be taken at an easy pace to enjoy its splendor!

From your rifugio, hike across the beautiful green Siusi Ridge to reach the Rifugio Alpe di Tires (2,440m / 8,005'),where you can enjoy a restoring break. Resume hiking on rocky terrain until you reach Passo del Molignon (2,604m / 8,543'), drop down to Vallon del Principe through some switchbacks, and again uphill until you next rufigio for tonight; a small and cozy hut perched in the heart of the Catinaccio Massif. Indulge in a peaceful evening on the terrace, enjoying fantastic panoramas, with vistas or the world famous Rosengarten (“rosegarden”) Group, lit by enrosadira, or alpenglow, when the pale Dolomite Mountains become red at sunset.

‍

‍(~5-6hours hiking 10km / 6 miles, 400m / 1,312' ascent 500m / 1,640' descent.)

Rifugio - B, D

Day 5 - Val di Fassa

From the rifugio, hike to Rifugio d’Antermoia and then descend to Val di Fassa where your hotel for the night is situated. The Antermoia area comprises the central-eastern part of the awesome Catinaccio group and offers some memorable rockscapes and unparalleled panoramas, along with wildlife in the shape of substantial herds of chamois, marmots, the odd roe deer and even the rare mouflon.

(~6 hours hiking 12,7km / 7,8 miles, 622m / 2,040’ ascent, 1,375m / 4,511’ descent.)

Hotel in Val di Fassa - B,D

Day 6 - Sella Massif

Within the enormous fortress-shaped Sella massif is an excellent network of paths. Today you will traverse along the south face of this incredible mountain. From your hotel, you’ll take a 30 min transfer by van to Passo Pordoi (2,239m / 7,346'). Walk to theGerman War Memorial and follow the trail up to a big and wide ledge on the Sella massif. This superb and panoramic trail will take you across the face of the mountain, bringing you to the Rifugio Kostner, your lunch spot. After lunch, it’s just a 20-minute hike down to the chairlift, which will take you to Corvara in Alta Badia.

Alta Badia is a sunny hollow on the south side of the Val Badia. The afternoon is free to relax at the hotel swimming pool and spa, or explore any of the six Ladin villages in Alta Badia that comprise this area and experience the unique culture that still thrives
here.

‍(~4 hours hiking 6km / 4 miles, 300m / 1,000' ascent, 50m / 150' descent.)

‍
Hotel in Alta Badia - B,D

Day 7 - Depart

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).

Breakfast included.

‍

Additional Trip Info

Included
Not Included
Items to Bring
Trip FAQ
  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Val Gardena
  • 2 (3) nights accommodation in charming rifugios (shared dormitories)
  • 1 night accommodation in 3-star hotel in Val di Fassa
  • 1 (2) nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Alta Badia
  • Meals as noted in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • Local English speaking hiking guide (guided trips)
  • Transfers in the area as per itinerary
  • Luggage transfer between hotels
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Airport transfers available on request

Luggage transfers available on request

  • Gratuities
  • Airport transfers (Available on request)
  • Luggage transfers (Available on request)
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance - We recommend  InsureMyTrip or Global Rescue

Have Questions?

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