Day 1 - Arrive Cortina d'Ampezzo

Today upon your arrival at Venice airport you are met by your representative who accompanies you from the arrivals hall to meet your driver. Depart the airport and enjoy a private transfer to your luxury hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a beautiful mountain town immersed in the most beautiful scenery.

Overnight: Hotel Rosapetra Spa Resort

Day 2 - Tre Cime di Lavaredo

After breakfast, enjoy a private hiking excursion to the enchanting Tre Cime di Lavaredo with lunch at a local rifugio (mountain hut). The Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen) are an impressive outcrop of monumental pinkish stone peaks, well known as one of the most famous views in the whole of the Dolomites. During the hike learn about the local flora and fauna, be introduced to the peaks surrounding you and discover more about the local traditions and Ladin culture.

Reward yourself with a mouth-watering lunch in a typical mountain hut (payable locally) and experience first-hand the Italian joie-de-vivre sharing your table with others, in a typical friendly atmosphere, savouring local delicacies such as canederli, spatzle, polenta and speck before continuing your journey. Your expert guide is flexible to adjust the day according to your interests, whether it’s hiking the complete circuit around the peaks, or taking a shorter route. Pass by the beautiful mountain lake of Misurina surrounded by the gorgeous peaks for a photo opportunity.

*Walking is required throughout the tour. Hiking shoes are recommended. The hiking level depends on your skills and can be tailor-made for your level of experience

Overnight: Hotel Rosapetra Spa Resort

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Cortina d'Ampezzo - San Cassiano

Check out from your hotel and transfer to your next luxury hotel in the quaint resort of San Cassiano.

En route, drive through rural villages to Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee), nestled in a wild and romantic rocky valley basin and dominated by the majestic Croda del Becco (Seekofel) Peak, which beautifully reflects in the lake. Lake Braies is considered the pearl of the Dolomite lakes. Once here, take the cable car up to the sunny plateau of Kronplatz. Plan de Corones, or Kronplatz, also known as the "panettone”. At its summit, enjoy the breath-taking panorama that sweeps from the Dolomites (including the Marmolada and Sassolungo) to the Rhaetian and Zillertal Alps.

You may wish to enjoy lunch at the restaurant AlpiNN, payable locally, managed by the 3-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler. AlpiNN’s simple, wholesome ingredients make up a menu that caters to every taste and reveals the true flavours of the local mountain cuisine. Enjoy the venue’s splendid views from just about every corner of the restaurant.

Afterwards, visit MMM Corones, located just metres from the restaurant, a museum founded by world-famous mountain climber Reinhold Messner that’s dedicated to mountaineering and housed inside an unusual mountaintop building designed by legendary architect Zaha Hadid. Descend by ski lift towards the town of San Vigilio and continue to the charming and centrally located mountain village of San Cassiano.

Alternatively, more experienced hikers may like to get a closer look at those panoramic views after lunch with a guided excursion along one of the many world-class trails.

Overnight: Hotel Ciasa Salares

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - San Cassiano Hiking

Alongside an expert alpine guide discover the fascinating Mt Lagazuoi and the Cinque Torri region and learn more about their connection with World War I. Several different options are available for today's itinerary:

Option 1: Mt Lagazuoi and the Cinque Torri

Alongside your expert alpine guide spend a day in the fresh air combining hiking with history right in the middle of the UNESCO world heritage Dolomites! Head slightly south towards the region of the Cinque Torri and Mt Lagazuoi and travel back to the times of the First World War. During the war, this specific area was the scene of severe fighting between Alpini (Italian mountain troops) and the Kaiserjäger (Austrian Alpine troops) and, in order to manoeuvre through these vertical mountains, troops set up a system of fixed cables and ladders directly into the rock, known as 'via ferrata', or 'iron paths'. The armies also dug trenches and built shelters to protect their soldiers and house their weapons inside the Cinque Torri stone peaks of Mt Lagazuoi, transforming the mountain into a real 20th-century fortress. All of this can be witnessed at the Great War Open-Air museum, in particular the tunnels, which provide a close-up insight into the lives of the Alpini soldiers and the conditions they lived in during the war. You may also wish to visit the stunningly beautiful Rifugio Lagazuoi for truly spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Dolomites where you can taste local delicacies such as canederli, spatzle, polenta and speck.

* Walking is required throughout the tour. Hiking shoes are recommended. The hiking level depends on your skills and can be tailor-made for your level of experience.

Option 2: Hike through the WW1 Tunnels (moderate)

Take a private transfer to Passo Falzarego. Hike up to the Galleria del Lagazuoi, a fascinating open-air WWI museum carved into the mountains. At the end of the tunnels you arrive at Rifugio Lagazuoi where you can stop for lunch (payable locally) and enjoy the wonderful 360° degrees view. Hike downhill to Rifugio Scotoni passing by a beautiful turquoise little lake. Then descend to Capanna Alpina, a restaurant situated just at the edge of the Natural Park, in an incredible setting, and transfer back to your hotel. (5-6 hours hiking, 7.3km / 4.5 miles, 670m / 2,198m ascent, 1,000m / 3,281m descent.) Alternate more demanding activity

Option 3: Via Ferrata Day (moderate to challenging)

The ascent is decided with the guide depending on  your hiking experience and ability and local weather conditions. If you want to experience the via ferrata – the 'iron paths' of the Dolomites – but only have time for a short visit then this is the perfect option for you! On this quick getaway, you learn to ascend incredible and historic via ferratas, and climb through the Dolomites on a different ferrata each day! These world-famous routes provide access to mountains and views usually reserved for climbers and mountaineers. The origin of the via ferrata came during the First World War, when the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fought against each other on the vertical walls of these wonderful mountains. In order to succeed, they had to fix these iron ladders and wire cables to the rock, often under enemy fire. Today, many of these “iron paths” have been converted to recreational use and can be tackled by anyone interested in going a step beyond hiking, towards the magical world of climbing and mountaineering. This activity is suitable for all curious hikers that want to know what lies above the trails.

Overnight: Hotel Ciasa Salares

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - San Cassiano Hiking or Biking

Further explore the region today by choosing one of these three activities:

Option 1: Hike through the Fanes Sennes-Braies Natural Park (moderate)

After breakfast, transfer to Capanna Alpina, a restaurant built just at the edge of the Fanes Sennes-Braies Natural Park in an incredible setting; from here begin your hike with a steep ascent of 1 hour. After arriving at Col de Locia, you enter into a fairy tale valley, amidst the mountains surrounded by green pastures. Hike numerous up and downs for about 3 hours, pass by a cosy mountain hut, and reach Rifugio Fanes, a nice spot for lunch (payable locally). Hike back to Capanna Alpina and private transfer to your hotel. (~ 6 hours hiking ~16km / 10 miles, 600m / 1,968m ascent and descent)

Option 2: Hike to the Santa Croce Sanctuary (easy)

From your hotel walk uphill, passing through a number of closely-knit hamlets formed of clusters of ancient shingle-roofed timber farmhouses and barns known as viles. Continue walking through the pine forest with great views of the Santa Croce, Conturines, and Sella mountain groups, as well as the towns of La Villa, San Cassiano, Corvara, Pedraces, and San Leonardo—all part of the Val Badia. It takes about two hours to get to the church and sanctuary of Ospizio Santa Croce (2,045 m / 6,709’). Have lunch here (payable locally) and then descend to San Cassiano through a different trail. (~ 5-6 hours hiking 11km / 7 miles, 590m / 1,935m ascent and descent)

Option 3: Mountain Bike Tour at the Pralongia High Plateau (easy)

After a hearty breakfast enjoy a mountain bike adventure on the high Plateau Pralongià, sitting just above the towns of Alta Badia. It is a route which allows you to take in many mountain rifugios and splendid vantage points offering different Dolomite views. From the high plateau you can enjoy views which extend from Pelmo to Civetta, from Marmolada to Boè and from Tofana of Rozes to La Varella. Notwithstanding that it is only a small plateau it gives a sense of immense space and grandeur. You can stop for lunch (payable locally) in one of the mountain huts.

Overnight: Hotel Ciasa Salares

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - San Cassiano - Val Gardena

After breakfast check out from your hotel in San Cassiano and head towards Selva di Val Gardena. Get ready to don your apron and learn the skills of South Tyrolean cuisine with a local Ladin chef. Experience a very special cooking class with farmer Anna* in her country kitchen. She loves regional delicacies and cooks with heart and passion. During this cooking class you prepare various dishes, which are then tasted in the typical Tyrolean Stube (farmhouse kitchen). After your class, continue to your next hotel in the quaint town of Ortisei.

*Subject to availability. An alternative location or similar activity is selected if Anna is not available.

Overnight: Hotel Genziana

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Val Gardena Hiking

Whilst in Val Gardena explore the region by choosing one of these two activities:

Option 1: Hiking the Adolf Munkel Trail

The Adolf Munkel Trail is undoubtedly one of the most popular hiking trails found in the Dolomites. It is a route that takes you beneath the majestic Odle/Geisler mountain group and is also one of the most spectacular trails in the Dolomites The trail cuts through shaded forests that grow beneath the impressive peaks of the Odle, leading up to the Rifugio Odle, located on the spectacular Malga Geisler alpine pasture at an altitude of 2000m. Lunch payable locally.

Option 2: Puez-Odle, Resciesa, and Geological Phenomena

The flank of the Odle mountain group, aptly named “needles” in the Ladin language, has been subject to long-term erosion, revealing the fascinating earth and rock strata underlining the principal pale Dolomite rock. The array covers grey-white chalks dating back 240-250 million years along wine red porphyry from a relatively late volcanic phase. Ongoing weathering of the oldest, a blood-red variety of sandstone, led to the 1968 discovery of intriguing skeletal fragments belonging to a long extinct porpoise-like lchthyosaurus, now displayed in the museum at Ortisei, a recommended follow up to the walk. From the town of Ortisei, take the Resciesa funicular to Chalet Resciesa from where you 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 or a rest at a local Rifugio and admire the jagged north faces of the dramatic Odle Group before descending toward Ortisei, or venture on a more challenging route. Lunch payable locally. (5 hours hiking ~13 km / 7.8 miles, 367m / 1,204m ascent, 705m / 2,312m descent)

Overnight: Hotel Genziana

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 8 - Val Gardena Cultural Activities

Enjoy visiting several local producers (herbs, spices, and gin) before visiting the charming town of Castelrotto or, alternatively, spend a relaxing day exploring Ortisei and marvel at the amazing wood carvings, a very important local tradition.

Choose from one of the below experiences for today's activity:

Option 1: Herbs, Spices & Gin

Today you are met at your hotel by your private driver and guide for a full-day experience meeting local producers of the best artisan South Tyrolean products. Among today’s visits you discover the Zu Plun distillery that produces gins, rums, liqueurs, and grappas using ingredients that grow naturally in the surrounding mountains. Florian Rabanser is a master in distillation who lives at the foot of the Dolomites and his spirits, especially the gin, encapsulates his grand passion for genuine flavours. The company’s first gin was made combining 24 alpine herbs, lemon from Lake Garda, and elderflower. Other essences are taken from juniper, wild fennel, mint, and pomegranate. Enjoy a tour of the distillery with a tasting of various gin produced in the distillery.

You also visit the Pflagerhof farm where you find everything but the usual farm! Since 1982, the Mulser family have dedicated their lives to growing medicinal plants, spices and organic herbs, used to make tea, spiced salt or scented herbal pillows. Explore this 5 hectare property with a visit to the garden and greenhouse which displays more than 200 types of herbs and enjoy a tasting of their organic syrups and herbal teas. Continue to the lovely village of Castelrotto where you enjoy lunch (payable locally). Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the historic village, dominated by its lovely churches and whitewashed houses. Return to your hotel after your walk. 

Option 2: Wood Carving & Ortisei

Wood carving is a centuries-old tradition in Val Gardena, which dates back to the long winter nights, during which people fantasized and tried to give wooden blocks a shape with rudimentary objects. Carving was also an opportunity to give shape to individual impressions, beliefs and life stances. Masks and everyday items were the most popular subjects for carvings, followed by wooden toys and religious figures, which only testified to the improved technique and the achieved artistic finesse of carvers. Alongside your local guide discover the world of artistic handcrafts and the incredible woodcarvings of the best artists and artisans of the Val Gardena area by visiting two permanent exhibitions. During the day enjoy a stroll around the mountain resort of Ortisei and stop for lunch in a typical restaurant (payable locally).

Overnight: Hotel Genziana

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 9 - Depart Val Gardena

Depart the wonders of the Dolomites today with a private transfer.

If your journey is extended towards Milan, you might like to consider the following options that could fit into your day's itinerary:

Option 1: Bolzano

Visit the historic city of Bolzano*, known as the 'Gateway to the Dolomites'. Stroll through the historic centre of this Alpine town under the medieval arcades and past Piazza Walther, the oldest part of town with the Casa della Pesa, Piazza della Mostra, and the City Hall. Enjoy lunch in one of the oldest taverns (payable locally). Time permitting you may wish to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and witness the fascinating exhibition dedicated to Ötzi, a 5,000-year-old mummy found buried in the ice in the nearby mountains. Stored in a specially devised cold cell, Ötzi can be viewed through a small window along with numerous pieces of equipment and clothing which have been painstakingly restored.

*self-guided tour is recommended here

Option 2: Coffee and Wine on the Siusi Alps*

Enter into the world of coffee at Caroma Coffeeseum where you can discover everything there is to know about coffee. For example, did you know that coffee is the world’s second biggest export product after oil? Learn how coffee is grown, harvested, processed and roasted, as well as the art of preparing the perfect cup, before trying one yourself at a tasting.

*self-guided tour is recommended here

Option 3: Wine Tour along the South Tyrol Wine Road*

Meet your driver and head south towards Bolzano along the famous South Tyrol Wine Road - a true paradise for the wine lovers! Stop at an authentic wine cellar for a guided tour of the cellars, vineyards, followed by a wine tasting. Continue for a brief walking tour and lunch, payable locally, of Termeno-Tramin the spiritual home of Gewürztraminer (which translates as “spice carrier” for its spicy, exotic notes). Afterwards stop at Cantina Tramin, the oldest wine consortium of the region. Here you admire the striking architecture of the building, a synthesis that unites past and future, wood and iron, glass and cement, transparency and darkness.

*self-guided tour is recommended here and lunch is payable locally

Meal Plan: B