Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m / 4,016′) on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Cortina d’Ampezzo is a charming alpine resort town surrounded by stunning peaks. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains.

In the afternoon you will meet with a Dolomite Mountains representative who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps and everything necessary for your self-guided adventure. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo (D)

Today you will explore the Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri area – of great interest for both the spectacular mountains around and the abundance of reminders of the terrible years of WWI, due to the adjacency of the former border between the long-dismantled Hapsburg Empire and Italy.  

There are also options for several other beautiful hikes in the area, including the WWI open-air museum at Cinque Torri.

Hiking: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles
Elevation: 478m / 1,568′ ascent, 156m / 512’ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D)

After breakfast, from your rifugio, pass a chapel, and begin to hike uphill to the rear of grassy Col Piombin, which takes its name from past mining activity. The trail leads over the Forcella Giau (2,360m / 7,742’) with plenty of ups and downs; here the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. Along the hike, you’ll have great views of the majestic Sorapiss, the unmistakable pyramid of Antelao and far off the Cadore Dolomites. All of a sudden the Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394′) will be incredibly close, and at this range, it’s easy to understand why it was dubbed ‘Throne of the Gods’. 

The last part of the day leads below Pelmo’s north face, (which is 1,006m / 3,300′ straight up to the top) to your comfortable mountain Rifugio at Passo Staulanza  (1,783m / 5,850′), your home for tonight. 

Hiking: 12.8 km / 8.0 miles
Elevation: 380m / 1,250’ ascent, 830m / 2,720’ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D)

Departing your rifugio, you’ll hike by several farms and join a popular trail that climbs to the shoulder of Monte Coldai, anchoring one end of the famous Monte Civetta. After stopping for lunch at Lago Coldai, continue to the Col Negro di Coldai that looks over at the towering west face of Monte Civetta. This “wall of walls” extends for over 4 miles (6km)! About midway past this wall you climb to your rifugio, perched on mountaintop with views to the Val Civetta, down the Alleghe Valley and west to the Marmolada Glacier. This overnight stop is unforgettable. 

Hiking: 10.8 km / 6,7 miles
Elevation: 1,130m / 3,707’ ascent, 644m /2,113’ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D)

From the rifugio, descend to the Val Civetta over the Col Rean, through beautiful, open, green meadows to the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. The route takes you right below the sheer rock faces of the Torre Venezia (2,337m / 7,667′) and the Torre Trieste (2,458m / 8,064′), both rising some 600 meters (2,000′) vertically from the valley floor. You may even get to see some climbers ascending these impressive towers! Pass by the Rifugio Vazzoler (1,723m / 5,656′) and ascend steeply through a dense forest to Forcella de l’Orso and alongside Monte Moiazza’s southern flank to Rifugio Bruto Cartestiato. Continue to Rifugio San Sebastiano, following a clear white gravel lane across pasture clearings and light wood (a 40-minute hike). From Rifugio San Sebastiano you’ll have your private transfer to Malga Ciapela. Though a strenuous day over rugged terrain, this may be one of the prettiest and most varied hikes of your trip.

Hiking: 16.9 km / 10.5 miles
Elevation: 650 m / 2,130’ ascent, 1,270 m / 4,170‘ descent
Accommodation: Hotel in Malga Ciapela (B, D)

In the morning, from Malga Ciapela hike west along the river Torrente Pettorina. The trail climbs steadily through thick forest to reach pasture clearings. After you pass and the farm Malga Ciapela Agriturismo, the uphill section begins in earnest.

The small, uninhabited village of Franzedàz is worth a visit, which will give you a good understanding of how, in past times, life was strictly connected with pastoralism: families would move up here with their animals during summer.

Leave the high pastures and hike on the gravelly terrain that leads to Forca Rossa (2,490,/8,127′): the coloured geological formations here reveal Triassic sedimentations.

From here begin your descent in the direction of Passo San Pellegrino, and reach your rifugio for the night. 

Hiking: 12.8 km / 8.0 miles
Elevation: 1,050 m / 3,450’ ascent, 700 m / 2,300‘ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D)

After breakfast depart from your rifugio past a string of photogenic hay barns and chalets into a lightly wooded area, reaching Albergo Miralago (1,920m / 6,299′). Hike to the road and Passo San Pellegrino and continue toward Passo Valles, which strikes out southeast across marshy terrain, chopped up by cows and horses that belong to the nearby farm. You quickly enter some pretty woods and climb steadily, crossing a cascading stream along the way.

Continue to climb to Corda degli Zingari (2,297m / 7,536′), a broad crest on the edge of the Altopiano degli Zingari. Hike down the dirt track beneath Monte Predazzo admiring the vast slabs of the metamorphic Lagorai chain extending east to north, to Passo Valles (2,031m / 6,663′) and have a private transfer to your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved dinner and night’s rest. 

Your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel.

Hiking: 8.4 km / 5.2 miles
Elevation: 630m / 2,066′ ascent, 560m / 1,837′ descent
Accommodation: Hotel in Moena, Val di Fassa (B, D)

After a relaxing last breakfast, prepare for departure as you reminisce about your last five days spent hiking through one of the most special places in the world and meeting incredible people!