Walking in the Dolomites

Make your own way to Cortina, an attractive high-altitude town in the northern extremity of the Veneto region of Italy. It is a fashionable winter resort that also springs to life in the middle of the summer.
Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a comfortable hotel located in the centre of Cortina, which is 200m from the Faloria Cableway and 150m from Corso Italia.

A 30-minute bus ride will take you to the start of today's walk. Begin trekking by climbing steadily into the Tre Cime mountain group. This is a famous block of three vertical sided finger-like towers. The route is often quiet and the climb unravels with anticipation. Head towards the Rifugio Locatelli, taking lunch at or near to the refuge, then descend around the Tre Cime to Rifugio Auronzo (there is also a shorter option of 12 km/7.5 miles, 5 h, which ends here). The descent is through pleasant forest to Lake Antorno. Return to Cortina by bus for your overnight accommodation.
Approx. ascent: 1170m/descent: 300m

From Cortina, after a few minutes by bus, begin your climb to the Rifugio Dibona at the end of the dirt road. From here, climb a little more and then traverse, with the vertical rock walls of the Tofana di Rozes (3219m) and Tofana di Mezzo (3240m) peaks above. Follow a high-level route to the Forc Lagazuoi pass. There is much evidence of WWI trench systems, fortresses and barbed wire here. Much of the rubble lying around Lagazuoi was not created by glaciation but by huge mines that were detonated in 1915-16. The descent is rocky but easier, down to a pretty lake. A steeper section takes you to the Rifugio Scotoni for drinks and strudel. Then onwards downhill, following the stream on the way to your hotel at Armentarola near Sare.
Accommodation: Stay in a well-appointed hotel in the rural location of San Cassian. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Please note there are no local facilities nearby, however dinner can be taken at the hotel restaurant.
Approx. ascent: 1050m/descent 1115m

Our walk in the Dolomites today is a complete change from the harsh rocky tablelands. You enjoy hiking through forests and climb on to a grassy ridge to the mountain refuge at Pralongia. The apfel strudel is particularly inviting here. Continue to Col Alti (1983m), which also has a nice little restaurant by the gondola station, with panoramic views of the Tofana and Sella mountain groups, our next destination. Descend steeply to Corvara and stay nearby in Colfosco. This is a pretty village with an old church, a few shops, a supermarket, bank and a couple of bars.
Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a welcoming hotel, offering beautiful landscapes right at your door step
Approx. ascent: 815m/descent: 800m

Enjoy a free day in the picturesque village of Colfosco for a well deserved break or choose from some rewarding walks. If the weather is good, we recommend taking a morning bus up the short distance to Passo Gardena and then walking up to Sas Ciampac (2672m). This is a fantastic walking peak high above Colfosco and you will be rewarded by an impressive picnic spot on the summit. The descent takes you down into a glaciated valley where you might see Edelweiss flowers. You should get back to your accommodation by mid afternoon.
Approx. ascent: 650m/descent: 1130m

Starting your walk from Colfosco, return past the campsite and head up into the trees around the east side of the Sella group. We recommend taking a gondola part of the way to assist in the ascent (saves 600 metres and 2 hrs walking). You then traverse below the cliffs and above the forests, with magnificent views of the Marmolada and Dolomite peaks to the east. From Passo Pordoi, descend to Campitello (a gondola can also be used for the second half of this descent).
This route should only be undertaken in dry, clear weather. In the event of poor weather or too much snow, several connecting buses can be taken via Passo Pordoi and Canazei to Campitello.
Accommodation: Stay at a charming hotel on a half board basis. This is quite a large hotel with good size rooms and a small spa with a sauna.
Approx. ascent: 772m (if taking the gondola)/descent: 1510m

Use today as a rest day or choose from a variety of different walks of varied grades. Walking routes for the day include: a popular trail below the Sassopiatto from Col Rodela, with the option to climb the peak; and a bus ride to the foot of Marmolada, from where you can walk or ride up to the Marmolada glacier and the mountain hut there, perhaps for a warm Jaegertea.

After breakfast, depart for your onward journey.