Trip Overview

Hike through the spectacular eastern Dolomites, sleep in remote mountain huts, meet artisans, and walk through forests overlooking some of the most beautiful peaks in Italy!

Welcome to the Dolomites!

After arriving in Venice, you’ll travel north to the heart of the Dolomites Region to a charming chalet in the historic center of Cima Sappada, which will be your home for the next two nights. After checking in, enjoy a welcome drink before walking through the delightful village. This evening, you get to know your travel companions in a welcoming local restaurant while enjoying a delicious Italian dinner.

Begin your next morning with a two-hour hike to Mount Tuglia alongside your expert Italian guide, who will help you imagine life on the mountainside, far above the beautiful valleys below. Stop at a local mountain dairy where you can enjoy a lunch made entirely with local products before taking the afternoon to explore on your own.

Calvi Hut, Lake Boraglia, and Vuezzis

As you head north through the marmot trail toward the imposing Mount Peralba, you’ll officially set out through the Dolomites the next day. Continue your ascent to the Calvi Hut, which sits at an altitude of 7,110 feet.  Relax and sip a warm drink or a crisp beer while you overlook some of the most beautiful peaks of the region.

The longest hike of your journey awaits you on the following day as you travel on foot through a beautiful forest that is home to idyllic streams, mountain trails, and timeless farmhouses. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a height of 5,740 feet on the shores of Lake Bordaglia, a part of the larger Natural Reserve home to various wildlife, including deer, marmots, eagles, and chamois.

After a morning to relaxation, lace up your boots for a hike to Mount Coglians. On a clear day, you can experience a dramatic view spanning the Dolomites from the Adriatic Sea to Austria! Stop at the trailside honey and cheese producer for a tasty sample before arriving at your resting place for the evening.

Make your way through beautiful landscapes and authentic villages to the lovely mountain hamlet of Vuezzis, which is perched at the height of 2,890 feet in the Degano Valley. The village hosts the San Nicola Church, which houses an outstanding collection of medieval frescos.

For a relaxing recovery day, visit an artisanal workshop that creates ceramic pottery before enjoying a slice (or two!) of pizza and taking part in a cooking lesson with a local family in the tiny village of Vuezzis.

Rigolato to the Pesarina Valley

Continuing your hike along the Degano Valley, you’ll reach the village of Rigolato after passing through a formidable forest of beeches that tower above you at the height of 100 feet. Climb to the top of Mount Talm and enjoy a picnic lunch at 5,680 feet before journeying on to your home for the evening.

Enjoy beautiful views of the Pesarine Dolomites and the Carnic Alps as you hike through the Pesarina Valley to the mountain village of Pesariis. Nestling in the heart of the Dolomites, it is known as the “Town of the Clocks” and boasts a whopping population of 178.

Begin your day with some leisure time before taking a light hike up to ramble among the historic stone buildings of piccolo Stavoli di Orias. Tonight you will celebrate an amazing adventure at a festive homemade farewell dinner prepared by the hostess at our comfortable farmhouse.

Return to the airport in Venice for your flight home. While everyone will undoubtedly wish to continue on, everyone will say goodbye with memories of shared experiences with your new AdventureWomen friends!

Main Attractions

  • Hike your way through the Dolomite mountains and sleep in mountain huts along the way
  • Explore local villages and farms set high in the Dolomites
  • Enjoy cooking and tasting delicious Italian food with local families
  • Climb to the peak of Mount Talm and enjoy the spectacular views

What You'll See and Do

  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Cooking Class
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Local Delicacies
  • Natural History
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrive
You will be picked up at the Venice airport by your Italian guide who will teach you about the region as you start your journey across the countryside. You’ll learn more about the intrepid traveling companions in your group during this two-and-a-half-hour drive

After checking into your charming chalet, head out on an orientation walk through the village of Cima Sappada, named after the alpine pass that connects the Degano valley to the Piave valley.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner at a local restaurant as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each
woman on your trip is excited to explore the Dolomites!

Dinner

Hiking Information   3-4 Miles

Overnight: Bach Boutique Hotel

Day 2

The Dolomites
Ease into your hiking adventure with a 2-hour climb of 1,000′ to Mount Tuglia where you will learn about the Dolomite rock formation along the way.

Stop at a mountain dairy farm and enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh, local products. After eating, make your way back to your hotel in the village.

Take the rest of today to relax or explore the village on your own. Dinner will be on your own tonight

Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking Information  6-7 miles; 1,900 feet of elevation gain and loss

Overnight: Bach Boutique Hotel

Day 3

Continue your Hike through the Dolomites
Start today’s hike this morning as you head north towards the magnificent Mount Peralba. You’ll gain approximately 3,000′ of elevation today as you make your way over the Dolomites.

Stop along the marmot trail for a picnic lunch before you continue your ascent to tonight’s resting spot in the mountains.

You’ll arrive this afternoon at Calvi Hut which sits at an elevation of 7,110′. Take time to relax and enjoy a beverage or continue exploring a nearby site that witnessed battles during World War I.

When staying at all of the mountain huts throughout your journey, showers will be limited to 3 minutes to help conserve enough water for the group. You will need to bring your own microfiber towel from home to dry off after a quick cleanse.

Enjoy dinner at your mountain hut tonight before resting up for tomorrow’s full day of hiking.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking Information  8 miles with elevation gains of 3,000 feet

Overnight: Rifugio Calvi

Day 4

Continue Hiking

This morning set out on a full day of hiking through rocky, mountainous terrain downhill to the forest while taking in spectacular views along the way.

After a long day of hiking, arrive at Malga Morareto, a working dairy and your home for the night. Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner with the group.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking Information  11-12 miles with elevation gains of 2,500 feet and then back down 6,000 feet

Overnight: Malga Morareto

Day 5

Hike to Marinelli Hut 

After some time to relax this morning, you will set out on a 3-4 mile hike to Rifugio Marinelli.

Enjoy a delicious lunch after you arrive at Marinelli Hut.

After getting settled, enjoy some downtime and enjoy dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking Information 3-4 miles with elevation gains of 1,300 feet

Overnight: Rifugio Giovanni e Olinto Marinelli

Day 6

Continue to Vuezzis

Continue your journey this morning as you make your way through nature on your way to Vuezzis during a 5-hour hike. Enjoy a boxed lunch en route.

Arrive at a local mountain home where you will enjoy a lovely dinner before resting up for tomorrow’s day of exploration.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking Information: 8 miles with elevation gain of 700 feet and then back down for 5,000 feet

Overnight: Casa di Sopra

Day 7

Vuezzis

Today will be a rest day except for a 3-4 mile hike through the woods to the village where you will visit with a local artisan.

Today you’ll visit a local artisan who specializes in wool crafts, and you’ll learn about how the wool is worked and treated.

What trip to Italy would be complete without pizza? Enjoy lunch this afternoon at a local pizzeria before making your way back to Vuezzis.

Learn to cook regional recipes alongside locals from the village who invite you into their home for an afternoon of food and fun. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor, as you feast on your creations for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner

Hiking Information  4 miles with an elevation gain of 250 feet and then back down for 1,100 feet

Overnight: Casa di Sopra

Day 8

Rigolato

Today you’ll hike for about five hours in total as you make your way through the lush green forests of the Degano Valley.

Enjoy a picnic lunch today.

Make your way to Rifugio Chiampizzlon where you will enjoy dinner with your traveling companions and spend the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking Information   7 miles with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet and back down 700 feet

Overnight: Rifugio Chiampizzulon

Day 9

Entalais Pass and Pesariis

Start your day by summiting Mount Talm and taking in the views from 5,680 feet!

Continue your journey with a 6-hour hike through the Pesarina Valley today while you enjoy beautiful views of both the Pesarine Dolomites and the Carnic Alps.

Arrive at a charming farmhouse in Pesariis where you will check into your home for the next two nights.

Once you have checked in, you’ll take a walking tour to orient you to the village, which is known as the town of the clocks. Enjoy the rest of today’s time on your own to explore after you become acquainted with the town. Dinner will be on your own tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking Information  10 miles with an elevation gain of 1,850 feet and downhill for 4,700 feet

Overnight: Farmhouse Sot la Napa

Day 10

Pesariis

Enjoy the morning in Pesariis on your own. Relax or venture out for some fresh air and discovery. Lunch will be on your own today.

Later this afternoon, take a public bus on your way to visit an artisanal laboratory of musical instruments and learn the secrets of this craft before returning to your hotel.

Spend tonight’s festive farewell dinner celebrating all the incredible sights and amazing accomplishments you experienced with your traveling companions during your hike through the Dolomites.

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Farmhouse Sot la Napa

 

Day 11

Depart

Drive 2.5 hours with the group back to the Venice airport for your flight home. Depart Venice, Italy (VCE) any time after 12:00PM today.

Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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Traveling to Italy



Arrival and Departure Information

August 29, 2024 Departure

Arrive: Arrive in Venice, Italy (VCE) before 11:00AM on August 29, 2024

Depart: Depart Venice, Italy (VCE) any time after 12:00PM on September 8, 2024

August 21, 2025 Departure

Arrive: Arrive in Venice, Italy (VCE) before 11:00AM on August 21, 2025

Depart: Depart Venice, Italy (VCE) any time after 12:00PM on August 31, 2025

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $90-$175 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Challenging. Our Challenging adventures get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Italy.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

August 29, 2024 Departure Final Payment Due Date: May 31, 2024

August 21, 2025 Departure Final Payment Due Date: May 23, 2025

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations based on 3-6 people per room in the huts and single or
    double rooms at other locations
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Professional, English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Wine and beer at dinner
  • Luggage transportation from hut to hut
  • All gratuities except head and support guide

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Italy
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Gratuities for the head and support guides

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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Accommodations

Bach Boutique Hotel

Newly renovated at the end of 2021, the Bach Boutique hotel offers ten modern and comfortable rooms and is located on the main street of Sappada.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hairdryer, electricity, WiFi, en suite bathroom.

Rifugio Calvi

The Rifugio Calvi is located in the basin of the Piave River between Mount Peralba and Mount Chiadenis. This family-run boutique property has 50 beds.

Amenities: shared unisex bathrooms with one toilet and one shower with limited, timed hot water, electricity until 11PM, limited electrical outlets

Malga Morareto

The Malga Morareto is a charming property with spectacular views and which doubles as a dairy farm.

Amenities: unisex shared bathrooms and showers with hot water, electricity

Rifugio Giovanni e Olinto Marinelli

Nestled in the hills of the Dolomites, the Rifugio Marinelli is a family-run property with 50 beds.

Amenities: shared bathrooms and showers with hot water; electricity

Casa di Sopra

Casa Di Sopra is an ancient building from the end of the 19th century that has undergone a complete restoration where the old Carnic architecture is preserved and the rooms are furnished with care.

Amenities:  soap, shampoo, and hairdryer. There is one bathroom shared between every two rooms.

Rifugio Chiampizzulon

The Rifugio Chiampizzulon sits on a meadow amidst the mountains and features 48 beds.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, unisex shared bathrooms and showers with hot water, electricity. Please note that the WiFi does not work well here.

Farmhouse Sot la Napa

Farmhouse Sot la Napa is in a home built in the 1600s that has been lovingly restored, turning it into a welcoming mountain farmhouse. Enjoy staying in the comfortable rooms and dine in the on-site restaurant which has original frescos and local stone floors and hosts a typical “fogolar” (open fireplace).

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, hair dryer; electricity. The Wifi does not work well here.

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary