Italy: Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites

Location: Europe
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $5,795
Activity Level: Challenging

Italy: Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites

Location: Europe
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $5,795
Activity Level: Challenging

Overview

Hike through the eastern Dolomites, exploring stunning peaks and charming mountain huts. After arrival in Venice, travel to Cima Sappada for a welcome drink and Italian dinner. The next morning, acclimate in a hike to Mount Tuglia, savoring local dairy delights. Then, enter the Dolomites, experiencing breathtaking views surrounded by wildlife at Lake Bordaglia. Climb Mount Coglians for panoramic vistas and visit artisanal honey and cheese producers. That night, discover the charming village of Vuezzis and witness medieval frescos, followed by a morning of local cooking lessons and pottery workshops. Then, journey through the Pesarina Valley to Pesariis, known as the “Town of the Clocks,” and celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner at a comfortable farmhouse. Depart from Venice with lasting memories and new friendships.

Main Attractions

Hike and Stay in the Dolomites

Challenge yourself in the beauty of the Dolomites guided by foot. Climb various peaks with exceptional views and find reprieve through overnight lodging in charming mountain huts.

Explore Local Villages and Farms

Connect with female chefs, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Learn about the history of wool in Veuzzi, take cooking classes in local homes, witness the wonders of artisanal laboratories, and experience Pesariis, where every corner of the village has its own public clock.

Immerse Yourself In Nature

Witness deer, marmots, eagles, and chamois, centuries old beech trees, and learn about the Dolomite rock in this breathtaking natural setting.

Map showing travel routes from Venice to Cima Sappada, with marked hiking trails, locations, and key landmarks in Italy near the Austria and Slovenia borders.
Group of eight people posing in front of a waterfall on a rocky hillside.
A group of eight women posing for a photo in a mountainous outdoor setting. They are dressed in hiking attire, with a scenic view of mountains and a cabin in the background.
Hikers traverse a rocky, gray mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky.
A group of hikers stands on a trail in a mountainous landscape with rocky peaks and green trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Mountain landscape with a small lake surrounded by grassy hills and rocky peaks under a cloudy sky. Several people are visible near the water.
A group of eight women stands outdoors on a hiking trail with mountains and a cabin in the background.
A brown and white dog lies on a wooden picnic table, with a mountainous landscape and cloudy sky in the background. Colorful flags are draped over a fence nearby.
A group of people standing on a mountain summit next to a small cross and a plaque, with a scenic view of mountains and clouds in the background.

Itinerary

A scenic view of a green valley with wooden buildings, surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountain peaks under a clear blue sky.

Arrive in Venice with Welcome Dinner at Cima Sappada

Arrive in Venice and transfer to Cima Sappada, a picturesque village nestled in the Dolomites. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, this region features charming villages and vibrant summer wildflowers. After arriving in Venice, you will be greeted by your Italian guide for a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive through the countryside. Your guide will provide insights into the area and introduce you to your fellow travelers. Upon reaching Cima Sappada, check into your cozy chalet and enjoy an orientation walk around the village, which links the Degano and Piave valleys. Conclude your day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll have the chance to connect with your travel companions and share your excitement about exploring the Dolomites. Today’s hike covers 3-4 miles and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Meals dinner
A group of hikers stands on a small wooden bridge in a lush forested area. They are equipped with backpacks and hiking gear.

Hike to Mount Tuglia

Today, embark on a hike with your female guide to Mount Tuglia in the Dolomites, a stunning mountain range renowned for its unique dolomite rock, named after the French mineralogist De Dolomieu. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, the Dolomites, also known as the Pale Mountains, offer breathtaking vistas and geological wonders. Your hike begins with a 2-hour ascent of 1,000 feet to Mount Tuglia, where you’ll discover the fascinating rock formations that define this landscape. Pause for a delightful lunch at a mountain dairy farm, savoring fresh, local products. Afterward, return to your hotel in the village. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the village or simply relaxing. Dinner is at your own discretion. Today’s hike covers 6-7 miles, with a 1,000-foot elevation gain and loss.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A brown and white cow stands in a grassy meadow with trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Hike to Mount Peralba

Today’s hike takes you to the impressive Mount Peralba, one of the highest peaks in the Carnic Alps near the Austrian border. Start your morning trek towards Mount Peralba, climbing approximately 3,000 feet over 8 miles of scenic trails through the Dolomites. Pause for a picnic lunch along the marmot trail before continuing your ascent. Arrive at the Calvi Hut by afternoon, perched at 7,110 feet. Here, you can unwind with a drink or explore nearby historical sites from World War I. Please note that showers at the mountain huts are limited to 3 minutes to conserve water, so bring a microfiber towel for quick drying. Enjoy dinner at the hut and rest up for another day of adventure. Today’s hike covers 8 miles, with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet over 3-4 hours.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Person in a pink shirt hiking on a narrow trail along a grassy mountain ridge, with several other hikers in the background and a cloudy sky above.

Continue hiking through the Dolomites

Embark on a full day of hiking through the Dolomites, navigating diverse terrain with significant elevation changes. Start your morning with a challenging trek that takes you through rocky paths and down into lush forests, all while enjoying breathtaking views. After approximately 6 hours of hiking 11-12 miles, you’ll arrive at Malga Morareto, a working dairy that will serve as your home for the night. Settle into your accommodations and relish a well-deserved dinner with your fellow travelers. Today’s hike involves an elevation gain of 2,500 feet and a descent of 6,000 feet.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of hikers stands outside a stone building on a mountain trail. The sky is slightly overcast, and a map is displayed on the wall.

Hike to Marinelli Hut

Enjoy an easier day with a shorter hike in between some well-deserved periods of down time. After some time to relax this morning, you will set out on a 3–4-mile hike, with elevation gains of roughly 2,400 feet, to Rifugio Marinelli. Enjoy a delicious lunch after you arrive at Marinelli Hut. Once settled, enjoy some down time, and have a locally prepared dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of people sitting on grass in front of rocky mountains under a blue sky.

Continue to Vuezzis

Continue your hiking adventure through the Dolomites, heading towards the charming mountain hamlet of Vuezzis, known for its distinctive fish-scale roof tiles and the historic San Nicola Church. This morning, embark on a 5-hour hike through picturesque villages and natural landscapes. Enjoy a boxed lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Vuezzis, settle into a local mountain home and savor a delightful dinner. Rest and prepare for another day of exploration. Today’s hike covers 8 miles with a 700-foot elevation gain and a descent of 5,000 feet.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Jars with various contents are displayed on a windowsill, with flowers in the center. Below, a table holds a potted plant and a large bottle.

Explore Vuezzis

Explore the picturesque hamlet of Vuezzis, nestled nearly 3,000 feet above sea level in Rigolato, offering traditional homes and breathtaking views in an-off the beaten path location. Today’s activities include a leisurely 3–4-mile hike through the woods to visit a local artisan specializing in wool crafts, where you’ll gain insights into the wool working process. Enjoy a classic Italian pizza lunch at a local pizzeria before returning to Vuezzis. In the afternoon, join local female villagers in their homes for a cooking class to learn regional recipes, culminating in a delicious dinner featuring the dishes you’ve prepared. Today’s hike covers 6 miles with a 900-foot elevation gain and a descent of 1,100 feet.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A woman sprinkles cocoa powder on a dish while a man sits at the table. The scene is set in a cozy kitchen with wood details.

Climb Mount Talm

Explore the village of Rigolato, situated along both banks of the River Degano and nestled at the base of Mount Pleros and Mount Talm. Today’s hike takes you through the lush Degano Valley, where you’ll spend approximately five hours traversing forests. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch amidst the ancient beech trees towering over 100 feet high. Following your journey, arrive at Rifugio Chiampizzlon in the evening, where you’ll have dinner with fellow travelers and spend the night. Today’s hike covers 7 miles, with a substantial elevation gain of 3,200 feet and a descent of 700 feet.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of people stand in a circle in a cobblestone plaza surrounded by old buildings and mountains.

Hike to Pesarina Valley and take a walking tour of Persariis

Begin your day by summiting Mount Talm at 5,680 feet, where stunning views of the Pesarine Dolomites and Carnic Alps await. Follow with a 6-hour hike through the scenic Pesarina Valley, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes. Arrive at a charming farmhouse in Pesariis, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Pesariis, a quaint mountain hamlet, is renowned for its clockmaking history, with a public clock adorning nearly every corner of the village. After checking in, take a walking tour of Pesariis to explore its clock-themed heritage and familiarize yourself with the town. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, with dinner on your own. Today’s hike covers 10 miles, with an elevation gain of 1,850 feet and a descent of 4,700 feet.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A group of people in hiking gear stand on a dirt path with a mountain village and lush greenery in the background.

Explore Stavoli di Orias and enjoy a farewell dinner

Spend your last full day exploring Pesariis at your own pace in the morning. Relax in the charming village or explore its scenic beauty, with lush meadows and traditional homes surrounded by beech forests. Lunch is on your own today. In the afternoon, take a public bus to visit a local artisanal laboratory specializing in musical instruments, where you’ll discover the secrets of this unique craft. Return to Pesariis for a festive farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable sights and experiences of your Dolomites adventure with your fellow travelers. Enjoy this final evening reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve shared.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Mountain landscape with a red-roofed building in the foreground and a rainbow stretching across the sky. The scene includes green hills and distant peaks.

Depart

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the VeniceVenice airport for your flight home. Drive 2.5 hours with the group back to the VeniceVenice airport for your flight home.

Meals breakfast
Two women in hiking gear laugh together on a mountain trail with a scenic backdrop of peaks and blue sky.

Accommodations

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

Outdoor seating area with wooden tables and chairs on a deck. Mountains and green fields in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Bach Boutique Hotel

Renovated at the end of 2021, this hotel offers ten modern rooms and is located on the main street of Sappada.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, Wi-Fi

A rustic stone building with a metal roof sits in front of towering rocky mountains under a partly cloudy sky. A flag is visible on the right.

Rifugio Calvi

Located in the basin of the Piave River, the Rifugio Calvi is a family-run boutique property with 50 bunk beds.

AMENITIES: shared unisex bathrooms with one toilet and one shower with limited, timed hot water, electricity until 11 PM, and limited electrical outlets and no Wi-Fi.

Stone building in a grassy hillside setting with wooden fences, flags, and outdoor seating area.

Malga Morareto

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

AMENITIES: unisex shared bathrooms & showers, hot water, electricity.

A large mountain lodge with a red roof is situated at the base of rocky cliffs under a clear sky.

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, hot water, electricity.

Italy_Dolomites_Casa_Di_Sopra

Casa di Sopra

Casa Di Sopra is a fully restored 19th century building. The old Carnic architecture was preserved and the rooms are furnished with care.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer. One bathroom is shared between every 2 rooms.

A rustic wooden lodge with a balcony stands against a backdrop of mountains and trees under a blue sky. An Italian flag is seen on a flagpole nearby.

Rifugio Chiampizzulon

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

AMENITIES: soap, unisex shared bathrooms and showers, hot water, electricity. Wi-Fi does not work well.

View of a stone building with shuttered windows, adorned with festive greenery and red berries in the foreground, with mountains visible in the distance.

Farmhouse Sot la Napa

The welcoming Farmhouse Sot la Napa is in a restored home built in the 1600s. Stay in the comfortable rooms and admire the original frescos and local stone floors as well as a typical “fogolar” (open fireplace).

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer. Wi-Fi does not work well.

What People Are Saying

The Italian Alps trip was challenging and fun, but the opportunity to share with my Mother a part of the world we’d never seen and to participate in the hiking and other activities was amazing. I would recommend to any daughter that she go on an adventure with her Mom!

What People Are Saying

I can attest to the fact that the 2012 ‘Hiking in the Dolomites’ (Italy) was an adventure I will never forget. The 15 women on the tour will be friends for life.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Aug 21 Aug 31
Space Available
$5,795*
Standard Room, Single
$6,495 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$5,795 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2025 Optional Single Accommodation: $700

Arrival: Arrive in Venice, Italy (VCE) before 11:00 AM on Day 1.

Departure: Drive 2.5 hours with the group back to the Venice airport for your flight home. Depart Venice, Italy (VCE) any time after 12:00 PM on Day 11.

What's 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
  • Wine or beer, coffee or tea at dinner
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Professional, English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Luggage transportation from hut to hut
  • All gratuities except for the head and support guide

What's 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

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women regardless of race, creed, or sexual preference, as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that 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.