HUT TO HUT IN THE DOLOMITES

September 23rd: Croda da Lago – Rifugio Palmieri

Pack your things and prepare a small backpack with enough clothes for the next 3 nights (you will find your big luggage again on the way to Verona).

The hut experience is something absolutely unique and unforgettable: the Dolomites are worldwide renowned for their incredible trails and nice huts, where hospitality is top-notch and warm.

Two private guides will be with you for the whole time. Meet the guides at the hotel and find your way to the starting point of the hike: it’s a 30 minute walk through “Prati del convento”, a wonderful pasture where the inhabitants of Cortina d’Ampezzo like to enjoy a lazy afternoon and a picnic in the summer months.

To reach the first hut, you’ll have fun on the incredible and brand new Gorges de Federa trail, which follows the lively flow of Rio Federa.

Numerous bridges allow crossing the stream at its most impervious points, and there is a short and easy ferrata section (no equipment needed) that can be easily avoided by taking a short detour that offers an alternative to the original trail.

Walking slowly and stopping often to admire the waterfalls and the sudden appearances of the mountains surrounding the Ampezzo valley, the climb from the beginning of the trail to Malga Fedèra (1816 m) takes about two and a half hours.

Have lunch at Malga Fedèra and, in just 30 minutes, reach Lake Fedèra and the nearby Rifugio Palmieri (2046 m). This rustic mountain hut is placed in the gaudy green of high-altitude pastures and surrounded by beautiful larches, mountain pines and Swiss pines. The view is just breathtaking and in front of the hut stands the distinctive Becco di Mezzodì.

After checking-in, enjoy a hearty dinner with your adventure companions.

September 24th: Rifugio Averau

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, pack your backpack for today’s adventure! The day ahead will be quite intense, make sure you are rested and in full force. Cross the Forcella Ambrizzola and take a moment to savor the landscape opening in front of your eyes: welcome to the incredible Mondeval Alpine meadows! It is worth mentioning that, in the 80s, here was discovered a well-preserved skeleton of a prehistoric man dating back to 7500 years ago.

Reach Forcella Giau and then Giau Pass, worldwide famous for its incrediblelandscape and sunsets!

One last steep bit and arrive at Rifugio Averau (2413 m).

Originally built during World War I, it played a key role in the region’s military history. With its cozy rooms, delicious regional cuisine, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Tofana massif and Cinque Torri.

It is the perfect place for your second adventurous night but with a little bit more comfort.

If you have a little bit of energy left, we strongly suggest hiking up to Nuvolau Hut (2575 m) to enjoy the sunset from one of the highest points in the area. The hut is the oldest in the whole Dolomites, built in 1883 with the financial support of baron Richard von Meerheimb who wanted to celebrate its favorite mountain and its 360° view.

The alternative is a very early wake up and hike to Nuvolau for sunrise instead of sunset!

September 25th: Rifugio Lagazuoi

After an energizing breakfast, get ready for your last hiking day.

Descend through the impressive ruins of WWI foxholes at the foot of Cinque Torri. An historical trail that will take you back in time: here, history was made when the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy were fighting in a war of trenches and long winters. Reach the other side of the valley and decide if you want to hike up on your own or to catch the cablecar. Either way, you’ll reach the last hut of this incredible experience: Rifugio Lagazuoi (2752 m), at the summit of the homonymous mount, above Passo Falzarego, halfway between Cortina d'Ampezzo and Val Badia.

This is the highest and largest refuge in Cortina d'Ampezzo, offering the most panoramic terrace in the Dolomites: enjoy a spritz while admiring the breathtaking views of a vast sea of peaks, including the Cunturìnes, Fànes, the majestic Tofana massif, the Odle, and the shining Marmolada.

Get ready for a warm dinner in this heaven on Earth..

Famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s timeless love story Romeo and Juliet, Verona is sure to captivate you with its hidden gems: stay at Le Suite di Giulietta, a charming accommodation perfectly situated right across from Juliet and Romeo’s balcony in the heart of the historic center.

Enjoy the night as you prefer, having dinner in one of the many osterie in the city!

September 27th: Arrivederci, Italia!

Meet your private driver and get transferred to Venice airport. Have a safe flight back home!

Arrivederci, Italia!