This Dolomites hut-to-hut adventure is an 11-day journey through Italy’s most breathtaking mountains, from Verona to Venice. Each day, hike between cozy alpine rifugios perched above 2,000 meters, where hearty Italian meals and stunning views await. All accommodations, most meals, and logistics are included—you just hike, relax, and take it all in. From Lake Misurina to the iconic Tre Cime, it’s the ultimate Dolomites experience made easy.
We arrive in Verona, a city that immediately charms us with its blend of Roman heritage and Italian elegance. After checking into our hotel, we have time to stroll through the lively streets, admire the ancient arena, or relax with a coffee in one of the sunny piazzas. In the evening, we meet our guide and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing and an introduction to the journey ahead.
Luggage: Full luggage available
Accommodation: Hotel in Verona
This morning we take the train to Bolzano and continue by bus to Passo Costalunga (1752 m), where our first hike begins. The trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows and forests to the Roda di Vael refuge, set beneath the striking towers of the Rosengarten range. We continue to Passo de la Zigolade (2550 m), a spectacular spot overlooking a panorama of Dolomite peaks, before descending to the welcoming Stella Alpina Refuge (2000 m), where we spend our first night in the high mountains.
Hiking: 7 km (4.3 mi), 4 hours
Elevation: +810 m (2,657 ft), –550 m (1,805 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: Yes, carry daypack only (luggage available)
Accommodation: Refuge Stella Alpina
We set out beneath the towering spires of the Rosengarten, following a scenic trail that winds through high alpine pastures and stony cirques. The path ascends gradually toward the Passo Principe (2599 m), offering breathtaking views of the jagged peaks all around. After crossing the Passo Molignon (2604 m), we descend into a vast open valley before reaching the Alpe di Tires Refuge (2440 m), where we spend the night surrounded by a sea of mountains.
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), 4.5–5 hours
Elevation: +850 m (2,789 ft), –400 m (1,312 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: No, carry overnight pack (luggage not available)
Accommodation: Refuge Alpe di Tires
We begin the day traversing the gentle ridgelines of the Alpe di Siusi, one of Europe’s most beautiful alpine meadows, with sweeping views of the Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo massifs. The route continues along a panoramic balcony path before reaching the Passo Sella (2244 m), framed by the immense walls of the Dolomites.
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi), 5 hours
Elevation: +450 m (1,476 ft), –600 m (1,969 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: Yes, carry daypack only (luggage available)
Accommodation: Refuge or hotel at Passo Sella
After a short walk, we transfer to the Val Gardena valley and begin a magnificent crossing through the Vallunga canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs. The path climbs steadily toward the Puez massif and crosses the Gardenaccia Pass (2548 m) before descending to the welcoming Gardenaccia Refuge (2050 m). The view from the terrace at sunset over the orange cliffs of the Fanes Park is unforgettable.
Hiking: 13 km (8.1 mi), 5.5–6 hours
Elevation: +1050 m (3,445 ft), –600 m (1,969 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: No, carry overnight pack (luggage not available)
Accommodation: Refuge Gardenaccia
We start with a short descent before taking a chairlift to La Villa village (1420 m). From there, a bus takes us to the foot of the climb toward the Scotoni Refuge. The trail then rises through rugged and wild terrain up to the Lagazuoi Pass (2507 m), before a long crossing under the Tofane massif brings us to the Dibona Refuge (2037 m).
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi), 5.5 hours
Elevation: +1000 m (3,281 ft), –650 m (2,133 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: Yes, carry daypack only (luggage available)
Accommodation: Refuge Dibona
We cross the magnificent Tofane massif via the Fontanegra Pass and the Guissani Refuge (2580 m), then descend through the impressive Travenanzes Canyon, where waterfalls and cliffs accompany our way down to Ponte Outo. From there, an easy ascent leads us to the peaceful Ra Stua Refuge (1668 m).
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), 6–6.5 hours
Elevation: +850 m (2,789 ft), –1200 m (3,937 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: Yes, carry daypack only (luggage available)
Accommodation: Refuge Ra Stua
We set out to cross the Sennes plateau, a landscape of wild valleys and alpine lakes. The trail passes Lake Picolo and Lake Gran de Foses before climbing to the Forcella Cocodain (2332 m). A superb traverse then leads us to the wide meadows of Prato Piazza (2000 m), surrounded by the crimson peaks of the Croda Rossa.
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), 5.5 hours
Elevation: +760 m (2,493 ft), –570 m (1,870 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: No, carry overnight pack (luggage transfer not available this night)
Accommodation: Refuge Prato Piazza
We begin with a loop around the Strudelkopf before descending into the Landro Valley (1410 m). The trail then ascends gradually through the Rienza Valley toward the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. As we approach, the three peaks reveal their famous silhouettes, glowing pink and gold in the evening light. We spend the night at the Auronzo Refuge (2320 m), right beneath these legendary summits.
Hiking: 16 km (9.9 mi), 6 hours
Elevation: +1140 m (3,740 ft), –930 m (3,051 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Luggage transfer: Yes, carry daypack only (luggage available)
Accommodation: Refuge Auronzo
Private transfer from Auronzo to Venice (3 hours, included). You’ll arrive in the late morning, right in the heart of Venice. Our hotel offers convenient luggage storage upon arrival. Enjoy a free afternoon to have lunch at your leisure (not included) and explore Venice—an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, the group will reunite for a festive farewell dinner together!
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Luggage transfer: Yes, carry daypack only (luggage available)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Venice
After breakfast, pack up and check out of the hotel (circa 10 a.m.). The tour officially comes to an end, but your guide can help you organize airport transfers.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
This Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking tour is ideal for hikers with great fitness. You can expect from 5 to 7 hours of walking per day, and 500 to 1,200 m (1,640–3,937 ft) of uphill elevation gain. The terrain is varied, but mostly trails with possible occasional technical difficulties. The maximum altitude of this tour is 2,958 m (9,705 ft). Check out day-by-day distances and elevation changes in the itinerary.
Keep in mind that luggage transfers are included on all nights apart from Day 3, 5, and 8. On these days, you’ll have to carry your overnight belongings, but your backpack should still remain light as Italian rifugios are comfortable and have extra blankets.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Dolomites hiking tours here!
The following items are required for this Dolomites hut-to-hut tour unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
Luggage transfers are included on most days (apart from Day 3, 5, and 8). Luggage limit is one piece of luggage per person, up to 33 lb/ 15kg—please stick to this as extra items are not easily stored by the team.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option — it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
Note that the beginning and end of the season (June and September) have a strong risk of snow and snowy conditions on the trail.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
Group sizes and pricing
Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
During this Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking tour, you’ll spend 8 nights at rifugios with shared dormitories—single occupancy is not an option here.
Only this first and the last night will be spent at hotels, when you’ll stay at twin-share rooms. For the two nights at hotels, a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of your Dolomites hut-to-hut tour is Verona. To get there, most people fly into Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN). The airport is about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center, and it takes around 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus to reach Verona.
You will meet your guide in the afternoon of Day 1 in Verona.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.