Pine forests give way to open ridgelines. Ridgelines give way to summits. And summits in the Brenta Dolomites above Trento give way to views that feel almost architectural: grey limestone spires rising from alpine meadows like something designed, not formed. We spend the first half of this guided hiking week up here, climbing through some of Italy's most dramatic scenery with a local expert who knows every trail. Then Monte Stivo changes everything. One summit, and the whole of Lago di Garda appears below: Italy's largest lake, impossibly blue, ringed by olive groves, warm in a way the Dolomites never quite manage. Small group of 8, comfy hotels with breakfast, and an expert guide, all included.
We transfer from Milan to Trento, then head straight onto the Tre Cime del Bondone loop. The trail climbs through fragrant pine and fir forests before opening onto alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. The final stretch delivers a panoramic sweep over the Adige Valley, the city of Trento, and the rugged grey spires of the Brenta Dolomites in the distance.
Hiking: 8.6 km (5.3 mi)
Elevation: +580 m (+1,903 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel al Dos, Trento
We tackle a steady ascent up Mount Agnello, climbing through ancient woodland before the trees give way to open grassy slopes and switchbacks that ease the gradient. The climb is continuous but manageable, and as we near the summit the landscape opens dramatically: a full 360-degree panorama of jagged peaks and deep-cut valleys in every direction.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 10.7 km (6.6 mi)
Elevation: +600 m (+1,969 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel al Dos, Trento
We head deep into the Brenta Dolomites on the route to Malga Mondent Alta, traversing ridgelines and high-altitude pastures where local shepherds graze their livestock in summer. The trail keeps shifting perspective on the iconic vertical rock faces and spires that make this mountain range unlike anything else in Europe, delivering outstanding views from every angle.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi)
Elevation: +750 m (+2,461 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel al Dos, Trento
The week’s most demanding climb is also its most dramatic reveal. We make our way up Monte Stivo, and as we approach the summit the Trentino landscape drops away and the brilliant blue of Lago di Garda appears below, framed by surrounding peaks. After descending, we transfer south to Riva del Garda, where the Mediterranean climate takes over.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi)
Elevation: +800 m (+2,625 ft)
Accommodation: Ecohotel Primavera, Riva del Garda
We walk around Lago di Ledro, a glacial lake tucked into the mountains above Garda. The trail winds along the forested shoreline and passes the Pile-Dwelling Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site preserving remnants of prehistoric lakeside settlements. The afternoon is free to explore Riva del Garda, stroll the promenade, or relax by the hotel pool.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
Elevation: +120 m (+394 ft)
Accommodation: Ecohotel Primavera, Riva del Garda
Monte Altissimo di Nago is the most celebrated summit in the northern Lago di Garda area. We climb through olive groves and small hilltop villages before the trail opens onto the exposed upper slopes. From the top, the entire northern lake basin spreads out in its striking fjord-like shape, with terraced hillsides, lakeside towns, and mountains plunging into the water below.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation: +470 m (+1,542 ft)
Accommodation: Ecohotel Primavera, Riva del Garda
We enjoy a final Italian breakfast at the hotel before transferring from Riva del Garda back to Milan for departures.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
This is a Dolomites hiking holiday built for regular hikers with good fitness who are comfortable on mountain terrain. Expect to be on the trail for 4 to 6 hours per day, covering between 8 and 12 km (5 to 7.5 mi).
The most demanding day brings 800 m (2,625 ft) of elevation gain on Monte Stivo, with sustained climbs and some technical terrain underfoot. Day 5 offers a welcome rest with a mostly flat lakeside walk around Lago di Ledro.
Trekking poles are recommended. Your guide will set a pace that works for the group and will have the final say on whether conditions are suitable to proceed on any given day.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Dolomites hiking tours here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Dolomites hiking holiday 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.
The price for this Dolomites hiking holiday is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your Dolomites hiking holiday is Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), where you will meet your guide before transferring together to Trento on Day 1.
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.