Discover nature by walking inside the three Natural Parks of the Dolomites: explore dreamlike landscapes rich in lakes, mountain meadows, and untouched forests; adding a touch of magic, the presence of the enchanting Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounds you. Lake Braies welcomes you at the beginning of this itinerary: its crystal-clear waters reflect the white walls of Croda del Becco, creating an unforgettable postcard. You might think you've seen the best, but another magnificent view will unfold above Cortina, allowing you to admire some of the most spectacular peaks of the Cristallo group. After seeing the peaks of Tofane and the Fanes group, you can't miss an excursion to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the famous "trident" promising a magnificent view of the Dolomites of Sesto. The route follows well-marked paths, without particular technical difficulties. It is a straightforward itinerary, suitable for those in good physical condition.
1st Day: Arrival Individual arrival at the hotel in Alta Pusteria (Villabassa or Dobbiaco).
2nd Day: Alta Pusteria \" Valle di Braies \" Prato Piazza (Altitude difference +1,100 m / -580 m, approx. 6-7 hours; variant altitude difference +790 m / 0 m, approx. 4-5 hours) The stage begins at the wonderful and renowned Lake Braies, astonishing you with the charm of its turquoise waters. Immersed in the tranquility of this place, you can enjoy the panorama of the surrounding peaks: Cristallo, Tofane, and the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. After crossing the alpine pasture of Rossalm, you continue to Prato Piazza. For those preferring a more relaxed pace, it is possible to shorten the itinerary by requesting a transfer to the Tuscherhof hotel to start the excursion from there. Following the Stolla stream, you pass "Ponticello," the Stolla refuge, and the famous "rock paintings" created by the erosion phenomenon on the various rock components, before reaching Prato Piazza.
3rd Day: Prato Piazza - Monte Specie or Picco di Vallandro (Monte Specie altitude difference +/- 360 m, approx. 3-4 hours; or Picco di Vallandro altitude difference +/- 850 m, approx. 4-5 hours) The starting point for today's stage is the plateau of Prato Piazza, which, along with the "Croda Rossa" mountains and the Kreuzkofel group, constitutes one of the most precious hiking areas in the country. The magnetism of the unusual flora and the charm of these natural lakes will captivate even the most demanding hiker! From Prato Piazza, in the largest Natural Park of the Dolomites of "Fanes Sennes Braies," you can choose between two variants: the short one will take you to Monte Specie, the long one to Picco di Vallandro; in both cases, you will enjoy a spectacular view of Croda Rossa, Tre Cime, Tofane, and Monte Cristallo.
4th Day: Prato Piazza - Valle dei Canopi/Cimabanche \" Cortina d'Ampezzo; Circular tour (Altitude difference +0 m / -460 m, approx. 1.5-2 hours; or altitude difference +610 m / -1,300 m, approx. 6-7 hours) After crossing the Prato Piazza plateau, you will descend through the Valle dei Canopi to Cimabanche, a location marking the border between South Tyrol and Veneto. From here, you have two options: continue the direct route with public transportation to Cortina d'Ampezzo or choose the longer variant that will take you to the Ra Stua refuge and then, passing under Col Rosa, to Cortina d'Ampezzo. Today's destination, Cortina, will impress you with its central position among the most famous Dolomite peaks, hence the name "Pearl of the Dolomites."
5th Day: Circular tour, Cable car (Faloria cable car - ticket included; long variant altitude difference +270 m / -1,150 m, approx. 5 hours; Dolomieu Trail altitude difference +100 m / -990 m, approx. 3-4 hours; Cortina circular: altitude difference +650 m / -640 m, approx. 4-5 hours - Cinque Torri variant: altitude difference +570 m / -350 m, approx. 3.5-4 hours) The panorama from the starting point of this stage is truly stunning: the majestic rocks of the Dolomites d'Ampezzo seem to touch the sky! Monte Cristallo, Tofane, and the Fanes group are the incredible protagonists of this spectacle that never tires and presents itself anew at every turn. Today, you can choose between two stage variants: the long one will take you towards Forcella Faloria, the short one along the panoramic Dolomieu Panoramic Trail. Both wind through Passo Tre Croci, and the descent to the Olympic city of Cortina is the same for both alternatives. If you don't want to take the cable car, you can take a beautiful circular hike around Cortina.
6th Day: Cortina \" Rifugio Auronzo - Tre Cime - Tre Cime panoramic point (Altitude difference +120 m / -1,000 m, approx. 3.5-4.5 hours; or short variant circular tour Tre Cime: altitude difference +/- 350 m, approx. 3-4 hours) This morning, you will reach Rifugio Auronzo by bus, the starting point located directly at the foot of the famous rocky massif of Tre Cime, probably the most famous rock formation in the Dolomites and the scene of war between Italy and Austria/Hungary during World War I. From there, you will walk in the Rienza valley to the panoramic point of Tre Cime before returning by bus to Dobbiaco/Villabassa. Short variant: transfer to Rifugio Auronzo from Cortina, circular walk around Tre Cime returning directly to Rifugio Auronzo; from here, return by bus to Dobbiaco/Villabassa (round-trip ticket not included).
7th Day: Alta Pusteria (Villabassa/Dobbiaco) Individual departure from Alta Pusteria or the possibility to extend your stay.
Details
The rate includes
Overnight stay in a 3***, occasionally 4**** hotel, in a double room with private bathroom Breakfast
If you have booked half board: 5 3-course dinners (no half board in Cortina)
Videobriefing
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
Transfer tickets
Faloria cable car ticket
Well developed route Detailed travel documents (maps, route description, places, important telephone numbers)
Navigation app
Telephone assistance service for the entire duration of the tour
Medical and baggage insurance
The rate does not include
Arrival at the starting point of the tour
Return journey at the end of the tour
Drinks
tourist taxes and all extras in general
All lunches
Dinners if you have not booked half board
Bus ticket to Cortina and from Rifugio Auronzo
Tre Cime panoramic point to Dobbiaco/Villabassa
Entrances not indicated
Public transport not specified
Optional trip cancellation insurance
Anything not expressly indicated under "The price includes"