Dolomites Alta Via 1 | North - Guided Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Cortina
Cortina is picturesquely located in the heart of the Dolomites and is perfect for our first night in the mountains or last minute errands. As a ski and mountaineering center, it offers many restaurants and shops. Getting there from Venice is easy thanks to the daily express buses.

Day 2: Bus to Lake Braies - Hike to Rifugio Sennes | Rifugio Fodarea Vedla
After a good night's sleep, we drive via Toblach to Lago di Braies (1494 m), the starting point of the Alta Via 1. From there we hike through impressive mountain landscapes, past dwarf pines and, with a bit of luck, with a view of the Three Peaks.
Our day begins with a climb to Rifugio Biella (2327 m). From here we can either climb the Croda del Becco (2812 m) or continue to the Rifugio Sennes (2126 m) or Rifugio Fodara Vedla (2134 m), with fantastic views of Croda Rossa, Cristallo, Sorapis and Tofana.

Day 3: Hike to Rifugio Fanes | Lavarella
Today we hike on an old mountain path from the First World War and follow serpentines on a 500 m descent to Rifugio Pederü (1548 m), where we can take a break and enjoy the view of the Sennes and Fanes massifs.
We then cross the Valle di Rudo and climb through the Valun de Fanes up to Rifugio Fanes (2060 m), which is located above San Vigilio in Marebbe in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park.

Day 4: Hike to Rifugio Lagazuoi | Scotoni
We follow the Alta Via 1 and pass the shimmering Lago di Limo (2157 m). As we climb into the Fanes group we enjoy the view of the southern mountain ranges and the Marmolada. After passing the Passo Tagéda we take a wider path over the windy slopes of the Forcella del Lago (2486 m) and descend on a steep but doable path to Lago Lagazoi (2182 m).
In the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo we see remains of the Austro-Italian front line from the First World War. We stop at the open-air museum “Museo all’aperto della Grande Guerra” and then climb up serpentines to the Rifugio, which is located at 2752 m.

Day 5: Hike to Rifugio Nuvolau | Averau
With a bit of luck we will experience an unforgettable sunrise in this impressive mountain landscape in the morning while enjoying a cup of coffee on the balcony of the hut.
The day begins with a steep descent to Passo Falzarego (alternatively we can take the cable car), where we discover remnants from World War I along the way. We then relax on a short flat section before another strenuous climb.

Day 6: Hike to Rifugio Croda da Lago
We start by returning to the road at Rifugio Averau, thus avoiding the via ferrata section. We then pass the Cinque Torri and follow this variant of the Alta Via 1 through orchid-filled meadows and shady pine paths.
After a series of switchbacks we enjoy the magnificent views over Cortina and the valley before continuing leisurely to Rifugio Croda da Lago G Palmieri (2066 m).

Day 7: Hike to Cortina
We descend back into civilian life, following quiet paths through the Costeana Valley, passing rolling meadows and small villages. We enjoy the views of the mountain ranges that surround Cortina like a natural amphitheater - the Sorpis group to the east, the Fanes to the west and the Cristallo majestically behind the city.

Day 8: Continue your journey from Cortina
After breakfast you can take the express bus from Cortina to Venice or continue your journey through Italy!