Everything you need to know about our 6-day hut-to-hut hiking adventure in the Italian Dolomites
The trip is 6 days, starting and ending in Venice. A typical day begins with breakfast at the rifugio, followed by 5–14 miles of hiking through the mountains. You'll stop for lunch at a mountain hut along the way, arrive at your next rifugio in the late afternoon, and enjoy a multi-course Italian dinner in the evening. The pace is set by the group — we're here to enjoy the scenery, not race through it.
Our 2027 departures are:
We also offer private departures for groups who'd like a custom date. Email us to arrange one.
Groups are small by design — between 4 and 7 people. This keeps the experience intimate, allows us to be flexible with the itinerary, and ensures everyone gets personal attention from your guide. It also means spots fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early.
We meet in Venice, Italy at 8:00 AM on Day 1. From there, we handle the transfer to the Dolomites — you don't need to worry about renting a car or navigating Italian roads. Airport transfers are included in the trip price, and we're happy to help you book your flights too.
On Day 6, after our final hike at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, we transfer back to Venice. Many guests extend their trip to explore Venice, the Amalfi Coast, or other parts of Italy. We can help with post-trip travel arrangements — just let us know your plans.
You should be comfortable hiking 6–10 miles in a day with elevation gain. You don't need to be an ultramarathoner, but this isn't a casual walk either — some days include up to 4,500 feet of climbing. If you can hike a steep trail for 4–6 hours and feel tired but good at the end, you'll do great.
We recommend starting a training plan about 8 weeks before your trip. Check out our training guide for a detailed plan.
Some hiking experience is helpful but not required. The trails are well-marked and well-maintained, and you'll have an expert local guide with you the entire time. If you've done day hikes before and enjoy being outdoors, you'll feel right at home. That said, this is mountain terrain — come prepared and in good physical shape.
Since you're hiking hut to hut, your pack stays light — no tent, sleeping bag, or cooking gear needed. You'll carry a daypack with essentials like layers, rain gear, water, snacks, and a change of clothes. We do a pack check on Day 1 to make sure you're set, and we store your extra luggage at our family cabin.
For a detailed packing list, check out our packing guide.
Most of our hiking is between 5,000 and 9,000 feet, which is high enough to notice but not high enough to cause serious altitude sickness for most people. You may feel slightly more winded than usual, especially on the first day. Staying hydrated and taking it at a comfortable pace is usually all you need. If you live near sea level, the training plan will help your body prepare.
Italian rifugi are nothing like backcountry shelters. They're cozy mountain lodges with real beds, warm blankets, and hot showers. Many have been family-run for generations and take enormous pride in their hospitality. You'll wake up to fresh-baked bread, wooden shutters with mountain views, and the smell of espresso. Think charming Alpine inn, not rustic camping.
Read more in our post on why hut-to-hut hiking is special.
The food is incredible — and one of the highlights of the trip. The Dolomites sit at the crossroads of Italian and Austrian cuisine, so expect hearty mountain dishes like canederli (bread dumplings), polenta, fresh pasta, local cheeses, and apple strudel. Dinners at the rifugi are multi-course affairs, and lunches along the trail are a treat too.
All meals are included in the trip price. Drinks (wine, beer, etc.) are not included but are very reasonably priced at the huts. Our food guide has more on what to expect.
We do our best. Most rifugi can accommodate vegetarian diets and common allergies with advance notice. Vegan and gluten-free options can be more limited in a mountain hut setting, but we'll communicate your needs ahead of time and make sure you're well fed. Let us know when you book so we can plan accordingly.
The trip starts at $3,795 per person. That includes your local guide, all meals, all lodging at rifugi, airport transfers to and from Venice, luggage storage, pre-trip communication, help booking flights, and post-trip travel arrangements.
Not included: airfare to Venice, drinks at the huts, and trip insurance. Optional extras like via ferrata ($200/person), the glacier view excursion ($100/person), and the ropes course ($75/person) are available as add-ons.
We strongly recommend it. Trip insurance protects you in case of cancellations, medical emergencies, or travel disruptions. Make sure your policy covers hiking at altitude and emergency evacuation. It's not included in the trip price, but it's a small investment for peace of mind.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the most convenient option. We recommend arriving at least a day before the trip starts so you're rested and adjusted. We're happy to help you find the right flights — just reach out after booking.
We understand that plans change. Contact us as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule, and we'll do our best to work with you. Email us for specific details about our cancellation terms.
Summer in the Dolomites typically means warm, sunny days and cool nights. Daytime temperatures at altitude range from about 50–70°F (10–21°C), dropping near freezing at the highest points. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August — they roll in fast and clear quickly. Layering is key, and a good rain jacket is essential.
For a deeper look at when to go, read our guide to the best time to visit.
Mountain weather is unpredictable, and that's part of the adventure. Your guide monitors conditions closely and will adjust the route or timing if needed to keep everyone safe. In the rare case of severe weather, we have backup plans — there's always a warm rifugio nearby. We've never had to cancel a trip due to weather.
Yes — the Dolomites have one of the best trail systems in the world. Paths are well-marked, well-maintained, and regularly patrolled. You'll have an expert local guide with you at all times who knows these mountains intimately. We carry a first aid kit and communication equipment, and mountain rescue services in Italy are excellent. Your safety is always our top priority.
Via ferrata ("iron road") is a system of metal rungs, cables, and ladders bolted into the rock face that lets you climb routes that would otherwise require technical climbing gear. It's thrilling, safe with proper equipment, and no prior experience is needed — your guide will teach you everything. It's one of the most popular add-ons and a uniquely Dolomites experience.
Learn more in our beginner's guide to via ferrata.
Absolutely. Private departures are a great option for families, friend groups, or corporate teams who want the trip on their own schedule. We can customize the dates and, depending on your group, the itinerary. Get in touch and we'll put something together for you.
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