Trekking the Best of
Alta Via 1&2

Hut to Hut trekking through the majestic Dolomites

Dates

14.06 - 21.06
23.07 - 30.07
more dates

Nights

7 - 8

Difficulty

Availability calendar

Description

The Best of Alta Via #1 and #2 on the Dolomites is a program that – as the name implies – combines the most beautiful tracks of the Dolomites’ Alta Vias.

This hut-to- hut adventure involves trekking through the Dolomites’ legendary mountain groups and their natural parks, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This 6-day hike covers 75 km and 5,000 m of gain.

Holimites will take care of all accommodation reservations; on the first evening, a local tour escort will brief the group, and provide all maps and necessary information to ensure an enjoyable experience on this fantastic hike.

 

Length 07 nights or 8 nights (*PLUS)

Level °°°

Program

ARRIVAL IN ALTA BADIA: Meet and Greet in Badia and briefing with a Holimites trail expert immediately following dinner. Overnight stay in a hotel.


1st day: approx. 17 km (10 miles) with +1.650 m (5420 feet) elevation gain; -900 m (2950 feet) elevation loss.

From Badia you reach the Santa Croce church, at the foot of the imposing Sass dla Crusc mountain, and then continue along the San Antonio's pass to end the walk in the Fanes - Sennes - Braies Natural Park. Dinner and overnight stay in a hut.


2nd day: approx. 12 km (7,5 miles) with +1.100 m (3600 feet) e. g.; -450 m (1480 feet) e. l.

Starting from the heart of the Natural Park, go up to the Forcella del Lago from where you can admire a beautiful view of the Lagazuoi lake. From the lake we start again the climb towards the Lagazuoi, one of the most panoramic places, which offers a unique terrace on the Dolomites. Dinner and overnight stay in a hut.


3rd day: approx. 13,5 km (8,4 miles) with +650 m (2130 feet) e. g.; -1.250 m (4100 feet) e. l.

Leaving the Lagazuoi behind, we retrace the trenches built during the First World War that marked the border of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The path continues along the Settsass until the Pralongià plateau. Dinner and overnight stay in a hut.


4th day: approx. 14,5 km (9 miles) with +950 m (3120 feet) e. g.; -950 m (3120 feet) e. l.

From Pralongià, descend to the famous village of Corvara, then climb up to the pass that divides Val Badia from Val Gardena. Dinner and overnight stay in a hut.


Possibility to do this stage at different levels of difficulty:
average: approx. 13 km (8 miles)  / +850 m (2800 feet) e.g.; 

-800 m (2600 feet) e.l.
challenging: approx. 15 km (9,5 miles)  / +1.000 m (3300 feet) e.g.;

-950 m (3120 feet) e.l.


5th day: approx. 11 km (6,8 miles) with +630 m (2070 feet) e. g.; -710 m (2330 feet) e. l.

Starting from the Gardena Pass, through the Natural Park of Puez - Odle and in the presence of Mount Sassongher, continue to the Ghernacia hut. Dinner and overnight stay in a hut.


Possibility to do this stage at different levels of difficulty:
challenging: approx. 14 km (8,8 miles)  / +900 m (2900 feet) e.g.;

-1.000 m (3300 feet) e.l.

6th day: approx. 5 km (3 miles) with +10 m (35 feet) e. g.; -750 m (3460 feet) e. l.

Final stage from the Ghernacia hut which will lead you down to Badia; walking over the Ghernacia plateau with spectacular views of the Dolomites mountains. The fairy tale ending! Dinner and overnight stay in an hotel.


Possibility to do this stage at different levels of difficulty:
average: approx. 8 km (5 miles) / +250 m (820 feet) e.g.;

-950 m (3120 feet) e.l.
challenging: approx. 11,5 km (7 miles) / +350 m (1150 feet) e.g.;

-1050 m (3450 feet) e.l.

7th day: Departure.

*PLUS:

1st day: approx. 9,5 km (5,9 miles) with +980 m (3220 feet) e. g.; -320 m (1050 feet) e. l.

Transfer to Braies Lake, the trailhead of the Alta Via 1. From here to Sennes Natural Park. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.

 

2nd day: approx. 10,2 km (6,4 miles) with +560 m (1840 feet) e. g.; -650 m (2130 feet) e. l.

From Sennes Natural Park to Fanes. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.

 

After the first two days, the *PLUS tour will join the group of the classic tour from their second day on (see 2nd stage from Fanes to Lagazuoi).

 

The program can be personalized! We can modify the single stages or shorten and/or extend the duration of the tour.

More info

You have the possibility to do this tour with one of our local tour experts, or, if you prefer, a self-guided tour.

 

What are the advantages of an escorted tour with a local expert?

  • The local expert knows the trails like the back of his hand, and is also well informed about mountains, fauna and flora, and the many traditions of the Dolomites world. Are you already fascinated by the Dolomite legends?
  • The tour is enriched with so much knowledge and information.
    ales, stories, and high quantity of tips from locals - from people who grew up here and have much more to tell than the best book.
  • Luggage transport from hut to hut is also a big plus.
    You can hike with a small backpack, because your luggage is already waiting for you in the next hut.
  • In addition to breakfast and dinner, lunch is also included. Of course, the local expert knows where you get the best dumplings, the most delicious pasta, and the most fluffy cake.
  • The weather, or more specifically, bad weather, is not to be underestimated in the mountains, and our local experts have years of experience with it. In case of thunderstorms, rain or even snowfall (yes, even in August it can snow sometimes), they know exactly what to do.
  • The correct estimation of the hiking pace is a skill learned over time. When hiking alone, it’s difficult to keep the same pace. This can result in a serious miscalculation of walking time. The guide know exactly when it’s time to take a break, or to push the group with a chocolate bar.
  • The community: during our guided tours, people meet who already have something in common from the beginning: the love for nature and being active. The popularity of our guides with the various hut owners can also turn out to be a great benefit (we just say: Grappa!)

ESCORTED TOURS 2023

  • June 16th - June 23rd
  • July 05th - July 13th *PLUS
  • July 06th - July 13th
  • July 31st - August 07th
  • September 03rd - September 11th *PLUS
  • September 04th - September 11th

ESCORTED TOURS 2024

  • June 14th - June 21st
  • July 22nd - July 30th *PLUS
  • July 23rd - July 30th
  • September 03rd - September 11th *PLUS
  • September 04th - September 11th
  • September 18th - September 25th

KEEP IT PRIVATE:

Do you want to reserve one of our guided tours exclusively for you and your group of friends? Choose any tour that you like, contact us and remember to tell us how many people are in your group. We will send you a personalized quote based on the number of participants.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR:

from mid June to the beginning of October

If you opt for the self-guided tour, you can choose your preferred travel time.
Send us you estimated dates of arrival/departure and we will send you a detailed offer.

ARRIVAL:

Holimites is keen to help you plan and organize your arrival and departure. Together we will find the best travel solution, and we will help you to book bus or train tickets, arrange the car rental, or book a private transfer service.

Here you will find more information about travel to the Dolomites.

We recommend arriving in the Dolomites one/two days prior to your tour departure to acclimatize and adjust to the time change.


INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Bookings of all accommodations

  • Overnight stay with half-board (breakfast and dinner)
  • Detailed hiking map and roadbook
  • Briefing with one of our local trail experts
  • All taxes
  • Holimites souvenir

*INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOUR

  • All services mentioned under "included in the price"

  • Local tour escort at your disposal during the tour
  • Lunch in mountain huts (starter or main dish)
  • Luggage transfer form hut to hut 
  • Maps and roadbooks are not included during the escorted tour
  • *PLUS: transfer from Badia to Braies Lake

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Beverages and anything not mentioned under the heading “Included in the price”.
  • Cancellation insurance

SUPPLEMENTS

  • Extra days: € 95,00 per person and night

  • Single room: € 120,00 (available only in hotels, not in huts)
  • Mid season (end of August until mid of September): € 80,00 per person
  • High season (July and August): € 120,00 per person

  • *PLUS: 2 additional escorted days with start from the Braies Lake + 290,00 euro per person for self-guided tours and 520,00 euro per person for guided tours

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is some training necessary before participating in this trekking tour?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to walking after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. The Alta Via is suited for people that are already strong walkers that can manage treks with fully packed backpacks.
It is absolutely necessary to have some trekking experience on mountain trails and exposed sections. A good ability to read maps and use a compass is a must. If you don’t feel confident with this minimum skills you can learn this on the escorted tour.
Participating in a trekking group requires having to keep up a certain pace in order to finish the scheduled stages. If your legs are shutting down or your physical preparedness is constraining the rest of the group to slow down and making group compatibility problematic, your tour escort may decide you need to tone down, leaving the pack. Your alternatives in this case are:
a) to shuttle throughout the day on the service van, each day, to the next hut or
b) to take a shuttle 'bump up' to the last hotel, where you can finish your vacation doing some great day hikes.

I have some issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The treks each day are between 1.500 and 2.300 meters of altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet). In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2100 meters (6,900 feet) If you have trouble with high elevations, please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.

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What happens in the case of bad weather?
Sir Alan Flemming once stated: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. But, it’s surely possible that bad weather conditions may prohibit our planned tour in some cases. If this happens to
be the case, a phone call to our office from the hut you are staying at is all that’s needed. We will gladly reorganize all of the upcoming stages of your trekking tour so that you can arrive as planned even if you have to take a 1 day break to allow weather conditions to clear up.

What specific clothing do you recommend?
We suggest you always carry a light hydration pack with a few layers such as a light insulation jacket, gloves and a hat. Also, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can quickly change. If your offer includes baggage transfer, we suggest you to pack some warmer and comfortable clothing, which can be left in your bag that we will transfer for you from hut to hut.

I want do to a self-guided trekking. Are the trails well marked?
Yes, the trails are well marked, but it‘s important to pay attention and be sure to stay on the correct path. During the briefing a Holimites trail expert will explain you every stage exactly.

The programs on the catalog don‘t match my expectations. Are there alternative offers?
On request, Holimites can customize a program for you. Is the tour too long or the stages to challenging? Do you prefer a different itinerary? Would you like to book some extra days to relax in the hotel or on a mountain hut? Just send us a request and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Should I expect to climb a Via Ferrata?
Our standard programs don't include a Via Ferrata. But gladly we can organize one for you with a certified IFMGA-UIAGM Alpine Guide. There is the opportunity to do the Via Ferrata during a stage or you can add an extra day at the beginning or at the end of your tour.

Overnight stay on the mountain huts...
You will be surprised of how lovely our mountain huts are. However, they have to be considered a rifugio in the mountains and not a hotel. So you won’t find all the luxury features you find in the towns.
In the huts there are blankets and pillows. We suggest to bring sleeping bags inlay with you.
All hotels and huts are well informed about dietary restrictions, like gluten or lactose intolerance. Everywhere you will find a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
Not all huts accept credit cards. So we suggest to bring some cash with you, to pay drinks, snacks or extras which are not included in the offer.

What about having lunch in the mountains?
For lunch you can stop in one of the huts to taste some traditional food or you have the possibility to buy a lunch package in the hut where you overnight.

14 Reviews

Tracy R. - Tripadvisor
July 2017

Incredible experience

This was by far, the greatest trekking experience I have taken. Everything was well planned and beyond expectations. Our wonderful guide, Susann, made each step of...

This was by far, the greatest trekking experience I have taken. Everything was well planned and beyond expectations. Our wonderful guide, Susann, made each step of our hiking Alta 1 and 2 a fun filled adventure. The lodgings and food were remarkable. Hiking with a local was essential. Susann was well loved by everyone and we received excellent service because of her. I cannot recommend this company enough.

Rebecca S. - Tripadvisor
September 2016

Trekking Heaven

My friend and I just completed the Best of Via 1 and Via 2, unguided by Holimites, and everything worked very well, all details accounted for. It worked well for...

My friend and I just completed the Best of Via 1 and Via 2, unguided by Holimites, and everything worked very well, all details accounted for. It worked well for us to do a loop and experience different landscape each day, high mountains as well as across valleys and the two different ranges were unique. Holimites was responsive to our needs and was able to accommodate our request for Hotel Gran Anders (yummy and great spa to complete the trip). Would absolutely recommend Holimites and this trip - shorter than either of the others but was enough for us - two age 60's women.

BikerBill0 - Tripadvisor
September 2016

Fantastic Trek in the Dolomites

I don’t often write reviews for goods or services. But in the case of Holimites, it is very easy to make an exception. 

I recently...

I don’t often write reviews for goods or services. But in the case of Holimites, it is very easy to make an exception. 

I recently completed a one week guided trek with them in the Dolomites, the best of Alta Via 1 and 2. I’m not normally one that gives high marks to many things. But again, it’s very easy to make this exception. Everything was simply top notch: the rifugios, the interesting and tasty Ladin food of the area, the incredible mountain scenery, our guide Susie, the route, wild flowers, etc. Susie is native to Alta Badia and is quite knowledgeable in local flora and fauna and is happy to share her knowledge as well as her chocolate bars!!

I normally hike in New Hampshire and Maine where the Appalachian Mountain Club maintains a network of huts. I’ve been irrevocably spoiled by the rifugios of Italy. Large outdoor decks with panoramic views of the mountains, well-stocked liquor cabinets, hot showers, great food—what’s not to like? Our August hiking group consisted of just five people. We had a knowledgeable and fun full time guide for the entire trip. 

The most amazing thing was the price. I paid less than $ 1.500 (without air fare) which included a price uplift for high season and a lodging uplift for a single person. I checked a few other trip offerings online. Both the Appalachian Mountain Club and REI offered similar trips for about twice the cost! This is an incredible bargain. I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

Note: Our five and a half day trip covered about 50 miles and gained about 15,500 feet in elevation. Be prepared.

SWHavens - Tripadvisor
September 2016

Not a single detail overlooked

14 American women ranging in age 50-65 years of age trekking the Dolomites? Sounds like a recipe for disaster....it was a life-changing adventure for, dare I say...

14 American women ranging in age 50-65 years of age trekking the Dolomites? Sounds like a recipe for disaster....it was a life-changing adventure for, dare I say - every single one of us. The logistics were flawless, the guides were two amazing, patient, knowledgeable and empathetic natives of area. Their obvious enthusiasm for this breathtakingly beautiful part of the planet was contagious. We trekked the Best of AV1&2 - the huts were fabulous, the food good, the wine, beer and grappa excellent as well as quite varied. I would recommend that anyone who wants to really see and savor this part of the world be in touch with the top rate folks at Holomites. Do yourself a huge favor and go with the best.

Jenny Y. - Tripadvisor
August 2016

Guided Best of AV1&2

My husband and I did the guided Best of AV1&2 in August with Holimites. It was our first time doing a multi-day trek. Holimites provided lots of information pre-trek...

My husband and I did the guided Best of AV1&2 in August with Holimites. It was our first time doing a multi-day trek. Holimites provided lots of information pre-trek and was very patient with all our queries. We requested private rooms where possible and were given those in 4 of the 5 huts. Like other reviewers we also thought the food fantastic and really enjoyed the hospitality in all the huts. I thought the itinerary/route was great, the scenery over the 6 days was varied and contrasting. It's a beautiful part of the world. Our guide Susie was so lovely, knowledgeable and helpful. It was obvious she loved the area (her hometown) very much. Because of my inexperience I did not really comprehend what the daily elevation gain/loss numbers would mean in reality and so day 1 was a slight shock to the system, combined with some altitude effect. I also wish I had brought trekking poles. The temperature was quite cool most days and we only had one day where rain/thunderstorm forced us to change routes. I came across Holimites while researching the AV1 and I'm very happy that I chose them. They are a local company and everyone there we dealt with were warm, friendly and helpful. Others on our trek also commented that they were the most reasonably priced. We loved the Dolomites and the trek and would absolutely recommend Holimites.

Enrica L. - Tripadvisor
July 2017

Unforgettable experience

I decided to do for the first time this year a trekking route in the Dolomites and I turned to Holimites, which I had selected on the web. I chose the tour "The best of...

I decided to do for the first time this year a trekking route in the Dolomites and I turned to Holimites, which I had selected on the web. I chose the tour "The best of high route No. 1 and No. 2". The organization of the tour was unexceptionable. Both the staff working in the office and the one accompanying the groups turned out to be professional, competent and also very welcoming. I was at the first experience and I was not lacking advice, teachings and encouragement to adequately address the path, which is quite challenging. Good location in shelters and excellent food. Thanks Holimites for making me live an unforgettable experience, Enrica.

Translated from original to German

senderwood - Tripadvisor
July 2018

Most fantastic walking holiday

I just finished a weeks walking holiday in the Dolomites with my wife and three adult daughters. I can not recommend Holimites more highly. From start to finish the experience...

I just finished a weeks walking holiday in the Dolomites with my wife and three adult daughters. I can not recommend Holimites more highly. From start to finish the experience was just great. The route we walked was stunning. The places we stayed beautiful and our guide Suzy was just so helpful and fun to be with. All five of us loved our week and if you are a keen walker I suggest you walk the Dolomites and if you are going to the Dolomites I would highly recommend you use Holimites to book your adventure. Thank you to all for making the week so wonderful

stephanieusa180 - Tripadvisor
July 2018

Above Category Trip

It's incredibly freeing to wake each morning and know you will be expertly guided through the Dolomites by the Holimites guides! Our group of hikers and runners had a wonderful...

It's incredibly freeing to wake each morning and know you will be expertly guided through the Dolomites by the Holimites guides! Our group of hikers and runners had a wonderful time experiencing the high mountains. Holimites took care of every detail so we could just show up and hike every day! Suzi our hiking guide was not only a joy to hike with, full of fun and laughter, but she also taught us about the flora and fauna and the history of the area. The refugios were a treat at the end of our hiking days, serving up amazing food and views. I highly recommend the Best of Alta Via 1 and 2 guided by Holimites. I've been home 3 weeks and I want to go back and climb, "Up, up, up!" It is the experience of a lifetime!

karlxxx
September 2019

Seven days trekking on The Best of AV1 and AV2

In the beginning of September 2019 I went with my wife on The Best of AV1 and AV2, self-guided, hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites. Holimites made all the...
In the beginning of September 2019 I went with my wife on The Best of AV1 and AV2, self-guided, hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites. Holimites made all the arrangements. Everything about the trip was great: the treks and the huts, including their facilities and the food. The Holimites people were very helpful, quickly answering all the questions that I sent by email leading up to the trip. On the first trekking day, when they noticed that we were getting a late start, Suzanne drove us to a trail access point that allowed us to reach our first night's destination before dark.

marshamac
July 2019

I LOVED my Holomite trekking tour of the Best of Alta Via 1-2

This was an amazing opportunity to trek for 6 days with a fabulous guide through the Dolomites. We had a lot of very steep inclines and declines over...

This was an amazing opportunity to trek for 6 days with a fabulous guide through the Dolomites. We had a lot of very steep inclines and declines over the rocky mountains, but our guide was so good at keeping us "slow and steady", that we accomplished it with no problems. I recommend getting into good physical shape, especially your leg muscles. I am in my 60's and enjoyed every minute of it. I wore good tennis shoes with good tread. Pack rain gear as we had an afternoon of rain.
So many wild flowers amidst the rocks and in the green meadows. The huts we stayed in at night should be called lodges. They are very nice and the food is amazing at each one! A few nights we shared rooms with others in our group but most nights, my daughter and I had our own together. Our guide was so fun kind and patient with each of us. I totally recommend this company!!!

Road428712
July 2019

Spectacular!

What a wonderful trip! I did the running tour, the best of Alta via 1-2, and it was way beyond what I expected! The views were amazing, the food was great...
What a wonderful trip! I did the running tour, the best of Alta via 1-2, and it was way beyond what I expected! The views were amazing, the food was great and the people I met, from the runners to our guide Andreas, (and also Suzie and the trekkers that were doing the same route as us) were fabulous! Everything was well organized and planned. We had Claudio who came to get us at the airport and drove us at the hotel (included in the price). Every meal and Rifugio were taken care of. We just needed to run (or walk for the big climbs)! I found that this trip was a great metaphor for life. Sometimes, you have a gigantic mountain in front of you or you are scared to face the steepness of events but surely and persistently, one foot at a time, like the wedding march (as I can still hear my trekker friend Marcia say), you will succeed! I already miss this place and everyone!

esu
August 2021

Dream Vacation: Best of Alta Via 1 & 2

We just got back from the guided Best of Alta Via 1 & 2 hike and we had the time of our lives, thanks for Holimites! The route was gorgeous and the rifugios were...

We just got back from the guided Best of Alta Via 1 & 2 hike and we had the time of our lives, thanks for Holimites! The route was gorgeous and the rifugios were much nicer than we expected. And the food... We were really amazed at the selection and quality of food in the rifugios -- especially at Rifugio Pralongia and Rifugio Gardenacia in particular! Our guide, Susi, was the best -- she brought a cheerful, fun disposition and intimate local knowledge of the mountains, the history, the flora, the people and Ladin culture. We can't recommend Holimites and Susi highly enough!

T G - Google
July 2022

It was a fantastic trip.

We were a...

We were a group of 7 hiking the Best of Alta Via I & 2. It was a fantastic trip. We hiked hut to hut for 6 nights and then added on a day of Via Feratta at the end (which was amazing!). Our guide Susi was knowledgeable, kind and funny and we loved her. A guide can make or break a trip in my opinion and we were so fortunate! The rifugios were great - some more basic than others but all were comfortable and had great food. The mountains are spectacular - views and rocks and flowers and streams at every turn. Holimites did a great job communicating and setting up our adventure. One of our hikers had a medical issue and their staff jumped right in and went above and beyond. I would highly recommend going with this Italian company, rather than traveling to the Dolomites with an American company - so many hidden benefits. Thank you Susie, Nadine and the Holimites team!

Anand Selvam - Google
September 2022

Wonderful trip to the Dolomites which was carefully curated by the Holimites team!

Wonderful...

Wonderful trip to the Dolomites which was carefully curated by the Holimites team! Helped book all the huts/lodges and mapped a route that fit our time constraints and ability. Also organized bus tickets and transfers and recommended a local spa to visit afterwards.

Calendar

Season Availability Info & Reservations
  • June 2024
    from 14.06 to 21.06 Semaforo verde book
  • July 2024
    from 23.07 to 30.07 Semaforo verde book
  • September 2024
    from 04.09 to 11.09 Semaforo verde book
    from 18.09 to 25.09 Semaforo verde book