Trekking from
Town to Town

Explore the Ladin valleys on a walking tour from town to town. Go on magnificent climbs during the day and refuel in the evenigns in typical hotels in the different towns of the Badia Valley. Starting in Badia, the tour goes through the Armentara meadows - a magnificent manifestation of the harmony between man and nature - and reaches the small town of La Valle.

The next stop is San Vigilio di Marebbe, a town located on the skirts of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park. Discovery of the Fanes Natural Park begins here, an area with picturesque formations of dolomite rock.

From Cortina d'Ampezzo back to Alta Badia: the tour continues on the Pralongià and Piz La Villa plateau, to return to our starting point.

Length 7 nights

Level •••: Moderate

• Description: Moderate tour, considering its total length and difficulty, especially in the initial stages.
• Features: The route has moderate elevation changes and extended sections. The ascents and descents require endurance and a steady pace to navigate various types of terrain safely.
• Suitable for: Hikers with decent experience, accustomed to mountain trails, ready to tackle challenging sections and elevation gains. Requires good physical preparation.

Arrival in Alta Badia: After arriving in Alta Badia and checking into the hotel, it’s time to relax after the journey and enjoy the beautiful mountain atmosphere.

Acclimatization day
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Relax, take a walk to stretch your legs, and get used to the altitude and the mountains. In the late afternoon/evening, there will be a general briefing about the route with a local expert from Holimites.

1st stage: approx. 13 km (8 miles) with +750 m (2460 feet) elevation gain; -760 m (2490 feet) elevation loss

Starting from Badia we walk through some characteristic farmhouses and ascend towards the marvelous meadows of Armentara on the foot of Sas Dla Crusc. From here we walk down to the typical mountain village of La Val. 

2nd stage: approx. 13 km (8 miles) with +790 m (2590 feet) e. g.; -820 m (2690 feet) e.l.

From La Val bypassing the “Dlijia Vedla”, the little church of Saint Barbara, we walk up to the Rit pass. After passing the little Rit lake we take the path which leads to the suggestive Lago della Creda lake in San Vigilio di Marebbe. 

3rd stage: approx. 15,5 km (9.6 miles) with +1,250 m (4100 feet) e. g.; -830 m (2720 feet) e.l. From the lake we ascend along the fascinating Ciastlins waterfalls. We cross the wonderful Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park to finally reach Ra Stua/ Cortina d’Ampezzo. Bed and breakfast in Cortina. 

4th stage: approx. 16,5 km (10.3miles) with +1,000 m (3280 feet) e. g.; -970 m (3180 feet) e.l.

Starting from the Pocol area and passing under the majestic Tofane, we cross some spots of the First World War to arrive in the town of Sarè/San Cassiano. 

5th stage: approx. 13,5 km (8.4 miles) with +510 m (1670 feet)  e. g.; -610 m (2000 feet) e.l.

We leave San Cassiano and continue towards the meadows of Störes. After crossing the Pralongià plateau we walk down to the village of Corvara. 

Departure

Possibility to shorten the stages by taking lift facilities.

On a few days, there are short transfers needed to take you to the starting or ending point of the stage.

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

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, dinner and lunch are 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!).

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.

 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Bookings of all accommodations
• Overnight-stay and breakfast

• Detailed hiking map and roadbook

• Briefing with one of our local trail experts
• All taxes
• Holimites souvenir

INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOURS

• All services mentioned under "included in the price"
• Local tour escort at your disposal during the tour
• Full board during the stages (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Dinner not included during the last stage
• Luggage transfer form hut to hut 
• Maps and roadbooks are not included during the escorted tour

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Beverages and and anything not mentioned under the heading "Included in the price"
• Cancellation insurance

EXTRAS

• Additional days: starting from 150.00 € per person/night
• High season (from the end of June to mid-September): an additional 150.00 € per person
• Single room: 490.00 €

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.

Are there minimum skills requested?
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 a partecipant should have difficulty to be able to finish the stages, the tour escort can decide whether it makes sense to continue the tour (alternatives) or break of the tour.

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 at the end of the Alta Via; 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 have some Issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The runs each day are between 1.500 and 2.300 meters altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet). If you have trouble with high elevations, please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.

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.

Where can we have lunch during the trekking?
For lunch, you can stop at one of the mountain huts and try some local specialities. Alternatively, you can request a packed lunch from the hut where you stayed the previous night.

What about dinner?
All the mountain huts where you'll be staying offer dinner service, which you can decide to join on the same day.
When you'll stay in a hotel you have the option to dine at the hotel's restaurant or, if you prefer, explore the town to find a restaurant that suits your taste.