Navigate Alpine Terrain on the Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour
Looking for an adventure in Northern Italy that highlights some of the most incredible mountain scenery anywhere in the country? Then look no further than the Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour! From the Puez Odle massif to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, this west to east trekking route utilizes some of the most beautiful paths in the Dolomites, all of which surround the famous resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Each evening you will spend the night in a different mountain refuge, almost all of which are located more than 2000m above sea level. These remote accommodations offer exceptional points of view facing the mountains of the Dolomites, allowing you to truly feel as though you are surrounded by wilderness. If you are after the trek of a lifetime in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, then you will not want to miss out on the Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour!
Highlights of the Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour
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Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo
After your arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo, you will meet up and transfer to the start of the trek at Passo Pordoi. Here, you will ascend by cable car and hike up Piz Boe (3152m), before making a descent to the refuge of the same name. Taking in the magnificent views of the Dolomites, you will travers a beautiful plateau before descending to the Cavazza refuge (2585 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5h, 475m ascent/835m descent
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Traverse the Gardena Pass
Day 2 of the tour is a beautiful journey to the Gardena pass (2121 m), before continuing on to the Puez Odle massifs that you will explore over the next two days. The Ciampei Pass (2366 m) provides access to a beautiful plateau that you will traverse on the way to the Puez refuge (2475 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5h, 760m ascent/860m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek to the Genova Refuge
Today is a magnificent day of trekking through a rocky landscape that features geological and floristic points of interest. In the afternoon you will arrive at the Genova refuge (2297m), which will be your accommodations for the evening.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5h, 580m ascent/760m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Descend Through the Val de Longiaru
Day 4 of the tour will be a bit quieter, as you make a beautiful descent in the Val de Longiaru followed by a transfer to the Fanes Sennes Braies Massif. A short uphill climb will bring you to tonight's accommodation, which is located at the foot of the mountains at an altitude of 1985m.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 30 min transfer + 3.5h, 300m ascent/800m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Lagazuoi Pass and Tofana de Rozes
Today you will trek along a balcony path at the foot of immense limestone walls. The Lagazuoi Pass (2573 m) offers beautifully scenic views, before continuing on to Tofana de Rozes and the Via Ferrata. A final climb will lead you up to the Giussani refuge (2580 m), which is located in an area of strategic importance and has witnessed fighting during historical conflicts.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 1050m ascent/490m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Climb up the Ciase Pass
A beautiful day of alpine trekking awaits, as today’s journey follows an uncrowded trail. You will descend into the Travenanzes Valley and climb a steep but steady route to the Ciase pass (2760 m), before making another descent to the refuge of Fanes (2060 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6.5h, 1040m ascent/1550m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Biella Refuge and Optional Ascent of Croda del Becco
In the morning you will follow a track to the Biella refuge (2327 m), before having the option to ascend the Croda del Becco (2810 m / +/- 430m) in the afternoon. Here, you will enjoy some incredible views that stretch far out across the Dolomites.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5.5h, 840m ascent/570m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Trek to the Pratopiazza Refuge
Today you will follow along a panoramic ridge and cross a karstic landscape at the foot of the giants of the massif, the Croda Rossa and the Croda Rossa Pizora, eventually making your way to the Pratopiazza refuge (1991 m) for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5.5h, 430m ascent/750m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Day 9 of the tour features a steep but pleasant descent under the Strudelkopf to reach the bottom of the Rienza Valley. Here, you will traverse the valley before taking a less-used path towards the Col Grande del Rondoi (2289 m). A beautifully scenic path will then lead you to the famous Locatelli refuge, which faces the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo (2405 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6.5h, 1460m ascent/1060m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Return to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Last day of your tour will lead you to the Pian di Cengia pass (2522 m). After, you will make a return to the foot of the Cima Piccola, arriving at the Auronzo refuge which marks the end of the circuit. From here, you will transfer to Cortina d'Ampezzo and make your individual departure from the Dolomites.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour Price and Dates
This tour is run as a private tour for your group only.
Prices below are per person.
- Guided group of 4+: from $2,495 USD per person
Accommodation on the Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour
This tour is based in mountain refuges. Please note that in some cases you can upgrade to double rooms with an extra supplement (please contact us for the pricing).
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Single Rooms are not available on this tour, as some nights take place in mountain huts, gites and/or inns, and you will be sharing rooms/dormitories.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Mountain Refuges Along the Dolomites
Spend each night of the tour in remote mountain refuges with dormitory-style accommodations. Accommodations may be modest, but they are surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery in the Dolomites!
What’s Included in the Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 9 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodation before and after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation is included throughout the tour, as indicated in the itinerary. Transportation to and from the start/end of the tour are not included. Luggage transfers are not included in the tour.
Also Included
- Supervision by a qualified mountain leader
- Transfers as indicated in the programme
- Nights with half board as indicated in the program.
- Showers in refuges. Some evenings the water is limited.
Not included
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Food/drink not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal hiking and travel equipment
- Transportation before/after the tour
- Baggage transfers
- Anything not listed in “What’s included in your trip”.
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room supplement
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour
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