ITALY
Dolomites Discovery
Highlights
World Famous Hiking
2 Charming Hotel Bases: Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo
Blend of Italian, Austrian and Ladin Cultures & Cuisines
Hiking 5 – 7 miles daily
Amazing Food & Wines
Summary
Discover the captivating beauty of Italy’s Dolomites on this value-priced hiking adventure. The Dolomites in Northeastern Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere. Ascend gondolas and cable cars to reach iconic ridgelines, famous mountain trails such as Cinque Torri, Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. Hike 6 – 7 miles daily at altitudes between 6,000′ and 8,500′. Learn about the WWI history of this region. Stop for lunch and a cold beer at mountain refugios. and enjoy one day of awesome bicycling. Meaningful Trips founder, Joe Staiano, will be your hiking escort. Enjoy 2 nights in Venice and multiple 3-night stays in gorgeous 3 & 4-star hotels in two charming mountain villages of Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Toast each day’s adventures with new friends over delicious Italian and Tyrol cuisine and wine.
At-a-Glance
Not offered in 2026 (Olympics). Will return in 2027.
Days: 9
Land Cost: From $3,295 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $900 (based on strict availability)
Group Size: 6 – 8
Minimum Age: 15
Level: Moderate – Hiking 5 – 7 miles daily at altitude
Overview
Day 1: Arrive Venice
Day 2: Trnsfr Ortisei. Resciesa
Day 3: Seceda
Day 4: Alpe di Siusi, Seiser Alm
Day 5: Trnsfr Cortina d’Ampezzo, Cycle Cimabanche
Day 6: Cinque Torri
Day 7: Lake Sorapis
Day 8: Morning free. Bus to Venice.
Day 9: Venice. Depart
Day 0 - Depart USA one day prior
You can arrive Venice any time on Day 1. This typically requires departing the USA the day or evening before.
Day 1 - Arrive Venice, Italy
Welcome to Venice, Italy, transfer from the airport and get settled into your hotel. No meals today.
Day 2: To Ortisei (3 nights), Hike Resciesa. Day 3: Seceda Ridge
Day 2: Transfer to Ortisei (3 nights), Warm-up Hike Resciesa
Transfer 3 ½ hours by bus or private car to Ortisei (St. Ulrich in German, Urtijëi in Ladin) the largest and most atmospheric town in Val Gardena with shops, restaurants, bars and a lovely pedestrian center. After check-in and lunch, take the gondola to Resciesa, 7,217’ (2,200 m), located in Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Val Gardena. Meander through woods and meadows and up to the summit cross, with breathtaking views of the Sella massif, Marmolada, Sassolungo and Sciliar Group.
Hiking Distance: 3 – 4 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 ½ - 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 700’
Estimated Gondola Costs: $20-$30
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Seceda Ridgeline & Firenze Refugio
Take the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableway to Seceda, 8,264’ (2,519 m) a mountain in the Puez-Odle Nature Park /Geisler Group, with dramatic views over the jagged Fermeda peaks. Follow the Seceda ridgeline continuously impressive views. Walk across the Seceda meadows to the Furcella de Pana/Panascharte notch and enjoy a lunch at a rifugio (mountain hut).. a quintessential Dolomites experience!
Hiking Distance: 5 – 6 miles, loop trail
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours
Elevation Gain: 1,575’
Estimated Cable Car Costs: $25
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Arm
Take the Mont Sëuc Gondola to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German, Mont Sëuc in Ladin).. this, the largest high alpine pasture in Europe, sits at 6,500’. Enjoy expansive meadows, cow-filled pastures, and spellbinding beauty of Sassolungo and Sciliar massif mountains jutting out of a sea of rolling meadows.
Hiking Distance: 8.9 miles, loop hike
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 ½ - 5 ½ hours
Elevation Gain: 1,585’
Estimated Cable Car and Chair Lift Combo: $40
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo (3 nights), Bicycle Cimabanche
Transfer 1 ½ hours to Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the Queen of the Dolomites. Cortina is a world-famous ski destination. Cortina was to host the 1944 Olympic Winter Games, but they were suspended for World War II. Cortina did host the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and will again host the 2026 Winter Olympics XXV. Grab rental bicycles and cycle 16 miles on the "Lunga Via delle Dolomiti" (Cycle Path of the Dolomites) on a converted railroad way, through ex-railway tunnels, a small lake, and finally to Cimabanche.
Bicycle Distance: 16 miles roundtrip
Cycle Time: 2 ½ - 3 hours including rest and photo breaks.
Elevation Gain: 900’
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Cinque Torre
Cinque Torri (which means “Five Towers”), is one of the most recognizable and popular hiking spots in the Dolomites. Start this hike via cable car to Rifugio Scoiattoli. During World War I, the Dolomites were the front lines of battles between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces, and Cinque Torri was right in the middle of the conflict. We’ll pass World War I war trenches and observation towers as we hike around the Cinque Torri. Stop at a mountain Rifugio for lunch before returning. Back at Cortina d’Ampezzo, walk the Piazza Venezia and admire the 18th C Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo
Hiking Distance: 4 miles, loop hike
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 ½ - 5 ½ hours
Elevation Gain: 1,500’’
Estimated Cable Car to Scoiattoli: $40
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Lake Sorapis
Lake Sorapis is one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. Hikers of all ages are mesmerized by the white rock formations, green pastures and beautiful turquoise colors of this high-altitude lake. The trail is a mix of rocks, gravel, and there are a couple of metal ladders to negotiate.
Hiking Distance: 7.1 miles, out-and-back hike
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,520’
Estimated Cable Car and Chair Lift Combo: $40
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Free morning, Afternoon bus transfer to Venice
Enjoy some free time in Cortina. Take a short hike, browse the shops, or just relax. Take a late afternoon bus transfer to Venice.
(breakfast included)
Day 9: Venice. Tour Ends
Continue your time in Italy or return to airport for return flights.
(breakfast included)
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information:
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on:
- Pricing
- What’s Included
- General Information
- FAQ
- How to Reserve
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Land Price: $3,295
International airfare is NOT included. (Rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy).
Single Supplement: $900
Meaningful Trips will pair same-gender participants as roommates. Single Supplement is for those specifically requesting their own room throughout, and is strictly based on availability. For this trip, roommate sharing is necessary.
Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy:
Payment
Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation. Final balance due 90 days prior to trip departure.
Cancellation
Your deposit if fully refundable should you cancel for any reason, as long as its 90 days prior to trip departure. If you cancel prior to departure (with written notice), cancellation fees are:
91 or more days… $0
61 to 90 days… $500
31 to 60 days… 50% of Trip Cost
0 to 30 days… 100% of Trip Cost
Included:
- 8 nights hotel accommodations
- Breakfasts as per itinerary
- Venice to Ortisei transfer
- Ortisei to Cortina transfer
- Cortina to Venice transfer
NOT included:
- International Airfare
- Transfer to/from Venice Airport
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches, Dinners, Drinks
- Gondola / Cable Car fees
- Bicycle rental
VENICE – Hotel Vivit (or similar), Mestre area.
ORTISEI – Classic Hotel Stetteneck (or similar)
CORTINA d’AMPEZZO – Hotel Aquila (or similar)
Trip Insurance
Meaningful Trips highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation. Travel Insurance companies we like include: World Nomads, Allianz, Trawick International
Safety
Italy’s Dolomite region is generally safe. In crowded Venice, be wary of pickpockets. While hiking, be aware of natural hazards such as weather changes, rugged terrain, effects of altitude and wildlife encounters. Always carry essential items such as maps, first-aid kits, and charged phone.
Passport
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months beyond the tour end date. Visa is not required for US citizens (this may change in 2026).
Flights to Italy
Our trip starts and ends in Venice Marco Polo Airport. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.
Weather
People flock to the Dolomites in winter for skiing. Summer and fall are the ideal hiking seasons. Average September temperatures are around 68-70 degrees.
Lodging
This trip includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels and small lodges.
Activity Level: Moderate
This is an active trip suitable for strong hikers with daily hikes between 4 – 8 miles (4 – 5 hours) at elevations of 6,300 to 8,000′, on a mix of graded, uneven, or rocky terrain.
Additional Trip Information
Prior to reserving your tour, please carefully review our ‘Pricing’, ‘How to Reserve’ and ‘FAQ’ sections for helpful information on topics such as cancellation penalties, inclusions, food, water, and more.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully. Additional pre-departure information including a Packing List, Medical Form, and Liability Release Form is emailed upon sign-up.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Some answers to common questions. Upon Sign-up, travelers receive a Packing List, Pre-Departure Info and Important Forms
Do I Need a Passport for Italy?
Yes, a passport is needed and must be valid for 6 months after your trip date.
Do I Need a Visa for Italy?
No. As a tourist with a US Passport, no visa is required (this may change in 2026).
COVID Matters
Do I Need COVID Vaccination for Italy? No.
Do I Need Negative COVID Test for Italy? No.
While these are not required for Italy, all Meaningful Trips travelers are recommended to be vaccinated against COVID. This is to protecrt you, your family, friends, traveling companions, our staff, our guides, and locals where we travel. Participants share vans and hotel rooms.
Are any other vaccinations required for Italy?
No.
We highly recommend that all persons who travel internationally should be current on these three routine immunizations: Annual Influenza (flu) shot; Tetanus Booster (Tdap) (good for 10 years); and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Additionally, Hepatitis A is highly recommended for all international travelers. Meaningful Trips are not medical experts. Always consult your own doctor and always refer to the CDC website for updated vaccination and country-specific information.
Is Italy Safe
Italy’s Dolomite region is generally safe. In crowded Venice, be wary of pickpockets. While hiking, be aware of natural hazards such as weather changes, rugged terrain, effects of altitude and wildlife encounters. Always carry essential items such as maps, first-aid kits, and charged phone.
Where does the trip Start and End
Venice, Italy. Our trip starts and ends in Venice Marco Polo Airport. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.
Weather
People flock to the Dolomites in winter for skiing. Summer and fall are the ideal hiking seasons. Average September temperatures are around 68-70 degrees.
Lodging
This trip includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels and small lodges.
Activity Level: Moderate
This is an active trip suitable for strong hikers with daily hikes between 4 – 8 miles (4 – 5 hours) at elevations of 6,300 to 8,000′, on a mix of graded, uneven, or rocky terrain.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Meaningful Trips always highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.
What is the food like in Italy’s Dolomites?
The food on this trip is amazing as it blends northern Italian with Tyrol (Austrian) influences. Pastas, pizzas, salads, meat dishes await, and, of course, wash it all down with a nice wine. Vegetarians will find many options as well.
STEP 1 – Click ‘Book Now’ and Complete Reservation Form to Hold Your Space(s)
STEP 2 – Mail $500 Deposit via Check.
Reservation is guaranteed upon receipt of a $500 deposit per person. Deposits are held in Trust Account. Deposits are fully refundable for any reason if you cancel your tour 90 days prior to departure. Final Payment is due 90-days prior to departure and payable by Check, ACH electronic bank transfer (no fee), or via credit card (2.9% fee) through our secure WeTravel payment gateway.
Mail Check Deposit to:
Meaningful Trips
1416 NW 46th St
Suite 343
Seattle, WA 98107
Upon reserving a trip and submitting a deposit, each traveler will receive:
- A Confirmation email
- Invoice
- Pre-departure Information
- Trip Application with Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
- Travel Insurance Information
- Packing List
- Medical Form
Terms & Conditions and Liability Release
At the time of Deposit, participants must read and agree to Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions and Liability Release Form. Please read this information carefully.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.