Hut-to-Hut Walking Holidays

A hut-to-hut walking holiday is where each day you walk from one mountain rifugio (hut) to another following a carefully planned route. You carry your own luggage with you throughout, and enjoy breakfast and evening meals in the mountain rifugios.

The Italian word ‘Rifugio’ means shelter, or in the mountain context, hut. In reality these huts or rifugios boast levels of comfort and service that are sure to surprise you. Some might be more traditional than others, but you can rest assured that your overnight accommodation on a hut-to-hut holiday is more hotel than hut! Expect to eat and drink well in charming surroundings, before a good night’s sleep in a warm bedroom – either dormitory style or private room. Italian rifugios are legendary for their warm hospitality, hearty food and unique locations, often perched high above the valleys with stunning views.

All of our hut-to-hut walking holidays take place in the Italian Dolomites, one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions, renowned for its dramatic scenery, well-maintained trails and excellent network of mountain rifugios.

The majority of nights are spent in traditional Italian mountain rifugios, which are welcoming, characterful huts located high in the mountains. The first and last nights are often spent in hand-picked authentic hotels in the valleys, either on a bed and breakfast or half-board basis.

Yes. Most rifugio stays are on a half-board basis, meaning breakfast and an evening meal are included. Packed lunches can usually be purchased at the rifugios each morning to take with you on your day’s walk. Hotel stays (usually at the start and end of the holiday) are often on a B&B or half board basis. The board basis is available to view in the ‘At a Glance’ section of each of our walking holidays.

Hut-to-hut walking holidays are generally more demanding than centre-based holidays, as the walks are linear and you will need to carry everything you need each day. Routes vary in difficulty, but a good level of fitness, confidence on mountain paths and some previous walking experience are recommended. You can view all of our hut-to-hut walking holidays here, and use the walking grade filter to select moderate or challenging.

Yes. On hut-to-hut holidays, you need to carry all your belongings with you each day. Travelling light is essential. Bed linen is often provided (depending on room type), but items such as towels usually need to be carried with you.

If you’d prefer a point-to-point walking holiday where your luggage is transfered to each hotel for you, take a look at our village-to-village walking holidays.

Accommodation in rifugios can vary. Some offer private or small shared rooms, while others have dormitory-style accommodation. The room type available will depend on the specific rifugio and holiday, although where possible if requested, we always try and book a private room. Exact arrangements are confirmed at time of booking.

• Carefully chosen rifugios and hotels
• Well-designed routes which showcase the best of the Dolomites
• Comprehensive self-guided walk packs
• Decades of experience in mountain walking holidays
• Everything arranged so you can focus on the walking, spectacular scenery and the whole experience.