Grand Tour of the Alta Badia Hut-to-Hut Walking Holiday

Travel information

Travel to the Dolomites. We recommend flying to Venice Marco Polo Airport and joining our scheduled airport transfer, which is included and departs at 1400 prompt on Saturdays & Wednesdays.

3* Hotel, Arabba (half-board)

Your holiday begins with an overnight stay in the welcoming mountain village of Arabba, perfectly placed at the crossroads of several classic Dolomite valleys. Surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks, Arabba has a purposeful alpine feel, with walking trails and mountain passes radiating in all directions. Accommodation is in a comfortable, well-run local hotel such as Hotel Malita or Hotel Evaldo, offering traditional hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere. Evenings are a chance to enjoy hearty regional cuisine and a well-earned drink, while breakfasts provide a generous and nourishing start before setting out on your hut-to-hut adventure.

Walk information

Rifugio Gardenacia (half-board)

Rifugio Gardenacia occupies a superb position on the Gardenaccia plateau at around 2,050 metres, surrounded by wide-open mountain scenery and far-reaching views across Alta Badia towards the Fanes massif and the towering Sassongher. The setting feels peaceful and spacious, with long horizons and a true sense of being high in the Dolomites. Accommodation is traditional and alpine in style, offering simple comfort and a warm welcome after a demanding first day on the trail. Dinner is a sociable highlight, with generous Ladin-inspired mountain dishes, while breakfast provides a hearty and reliable start for the walking ahead.

Walk information

Rifugio Santa Croce (half-board)

Rifugio Santa Croce sits in a striking alpine setting just below the towering cliffs of the Santa Croce group, with dramatic views of rock walls and ridges that define this iconic corner of the Dolomites. Its traditional mountain architecture and warm interiors offer genuine rifugio charm, with comfortable private rooms that provide welcome rest after a full day’s walk. On half-board you’ll enjoy hearty, well-prepared dinners celebrating regional mountain cuisine, and replenishing breakfasts to set you up for the trail ahead. Evenings here are peaceful, with the glow of sunset often illuminating the surrounding peaks.

Walk information

Leaving Rifugio Santa Croce, the route begins gently, winding through tranquil woodland and flower-rich high meadows. As the path climbs, the landscape opens dramatically, revealing the vast limestone amphitheatre of the Fanes massif. The ascent to the high point is steep and exposed in places, with loose scree and rocky sections underfoot, though no scrambling is required. From here, wide-open views accompany a steady descent into the sheltered alpine pastures of Munt de Pices Fanes, where Rifugio Lavarella comes into view — a rewarding end to a spectacular mountain day.

Rifugio Lavarella (half-board)

Rifugio Lavarella sits high above the Fanes meadows with commanding views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks, creating a truly alpine atmosphere. Its traditional mountain lodge character combines with warm hospitality and simple, comfortable private rooms — an inviting base to rest after a day on the trail. Evenings here are about authentic mountain fare: wholesome, well-balanced half-board dinners featuring local ingredients and regional flavours, followed by a nourishing breakfast to prepare you for the next section of your journey. The setting’s quiet beauty and high-alpine panoramas make Lavarella a memorable stop on any hut-to-hut traverse.

Walk information

Today’s route unfolds in two distinct stages. You begin on the famed Alta Via 1, traversing open high-level paths with dramatic Dolomite peaks rising on all sides. A short climb eases into gentler terrain before a steep, occasionally exposed descent drops to a striking mountain lake. After a restorative pause at one of two perfectly placed rifugios, a long, steady afternoon ascent leads through a spectacular valley to Rifugio Lagazuoi. Perched high above the landscape, its vast panoramas make this an unforgettable place to end a superb day on the trail.

Rifugio Lagazuoi (half-board)

Rifugio Lagazuoi is spectacularly perched high above the Falzarego Pass, commanding one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the entire Dolomites. From its lofty position, vast panoramas unfold across the Fanes Group, Tofane and Marmolada, with sunset and sunrise both unforgettable. Accommodation is in comfortable, well-kept dormitory rooms, offering a true high-mountain refuge atmosphere after a rewarding day on the trail. Evenings are sociable and welcoming, centred around a hearty half-board dinner of classic alpine and Italian dishes, followed by a simple but nourishing breakfast to fuel the next stage of your journey.

Walk information

This day of the itinerary offers welcome flexibility. You may choose to unwind at Rifugio Lagazuoi, soaking up the vast views from its panoramic sun terrace with a book and a traditional mountain lunch. Alternatively, borrow a torch and explore the fascinating Lagazuoi Tunnels, an extensive First World War network carved deep into the mountain by Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. For those keen to keep walking, a superb circular hike leads to Rifugio Nuvolau, the oldest hut in the Dolomites, offering classic high-mountain scenery (approx. 4½ hours, 470m ascent and descent).

Rifugio Lagazuoi (half-board)

Tonights accommodation will be a second night at the Rifugio Lagazuoi in a dorm room, and again on a half-board basis.

Walk information

Day 7 begins with a descent from Rifugio Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego, tracing the southern slopes of the Setsas range. The trail alternates between shaded woodland, flower-filled meadows, and dramatic boulder fields before opening onto the wide Pralongia plateau, a natural vantage point with sweeping views of the Dolomites. From here, walkers may descend toward Arabba or Corvara (with regular buses to Arabba), stopping for lunch at one of the welcoming rifugios along the route. This is a perfect final day to reflect on a week of alpine adventure amid unforgettable scenery.

3* Hotel, Arabba (half-board)

You return to Arabba for your final night, staying once again in a friendly local hotel similar to that used on Day 1. After a memorable week high in the mountains, this comfortable base offers the perfect place to relax, enjoy a celebratory dinner, and reflect on the outstanding walking, rifugios, and scenery of the Dolomites before your journey home.

Travel information

If you depart on a Saturday or Wednesday, you are likely to have booked a Collett’s transfer back to Venice Marco Polo, which is included in the cost of your holiday. Otherwise, independent onward travel.