Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Price – £950
This magnificent trek is a complete and dramatic circuit of one of alpine Europe’s prettiest valleys, using spectacularly located huts (rifugios) and taking in the peaks and trails of the Puez Odle and Fanes Natural Parks. It also includes the option of exploring the recently-restored tunnels within Monte Lagazuoi, a labyrinth of passageways from the Great War, some of which lead to precarious observation posts overlooking an inspirational mountain landscape that is now a fascinating open-air WWI museum.
Arrive on the day of your choice between 25 Jun to 15 Sep
7 Nights
Moderate / Hard
4 to 5 hours per day
Based on 3kmph – excludes time taken for rests or lunch.
769m to 1435m per day
630m to 1390m per day
£950
All Hut Bookings
half-board (breakfast and dinner included)
Holiday Pack with Route Notes, Maps & more…
Waterproof route notes and maps sent prior to your departure
Plus packing suggestions and lots more detail
Return Airport Transfers
from Venice Marco Polo or Venice Treviso (Private available for a supplement)
B&B Accommodation
in Corvara on your first and last night.
Flights & Insurance
Chairlifts, Cable Cars & Buses – allow approx €10 or €20 per person if you use Santa Croce Lift on Day 2
Drinks, Snacks & Packed Lunches
It’s fine to leave unwanted bags or rucksacks with us while you do your Hut to Hut tour.
Free Airport Transfers to Alta Badia from Venice or Treviso
Saturdays & Wednesdays only.
Private transfers available on any day for a £100pp supplement return (min 2 people)
Or arrive in the Alta Badia independently
See Other Info tab above
In uncertain times, booking with financial peace of mind is essential – as members of ABTA, our walkers have been doing this for over 23 years. In addition, our booking conditions are now more flexible than ever:
In Corvara & Badia, we believe we are at the heart of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful mountains. Over the years it has been a genuine pleasure to watch the reaction of our guests as they arrive and are awe-struck by their surroundings. The close harmony of startling and monumental rock formations with the enchanting alpine valley landscapes of wildflower-strewn pastures and picturesque Tyrolean villages is as enchanting as it is staggering.
With their explosive shapes and unique colours, the Dolomites are the crown jewels of the Alps. At every turn you are stopped in your tracks by their sheer magnificence. We know you will share our appreciation of this natural splendour. It is a paradise for walkers, flower enthusiasts, artists, photographers, Via Ferrata and alpine enthusiasts or anyone seeking out the tranquillity of an idyllic alpine retreat.
The unspoilt Tyrolean villages bewitch you on a human scale with wooden chalets in a landscape of wildflower-strewn pastures, while the colossal natural monuments, which are the Dolomites, tower above you; castles of rock, which soar to the sky as if frozen in mid-explosion.
The Dolomites lie in Italy’s northernmost region, the Trentino/South Tyrol, which borders Austria and Switzerland to the north. To the south are the alluring historical cities of Venice and Verona. Geologists believe they were heaved up by great movements in the earth’s crust 50 million years ago when Europe and Africa collided. Since then the actions of ice and water have carved them into overwhelming sculptural forms. More recently history has shaped the area. After WWI, the area passed from Austria to Italy. Mussolini failed to Italianise the region and the area now thrives on the harmonious co-existence of the Austrian and Italian cultures in a region where Latin meets Germanic.
Add to these cultures, the influence of a modern mountain-dwelling community with an enlightened, yet conservative approach to tourism and the result is a unique atmosphere of character and charm in a place, where there is lots to see and do.
The Alta Badia in the central Dolomites is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, acquiring UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009. The valley wends its way below majestic peaks to Monte Sella (3152m), a glorious and colossal plinth of unique rock formations which loom large over exquisite picture-postcard alpine landscapes. The valley is home to our chalet hotels, luxury hotels and self-catering apartments. We are in the villages of Corvara and Badia, both boasting superb access to numerous walks of all grades, as well as Via Ferrata and a host of locally-supplied alpine activities and places of interest. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll soon be glad you came.
Both Corvara & Badia have stunning backdrops that will absorb you for hours. The west-facing massifs glow rose pink at sunset, as if on fire. This mystical phenomenon is the Enrosadira and it is especially ablaze in September. People gaze in awe from the valleys, which by contrast are a gentle and pastoral tapestry of wildflower meadows, woodland and sleepy hamlets, where the window boxes of old farmhouses overflow with colour.
Don’t agonise whether to stay in Corvara or Badia. The Natural Parks into which you will venture are easily accessed from both villages, which are linked by a riverside track and other woodland trails. Both villages provide a labyrinth of hiking options at all levels, with mesmerising views, profuse flora and fauna, charming woodland and, depending on how high you go, some high level drama that will stay with you forever. This place might be idyllic and enchanting on one level, but if you choose our high level treks, be prepared for jaw-dropping experiences in the rocky reaches of the Puez Odle and Fanes National Parks, both of which spectacularly dominate the Alta Badia.
Corvara is the principal village of the Alta Badia and has two gondolas, one to the Pralongià Plateau at 1980m for easier and moderate walks, the other to the eastern turrets of the Sella at 2152m for dramatic high level walks and some Via Ferrata. It is an unrivalled location for walking holidaymakers, offering a variety of shops – some quite stylish – cafés, restaurants, pizzerias and many sports facilities too, including skating, a swimming lake, climbing wall, golf, tennis, archery etc.
Badia is just down the road, an authentic alpine gem with a chairlift that provides walkers with the most idyllic ascent out of the village over flower meadows to a truly beautiful launchpad for moderate and high level hikes that all unfold under one of alpine Europe’s most dramatic massifs. Badia is not as big as Corvara, but it has all the essential amenities, including a few shops, cafés and bars.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Travel to the Dolomites – Airport transfer from Venice Marco Polo (3pm) or Venice Treviso (3:30pm) three days each week. Sat/Tues/Thurs.
Overnight Accommodation – Guesthouse or chalet in Corvara on a B&B basis.
Route Statistics – 10.8km, 1435m ascent, 731m descent
The Route – The main focus of day one is the iconic peak of Sassongher which dominates the view from Corvara and provides a superb vantage point from which to orientate yourself with the Alta Badia. A narrow switchback path leads up the steep flanks of the peak to a small saddle, from where the final section to the summit involves some easy scrambling in quite exposed positions, aided by the use of metal cables. From the summit, descend the section of scrambling to the saddle again before a superb terraced path leads to the tranquil Rifugio Gardenacia, giving superb views across the valley to the Fanes Massif.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Gardenacia
Route Statistics – 12.9km, 955m ascent, 950m descent
The Route – Crossing the valley from the Puez-Odle to the Fanes Massif begins with a descent, which is steep in
places, into the village of La Villa. Here you will find plenty of opportunities to stop for a mid-morning coffee before striking out up the eastern side of the valley to San Cassiano and onwards along beautiful woodland paths to the Santa Croce Rifugio and Chapel. This walk gives a real taste of the pretty villages which dwell in the bottom of this beautiful valley. The rifugio is the most basic on the itinerary and whilst food is hearty and tasty there is normally not a great deal of choice. However, this is more than made up for by the position of the rifugio from where you can watch the sun set on the huge face of the Santa Croce which towers above. There is also the option to make the day shorter, and reduce the ascent, by using the lifts from Badia which finish only 300m from the rifugio – not included in the price.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Santa Croce
Route Statistics – 12km, 1188m ascent, 1150m descent
The Route – Leave Rifugio Santa Croce via a meandering path which takes in unspoilt meadows and tranquil forests before ascending to a high col, from where the whole of the Fanes Massif opens out before you. From here, a steady descent leads down to the small, sheltered meadows of Munt de Pices Fanes which have long been used for grazing cattle and are now home to Rifugio Lavarella. The walk involves some quite steep and airy sections of path on loose, rocky terrain on approach to the col and in descent down the far side, however, no scrambling is required.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Lavarella
Route Statistics – 15km, 1314m ascent, 630m descent
The Route – Much of the day follows the well-known Alta Via 1 which crosses the Dolomites from north to south through impressive high mountain scenery. After a short initial climb you are rewarded with a gently undulating path in a superb setting with high peaks all around, before a descent leads into the valley in preparation for a long climb in the afternoon to Rifugio Lagazuoi, which gives what is certainly one of the best 360 views of the Dolomites. Along the way help is at hand in the shape of two well-positioned rifugios which make ideal places for a late morning coffee and then a good hearty lunch. Rifugio Lagazuoi gives a superb vantage point for keen photographers or those who just wish to soak up the view with a beer in hand. The ascent to the rifugio is sustained and it is worth allowing plenty of time so as not to have to rush this part of the day
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Lagazuoi
Route Statistics – Rest Day or Other Walking Options
The Route – Options abound for day five of your itinerary. Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful sun terrace of Rifugio Lagazuoi with a good book and Rifugio lunch, or perhaps borrow a torch from the rifugio and explore the Lagazuoi Tunnels, an intricate and extensive network of tunnels used by the Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops during WW1 – allow at least 2 hours for a descent then perhaps return by cable car. For those looking for more walking, try the circular route to Rifugio Nuvolau (the oldest in the Dolomites) – walking time 4½ hours, 470m ascent and descent; or complete a circuit of one of the Dolomites most impressive peaks; Tofana de Rozes, walking time 6 hours, 1270m ascent and descent.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Lagazuoi
Route Statistics – 14.8km, 769m ascent, 1390m descent
The Route – Descend from Rifugio Lagazuoi using the cable car, or walk if you are feeling fit, to Passo Falzarego.
From here the route takes you along the southern flank of the Setsas range through intermittent woodland, small meadows and boulder fields, before crossing the open meadows of the Pralongia Plateau which gives views of each of the areas covered already by the earlier stages of the itinerary. An indistinct ridge line runs across the plateau and is followed for as long as possible, before a descent on wide tracks leads back into Corvara. More well placed rifugios make for ideal lunch stops and are an superb way to end this Grand Tour of the Alta Badia.
Overnight Accommodation – Guesthouse or chalet in Corvara on a B&B basis.
Transfer from Alta Badia – Your transfer time will be confirmed to you in advance of your holiday. It is unlikely to stop before reaching Treviso, or Marco Polo airport. To avoid any necessary delays for yourselves, or other guests on the transfer, please make sure you are ready a few minutes before the scheduled transfer pick-up time. The driver will contact you on the number provided during the booking if there are any delays en route to collect you.
Download Factsheet
The Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – Factsheet
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
General & Essential Holiday Information – including Travel
Terrain – This route uses waymarked and signposted routes only, providing mostly straightforward navigation. Trails vary from well-trodden woodland paths to steeper paths on looser, rocky terrain. Certain sections of the route may be considered exposed by some people. Naturally, in the high mountains a certain level of hiking experience, surefootedness, a good head for heights and a good level of fitness are essential. Also, in early season on higher terrain you might have to cross patches of snow.
Accommodation – the itinerary is based on half-board, dormitory-style accommodation in the huts (rifugios). Your first and last night will be spent in a Collett’s base in the Alta Badia (Corvara or Badia) on a B&B basis, either in one of our own chalet hotels or in a nearby village guest house used by us on a regular basis. Private rooms are available in most huts at a supplement of £20 per person, subject to availability, so please request at the time of booking, not afterwards!
Lunch – packed lunches can be purchased at all accommodations along the trek, except on your first day, when you can buy supplies locally in Corvara before you set off.
Breakfast & Dinner – Breakfasts are generous and usually buffet-style and you will definitely leave the hut feeling refuelled. Dinner is ordered from a set menu, usually with at least 2 choices for each course. Expect hearty and typically local cuisine, ideal for days out on the mountain. For vegetarians and other dietary needs, there will be less choice and variation, but every year it gets better.
Your options are as follows – as always, please contact us if you have any questions.
Free Transfers – are available from Venice Marco Polo airport at 1500 every Sat & Wed. Journey Time – 3hrs. Private transfers are available any day, for a £100pp supplement return (min. 2 people)
Arrive independently? – we can provide free parking if you fly-drive or self-drive from home.
Rail – Brunico station is our nearest, a 40 minute bus ride from the Alta Badia.
Bus – visit Cortina Express for services from Venice to Corvara via Cortina.
Homebound Transfers – do not book a flight home that takes off before 11am. We will not get you to the airport in time! (Private transfers can be arrange for any time)
Final Day – be prepared for an early start. If someone has a flight home at 11.15am, all transferees will have to leave the Dolomites at 6.15am.
Shorter Tours – on our 2 night tours, airport transfers cost £80 per person return.
Extend your stay? – if you would like to add a few days before or after your Hut to Hut tour as part of a Collett’s centre-based walking holiday in the Dolomites, simply let us know and we can help you arrange this.
Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – We recommend you buy a good insurance package at the time of booking (or certainly prior to purchasing flights or booking ferries etc.), so that you are covered in the unlikely event of you having to cancel for an ‘insurable’ reason. For more information on Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – Click here
At Your Own Risk – please read important notes below entitled – At Your Own Risk
General Information – Queries relating to passports or visas should be directed to the Italian embassy on 0207 7312 2200 or www.amblondra.esteri.it
For general information on healthcare whilst travelling, visit www.bit.ly/HealthcareAbroad
For pre-travel information visit www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Or use the ABTA information line on 020 3117 0599 or visit www.abta.com
All self-guided holidays are enjoyed entirely at your own risk and it is important that you understand that whilst the route notes are accurate at the time of writing, the situation on the ground may change and this itinerary relies on your sound judgement and decision making throughout. Our self-guided itineraries have been organised so that you might enjoy a route and associated accommodation you may not otherwise have discovered having organised the itinerary yourself. It represents nothing more than the opportunity to go out on a series of beautiful walks in wonderful walking areas, with the support of knowing that many of the logistics have been arranged for you. It is a fact that hill and mountain walking can and is associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such areas, you are exposing yourself and your party to the possibility of personal injury or even death. In such an event, Collett’s Limited trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in the outdoors and your involvement in walking, which can occasionally have tragic consequences. The information provided uses only marked paths which are in use at the time of writing, however, it is your responsibility to continually assess the suitability and safety of the route throughout the walk and to undertake any action necessary to avoid any terrain which each or any member of the group is not comfortable with. The route choice also assumes an ability to read maps and navigate competently. It is the responsibility of each individual in the group to make an assessment of the information provided, and to make an informed decision about whether the itinerary is suitable for them. Finally, during your village to village holiday organised by Collett’s Mountain Holidays you act at your own risk on any ideas, information and opinions included in any material prepared by us or on our behalf to help you get the most from the area.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Here is a list of all our Hut to Hut tours in the Dolomites.
June, July, late August & September represent the quieter periods. Contact us with your chosen route and dates, and we’ll do the rest. Once confirmed, you can then book your travel, relax and look forward to your holiday. The earlier you book, the quicker we can confirm!
Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – Moderate/Hard – £950
A complete and dramatic circuit of the Alta Badia, taking in the peaks and trails of the Puez Odle and Fanes Natural Parks and incorporating the tunnels of Lagazuoi and much more besides.
Central Dolomites & Sella Grand Tour – Easier Moderate, Moderate or Hard – £950
A classic route of mind-boggling scenery, taking in Pralongia Plateau, Val di Fassa, Rosengarten group, Alpi de Siusi, Val Gardena and Puez-Odle Natural Park. A mix of huts and village accommodation.
Pelmo, Civetta & the Southern Dolomites – Moderate/Hard – £950
A bit quieter and more off the beaten track. Highly dramatic treks under the imposing faces of two stunning Dolomites giants, Pelmo (3168m) and Civetta (3220m).
Tre Cime, Cortina & Ampezzo Dolomites – Hard – £950
This challenging route rewards you with awe-inspiring views of some true Dolomites classics, notably the staggering north faces of the celebrated Tre Cime and the iconic Lago Sorapis.
Cortina & the Northern Dolomites – Hard – £950
Wild, adventurous and spectacular, this tour takes in Cinque Torre, the Tofana group, a night in Cortina, the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, part of the renowned Alta Via and home via the Fanes massif.
These short tours especially suit people who would like to add some extra excitement to the start or end of a Classic Collett’s walking holiday in the Dolomites.
They start and end with a night in Corvara, from where our centre-based walking holidays operate. A 2 night trek is therefore a minimum of 4 nights in total, whilst a 3 night trek is a minimum of 5 nights. As ever, please do not book any travel until we have confirmed your itinerary. In effect, they are taster versions of the 7 day tours above.
Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – 2 Nights – Moderate – £215
Cortina and the Northern Dolomites – 2 Night Hard – £250
Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – 3 Night Moderate/Hard – £315
Cortina and the Northern Dolomites – 3 Night Hard – £365
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
The fact that I keep coming back to Haus Valentin shows how much I enjoy my holidays there.
Because it is a relatively small family run guesthouse there is a feeling of intimacy and friendliness that would not be possible in a hotel. The food is excellent and necessarily plentiful for hungry walkers.
Above all it is the enthusi(Read more...)
The staff were great and all worked hard to ensure the customers had a great time. Max, John and Becky all stood out as people I’d happily recommend.
Excellent - we had a great time and so appreciated the care and attention of the staff and the great information for our hiking. Collett's have a variety of options for hiking daily and knowledge of the area!
We stayed in both a hosted chalet in Badia before our hut to hut and in a hotel following in Corvara - the above rating apply (Read more...)
Thank you for a great holiday. The transfer from the airport was friendly and efficient, enabling four strangers to bond immediately and form a friendship grouping that lasted the whole week. A great welcome at the bar - such friendly staff and a much appreciated complimentary beer. The walks were all very well organised and led, wit(Read more...)
This is my second visit to Collett’s in Italy. First time with the missis, second with my mate, both times I’ve had a great time. The staff are always helpful, there is a joint interest with all the customers so there’s very much a family type atmosphere, the food and accommodation has been great and the office hour is great for hints(Read more...)
A week with Collett's in the Dolomites staying at Haus Valentin. Well organised, friendly and well priced. What’s not to like. 3rd time with Collett's and absolutely no reason we won’t use them again.
This was our second year at Pension Angelo and once again we throughly enjoyed ourselves. It is stunning area with plenty of varied routes. This year we didn't do Colletts-arranged scheduled walks but organised the days ourselves. Nevertheless the team were very helpful in advising us and helping us sort out our days. We can't praise (Read more...)
Friendly and helpful staff when first called. Reasonable prices and good/flexible walking itinerary. Receieved a very warm and friendly welcome from a great group of Collett's staff - very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a very enjoyable holiday. Your staff at in Corvara were excellent
We enjoyed our holiday thank you. The social aspects of our holiday were unexpectedly good.
We met a wide variety of very nice people in both Haus Valentin and Chalet Angelo and the communal tables (and plenty of wine) made for very convivial evenings.
We love the dedication by all your staff helping us through the detail of walks and alternatives. Huge thank you Max, Adele, Henry, Helen, Ben, Kate. Thank you everyone - just fab, so friendly and dedicated.
Our 2nd holiday with you, so good last time! Keep up the great work!
Googled walking holidays and found you! The great thing about this holiday was it enabled us to do more challenging walks than we would have done if we had been organising walks ourselves and this was extremely enjoyable and satisfying. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and stunning scenery.
I was with a group and Collett's was discovered by one of our members. We all liked staying in one chalet and hiking out form there as well as having a variety of levels of difficulty to choose from.
The young staff at Haus Valentin was most excellent. They were fun, friendly, prepared, on time, knowledgeable and able to converse eas(Read more...)
The staff were fantastic, with a special mention for Max, Helen and Adele, all of whom were great guides and wonderful company. Previous customer having had excellent experience in the past!
Great value. I was doing self guided. I didn’t feel like I needed to pay a ton to know which trails to take!
I have a great track record with Collett's - I've always had excellent holidays with Collett's.
We joined a hiking group in Victoria, BC, Canada early in 2019. Twice heard folks on the trail talking about Collett's in very positive terms. The second time the people were talking about how they were going to the Dolomites walking with Collett's. The style of the tour, with the choice of going on walks or on our own, with office ho(Read more...)
We would especially like to thank the guides and Ali and Alex who were organizing all details from Haus Valentin. Each one of the guides was friendly, fun, knowledgeable, and amazingly talented. Their experience in the mountains and with the local culture made the trip and each hike a success.
Collett's Mountain Holidays gave the int(Read more...)
Once again we have had a great holiday in the Dolomites staying At Chalet Angelo. You really have a great team all of whom go out of their way to ensure each person has a great holiday. The food was outstanding and office hour a great oportunity to meet other guests. With a great range of walks on offer I took advantage and walked alm(Read more...)
Me and my two sons had the best five days ever in the Dolomites, The organization was spot on , punctual and helpful. We stayed at Chalet Roch in Corvara , very clean and comfortable. The only thing we missed was the tea/ coffee making facilities in the room, that would have been great after a long wet walk! That’s only a minor point(Read more...)
We booked a 2 night, 3 day 'difficult' hut-to-hut trek with Collett's and had a great time. The whole trip was well orgnaised and we loved the rifugios. Materials (maps, FAQs, etc) were provided well in advance.
Everything about my Collett's holiday was incredible... from the service level I got when booking my trip by phone, to the quality of the chalet and food, and most of all the people who work there... who were all utterly fantastic.
I was recommended to Collett's by another hiking company, who said they are the best... and best-priced(Read more...)
We had a fantastic week with Collett’s in Chalet Angelo. The staff were really helpful (Max in particular) and the food was super (Tom). The accommodation was lovely and the views across the valley from the balcony each evening were amazing.
We had great weather and managed to get out and climb 5 via ferrata during our week, including(Read more...)
I was part of a group of a recent 10 day walking holiday in Corvara. Via Ferrata was a "taster" for me and a thrilling experience. I would thoroughly recommend this holiday:)
The weather was great in August 2019. Collett's staff were excellent. They were very friendly, mature, experienced and well-equipped with people's & communicatio(Read more...)
This was an excellent trip and coming back to work has been really tough this week however we do have several hundred pictures to edit and look back on! Everything went really smoothly your maps were clear and the Rifugios excellent although as a non meat eater I may well have consumed my body weight in cheese in various forms! Thanks(Read more...)
Office Hour is a great idea - informative and fun. The most amazing thing about Collett's is what a remarkable group of truly exceptional young people you employ. They couldn't have been more friendly, helpful or obliging, and they were intelligent and fun as well.
Another brilliant Collett's Walking Holiday - we have done skiing several times and this is our second walking holiday.
The package hasn't changed over the 18 years we have been customers. There is NO selling of 'extras' in resort unlike other operators.
The operation is slick
The OUTSTANDING feature is the young people (and one or (Read more...)
The level of information provide before booking was outstanding and it was clear that the company really knew what it was doing. As the only vegetarian staying at the Chalet I was very well catered for by the chefs who provided some lovely vegetarian alternatives for me.
I will be returning for another holiday
Amazing views, amazing walks, amazing team (Tom, Max, Becky, Alex, John, Caroline, Ali and everyone else involved were awesome). From the moment I arrived to the moment I left the team made me feel so at home and loved it (best holiday I have had in a very long time) nothing was too much trouble and even after very long days the guys were brill...
My daughter and I had a great time. The scenery and wildflowers were wonderful. Length and difficulty of the hikes was just right. I am recommending to friends.
This was our second holiday with Collett's to Corvara. This time there were 3 generations of our family. The booking system was easy and we sought advice from your office in helping to decide what accommodation would suit us best. The youngest at 8 and 3 enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere in the chalet. We gave feedback on the activities(Read more...)