Alta via n.1 hiking traverse, Dolomites
Hike the legendary Alta Via 1 across the Dolomites, from Lago di Braies to the Civetta massif, on this 9-day hut-to-hut adventure. Discover turquoise alpine lakes, dramatic limestone peaks, historic WWI trails, and panoramic passes, all while staying in traditional mountain refuges. A perfect blend of challenge, scenery, and authentic alpine culture.
Dolomite Mountains
9 Days
Jun - Oct
High
Intermediate
Description
The Alta Via 1 is one of the most iconic trekking routes in the Dolomites, crossing breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, and picturesque alpine refuges. This 9-day guided trek takes you through the heart of the Italian Alps, offering a perfect mix of challenging hikes, cultural immersion, and stunning scenery. Designed for moderate-level hikers, the journey includes comfortable overnight stays in mountain huts (rifugi) and showcases the unique beauty of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your adventure begins at the emerald waters of Lago di Braies, widely considered the gateway to the Alta Via 1. From there, you’ll traverse a constantly changing landscape of high plateaus, rugged karst formations, and panoramic ridgelines. Each day brings new scenery: from the wild beauty of Sennes plateau to the historic WWI trails of Lagazuoi, and the towering presence of Civetta’s north face.
Along the way, you’ll stay in authentic mountain refuges, experiencing the warmth of Italian alpine hospitality while enjoying hearty local cuisine. Highlights include summiting Monte Lagazuoi for sweeping Dolomite views, crossing the stunning Passo Giau, and hiking beneath some of the most iconic peaks in the region, including Pelmo, Marmolada, and Civetta.
This itinerary balances challenge and comfort, with well-paced stages, optional summit extensions, and strategic transfers to optimize the experience. Designed for fit hikers with prior trekking experience, it offers a rewarding combination of physical achievement, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion.
The journey concludes with a return to Venice, where you can celebrate your achievement after completing one of the world’s most beautiful hut-to-hut treks.
So are you in for this extraordinary Alta Via N° 1 hiking traverse? Send me a request and we will start planning your trip! I will be happy to be your guide in such an incredible journey.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Price details
- Prices are per person for groups of minimum 5 people and maximum 10. Please feel free to ask about smaller groups and alternative dates.
- PRICE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights in mountain huts (shared rooms)
- Half-board (breakfast & dinner) at huts
- Via ferrata equipment (harness, helmet, carabiners)
- Marmolada cable car descent (Day 7)
- Trip planning and safety management
- NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to Venice. We are happy to manage your booking. Please bear in mind that, in this case, we charge a management Fee of 30 €.
- Lunches: You may purchase a daily picnic at the refuges or opt for a hot meal where available.
- Menu Exclusions: Please note that certain items on the menu are not included.
- Showers: Showers at the refuges are available for an additional fee as required.
- Transport from the airport to Mestre on the first day and from Mestre to the airport on the last day is not included. There are various transport options (10 euros).
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Venice – Transfer to Mestre
- Arrive at Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and take a bus to Mestre (Venice mainland).
- Overnight in Mestre; prepare for the trek.
Day 2: Transfer to the Dolomites – Lago di Braies to Rifugio Sennes
- Distance: 11 km | Ascent: +800m | Descent: -300m | Time: 5h
- Scenic start at Lago di Braies, a turquoise alpine lake.
- Steady climb through karst landscapes to Rifugio Sennes, with views of Croda Rossa and Monte Cristallo.
- Optional: Extra hike to Croda del Beco (+420m, 2h).
Day 3: Rifugio Sennes to Rifugio Angelo Dibona
- Distance: 22 km | Ascent: +1,200m | Descent: -1,560m | Time: 9h
- Long but rewarding day: descend to Pederù, then ascend through Val di Funes.
- Traverse karst plateaus and WWI trails, ending with a transfer to Rifugio Dibona.
Day 4: Rifugio Dibona to Rifugio Cinque Torri
- Distance: 13 km | Ascent: +985m | Descent: -840m | Time: 6h
- Summit Monte Lagazuoi for panoramic views of Marmolada, Pelmo, and Civetta.
- Descend via cable car (or hike) to Passo Falzarego, then hike to Cinque Torri, a WWI historic site.
Day 5: Rifugio Cinque Torri to Rifugio Aquileia
- Distance: 17 km | Ascent: +573m | Descent: -1,100m | Time: 7h
- Cross Passo Giau, gateway to the Pelmo and Civetta massifs.
- Gentle ridges lead to Rifugio Città di Fiume at the base of Monte Pelmo.
Day 6: Rifugio Aquileia to Rifugio Tissi
- Distance: 16.5 km | Ascent: +1,250m | Descent: -610m | Time: 6h
- Hike beneath Civetta’s north face, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic walls.
- Refresh in Lago Coldai (optional swim!) before sunset at Rifugio Tissi.
Day 7: Rifugio Tissi to Rifugio Bruto Carestiato
- Distance: 15 km | Ascent: +800m | Descent: -1,220m | Time: 7h
- Circuit around Civetta, descending through meadows and forests.
- Overnight at Rifugio Bruto Carestiato, near the Moiazza Sud peak.
Day 8: Rifugio Bruto Carestiato to Zoldo Valley – Return to Mestre
- Distance: 17 km | Ascent: +640m | Descent: -1,250m | Time: 7h
- Final trek through Belluno Dolomites to Passo Durán.
- Shortcut option: Hike along San Sebastiano Ridge to reduce distance.
- Evening transfer to Mestre; celebrate in Venice!
Day 9: Departure from Venice
Transfer to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) for flights home.
Details
Accommodation
Shared rooms in mountain huts (dorm-style) Best season: June to September (optimal weather conditions)
More info
- Luggage: Pack light (max 10 kg for transfers).
- Weather: Variable in the Alps—bring layered clothing.
- Booking: Reserve early—huts fill quickly in peak season.
FAQs
Can I join a group?
You are welcome to join an existing group. Please find the group size requirements below:
- Minimum: 5 climbers (required for guaranteed departure)
- Maximum: 10 climbers
If we have not yet reached the minimum of 5 participants when you make your reservation, we will contact you once the requirement is met to finalize your payment.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Muntania
Languages
English | Spanish
Certificates
AEGM
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
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