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Classic Dolomites Hikes - Premium Adventure

Name: Classic Dolomites Hikes - Premium Adventure
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (27 reviews)

27 reviews

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Trek among the unmistakably jagged peaks of the Italian Dolomites with an International Mountain Leader

Dramatic, imposing, unforgettable: the Dolomites rival any mountain range on Earth for natural beauty. Join an International Mountain Leader to walk through the national parks of Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto, trekking among the jagged peaks and gazing over the extraordinary three spires of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We stay in the traditional village of Villabassa, where spectacular scenery meets a fiercely proud Tyrolean heritage. That’s encapsulated by our home for the week: Hotel Adler, with a wonderful spa and renowned fine-dining restaurant within its 400-year-old walls.

If you want to test yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures. See the Itinerary and Dates & Prices tab for more details.

One of Our Top Recommended Trips for 2026… Here’s Why
Hotel Adler has always been the best in town, but a new partnership with one of the world’s top restaurants, Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler, has really elevated the experience. The three Michelin-starred restaurant now runs masterclasses for Adler’s kitchen team and offers discounts for Adler guests − Garance Chuzel, destination expert

Key Information

Trip Code: TWU2
Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 20kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, one of which will be an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Tips for local staff

Pace:

Six to eight hours walking each day

Terrain:

Rocky terrain, unsuitable for vertigo sufferers
Altitude maximum: Level 3: 8,330ft (2,539m); Level 5: 9,314ft (2,839m); average: 7,546ft (2,300m)

Highlights

Explore the most scenic trails in the Dolomites with an International Mountain Leader
Walk under the mighty Tre Cime di Lavaredo – the icon of the Dolomites
Summit the flat-topped Monte Piana, an open-air First World War museum
Gaze over the mirror-like glacial waters of Lago di Braies
Stay at the 400-year-old Hotel Adler in the Tyrolean village of Villabassa

Itinerary

First Destination: Villabassa
Next Destination: Villabassa

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Villabassa
Next Destination: Villabassa

Start at Hotel Adler in Villabassa. The leader will give a short briefing to give an overview of the week ahead. The hotel is handily located on the village square, so any free time can be spent with a little stroll around, perhaps up past the church or down to the river. Alternatively, why not soak up the atmosphere with a relaxing drink?

Lago di Braies (Level 3 departures)

The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the very pretty, flower-filled Braies Valley. We walk through small villages and farmland until we reach the magnificent Lago di Braies itself, one of the 297 glacial lakes in the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful, surrounded by jagged peaks that are reflected in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the water. We follow the route of SS hostages, the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the second world war by the inhabitants of Villabassa.

Distance: 8mi (13km); ascent: 1,663ft (507m); descent: 521ft (159m) w

Extension to the Malga for coffees 1mi (1.5km); ascent 246ft (75m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Classic Dolomites Hikes – Premium Adventure

Rossalmhütte (Level 5 departures)

Some departures on this trip are at Level 5. On these weeks, the walks completed are slightly different.

We start our walk today from the beautiful Lago di Braies and ascend to Rossalmhütte.

Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,461ft (750m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kreutzberg Pass to Nemes Alm (Level 3 departures)

Today we explore high pastures and ridges along the Austrian border. We walk steadily exploring the meadows under the ridge of Knieberg. We have great views towards the Rotwand and Monte Popera. Later in the afternoon we visit Alpe Nemes hut, a great spot for a drink and a bite of homemade apple strudel.

Distance: 10.25mi (16.5km); ascent: 2,438ft (743m); descent: 2,365ft (721m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kreuzberg Pass to Knieberg (Level 5 departures)

Following a different track to the Level 3 weeks, we aim to summit Knieberg, descending later in the afternoon to Alpe Nemes hut.

Distance: 13mi (21km); ascent: 3,281ft (1,000m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb up towards Strudelkopf (Level 3 departures)

We start at 6,562ft (2,000m) altitude, walking among beautiful wildflowers and ascend to the summit of Strudlekopf (7,579ft/2,310m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon to try the local Kaiserschmarrn speciality. On a clear day, from the summit, we can enjoy views of the Tre Cime, Monte Piana and Monte Cristallo.

Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Durrenstein Summit (Level 5 departures)

Starting at Platzwiese, we walk to the summit of Durrenstein (9,314ft/2,840m), a majestic peak with views all the way to the Austrian Tyrol.

Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,953ft (900m); descent: 2,953ft (900m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A free day to relax in the hotel wellness centre or take a self-guided cycle around this wonderful area. Alternatively, make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to Ötzi, the 5,000-year-old ‘iceman’ whose remarkably well-preserved body was found in 1991 high on a glacier on the Austro-Italian frontier. Or you could journey to the attractive provincial capital of Lienz in Austria; or closer to the cosy town of Brunico.

Meals included:Breakfast

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Level 3 departures)

We enjoy a memorable walk under the Three Chimneys, or Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or Drei Zinnen in German). Set amid one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our walk around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Tonight the restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.

Distance: 6.83mi (11km); ascent: 1,817ft (554m); descent: 1,765ft (538m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Level 5 departures)

Today we complete a beautiful walk near the spectacular Tre Cime di Lavaredo; we then follow the path on the north side of Paternkofel heading to the Comici hut above Fischleintal. Tonight the hotel restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.

Distance: 11.8mi (19km); ascent: 1,969ft (600m); descent: 4,593ft (1,400m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monte Piana (Level 3 departures)

To complete the week, we take the amazing eastern approach route up Monte Piana. After 1,969ft (600m) ascent we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the first world war, where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen among the alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink of the limestone rock.

Distance: 8.5mi (13.7km); ascent: 2,450ft (747m); descent: 2,857ft (871m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monte Piana (Level 5 departures)

Leave from the picturesque Lago d’Antorno and head north in the direction of the Tre Cime to where the valley drops between the Monte di Dentro and Monte Piano, following a babbling stream that cuts down through the open alpine pasture.

As we get to a point due east of Monte Piano, we cross a torrent (usually shallow with stepping stones, but you might get a wet foot!) and make our way up a continuous switchback climb towards the Forcella dei Castrati, enjoying an increasingly spectacular view as we go up.

At the top, we are rewarded with uninterrupted views of the Tre Cime, plus the chance to explore an open-air museum dedicated to the First World War, where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen among the alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink of the limestone rock.

Distance: 9mi (15km); ascent: 2,790ft (850m); descent: 2,135ft (650m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy your final breakfast in Hotel Adler and take the opportunity to reflect on what has been an inspirational escape in the Dolomites. After, it’s time to start your return journey home.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Hotel Adler, a four-star property in Villabassa

Considered the best in town, this four-star retreat has a privileged address on the village square. Rooms are traditional yet stylish and come with Hästens beds, each of which is created with natural materials.

The hotel, which has a Level 1 South Tyrol Sustainability certificate, is run by the Pircher family but began life as the home of nobleman Stefan von Kurz zum Thurn more than 400 years ago. You can see plenty of that heritage throughout the property.

The hub of social living will likely be the bar and fireplace room, where you can sip an aperitivo or perhaps a post-dinner gin and tonic, while enjoying the relaxed hubbub with the group (a local crowd often gathers here too). There’s also a good-sized pool for morning dips and a wellness centre with a sauna, steam room, solarium and small fitness centre.

Hotel Adler has also partnered with one of the world’s top restaurants, Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler. The three Michelin-starred restaurant runs masterclasses for Adler’s kitchen team and offers discounts for Adler’s guests – just a 1hr 15min drive away, it makes for a special treat on your free day.

Room upgrades

For even more comfort, Hotel Adler offers room upgrades for a special price, exclusive to Exodus travellers. There are various room types from which you can choose. Please speak to your sales representative for more details.

Worth knowing

There are a limited number of double rooms for single use available for a supplement.
Hotel Adler does not cater for vegans.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Venice Hotels

A city of shimmering canals, ornate palaces and hidden alleyways. Extra nights in Venice can make your adventure feel even more extraordinary. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

L’Orologio Venezia: Overlooking the Grand Canal in the heart of the San Polo district, this elegant boutique hotel blends modern design with Venetian craftsmanship. With stylish rooms inspired by vintage timepieces and easy access to the Rialto Bridge, it’s a refined base for exploring the city.

Ca’ dei Conti: Just a short stroll from St Mark’s Square, this charming hotel sits within a restored 18th-century palace complete with classic Venetian décor and canal views. Its warm atmosphere and historic setting make it ideal for travellers seeking an authentic taste of old-world Venice.

Carlton on the Grand Canal: Set directly on the Grand Canal just a short walk from Santa Lucia Station, this traditional Venetian hotel offers panoramic rooftop views and richly decorated rooms in classic style. With its convenient location and timeless charm, it’s a comfortable and well-placed choice.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Rob Mason

Dolomites Travel Expert

Introducing Rob A highly experienced mountain professional, Rob has spent more than 20 years guiding in the Alps.

This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate) or Activity Level 5 (Challenging), date dependent. For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Activity Levels: We enjoy walks in the same areas on each trip, but the length and difficulty vary according to the Activity Level of the departure. Please make sure you choose a week that best suits your ability.

Most weeks offer Activity Level 3 (Moderate) walking, where we usually walk between five and seven hours per day. The area we visit is criss-crossed by a network of long-established trails and walking paths, most well-maintained and waymarked. Even so, paths are rocky and on occasion exposed. A reasonable level of fitness is required for these weeks. Maximum altitude for Activity Level 3: 8,330ft (2,539m)
On some weeks, we offer Activity Level 5 (Challenging) walking. On these departures, we usually walk between six and eight hours per day at a steady pace. We use established trails and mountain paths, which are often steep, rocky and more exposed than the Activity Level 3 walks. For these departures, you need to be surefooted and have a good level of fitness. Some fixed equipment (such as holding onto a steel wire or handrail for security) may be encountered. Maximum altitude for Activity Level 5: 9,314ft (2,839m)

Itinerary: The order of the treks and the routes themselves are very likely to change to accommodate both the climatic conditions and the group’s abilities. The mountains are prone to rapid changes in conditions and your expert guides make every effort to maximise your safety and enjoyment.

Required fitness and experience: The rugged, vertical nature of the Dolomites, which gives the area its unparalleled beauty and interest, requires good fitness levels, a comfort with heights (particularly for Activity Level 5 departures) and experience in walking on steep and loose terrain. Due to the terrain on this trip, neither Activity Levels are recommended for vertigo sufferers.

Key information

Start hotel: Piazza Von Kurz 3, Villabassa 39039
Phone: +39 0474 745128
Recommended arrival time: You’re welcome to arrive any time, though rooms are typically ready in the early afternoon and there’s a welcome briefing in the evening
Airport: Venice (VCE)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, take a cab from directly outside the airport or arrange a private transfer through Exodus for approximately €356 (payable before departure). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners, one of which will be an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.

Please note an evening meal is not included on the first night, as flight schedules can mean a later arrival in Villabassa. Sandwiches or snacks are available at the airport.

For breakfast, the hotel offers a large selection of cereals, fruit, cheese and cold meats, (along with tea and coffee).
Five packed lunches are provided by the hotel. Each morning there is a small buffet with items to make your own lunch (eg bread rolls, ham, salad…). In an effort to minimise the use of plastic and single-use items, the hotel provides paper bag and reusable cutlery.

Head chef Hélène Markart is a devotee of old traditional recipes but is not afraid to give them a modern twist. At the heart of her philosophy is a reliance on local produce, from the local farmer to vegetables from the hotel garden. It’s no surprise to learn her prowess has been favourably reported in reputable guides such as Michelin.

There is a set menu for standard evening meals (usually three or four courses), which may include some local specialties such as Speckknodel (a dumpling dish).

Our gourmet dinner will undoubtedly be the culinary highlight, though as keeping things fresh and seasonal is part of the charm, there’s no way to know quite yet what delights may be served.

In the Dolomites (as always in the mountains) the weather is very changeable. In summer, expect rain on one day in two, which is likely to come in short but heavy, thundery bursts. In the valleys, daytime temperatures range from 12C to 22C (54F to 72F), although 25C (77F) is not unusual. In the mountains, it will be slightly colder. There are always patches of snow remaining on the higher peaks in late May and early November, and sometimes due to unpredictable winter weather, this can remain for a little longer. There is always the possibility of snowfall at any time of the season, therefore you need to be ready for anything, so pack shorts as well as warmer clothes; full waterproofs and sunscreen.

He tried hard. He was quiet at time. While we appreciated him allowing us to go at our pace, we worried a bit when he spit us the groups and sent some of us on our own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask for menus in advance and try to get alternative meals prepared. Be prepared to hike longer and longer amounts than described in the trip notes.

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