Although not exceptionally high (the highest peak is Marmolada at 3342m), the Dolomites are amongst the most striking of all European mountains. They are coloured in weathered hues of rose, yellow, white and grey and rise in steep spires of fantastic form. Below lie bright green meadows alive with wild flowers all summer. Walking in the lower valleys, you will come across orchards, vineyards and a chequerboard of cultivated fields. There is plenty of history here for walkers & cyclists to take in. The Dolomites region was heavily fought over in WWI - in fact the fighting even changed the shape of some of the mountains. Nowadays, in more peaceful circumstances, we can enjoy beautiful treks in this region of limestone teeth on a carefully selected number of Dolomites hikes.

The Dolomites are like no other mountains in Europe and are famed for their soaring limestone towers. They consist of thick layers of the mineral ‘Dolomite’, akin to limestone, originally deposited on the floor of an ancient sea. The Dolomite peaks are gigantic, chiselled monuments to the powerful forces of glacial erosion. Continuous sheer cliffs flank most of the peaks.

The Dolomites region is also renowned for being on a cultural divide, Italian, but perhaps also Austrian. Now it is partially a semi-autonomous region of Tirol, known as the Alto Adige. There are also 40,000 Ladins, an ethnic group, speaking an older cruder Latin language. They have their own steeped traditions and woodlore. Although Cortina has an Italian feel, other towns are a bit different, and in more Ladino towns you will find buildings with painted facias and complicated carved wood working: towns such as Campitello fit into this category.

This beautiful region of the Italian Dolomites is not the easiest place to travel to but the spectacular scenery is well worth the extra effort required. Cortina is a popular base in the Dolomites because it is accessible by public transport as opposed to many towns in the Dolomites. Bolzano, further to the north, is another popular base for walkers and cyclists.

Take in the wonderful variety of terrain and the gorgeous scenery on our Dolomites walks, either self guided or in small groups.

Read More
 

Find your Dolomites trip

Dolomites highlights

 

Why travel with us

Local Knowledge of the Dolomites

Our team have been walking and cycling in the Dolomites for over 4 decades. We are passionate about the unique variety that this region of Italy offers, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK & Europe and bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.

Great Value & Quality Holidays in the Dolomites

Our active holidays in the Italian Dolomites are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. When you book, your trip in the Dolomites will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your active holiday in the Dolomites.

Local Knowledge of the Dolomites

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries in the Dolomites to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers expect.

Accommodation

Charming local hotels

We use a range of 2-3 star hotels, often family run. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.

Bed & Breakfasts

Simple yet rich in local character, the B&B’s chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.

Gite hostel / Refuge

Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunk beds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms maybe available (note that private gite rooms still use shared bathrooms).

Trip reviews

Videos

Discover the Dolomites with Walkers' Britain & Europe

Essential information

Currency

Euro

International Dialing Code

+39

Electricity

Electricity in Italy is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.