Italy Hiking with Backcountry: The Dolomites
11 days |
- Group size
- 6–20 travelers
Stunning and endlessly rewarding? Sounds like a Dolomites journey.
Grab a front row seat to the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Italy. Hike the historic trails around Cortina d'Ampezzo, where WWI fortifications mark the region's past, then trace the ridgeline beneath Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three peaks that define the skyline. Conditions can shift fast, from sun to snow to stiff winds, which is exactly why we’ve partnered with Backcountry—two leaders in outdoor adventures teaming up to give you confidence in taking on this landscape. On the Seceda Ridgeline hike, a signature experience curated by Backcountry, where a steep climb rewards you with sweeping vistas. Cross the meadows of Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest alpine plateau, and visit the Messner Mountain Museum atop Kronplatz. At the end of it all, you’ll have experienced the culture, felt the fresh mountain air, and conquered six days of epic hiking in one of the world’s most iconic hiking destinations.
What's included
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private bus for local transfers
- 9 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- Backcountry provided down vest
- An expert Italian Tour Director
- Local licensed guides for select hikes
- Cable car/chairlift/gondola tickets for hikes, when applicable
- Select guided sightseeing tours
- Access to a Backcountry Gearhead pre-departure
Why you'll love it
- Hike to the legendary Seceda Ridgeline with a Backcountry photographer on hand to capture you at the peak
- Explore the Messner Mountain Museum Corones atop Kronplatz—a monument that pairs naturally with Backcountry's mountaineering roots
- Ascend Cinque Torri's rugged trails and explore World War I history as you go
- Circle Tre Cime di Lavaredo for stunning views of the Dolomites’ jagged cliffs
- Eat lunch at a historic farmhouse in Ortisei that was a working farm for centuries
- Experience the allure of Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude meadow
Itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Venice
Your first day and night are spent crossing time zones on your way to Italy. Close your eyes and picture the rugged peaks and serene lakes of the Dolomites — hiking starts sooner than you think.
Cortina d'Ampezzo region3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Venice & travel to Cortina d’Ampezzo region
Included meal: Welcome dinner
The adventure truly begins when you touch down at the Venice airport. From there, a scenic bus ride will take you to your first stop in the Dolomites, the Cortina d’Ampezzo region. Often referred to as simply "Cortina," this northern Italian resort town—host of the 2026 Winter Olympics—will instantly win you over with its striking mountain views and charming historic center.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer 3 hours to your hotel in the Cortina d'Ampezzo region to check in and get settled into your new home for the next few nights.
- Raise a glass of beer or wine while you get to know your fellow hikers and Tour Director during a Welcome Orientation.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner to continue bonding with the group.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Day 3: Cinque Torri hike & Cortina d’Ampezzo walking tour
Included meal: Breakfast
One-part majestic hike, one-part open-air museum—Cinque Torri is calling. Taking a chairlift up to Rifugio Scoiattoli, the trail begins its loop beneath the five towering limestone formations that give this iconic Dolomites landmark its name. But the scenery isn’t the only story here—during World War I, Cinque Torri sat squarely on the front line between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces, and the remarkably preserved trenches, tunnels, and fortifications carved into the rock make for a haunting and fascinating history lesson at altitude. The route continues past Rifugio Averau and climb to Rifugio Nuvolau—the highest point of the day at 7,067 feet—where 360-degree views of the Dolomites unfold in every direction. Back in Cortina d’Ampezzo, your Tour Director will take you on a walking tour of this beloved alpine town.
Cinque Torri Hike
- Physical Intensity: 3 out of 5
- Distance: 6.8 miles
- Elevation change: 2,388 ft gain
- Hike the loop beneath Cinque Torri's five limestone towers — through preserved WWI trenches and fortifications — before climbing to Rifugio Nuvolau at 7,067 feet for 360-degree Dolomites views
- Join your Tour Director for a walking tour of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Walk through Piazza Venezia and admire the 18th-century Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, Cortina’s iconic parish church.
- Browse the shops and galleries lining Cortina's historic center at your own pace
Day 4: Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike & free evening in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Included meal: Breakfast
Your morning begins with a scenic bus ride from your hotel to Rifugio Auronzo—your gateway to one of the most iconic hikes in all of the Alps. A local guide will lead you on a breathtaking circuit around the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo—three towering limestone spires that have come to define the Dolomites skyline. The route winds past alpine chapels, dramatic ridgelines, and panoramic viewpoints, including a visit to the perched Rifugio Locatelli before a steep and thrilling descent through a rocky valley. After completing the circuit, you’ll continue on an out-and-back extension to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint—one of the finest panoramas in the Dolomites. In the evening, you’ll have free time to wander Cortina d’Ampezzo’s elegant streets and grab dinner on your own.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Distance: 7.8 miles
- Elevation change: 2,047 ft gain
- Set out on a guided circuit around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, visiting Rifugio Locatelli at 7,890 feet before the hike's most dramatic descent through a rocky alpine valley
- Continue to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint — one of the finest panoramas in the Dolomites, with the three spires framed against the open sky
- Spend the evening exploring Cortina d'Ampezzo on your own — elegant streets, alpine dining, and some of the finest mountain views in Italy
Ortisei region3 nights
Day 5: Gardena Pass walk, farmhouse lunch & travel to Ortisei region
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Your time in Cortina is up—and you're getting a well-deserved break from hiking today. Next stop is the Ortisei region, which lies within Val Gardena, where you'll spend the next three nights. On your way, you'll stop at the Gardena Pass for a scenic descent through high alpine terrain. From the Meisules parking area, the trail drops through open meadows and karst formations, with the Sella Group dominating the southern horizon and the sharp spires of the Cir Peaks cutting striking profiles to the north—a geological showcase condensed into an accessible walk. As you approach the Ortisei region, you'll notice things are much lusher here compared to the Cortina region. After arriving, you'll enjoy a farmhouse lunch at a centuries-old restaurant before your Tour Director leads you on a walking tour through Ortisei's charming streets.
- Descend through the dramatic alpine terrain of Gardena Pass, a scenic mountain saddle at nearly 7,000 feet with 360-degree views of the Dolomites' most iconic limestone formations.
- Enjoy lunch at a centuries-old farm turned restaurant near Ortisei.
- Explore Ortisei's cobblestone streets on a walking tour with your Tour Director, discovering the Val Gardena woodcarving tradition that has shaped this alpine community for centuries.
- Check in to your new hotel in the Ortisei region and enjoy a free evening to relax and recharge before your next day of hiking.
Day 6: Hiking in Alpe di Siusi
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Today is all about soaking in the vast landscapes of the Dolomites from Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow at 6,000 feet. The hike begins in the heart of Ortisei, climbing steadily out of the valley through dense spruce and larch forest before the trees give way to open alpine terrain and the full sweep of Alpe di Siusi unfolds—a vast expanse of emerald grassland framed by the jagged spires of the Sassolungo massif to the south. Those taking the shorter route will complete their hike through the meadow's heart, taking in the sweeping views before descending via the Mont Sëuc cable car. Those continuing on the longer route will push deeper onto the high plateau—past historic alms and wildflower-strewn grasslands, cresting to approximately 6,560 feet before a more sustained descent back to Ortisei. Either way, a picnic featuring the flavors of South Tyrol—local charcuterie, regional cheeses, and the crisp alpine air—breaks up the day in style.
Alpe di Siusi hike
- Option A: 3.8 miles, 2,667 ft gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Option B: 7.4 miles, 2,782 ft gain
- Physical intensity: 4 out of 5
- Take the shorter route for a loop through the heart of Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow, with sweeping views of the Sassolungo massif before descending via cable car.
- Enjoy a picnic featuring local South Tyrolean charcuterie and regional cheeses in the heart of the alpine meadow.
- Push deeper onto the high plateau on the longer route, cresting to approximately 6,560 feet before a more sustained descent through wildflower-strewn grasslands back to the cable car station.
- Head back to your hotel in the Ortisei region and enjoy a free evening to get to know the area.
Day 7: Seceda Ridgeline hike
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
BACKCOUNTRY SIGNATURE MOMENT
The Seceda Ridgeline—a dramatic series of jagged peaks rising above the Val Gardena—is one of the most photographed skylines in the Dolomites, and today you’ll hike to it. Before you set foot on the trail, a co-branded Backcountry Waas LT ALLIED Down Vest will be handed to you at the start of the hike—built with 800-fill ALLIED down to handle the swings in temperature and wind exposure that come with the Dolomites’ varying alpine terrain, and yours to keep. The adventure begins at the Col Raiser cable car, which whisks you up into the mountains to the start of the trail. From here, you’ll follow paths through vibrant green meadows and along the ridgeline, stopping for an included lunch at a mountain rifugio before continuing up the steep climb to the Seceda cable car station. At approximately 7,997 feet, the ridgeline opens onto sweeping, uninterrupted views across the Dolomites' skyline — the Fermeda Towers cutting sharp profiles against the open sky, the Val Gardena falling away below, and nothing between you and the horizon but limestone and altitude. Some days you hike. This one you'll remember.
Seceda Ridgeline hike
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 5.7 miles
- Elevation change: 1,476 ft gain
- Pull on your Backcountry down vest at the trailhead and set off toward the Seceda Ridgeline — one of the most iconic skylines in the Dolomites
- Hike through alpine meadows and along the ridgeline to the Seceda summit at 7,997 feet, where the Fermeda Towers and the full Dolomites panorama open up in every direction
- Stop for lunch at a mountain rifugio with the Dolomites as your backdrop before the descent
Brixen region2 nights
Day 8: Messner Mountain Museum and travel to Brixen region
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you’ll make your way to the Brixen region, your home for the next two nights—a bit less rugged than where you’ve been, with more rolling hills and vineyards than dramatic peaks, but no less captivating. On your way, you’ll stop at the summit of Kronplatz for a visit to two remarkable museums that feel tailor-made for this particular tour. The Messner Mountain Museum Corones—one of six museums in the network founded by Reinhold Messner, the first person to summit all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders and the first to solo Everest in 1980—is dedicated to the history and ethos of traditional mountaineering. Housed in a striking building designed by Zaha Hadid at 7,461 feet, the museum's views stretch from the Lienz Dolomites in the east to the Ortler in the west. Sharing the same building, LUMEN — the Museum of Mountain Photography — spans four floors of mountain imagery from the earliest days of alpine photography to the present, connecting the region's mountaineering heritage to the people who have documented it. Lunch atop Kronplatz follows, with some of the finest views in all of South Tyrol spread out below.
- Step into the world of high-altitude mountaineering at the Messner Mountain Museum Corones — housed in a Zaha Hadid building at 7,461 feet, with views stretching from the Lienz Dolomites to the Ortler
- Explore four floors of mountain photography at LUMEN, tracing the history of alpine imagery from the earliest expeditions to the present
- Sit down for lunch at the summit of Kronplatz, with South Tyrol spread out below in every direction
Day 9: Adolf Munkel Trail & Santa Maddalena hike
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
You’re venturing into the heart of the Puez-Odle Nature Park today for one of the Dolomites’ most celebrated routes—the Adolf Munkel Trail. Named after a local poet and painter who immortalized these landscapes, the trail winds through alpine meadows beneath the towering north faces of the Geisler/Odle group, their pale limestone walls rising vertically from green pastures in one of the most photographed mountain panoramas in all of Europe. Along the way, the iconic Chiesa di San Giovanni comes into view—its slender white spire rising from the valley floor against the dramatic backdrop of the Geisler peaks—followed by the equally stunning Chiesa di Santa Maddalena. The route climbs to approximately 6,020 feet for ever-expanding views of the Geisler spires before finishing at Parking Giovanni.
Adolf Munkel Trail & Santa Maddalena hike
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Distance: 7.8 miles
- Elevation change: 1,919 ft gain
- Hike the Adolf Munkel Trail through the Villnöss Valley, passing iconic alpine churches and traditional mountain huts beneath the towering Geisler peaks.
- Delve into the forested paths beneath the Geisler peaks, then watch as grazing cows, horses, and donkeys wander the high-altitude meadows.
- Gather with your group for dinner — the last evening in the Brixen region before the final push to Verona
Verona1 night
Day 10: Sentiero del Ponale hike in Riva del Garda & travel to Verona
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Sure, you're leaving the Dolomites behind, but you're also managing to squeeze in one last hike—and a spectacular one at that. Today you'll journey to Riva del Garda, a town that's been a popular retreat since Roman times, thanks to its beautiful location at the northern tip of Lake Garda. This area marks the transition between Alpine and Mediterranean climates, creating a unique microclimate that supports olive and lemon groves alongside alpine plants. From the center of Riva del Garda, you'll set out on the Sentiero del Ponale—a historic panoramic road carved into the cliffside in the 19th century, closed to traffic since the 1990s and now one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Northern Italy. The route climbs steadily along paths cut into the rock face, passing through small tunnels and offering sweeping views down to the lake and across to the Valle di Ledro, before looping back to town. From there, you'll continue on to Verona for your final night in Italy—and a Farewell Dinner with your group where you’ll toast to a fantastic time in the Dolomites.
Sentiero del Ponale hike
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Elevation change: 548 ft gain
- Hike the Sentiero del Ponale — a 19th-century cliffside road above Lake Garda, closed to traffic and now one of the most scenic trails in Northern Italy — with sweeping views of the lake and the Valle di Ledro
- Continue to Verona for your final night in Italy — gather with your group for a Farewell Dinner and raise a glass to a week well hiked
Flight home
Day 11: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
You came, you hiked, you conquered —Waas LT vest packed away alongside those well-worn hiking shoes. It’s probably time to give those legs a break—but nobody said it has to be for long. Gather your things and head to the Verona airport (30 minutes) for your international flight home.
Reviews
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Cortina d'Ampezzo region - B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci
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Ortisei region - Schgaguler Hotel
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Brixen region - Adler Historic Guesthouse
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Verona - Hotel Veronesi la Torre
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Weather
Ortisei, Italy
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Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
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Brixen, Italy
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Riva del Garda, Italy
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Verona, Italy
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Venice, Italy
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Know before you go
- In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in late 2026, Passport holders from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. and Canada will need to register for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter certain European countries. Even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these 30 countries without a visa, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you’ll only need to complete the form once. All EF Adventures travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- Round-trip flights booked through EF arrive in Venice and depart from Verona.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
- When you arrive in Venice, an EF Adventures representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
- Please note that your arrival transfer may be via water taxi.
Physical activity level
This tour is rated as Intermediate, which means you thrive on a good challenge and aren’t afraid to break a sweat on the trail. This level features longer hikes with varied terrain that will get your pulse racing. You’re comfortable with sustained climbs and some rocky or root-covered paths, excited by the sense of accomplishment they bring.
This tour is great for:
- Hiking enthusiasts
- Those who want to raise their heart rate
What to expect:
- Daily mileage: 3–9 miles
- Daily elevation gain: Up to 2,400 ft
- Typical terrain: Rolling terrain with some significant gradients. Hikes are hilly with steeper climbs over longer distances.
Tour pacing
This is a fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 3-night stays, one 2-night stay, and one 1-night stay
- Most days are full of included activities, however most evenings are free
- Most transportation by bus
Climate considerations
- The Dolomites have an alpine climate with cool summers and cold winters.
- Summer temperatures (June to September) typically range from 50°F to 75°F, depending on elevation.
- Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so be prepared for sudden temperature drops, rain, or even snow at higher elevations.
- Layered clothing is essential to adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 8,100 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
Physical activity & tour pace extra info
- EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including private buses, cable cars/chairlifts/gondolas, and a water taxi.
- On this tour, you'll need to come prepared with your own gear for the daily hikes and mountain adventures, including hiking shoes, a day pack, reusable water bottle, and more. For a detailed suggested packing list, see the “Clothing & packing tips” section.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on buses.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
From Cortina's high-altitude ridgelines to the alpine meadows of Alpe di Siusi, the Dolomites deliver big elevation changes and weather that can shift within a single hike. Lightweight layers that move with you, a packable waterproof shell, and footwear built for rocky terrain are the essentials for tackling the trail. A Backcountry Gearhead has built a curated gear list tailored to this specific itinerary—use it as your starting point. Don't forget to pack:
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or trail runners with good traction
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
- Sunscreen and a sun hat
- Rain jacket and pants
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- A warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
- A warm, lightweight jacket
- Warm hat and gloves (it can be cold at high elevations)
- Insect repellent
- A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
- Binoculars, in case you want to get a closer look at local wildlife and scenery
- A collapsible walking stick for long hikes (some travelers find them useful)
- A swimsuit for hotel pools
- Casual clothes for evenings and travel days
- Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
- Sleepwear and toiletries
- A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
- Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for bus rides
- Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)
- EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 8,100 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
- There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities such as hiking, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- This tour includes three lunches and three dinners. They may be set menus, à la carte, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also may include beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Dolomites cuisine is a blend of Italian and Austrian influences. Popular dishes include canederli (bread dumplings), speck (smoked ham), polenta, and various types of pasta. Don’t miss trying local specialties like apple strudel and traditional mountain cheeses.
- Tips for meals, bus drivers, porterage (if applicable), sightseeing guides, and local hiking guides are included in the price of your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $15-$20 USD per person per day for your Tour Director.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- You will use the euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Your Tour Director will be an experienced hiker who will accompany you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the region's history, culture, and natural wonders, they will:
- Support the group during daily hikes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers
- Provide detailed briefings on trail conditions, weather, and altitude considerations
- Coordinate logistics and arrange meals and transportation
- Offer basic first-aid assistance and emergency support if needed
As experienced hikers themselves, your Tour Director will be well-versed in mountain safety and trained in high-altitude first-aid procedures.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Italy is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm in Italy.
- When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from animal parts or products tested on animals.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
Love this itinerary?
This tour is also available without the Backcountry partnership on additional departure dates. Same destinations, same EF Adventures guides — more flexibility to find the date that works for you.
