Product image 0
Product image 0
Product image 1
Product image 2
Product image 3
Product image 4
Product image 5
Product image 6
Product image 7
Product image 8
1/10
Sold Out 2025, Early Bird 2026

Alta Via 1 Self-Guided Hike

10 days / 9 nights

|

Explore the breathtaking Dolomites, Italy’s most captivating mountain range, on a self-guided hut-to-hut hike along the iconic Alta Via 1 alpine trail.

Starting point

Lago di Braies

Finish point

La Stanga

Season

From July to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Choose your style

Cancel in the first 48h for free
Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit
Samo Korelec
SamoTravel Expert
Book a call
Google ReviewsTripAdvisor Reviews
  • Complete the famous Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hiking trail in its entirety across nine days
  • Hike through the most picturesque places in the Dolomites
  • Visit two iconic mountain passes above Cortina d’Ampezzo – Passo Giau and Falzarego Pass
  • Sleep in authentic ‘rifugios’ and enjoy the traditional local cuisine
  • Discover World War I remnants

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in (mountain) huts with half-board
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Additional transfers
Airport transfer
Airport transfer from Venice Airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo (1-3 pax)
Airport transfer from Venice Airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo (4-8 pax)
Extra nights
Private rooms
Transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the starting point (1-3 pax)
Transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the starting point (4-8 pax)

What to bring to the tour

  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • 25 to 45-liter backpack
  • Base layer
  • Sports T-shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking water-repellent pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Midlayer
  • Sports socks and underwear
  • Leisurewear for evenings
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves
  • Shade hat/cap
  • Warm headwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking poles
  • ID card or passport
  • Snacks
  • Cash
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Sleeping liner
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet paper
  • Small first aid kit

The Alta Via 1 trail that passes through the Dolomites showcases Italy's most beautiful mountain scenery. The landscape is known for its abnormal natural beauty and somewhat dark history. Many scenic places, such as the Falzarego mountain pass, bear the scars of World War I battles.

Unlike its sister, Alta Via 2, it is appropriate for every regular hiker, overcoming 120 kilometers and 6700 meters of elevation across nine stages. From its beginning at Lago di Braies to its conclusion in La Stanga, Alta Via 1 feels like an experience that transcends everything you thought was possible.

From the scenic alpine meadows at Passo Giau to the redoubtable face of Monte Civetta and rock-formed towers of Cinque Torri, a hiker can be afraid to blink lest they miss something.

On Alta Via 1, hikers often walk well away from civilization, meaning your only chance of experiencing the trail as you should, is by sleeping in the mountain huts along the way. Or, as Italians call them, 'rifugios'.

An authentic mountain lodge high up in the Alps with homemade Italian dishes and enough comfort for a good night’s sleep – what more could a tired trekker seek? Our Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut tour includes all rifugio bookings, and we equip you with a precise GPS track of the planned route.

You will not miss any landmarks either, as our digital guidebook with the itinerary includes a highlights section for every day. If you feel like you would still prefer a guide by your side, you can check out out Alta Via 1 - Guided Hike.

Reinhold Messner once said that every mountain in the Dolomites is like a piece of art. And to say he saw many is an understatement. Is that really something you can afford to miss during your lifetime?

For those who find themselves a bit short on time, we've also created an Alta Via 1 Highlights tour to ensure you can walk the best of this iconic trail in only 4 days!

Frequently Asked Questions

Our tours are designed to cater to a broad range of people, but some days can be quite challenging, with long distances and significant elevation gain. We aim to minimize this as much as possible while ensuring a high-quality experience. To fully enjoy our tours, you should be accustomed to walking for 4-6 hours, overcoming around 600 meters of elevation gain.

However, Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hikes and Tour du Mont Blanc are more demanding and require a higher fitness level. On these tours, you may need to hike up to 8 hours per day and tackle substantial elevation gain.

Yes, our hiking holidays are appropriate for children who are physically prepared and have a good balance. However, to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of our young participants, we suggest that they should be at least eight years old to join our tours.

Proper footwear is crucial for our walking tours. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all our hikes. The terrain can be uneven, rocky, and slippery. Wearing sneakers can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to hiking on such surfaces, as they do not offer enough protection and support. Robust shoes also provide the necessary support when your legs get tired during long hikes.

Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. The earlier you book, the better the chances are of getting your preferred options. If you book close to the start of the season or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in the hotels and apartments. Therefore, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.

It is essential to note that accommodations at the destinations of our walking tours are in high demand during the summer season. Therefore, early booking is crucial to secure your preferred type of housing. However, we assure you that we will always try our best to provide you with the most suitable lodging based on your preferences. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.

Our tours are well-organized, and all the destinations are easily accessible and straightforward to navigate. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will require a guide. Our comprehensive handout will provide you with all the essential information while still allowing you the freedom of a self-guided holiday.

However, if you prefer to have a guide, please let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Most of the accommodations we provide offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. Additionally, you will find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan menus in restaurants during the tour. However, it is worth noting that some mountain huts on Alta Via 1 or Tour du Mont Blanc may not offer vegan meals. In such situations, it is advisable to bring your own food to ensure that your dietary needs are met.

The best time to go on a walking holiday in Italy varies depending on the location you plan to visit. Destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Sicily are best visited during early spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.

However, in areas like the Dolomites or around Mont Blanc, hiking is not possible when there is snow high up in the mountains. Therefore, the hiking season in these areas is limited from late June to late September. It is advisable to plan your trip accordingly to get the best out of your walking holiday in Italy.

We can best advise you after receiving a filled-out inquiry form.

Ratings & Reviews

Google Reviews

5.0 average rating

Jim Carey's profile photo
Top Rated Brand
Jim Carey's profile photo

Jim Carey

Verified customer · 7 days ago

Our holiday was fantastic, really well planned with excellent communication and the app worked a treat for our day to day activities. If you're thinking of a walking / hiking holiday and are unsure of where to go or how to plan it, this is the job for you

Review 1

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided tour...

Hassle-Free

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

Trusted by Many

Trusted by Many

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Handpicked Adventures

Handpicked Adventures

Only the best walking tours of Italy, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Unbeatable Support

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 1.790 € /person