7 days/6 nights

The Great Dolomites Ladin Valleys Traverse

Trip Location:

DOLOMITES

Traverse the legendary Ladin valleys of the Dolomites

For centuries, the Dolomites have been home to the Ladin people, whose culture blends Roman roots with rich alpine traditions. On this journey, you’ll hike through three Ladin valleys – Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, and Alta Badia – exploring stunning landscapes and vibrant heritage.

Start with an easy hike in Val Gardena, taking in the jagged Odle peaks. Continue beneath the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto massifs with views of the Rosengarten, then tackle a spectacular trail overlooking the Marmolada. Along the way, you’ll pass wild meadows, dense forests, and high alpine terrain, with stops in charming South Tyrolean towns and cozy mountain inns.

Discover the Ladin people, language, and cuisine in this unique tri-cultural region, where signs are in Italian, German, and Ladin. You might even pick up some Ladino before the journey ends. Still curious? Reach out—we’re happy to help!

Highlights

Traverse the legendary Ladin valleys of the Dolomites as you explore Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, and Alta Badia

Hike under the Sassolungo north face and Sassopiatto massifs

Trek across the Catinaccio / Rosengarten massif, one of the most recognized landmarks of the Dolomites

Discover the “Viel del Pan” (“Way of the Bread”)

Walk on scenic trails through lush alpine pastures and over high mountain passes

Experience the rich Ladin culture with many traditions that make the Italian Alps so unique

Stay 2 nights in cozy, authentic mountain rifugios

Stay 4 nights in excellent hand-picked hotels

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Val Gardena, Dolomites

Arrive in Val Gardena / Gröden (~1,500m / 5,000') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). The valley of Gardena is best known for skiing and rock climbing, and woodcarving which has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena is written in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin! Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore one of the three villages of Val Gardena – S. Cristina, Ortisei, or Selva Gardena.

day 2

In the morning, meet your English-speaking hiking guide (or Dolomites rep for self-guided trips) for a trip briefing. Then ride the Resciesa funicular from Ortisei to Chalet Resciesa to begin an easy, mostly flat hike beneath the dramatic Odle Group—named “needles” in Ladin. Along the way, observe ancient rock layers and striking colors shaped by erosion, including the site where 1968 fossils of a porpoise-like ichthyosaurus were found. Stop at a local rifugio to rest and take in the views before descending back to Ortisei by cable car, with time to explore the charming Tyrolean town on foot. (~4–5 hours, 13.3 km / 8 miles)

day 3

Puez-Odle, Rasciesa, & Geological Phenomena

Today’s hike begins with a transfer to Passo Sella and follows a scenic trail beneath the towering Sassolungo and Sassopiatto massifs—described in 1864 as “sliced off by the malice of a Titan” and “an array of splintered spires.” You'll trek through high alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers and dotted with cows and marmots, while birds of prey circle above. After passing the dramatic North Clock Tower, enjoy lunch at a local rifugio nestled in the massif. The afternoon brings greener, gentler terrain, with a stop at a cozy hut before reaching your rifugio for the night—just in time for sunset glowing pink on the mountain walls. (5 hours, 12 km / 7.4 miles, 663m ascent, 538m descent)

Day 4

Sassolungo - Sassopiatto Circumnavigation

Catinaccio / Rosengarten Massif

Today’s hike takes you across the stunning Catinaccio/Rosengarten massif, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic landscapes. Begin on the grassy Siusi Ridge, pause at a local rifugio, then continue over rocky terrain to Passo del Molignon before descending into Vallon del Principe and climbing to your cozy mountain hut for the night. Enjoy a peaceful evening on the terrace with sweeping views of the Rosengarten glowing red in the sunset. (~4–5 hours, 9.5 km / 5.8 miles)

Day 5

Val di Fassa

Today’s hike follows the historic “Viel del Pan” trail, once used by flour merchants trading across the Fassa Valley and Agordo region. Starting at Passo Pordoi, this wide, scenic path offers stunning views of the Marmolada—the highest peak in the Dolomites, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites.” As you walk through the heart of Ladin territory, take in the region’s legends and WWI history, including the “City of Ice,” a network of tunnels once used by troops. (~4–5 hours, 10.7 km / 6.6 miles)

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).

Day 6

Hike the Viel del Pan

Day 7

Departure

Area map