Overview
Italy’s rugged Dolomite mountains make for some of the best day hiking in the world, with dramatic, limestone peaks standing like cathedrals against the green valleys below. Esteemed author Gillian Price leads a week of day hikes in the Western Dolomites, where her infectious smile is one of the many delights of the way. After this introduction to the Dolomites, you’ll be back for more.
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary

Sunday, October 6, 2026 - Gather at our hotel in Bolzano
Sunday, October 6, 2026 - Gather at our hotel in Bolzano
Description
Meet at our hotel in Bolzano. Enjoy a guided visit around this fascinating town. Orientation and dinner. Stay overnight.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0

Monday, October 6, 2025 – The Latemar Labyrinth Walk
Monday, October 6, 2025 – The Latemar Labyrinth Walk
Description
Transfer to Carezza where an old Grand Hotel still stands. Embark on the intriguing labyrinth circuit at the foot of the awesome Latemar. Just think, Agatha Christie set the conclusion to her The Big Four thriller on this route ‘the place was like a maze devised by some evil genie’. After threading our way through the boulders, it’s downhill to ever-so-pretty Lago di Carezza encircled by a forest of pine trees. Overnight at Carezza.
distance: 10.8 km
ascent: 404 m
descent: 406 m
% hard surfaces: 5%
difficulty rating: 7

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – The Catinaccio Along The Sentiero Del Masaré
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – The Catinaccio Along The Sentiero Del Masaré
Description
Transfer to Passo di Costalunga and embark on the path up to the impressive flanks of the Catinaccio massif. Touching on a string of alpine refuges, the extremely panoramic route Sentiero del Masaré skirts the mountain, before descending to Malga Frommer. Transfer back to Carezza for overnight stay.
distance: 16.1 km
ascent: 1159 m
descent: 1155 m
% hard surfaces: 1%
difficulty rating: 8

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Castel Presule
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Castel Presule
Description
Transfer to Fiè allo Sciliar for an enjoyable stroll through apple orchards and hamlets to the commanding position of photogenic Castel Presule which we visit. The medieval castle has a dark history of witch trials. Afterwards we make our way through woodland and farms back up to Fiè. Transfer to Siusi for overnight stay.
distance: 7.5 km
ascent: 340 m
descent: 331 m
% hard surfaces: 50%
difficulty rating: 6

Thursday, October 9, 2025 – Alpe Di Siusi
Thursday, October 9, 2025 – Alpe Di Siusi
Description
Cable-car to Compaccio and the start of a superb loop walk across the rolling pastures of the Alpe di Siusi. A string of welcoming alpine refuges and timber haymaking chalets are dotted along the way. Above is the towering Sciliar mountain, an ancient coral reef. Cable-car return to Siusi and overnight stay.
distance: 20.9 km
ascent: 1145 m
descent: 1080 m
% hard surfaces: 12%
difficulty rating: 8

Friday, October 10, 2025 – Rasciesa Plateau Walk
Friday, October 10, 2025 – Rasciesa Plateau Walk
Description
Transfer to Ortisei. Funicular ride up through woods to the marvellous open Rasceisa sloping plateau. Its isolated position makes it a supreme belvedere for admiring many landmark Dolomite massifs. After walking along the top ridge, we descend to Ortisei below the awesome wall of the Seceda. Overnight at Ortisei.
distance: 20.2 km
ascent: 1149 m
descent: 1151 m
% hard surfaces: 11%
difficulty rating: 9

Saturday, October 11, 2025 The Odle
Saturday, October 11, 2025 The Odle
Description
A great cable-car ride takes us into the valley at the foot of the marvellous rock needles of the Odle group for a circuit leading around the amphitheatre touching on refuges and pasture. Cable-car return to Ortisei for overnight.
distance: 16.8 km
ascent: 892 m
descent: 895 m
% hard surfaces: 10%
difficulty rating: 8

Sunday, October 12, 2025 – End Of Trip
Sunday, October 12, 2025 – End Of Trip
Description
Transfer back to Bolzano after breakfast. Onward for other explorations.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
What we provide
- Hosted by renowned outdoor author Gillian Price
- Expert Dolomites hiking guide
- All (7) overnight accommodations
- All breakfasts and diners (wine not included)
- E-guidebook by author Gillian Price
- Lobby-to-lobby baggage service (up to 18kg)
What you provide
- Transportation to and from the journey
- Lunches and snacks each day
- Gratuity for your guide and driver (up to €5-10/day each)
- Adequate fitness for mountain hiking