Privada Travel Founder's Trip

Dolomites: Alpine Paths & Italian Peaks

September 20 - 26, 2026

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Italy’s Dolomites

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, the Dolomites of northern Italy offer some of the world’s most distinctive and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes—ideal for walkers seeking a moderate challenge. This is our once-a-year Founder’s Trip, an exclusive journey crafted for our most loyal travelers. We’ll explore wild terrain of exceptional beauty, from nearly 10,000-foot snowcapped peaks and pink-tinged rock spires to deep alpine valleys and forested trails. Along the way, enjoy scenic lunches at traditional rifugios—one reached by cable car—and an optional visit to the open-air World War I museum at Cinque Torri (Five Towers).


  • Trip Length

    6 nights
  • Walk Level

    Level 5 (energetic)

  • Max Group Size

    14 Guests

  • Arrival City

    Verona, Italy

  • Departure City

    Verona, Italy

September 20-26, 2025

$5,298 / per person (+$798 single occupancy)

Highlights:
  • Alpine wildflowers, crystal streams, pure air
  • Incredible panoramas of mountain peaks and steep stone cliffs
  • Insight into the Ladino people's traditional food and culture
  • Spectacular and rewarding hiking

Terrain

  • Well-marked mountain trails and tracks, some steep ascents and descents, less strenuous walks usually available. Distances: 8-14 miles walking per day
20210923_112857 - Gardena pass
Gardena Pass
20210923_111806 - Gardena pass

Mountain hut on the Gardena Pass

20160914_141739 - Santa Croce

Santa Croce

20210923_163536 - Gardenaccia
Lunch at Gardenaccia
BUCK3080 - Cortina
Cortina
BUCK2194 - Lagazuoi
Lagazuoi

Walk Itinerary

Moena, Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy

Sunday, September 20

We meet in Verona, then drive into the mountains to fashionable Moena. Introductory Talk and Welcome Dinner tonight.

Overnight, Moena: Hotel Maria

Lake of Carezza, Carezza, Nova Levante, Italy

Monday, September 21

Stroll through Moena and ascend amid woods of spruce and pine to lunch in a mountain tavern at Hennenstall. We hike in an alpine landscape to Lake Carezza, much loved by Winston Churchill, who painted here; and Agatha Christie, who set her novel ‘The Big Four’ here. It is spectacular. We continue to San Cassiano, our base for three nights.

Overnight, San Cassiano: Hotel Ciasa Salares

cortina12-1

Tuesday, September 22

Drive to Colfosco with its splendid views of the cliffs of the Sella across the valley. Wear your hiking boots. We take a steep, sometimes rocky, uphill trail to Forcella (mountain pass) de Campei, at an altitude of almost 8,000 feet. Mountain trails take us to a lakeside walk and the plateau of Gardenaccia with a panorama of peaks. After lunch at Jimmi Hütte, we slowly descend by pinewood tracks and meadow paths. Dinner tonight highlights traditional local cuisine.

Overnight, San Cassiano: Hotel Ciasa Salares

Rifugio Sennes

Wednesday, September 23

An undulating hike, accompanied by the sound of cowbells clanging across the valley, brings us to the Church of la Croce. We continue to the Ranch Hütte da Andrè for a hearty mountain lunch in this family-run restaurant. In the afternoon, you can choose to walk down on meadow trails and village streets or take the van directly to the hotel.

Overnight, San Cassiano: Hotel Ciasa Salares

mountain-2865870_1920

Thursday, September 24

Today offers a wonderful, bracing day on mountain trails with unforgettable views. We start from the mountain chalet at Capanna Alpina, and ascend along a rocky trail to reach the high plateau. From here, a wide path leads through alpine pastures to lunch in a mountain ‘rifugio’. Our descent leads to the dramatic waterfalls and gorges of the Fanes valley.

Overnight, Cortina d’Ampezzo: Hotel Cortina

Cinque Torri perspective

Friday, September 25

Drive to Passo Falzarego to admire views of the Cinque Torri (five towers) just above Cortina. We take lunch at a stunning restaurant with 360-degree views. Later, we take a circular walk around the Cinque Torri and visit the open-air WWI museum, before our Farewell Dinner in Cortina.

Overnight, Cortina d’Ampezzo: Hotel Cortina

1Z4A0295-HDR-1

Saturday, September 26

Transfer to Verona, where we say ‘arrivederci’.


Trip Host

carol

Carol Austin

Carol Austin, President and Founder of Privada Travel, is excited to host her 15th Founder’s Trip—this year in Italy’s legendary Dolomites.

With a career spanning more than 30 years and travel experience across 60 countries, Carol’s love for adventure is reflected in every journey she leads. Although she has visited Italy often, hiking the Dolomites has always been a dream.

Now, she looks forward to sharing this experience—trekking through alpine meadows, soaring peaks, and discovering the vibrant culture of this breathtaking region—with fellow travelers.

What's Included

  • Trip Host - Privada Travel Founder
  • Local guides - all touring led by local trip leaders
  • Lodging - 6 nights 4-star hotels as noted, superior-style rooms
  • Meals -Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, trail snacks
  • Drinks - Water and soft drinks with meals. Wine and beer with dinner
  • Transportation - Arrival transfers from Verona to Moena, and departure transfers from Cortina to Verona
  • Local Transport - All trailhead taxi transfers and gondolas for daily hikes

Not Included

  • Any activity or service not outlined in this itinerary
  • Personal incidental charges
  • Airport transfers (contact us to arrange separately if needed)
  • Tips for local guides
  • Airfare
  • Travel/ medical insurance

How do I confirm?

To secure your spot please contact Carol Austin at 406-671-6068 or carol@privadatravel.com

How challenging is the hike?

How challenging is the walking on this trip?

  • This trip is rated Walk Level 5 – Energetic.
  • Expect to walk 8 to 14 miles per day over 5 to 6 hours.
  • Trails vary from steep ascents and descents to gentler riverside paths and meadows.
  • Terrain includes rocky mountain tracks, alpine pastures, and forested trails.
  • You’ll need a moderate to high level of fitness to truly enjoy the experience.

What’s the elevation gain and loss each day?

  • Daily ascents range from 1,000 to 2,500 feet, with matching descents.
  • The highest point reached is just under 8,000 feet.
  • The trails are well-marked but can be uneven or rocky, especially on steeper days.

Do I need hiking experience?

  • Prior hiking experience is helpful but not required.
  • As long as you are active, enjoy walking, and are comfortable with a workout, you’ll be well-prepared.
  • Trekking poles are recommended for added stability on uneven ground.

What if I need a break during the day?

  • Regular rests and breaks. Snack breaks along the way keep you refueled.
  • Great lunches. Enjoy a leisurely lunch break featuring local specialties.
  • A support vehicle is available on most days, and our local team is there to assist.
  • You can choose to opt out of longer walks or shorten your day if needed.

What should I pack for the walks?

  • Comfortable broken-in hiking boots, a small daypack, water bottle, sun protection, and layers for shifting mountain weather.
  • Trekking poles are encouraged.
Daily distance & elevation estimates

Day

Route / Area

Distance (mi)

Ascent (ft)

Descent (ft)

Terrain Notes

Monday

Moena → Hennenstall → Lake Carezza

8–10

~1,500

~1,200

Moderate climb to tavern, then gentle alpine descent

Tuesday

Colfosco → Forcella Campei → Gardenaccia

10–12

~2,500

~2,500

Steep rocky ascent, high plateau crossing, long scenic descent

Wednesday

San Cassiano → La Croce → Ranch Hütte

8–9

~1,200

~1,200

Rolling hills, undulating meadows

Thursday

Capanna Alpina → Fanes Plateau → Fanes Valley

9–11

~1,800

~2,200

Big views, high-altitude path, descending gorge trails

Friday

Cinque Torri Loop + WWI Museum

6–8

~1,000

~1,000

Easier day, panoramic but not strenuous

When should I expect to arrive and depart?

Starting Point: Verona – 9:30 am – In hotel lobby (hotel pending)

Ending Point: Verona – 4:30 pm – Verona Porta Nuova Train Station

What's the easiest way to book my flights?

As a member of Travel Edge Network, Privada Travel is pleased to offer our clients access to Air Connect. This program includes a full-service air shopping, booking, ticketing & management team that services our guests directly until completion of travel. 

Advantages of booking your flights the Air Connect team. 

  1. Free quotations for new inquires
  2. Earn points towards preferred airline loyalty programs
  3. 24/7 support included with every booking

Associated Fees: 

  • Domestic Air - $50/ticket
  • International Air - $100/ticket

Interested in receiving a free quote for to get started your airfare?

Click Here to Build your Free Airfare Quote

What is your recommendation for travel insurance?

Privada Travel highly recommends securing your trip with RedPoint Travel Protection. Redpoint combines expert level emergency care experience with comprehensive insurance coverage that you can tailor to your particular travel needs, leaving you feeling prepared and protected for your next adventure. 

Redpoint’s suite of products ensures the right plan is available for all your travel plans, no matter where they take you. Redpoint offers a multitude of services, including early purchase benefits, so the sooner you purchase the more coverage is available to you. 

Click Here to Build your Quote

Are you able to assist with travel arrangements before and after the group tour?

Absolutely! As a premier custom travel agency, we would be delighted to assist with your pre- and post-travel planning, or any additional travel arrangements you may need. Please contact us directly to discuss adding extra services to your trip.

Payment

To secure a booking with Privada Travel, a non-refundable $500 deposit per person is due at the time of confirmation.  

The balance of all monies due must be paid to Privada Travel no later than 60 days before departure.

In case of non-payment of the balance by the due date Privada will treat the booking as canceled by the Client.

In the case of bookings made within 60 days of the departure date. Full payment of the balance is due immediately.

Payment can either be made by credit card, check, or wire transfer. All wiring and transfer costs or credit card overcharges should be assumed by the Client.

Cancellation by the Client

The Client may cancel the booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to Privada Travel in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below calculated from the day written notification is received by Privada Travel.

Period before departure written notification is received Cancellation fee as a percentage of the trip price
60 days or more Deposit
59 - 31 days 50%
30 days or less 100%
Cancellation by Privada Travel

We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels —to honor their reservations. In these cases, you'll be refunded your trip price. Privada Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled or postponed trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations or illness.

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