Privada Founder’s Trip: Dolomites, Alpine Paths & Italian Peaks
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When:
September 20-26, 2026.png?width=57&height=59&name=Untitled%20design%20(6).png)
Price:
$5,298 per person (based on 2 sharing). $798 single supplement..png?width=56&height=56&name=Untitled%20design%20(8).png)
Duration:
7 Days / 6 Nights
Mountain Hut Gardena Pass
Dolomites, Alpine Paths & Italian Peaks
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).
Highlights:
- Founder-led journey — with Italy's top trekking team.
- Alpine Scenery & UNESCO-Heritage Views — Europe’s most photogenic mountain ranges.
- Culture & Cuisine— Alpine cuisine blending Italian, Austrian, Ladin traditions.
Hotels:
Seasonal Temperatures:
- Dolomites: ~60°F / 40°F. Cool, crisp.
- High Trails: ~55°F / 35°F. Sunny, chilly.
- Mountain Passes: ~50°F / 30°F. Windy, cold.
- Valleys: ~65–70°F / 45–50°F. Mild days.
Activity Level:
- Moderate to challenging alpine hiking.
- Terrain: Mountain trails, rocky paths, sustained climbs.
- Daily Hiking: 5–10 miles, ~4–7 hours.
- Elevation Gain: Up to ~3,000–4,000 ft daily.
- Max Altitude: ~8,500–9,500 ft / 2,600–2,900 m.
- Pacing: Cable cars and valley stays aid recovery.
Best For:
- Active travelers seeking rewarding alpine hikes—challenging yet approachable—paired with boutique hotels, cable-car access, and thoughtful pacing.
DAY 1, Sep 20 : Arrival in the Dolomites
We meet in Verona, then drive into the mountains to fashionable Moena. Introductory Talk and Welcome Dinner tonight.
Overnight, Moena: Hotel Maria
DAY 2, Sep 21 : Val Gardena Panorama Hikes
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
DAY 3, Sep 22 : Seceda Ridgeline Experience
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
DAY 4, Sep 23 : Alta Badia Mountain Passes
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
DAY 5, Sep 24 : Hidden Trails & Alpine Lakes
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
DAY 6, Sep 25 : Leisurely Dolomites Finale
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
DAY 7, Sep 26 : Departure Day
Transfer to Verona, where we say ‘arrivederci’.





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 Distances & Elevation
- Day 2 – Moena → Hennenstall → Lake Carezza 8–10 miles · ~1,500 ft ascent · ~1,200 ft descent Moderate climb to mountain tavern, gentle alpine descent.
- Day 3 – Colfosco → Forcella Campei → Gardenaccia 10–12 miles · ~2,500 ft ascent · ~2,500 ft descent Steep rocky ascent, high plateau crossing, long scenic descent.
- Day 4 – San Cassiano → La Croce → Ranch Hütte 8–9 miles · ~1,200 ft ascent · ~1,200 ft descent. Rolling terrain through meadows and forest
- Day 5 – Capanna Alpina → Fanes Plateau → Fanes Valley 9–11 miles · ~1,800 ft ascent · ~2,200 ft descent
Expansive views, high routes, descending gorge trails - Day 6 – Cinque Torri Loop + WWI Museum 6–8 miles · ~1,000 ft ascent · ~1,000 ft descent Easier day, panoramic terrain, non-technical
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Boutique Alpine Hotels
Most nights
Private rooms, ensuite bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, on-site dining.
Comfortable bases for recovery after hiking days. -
Mountain Inns & Alpine Lodges
Select nights
Smaller, character-rich properties with regional charm.
Private or upgraded rooms; warm, welcoming, well located. -
What to Expect
Private accommodations throughout.
No camping or shared dorms.
Luggage access nightly; no overnight packs.

Trip Host
Carol Austin, Privada Travel
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.
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