Explore Venice & Conquer the Dolomites - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Explore the City at Leisure

Welcome to Venice, a picturesque Italian city known for its labyrinth of canals, narrow alleyways, and centuries-old architecture. Upon arrival, a water taxi will collect you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, giving you your first look at the city's iconic gondolas, charming bridges, and colorful facades. The rest of the day is free to relax at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace. If you want to do a bit of sightseeing, a good place to start is Piazza San Marco, a bustling square in the heart of the city. Stroll across the cobblestones, stopping at landmarks like Basilica San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica).

Admire the facade, adorned with intricate mosaics and lead-sheathed domes, before stepping inside for a closer look at the Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque architectural styles with gold mosaics and marble. Light a candle, sit a while, then head outside and consider climbing Campanile di San Marco, the tallest structure in Venice at 323 feet (98.6 m). If you'd rather not climb steps, take an elevator to enjoy panoramic views of the cathedral you just visited, the iconic Grand Canal, and nearby Venetian islands. When darkness falls, visit one of the many restaurants in the square for pizza or pasta.

Day 2: Self-Guided Tour of Venice

Today, you're free to explore Venice at your own pace. You could enjoy a scenic gondola ride along the canals or discover more Venetian islands, like Murano and Burano. Murano is renowned for its delicate glass art, with many workshops offering live demonstrations highlighting techniques passed down through generations. Pop into quaint shops for souvenirs among the glass sculptures, jewelry, and home decor. Then, continue to the nearby island of Burano, famous for its lace-making heritage and colorful houses that line the canals. 

Visit the Museo del Merletto to learn more about this traditional craft and admire intricate examples of lace clothing, tablecloths, and curtains. When you return to Venice, make your way to the artsy district of Dorsoduro for dinner. Stroll the picturesque streets lined with art galleries and traditional Venetian buildings to find a restaurant. Many eateries in the neighborhood emphasize fresh seafood caught from the nearby lagoon. Try dishes like fritto misto (fried mixed seafood) or risotto al nero di seppia (creamy risotto made with cuttlefish and its ink). 

Day 3: Train to Bressanone in South Tyrol

Say goodbye to Venice this morning as you catch a water taxi or vaporetto (water bus) to the railway station for a 3-4-hour train journey to Bressanone, a mountain town in northern Italy's picturesque South Tyrol region. Nestled at the confluence of the Isarco and Rienza rivers, the town is your gateway to the Dolomites mountain range. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel, preparing for tomorrow's six-day hike, or head to the historic center to wander the cobblestone alleys lined with medieval architecture—a blend of Italian and German influences, which is also reflected in the town's cuisine. 

Visit Piazza del Duomo to see the Dôme de Bressanone, a Roman Catholic cathedral with Baroque and Gothic elements. Admire the striking facade adorned with intricate frescoes before entering to see the beautifully painted ceilings and elaborate altars. Then, find a local restaurant to indulge in traditional South Tyrolean dishes, like canderli (dumplings served in broth or with melted butter), schlutzkrapfen (pasta pockets filled with potatoes, spinach, or cheese), or speck (cured ham served as part of an antipasto platter). Try out your high school Italian or German, as both are spoken widely here.

Day 4: Hike to Rifugio Antonio Locatelli via Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Lace up your hiking boots and transfer one hour to Val Campo di Dentro, your starting point for your six-day hike through the Dolomites. Start today's 7.4-mile (12 km) trek with a gentle ascent through lush Alpine meadows and forests to Dreischusterhütte, a cozy mountain refuge where you'll enter the Sesto Dolomites. Continue to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or the "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," one of the most iconic mountain formations in the Dolomites.

The area served as a front line between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops during World War I. As you hike, you'll see the remnants of trenches, fortifications, and a via ferrata (protected climbing route). Continue to Rifugio Antonio Locatelli, built in 1883 CE and one of the oldest huts in the mountain range. If you're up for a challenge after four hours of hiking, leave your backpack in the hut and join an Italian mountain guide to trek up Mount Paterno or Torre di Toblin on a via ferrata. Depending on the route, you may encounter metal cables, ladders, and tunnels. After 2-3 hours, return to the hut for dinner.

Day 5: Hike to Rifugio Prato Piazza via Val Ribon & Strudelkopfsattel Pass

Enjoy your final views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo's north face as you leave the hut and head west on an easy descent through the wild Val Ribon. As you meander through this Alpine valley, you'll see dramatic rock formations, lush green meadows, and glacier-fed streams (from the nearby Ribon Glacier). When you reach the bottom, start the uphill hike to Strudelkopfsattel Pass at 7,218 feet (2,200 m) under the peak of Monte Specie. After six hours of hiking 9.9 miles (16 km), you'll arrive at your hut on the scenic Prato Piazza, a high Alpine plateau featuring vast meadows surrounded by limestone peaks. 

Day 6: Hike to Lago di Braies via Croda Rossa or Ponticello

Leave the Alpine meadow behind this morning as you start your 7.4-mile (12 km) trek to Lago di Braies. Begin with a hike to Croda Rossa, a towering mountain known for its distinctive red rock formations, to arrive at the Gaiselleitte Via Ferrata. Use the chains to climb up or opt for another route around the mountain through the picturesque village of Ponticello. Then, continue across pristine Alpine pastures to Cavallo Pass, which offers far-reaching views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Hike down the pass to the lake, take in the glittering turquoise waters and dramatic mountain peaks, and settle into your hut.

Day 7: Hike to Rifugio Malga Ra Stua via Forcella di Riciogogn

Admire the other side of the turquoise lake this morning as you hike to Croda del Beco. Walk along the mountain's west side to Forcella di Riciogogn, a pristine pass situated at an elevation of 8,202 feet (2,500 m). Navigate the rock desert, characterized by its sparse vegetation, scattered boulders, and rocky outcrops, to reach Rifugio Biella, where you can sit down for lunch. From here, you'll hike down the Val di Fossa and past Lago Gran de Foses to the charming hut, Rifugio Malga Ra Stua. After hiking 8.6 miles (14 km) in six hours, settle in for some much-deserved rest. 

Day 8: Hike to Fanes via Pederu

Begin today's 6.8-mile (11 km) hike with a gentle stroll along a trail built by the Austrians during World War I. After passing Rifugio Fodara Vedla, continue to Pederu to admire the Alpine area before returning to the Alta Via 1 trail. The path takes you to Fanes, an expansive plateau offering views of the dramatic limestone cliffs and green meadows that define the region. Following four hours of hiking, you can settle into your small ucia hut (rustic accommodation typically situated at higher altitudes) and indulge in the local cuisine for dinner. 

Day 9: Hike to Rifugio Gardenacia via the Medesc Pass

The hike's final leg of nine miles (14.5 km) takes you back thousands of years as you navigate the Medesc Pass. Look for the fossilized remains of marine life, such as shells and coral, for this high plateau was once an island with a lagoon. Descend the steep path to the forest in Alta Badia, a picturesque valley featuring dramatic peaks, verdant meadows, and Alpine villages. Give one final push uphill to reach Rifugio Gardenacia, offering views of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. If you're looking for a more leisurely way to reach your accommodation, ride the Gardenaccia chairlift instead. 

Day 10: Transfer to Venice, Visit Doge's Palace on Your Own

Now that you've spent six days hiking in the Dolomites, it's time to return to Venice on a four-hour train journey. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to relax at the hotel or explore more of the city at your own pace. Consider a visit to Palazzo Ducale, a Gothic structure that was once the residence of the Doge of Venice. Today, the palace is a museum showcasing the city's rich history and artistic heritage. Admire the opulent exterior and Bridge of Sighs that connects the palace to the New Prison before stepping inside. 

As you wander through the grand halls and ornate chambers, you'll encounter masterpieces by renowned artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese, alongside beautifully decorated ceilings and lavish furnishings. Back outside, visit the Museo Correr, housed in the former Royal Palace. Peruse the vast collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents that narrate the story of the Venetian Republic. Be sure to visit Napoleon's apartments to see where the French military leader lived when he ruled as the Emperor of the French.

Day 11: Depart Venice

As your time in Italy draws to a close, take advantage of your final few hours by exploring more of Venice at your own pace. Cross over the iconic Rialto Bridge and enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Canal to see ferries, speedboats, and gondolas gliding through the water. Then, visit the Mercato di Rialto to shop for souvenirs or indulge in local delicacies like artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and homemade pasta. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags before hopping on a water taxi to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!