ALTA VIA 1
The Dolomites are magnificent and when you hike in these mountains, you’ll get to explore a vast array of landscapes: from high-altitude moonscapes, rugged trails and spiky spires to valley floors dotted with quaint villages, flower-filled meadows and dense forests full of friendly fauna.
Alta Via Uno (AV1) is one of several North-to-South hiking routes in the Italian Dolomites. The network of trails that exists comes from this area’s role in WWI. Due to the location, the Dolomites became a war zone and the Italian border saw many battles. Mule tracks for the military were constructed to help aid the movement of troops and these trails still comprise a significant part of the network of pathways today. On the AV1, you’ll get to experience the best of the Dolomites over the course of 12 days.
The AV1 begins near the Austrian border on the emerald green lake, Lago di Braies, a dramatic start to the journey. You’ll cut through the Italian Alps, exploring the Fannes-Sennes National Park along the way. Hiking through bright green meadows while gazing at jagged peaks - like the Civetta - you’ll be mesmerized by the dramatic contrasts and stunning beauty of the Dolomiti.
You’ll make your way up and over Passo Duran where you’ll begin to encounter more remote and rugged terrain. You’ll end at La Pissa, continuing on to the quaint town of Belluno. You’ll experience exhilarating and exciting routes and all the while, you’ll encounter historical remnants from the war like cables, gun ramparts & caves that were created to help troops move up, over and along the mountains during WWI.
Over the course of your trek, you’ll stay in cozy & friendly rifugios. A true highlight of the AV1, you’ll enjoy hearty & delicious meals and wonderful camaraderie as you share sunset views of the alpenglow on the Dolomites over a glass of wine or grappa - the local speciality.
“Let Pathways plan the trip of a lifetime for you in the beautiful Dolomiti where every single detail is taken care of and each day is better and entirely different than the one before!”
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
10 days of hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from Lago de Brais to Belluno
Stay in beautiful, authentic high mountain huts
Experience spectacular sunrises and sunsets
Follow trails below high limestone peaks, through gentle meadows & past blue lakes
Enjoy fantastic hospitality and incredible food from your hosts
Learn about WW1 and the history in the region, discovering artifacts from this era
Enjoy a customized itinerary tailored to your preferred activity level, budget, accommodation preferences, interests & schedule
When to go: July - Mid-September
Start/End Airport: Geneva
Minimum recommended length: 12 days / 11 nights for full trek (options to shorten)
Average Mileage: 5 - 12 miles/day (options to shorten or lengthen)
Pre- or post-trip ideas: Venice, Cortina d’Ampezzo
how it works
All of our itineraries are handcrafted and completely customizable to your preferred travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and activity level.
From the initial proposal, we’ll work with you to refine your itinerary until it’s just right. On your trip, we'll provide you with everything you need to enjoy a local, authentic Pathways experience and the liberty to explore at your own pace.
To request a personalized proposal, please complete the form below
and we’ll contact you to chat about next steps.
“Wow!! I was beyond impressed by the fluidity and seamlessness of the trip - from feeling the culture to experiencing the mountains and having fun as a group!”
ACCOMMODATIONS
Where you stay on your Pathways trip will enhance your experience. You have a choice of a variety of hotels, auberges and mountain huts that provide beautiful, authentic lodging, allowing you to even more deeply connect with the local culture and atmosphere of the place you’re visiting.
Some of our favorite accommodations:
Rifugio Lagazuoi in the Dolomites
Rifugio Averau in the Dolomites
Rifugio Vazzoler in the Dolomites
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