Hike the Italian Dolomites: Self-Launched Edition
7 days · Italian Dolomites, Italy
Much Better Adventures charges £1,595
No-markup version: ~£720 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Same spectacular Dolomites hiking — iconic trails, via ferrata, WWI history and breathtaking Alpine panoramas — without the guided tour price tag. Base yourself in Arabba just like the original itinerary, swap the 3-star hotel for a cosy guesthouse or budget hotel, hire a local guide only for the via ferrata day (where it genuinely matters), and navigate the other trails independently using well-marked paths and free apps like Komoot or AllTrails. Cable cars, mountain hut lunches and local buses keep costs lean while the experience stays world-class.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Venice, transfer to Arabba
Venice → Arabba
Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Rather than a private group transfer (which can cost €150+ per person), take the ATVO or ACTV shuttle bus to Piazzale Roma (€8, ~20 min), then a Flixbus or regional coach toward Belluno/Cortina d'Ampezzo. From Cortina, a Dolomiti Bus service runs to Arabba in summer (check timetables at dolomitibus.it). Alternatively, pre-book a shared shuttle via GoOpti for around £30–40 pp. Arrive in Arabba, check into your guesthouse, grab dinner at one of the village's traditional Ladin restaurants — try Malga Ciapela or Ristorante Al Fodom for local speck and polenta.
🚌ATVO bus from Venice Airport to Piazzale Roma (€8), then Dolomiti Bus or GoOpti shared shuttle to Arabba (~£30–40 pp one way)
🛏Guesthouse or budget hotel in Arabba — e.g. Hotel Sporthotel Arabba or Garni Messnerwirt (approx. £50–65/night twin share)
- →Arrive Venice Marco Polo Airport
- →ATVO/ACTV shuttle bus to Piazzale Roma (€8)
- →Regional coach or GoOpti shared shuttle to Arabba (~£30–40 pp)
- →Explore Arabba village and enjoy a Ladin dinner independently
Hike the Viel del Pan trail in the shadow of Marmolada
Arabba → Porta Vescovo → Passo Pordoi → Sass Pordoi
Rise early and fuel up at your guesthouse breakfast. Head to the Arabba cable car station and take the gondola up to Porta Vescovo (€20 pp, cash). From there, follow the well-signposted Viel del Pan path (Trail 601) past Rifugio Gorza and across the flower-strewn slopes of Sass Ciapel toward Passo Pordoi — look out for marmots along the way. Stop for coffee or cake at Rifugio Viel del Pan. At Passo Pordoi, take the second cable car up to Sass Pordoi at 2,950m (€30 pp return, cash). Lunch at Rifugio Maria at the summit with panoramic Dolomite views. Descend via the forest trails back to Arabba. Use Komoot (free) to download the trail offline before setting out. Evening free — explore Arabba's restaurants independently.
🚌Walk to/from Arabba cable car station. Cable cars payable locally (€20 + €30). Return on foot via Pordoi Pass forest trail.
🛏Guesthouse in Arabba (as Day 1)
- →Arabba cable car to Porta Vescovo (€20 pp, cash)
- →Self-guided hike along Viel del Pan path / Trail 601 (13km, 4–5hrs)
- →Coffee stop at Rifugio Viel del Pan
- →Cable car to Sass Pordoi (€30 pp return, cash)
- →Lunch at Rifugio Maria (approx. €15–18)
- →Download trail on Komoot or AllTrails before departing
Hike the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park
Arabba → Capanna Alpina → Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park
Take the Dolomiti Bus from Arabba toward Valdaora/Monguelfo and alight near Capanna Alpina (check dolomitibus.it for summer timetables; approx. €5–8 pp). From here, follow the well-marked trails (Trail 10 / 11) through the iconic Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park — 250 sq km of rugged peaks, karst plateaus and ancient pine forests. Aim for the turquoise Lago di Limo, a stunning high-alpine lake framed by the Cunturines and La Varela peaks. Lunch at Rifugio Gran Fanes (Utia de Gran Fanes) — traditional Alpine dishes for around €15–20. Return on the same trail for different afternoon light perspectives, then bus back to Arabba.
🚌Dolomiti Bus from Arabba to Capanna Alpina and return (~€10 round trip). Trail is self-navigated using Komoot/AllTrails.
🛏Guesthouse in Arabba (as Day 1)
- →Dolomiti Bus to Capanna Alpina trailhead (~€5–8 pp)
- →Self-guided hike through Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park (16km, 4–5hrs, Trail 10/11)
- →Visit Lago di Limo
- →Lunch at Rifugio Gran Fanes (Utia de Gran Fanes, ~€15–20)
- →Return hike and bus back to Arabba
Andraz Castle, Sief Pass and Setsass circular hike
Arabba → Andraz Castle → Forcella Sief → Setsass
Take a local taxi or Dolomiti Bus the short distance from Arabba to Andraz Castle (Castello di Andraz), a medieval fortress dating to c.1000 AD overlooking the Fodom Valley. Explore the castle exterior freely (small entry fee if the interior is open, ~€3). From here, follow the circular hiking route (Trail 244 and 241) up to Forcella Sief and into the Setsass group, passing WWI historical sites between Col di Lana and the Setsass ridge. Return via the Via della Vena — an old iron-supply road through Buchenstein with sweeping views of Pelmo, Civetta, Marmolada and Boé. Lunch at a local rifugio or Malga along the way using fresh Belluno-area ingredients. Walk or take local transport back to Arabba. Dinner independently in Arabba.
🚌Dolomiti Bus or local taxi to/from Andraz (~€10–15 round trip). Hike is circular and self-navigated.
🛏Guesthouse in Arabba (as Day 1)
- →Local taxi or Dolomiti Bus to Andraz Castle (~€5–10)
- →Explore Andraz Castle exterior and grounds
- →Self-guided circular hike via Forcella Sief and Setsass (12km, 4hrs, Trails 244/241)
- →Visit WWI historical sites between Col di Lana and Setsass
- →Lunch at a local malga or rifugio (~€15)
- →Return via Via della Vena to Arabba
Rifugio Averau and the epic Cinque Torri
Arabba → Passo Falzarego → Monte Averau → Cinque Torri
Take the Dolomiti Bus or a pre-arranged taxi from Arabba to Passo Falzarego (~€10–15). From the pass, follow the marked trail (Alta Via 1 / Trail 443) up through forest to high pastures on Monte Averau's southern flanks. Push through rockier terrain to reach the legendary Rifugio Averau (2,416m) — named one of the Top 10 mountain restaurants in the Alps by the Sunday Times. Enjoy lunch here with sensational views (budget €15–20). If energy allows, take the short detour up to Monte Nuvolau summit (2,575m) for 360° panoramas. Descend via the northern slopes past the iconic Cinque Torri (Five Towers rock formations) — one of the most photographed landscapes in the Dolomites. Catch the bus or thumb a lift back to Arabba from Passo Falzarego.
🚌Dolomiti Bus or taxi from Arabba to/from Passo Falzarego (~€15–25 round trip).
🛏Guesthouse in Arabba (as Day 1)
- →Dolomiti Bus or taxi to Passo Falzarego (~€10–15)
- →Self-guided hike to Rifugio Averau via Alta Via 1 / Trail 443 (8.3km, 5–6hrs)
- →Lunch at Rifugio Averau (Top 10 Alpine restaurant — Sunday Times, ~€15–20)
- →Optional: summit Monte Nuvolau (2,575m) for 360° views
- →Descend past iconic Cinque Torri (Five Towers)
- →Return bus or taxi from Passo Falzarego to Arabba
The Kaiserjaeger via ferrata and WWI war tunnels of Lagazuoi
Arabba → Passo Falzarego → Lagazuoi
Today is the crown jewel of the trip — and the one day where hiring a local guide is genuinely recommended, especially if you're new to via ferratas. Book a certified Alpine guide in advance through Guide Alpine Cortina (guidecortina.com) or similar — expect to pay around £60–90 pp for a half-day guided via ferrata session. Take a taxi or bus to Passo Falzarego. Gear up with your hired harness and helmet (included in guide booking or rentable at the pass for ~€15). Ascend the Kaiserjaeger path past WWI ruins, tackle the exposed ledges and the 10m suspension bridge, and reach Piccolo Lagazuoi summit (2,772m) and the Rifugio Lagazuoi — one of the finest panoramic terraces in the Dolomites. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the rifugio (~€15–20). Descend through original WWI tunnels and Austrian trenches with headlamps (bring your own or borrow from the guide). If you prefer to skip the via ferrata, take the Lagazuoi cable car up and down instead (€40 pp return, payable at the pass). Return to Arabba for a final celebratory dinner.
🚌Taxi or Dolomiti Bus to/from Passo Falzarego (~€15–25 round trip). Cable car option available at Falzarego pass (€40 pp return) if skipping via ferrata.
🛏Guesthouse in Arabba (as Day 1)
- →Book certified Alpine guide in advance via Guide Alpine Cortina (~£60–90 pp)
- →Taxi or Dolomiti Bus to Passo Falzarego (~€10–15)
- →Hire harness and helmet at the pass if not included in guide booking (~€15)
- →Kaiserjaeger via ferrata ascent past WWI ruins and suspension bridge
- →Reach summit of Piccolo Lagazuoi (2,772m)
- →Lunch at Rifugio Lagazuoi with panoramic terrace views (~€15–20)
- →Descend through original WWI tunnels and Austrian trenches
- →Return to Arabba for farewell dinner
Farewell Dolomites — transfer back to Venice
Arabba → Venice Marco Polo Airport
Enjoy a final breakfast in Arabba and soak up those last mountain views. Head back to Venice via Dolomiti Bus to Cortina or Belluno, then onward coach/bus connections to Venice Mestre or directly to the airport. Alternatively, book a GoOpti shared shuttle in advance for a door-to-airport transfer (~£30–40 pp). If your flight allows, store luggage at Venice Airport and spend a few hours exploring Venice itself — the ACTV shuttle bus from Piazzale Roma to the airport takes just 20 minutes (€8). Arrivederci!
🚌Dolomiti Bus to Belluno/Cortina then onward to Venice (~€15–20), or GoOpti shared shuttle direct (~£30–40 pp).
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Final breakfast in Arabba
- →Dolomiti Bus or GoOpti shared shuttle back to Venice (~£30–40 pp)
- →Optional: luggage storage at Venice Airport and a few hours exploring Venice
- →ACTV/ATVO shuttle bus from Piazzale Roma to Venice Airport (€8)
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£720 | £1,595 |
| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £875 per person (55%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Much Better Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£720
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
Customise with Tour BusterCreated by
Travel Crew
0 trips
Frequently asked questions
How much does Hike the Italian Dolomites: Self-Launched Edition cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £720 per person for 7 days in Italian Dolomites, Italy. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Much Better Adventures?+
Yes — Much Better Adventures charges around £1,595 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £720 — a saving of roughly £875 (55%) per person.
How long is the Italian Dolomites, Italy trip?+
This itinerary runs 7 days, covering 7 day-by-day stops through Italian Dolomites, Italy.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a hiking, adventure, culture trip through Italian Dolomites, Italy, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
No comments yet — be the first to share your take.
Sign in to leave a comment.