Italian Dolomites Hiking and Multisport

AT A GLANCE

Italy

14 Explorer Chicks

Hotel, Boutique, Mountain Huts

Bucket List, Cycling, Hiking, International, Multisport, Water Sports

8 Days

3 - Active

Benvenuti in Italia

This is the trip to Italy that you’ve always dreamed of – the Dolomites, wine, epic sunrises, lakes, and food. Call the craggy Italian Alps sirens home as you explore jaw-dropping trails and impossibly cute mountain villages on this 8-day women’s hiking adventure in northern Italy.

We’ll meet in Venice before heading out for views of stunning glaciers, dramatic spires, and towering vistas complete with secret WWI tunnels. Our debut hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (aka photogenic panty-dropper) where we’ll stay in a luxurious mountain “hut” and eat our body weight in alpine cooking.

You’ll learn how to traverse via-ferrata style as we sling our powerful bodies across vertical rock walls to climb Monte Paterno. From there, we’ll shuttle to the iconic trailheads of Cinque Torri and Puez-Odle Nature Park, where we’ll spend the night sleeping in an authentic family-run hut high up in the mountains where even Starbucks can’t reach.

Also, no, you don’t have to hulk your beefy Samsonite up the mountains. Throughout your adventure, you only have to sherpa your daypack. We’ll shuttle your main luggage from hut to hotel since you’ll have your hands full moonlighting for National Geographic.

We’ll have down time in villages that can only be described as bucolic AF––including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Colfosco, Ortisei, and the stunning South Tyrol wine region which we’ll explore by e-bike. Amidst all the hiking, including an epic sunrise climb, we’ll build in time for slow mornings and plenty of relaxing. There’ll be wine tastings, an alpine spa visit, a hands-on Italian cooking class, and epic sailing on Lake Garda. Did you just become the most interesting woman on the school board? Yes, you did!

Photos

An Explorer Chick woman hikes in the mountains on a women's adventure group travel trip

An Explorer Chick woman hiking in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites

An Explorer Chick woman in the pool with mountains in the background in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites

An Explorer Chick woman hiking a Via Ferrata in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites

A group of Explorer Chick women sailing on a boat in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites

A group of Explorer Chick women hiking in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites

A group of Explorer Chick women at a winery in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites

A group of Explorer Chick women biking in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites

Itinerary

Expand All Days

Day 1 - Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo to a Mountain Hut

Hold our beers, gondoliers. This feral pack of women is hiking INTO THE ALPS. Be sure to fill up on breakfast before gathering just outside Venice at 10am with your fellow Explorer Chicks! We’ll strap into the SHE-nanigan Shuttle and head straight to the almighty Dolomites. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll stop for lunch and enjoy homemade alpine delicacies while golden eagles screech in the surrounding trees.

After stuffing ourselves with protein and carbs, we’ll drive 30 quick minutes to the start of our trailhead beneath the Tre Cime di Lavaredo––the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. These towering mountains are enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most famous formations in the Alps. Grab your backpack and enjoy spectacular views of these jagged limestone peaks. Once we take a billion photos, we’ll make the easy hike to Dreizinnen Hut, where we spend our first night together. GROWNUP SLEEPOVERS RULE.

Kick back with an aperol spritz and drink in the crazy-beautiful sights of your first night with your new besties. We’ll have dinner in our mountain hut and start brainstorming Italian trail names.

Elevation Gain: 1000′
Hiking Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 2.5 hours hiking

Highest Elevation: 8,274′

Transfer: 3 hours
Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: L-D

Day 2 - Via Ferrata Monte Paterno and Luxury Spa

Two words: sunrise hike. The Tre Cime monoliths look stunning in the blazing morning sun, and we’ve got easy access to the peaks just above the hut. Enjoy sunrise coffee at 8,000ft above sea level while the rest of the world plays Wordle in bed.

We’ll climb back down to the hut for breakfast and prepare for the most badass day of our trip. We are climbing Monte Paterno via-ferrata style. This means the mountain route will be equipped with fixed ladders, cables, and bridges. The via-ferrata warms us up nice and easy, and we’ll follow tunnels built during WWI.

The route gets more vertical and exposed the farther we go. You’ll need a decent level of fitness and hiking experience––and ideally zero fear of heights––to master these slopes. Train on hilly inclines as much as possible before your trip. If you live in Illinois, hit up the stairmaster and treadmill on maximum incline! Our mountain guides will be there every step of the way to keep us safe and as sure-footed as an ibex.

If our group ain’t feeling the via-ferrata, we can take an easier trail option. Blasting through discomfort is classic Explorer Chick, but we don’t want anyone clutching their rosary beads. After our hike, we’ll drive 30 minutes to the Olympic town of Cortina d’Ampezzo for lunch and some drinks (or shopping to burn through that adrenaline!). After, we’ll drive another hour to the mountain village of Colfosco, where we’ll spend two nights with dreamy views of the Dolomites and soaking in the luxury alpine spa.

Elevation Gain: 1000′
Hiking Distance: 3 miles
Time: 5-6 hours hiking

Highest Elevation: 9,003′

Transfer: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Luxury Hotel
Meals: B-L-D

Day 3 - Hiking the Cinque Torri and Spa

Ugh, more gorgeous rock formations on the agenda. After a filling breakfast we’re shuttling our booties over to Passo Falzarego to do the hike around Cinque Torri. See the five, gorgeous spires bursting out of the landscape? Those tectonic plates understood the assignment.

We’ll do an easy walk and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Located near Cortina d’Ampezzo, these iconic towers are a playground for climbers and hikers, offering breathtaking adventure in a stunning alpine setting.

For history enthusiasts, the area is also home to World War I historical sites, including well-preserved trenches and tunnels. After we get our fill of views, your afternoon is reserved for even more spa relaxation and pampering.

Elevation Gain: 850′
Hiking Distance: 4 miles
Time: 4 hours hiking

Highest Elevation: 7,431′

Transfer: 1 hour
Accommodation: Luxury Hotel
Meals: B-L-D

Day 4 - Puez-Odle Nature Park and Hut Overnight

We’re in zero hurry today and will soak up every last leisurely moment in our hotel. BECAUSE UP NEXT IT’S PRIMITIVE MOUNTAIN HUT TIME, BABY! After breakfast and a short drive to yet another trailhead, we’ll embark on a 2-day hiking journey through the stunning Puez-Odle Nature Park.

We’ll warm up nice and easy, enjoying stunning views of Peitlerkoffel north walls. As we climb to the Peitler Saddle, we’ll stroll along comfortable trails with wide open vistas across the stunning mountain meadows and the jagged white horizon above them. This is one of our most beautiful hikes and very much off-the-beaten path.

On the way, we’ll stop for lunch in a mountain hut and end the day in our cute little cabin, run by a lovely local family. We’ll be sleeping high up in the mountains in a much smaller, simpler, more authentic mountain hut.

Elevation Gain: 1650′
Hiking Distance: 5 miles
Time: 4-5 hours hiking

Highest Elevation: 7,900′

Transfer: 45 minutes
Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: B-L-D

Day 5 - Hiking the Puez-Odle Nature Park, Part II

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with the best view before lacing up those hiking boots. Today we’ll head into the heart of Puez-Odle Nature Park to climb and descend a mountain pass with some intense gravel trails.

After, we’ll be rewarded with endless meadows rustling in the wind beneath the famous Seceda ridge. We’ll enjoy our final lunch in the mountain hut, take that Instagram shot of the Seceda ridgeline, and hop a cable car down to Val Gardena valley.

Tonight we’ll rest our heads in the darling town of Ortisei. Dinner is entirely up to you. Enjoy your free time as you explore this postcard perfect alpine village filled with hand-carved wooden sculptures.

Elevation Gain: 2300′
Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
Time: 5-6 hours hiking

Highest Elevation: 8,120′

Transfer: Cable car ride down to the valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B-L

Day 6 - eBike thru South Tyrol Wine Country

Oh good, we have your attention. After breakfast and an easy last morning in Ortisei, we’ll drive to the stunning South Tyrol wine region. Hop on your e-bike and coast along ridiculous side roads that look Photoshopped. You’re gliding through beautiful wine country and bucolic villages like it’s your job.

We’ll stop at a winery for lunch and enjoy a generous tasting. After, we’ll board a transfer to Riva del Garda, our home for the next two nights. Grab dinner on your own or with your new friends again this evening!

eBiking Distance: 15 miles

Highest Elevation: 6,562′

Transfer: 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B-L

Day 7 - Cook, Eat, and Sail at Lake Garda

It’s illegal to go to Italy without taking a cooking class, so that’s how we’ll start our last full day. We’ll take it slow today, preparing typical Italian dishes for 4 glorious hours that include plenty of wine breaks. After lunch, we’ll head to Lake Garda to board our sailing boat. Relax as we whip through the waters, or jump in and enjoy a swim as you gaze up at stunning mountain views.

We’ll spend 3-4 hours on the boat before breaking for our last supper at a local winery, oil mill, and restaurant.

Transfer: 1 hour

Highest Elevation: 215′
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B-L-D

Day 8 - Departure and Ugly Cries

After an easy morning and farewell breakfast, it’s time to board the transfer back to Venice and say our goodbyes. If you’re planning on extending your adventure, we can totally arrange a transfer to your next travel destination. Don’t you dare forget about us and can we please start a text thread called “Loose Dolomite Women?”

Transfer: 2 hours
Meals: B

*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents.

Logistics

What to Pack

Check out our recommended hiking gear for all trips.
You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that trips may require additional specialized items.

Arrival

Airport City: Venice, Italy (VCE)
Pick Up Location: Rendezvous Hotel
Meeting Time: 10am on Day 1

Departure

Airport City: Venice, Italy (VCE)
Drop Off Location: Venice Rendezvous Hotel
Return Time: Depart at any time after 3pm on Day 8

Optional Add-Ons: Limited Single Room Upgrades are available at booking.

If you wish to transfer onward, please reach out. We would love to help!

You will receive a Travel Guide with all the rendezvous hotel, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip.

We require a minimum of 6 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.

Activity Level

Rated 3 – ACTIVE

This trip is rated a 3 – Active because you’ll take on 6 back-to-back days of hiking, a Via Ferrata and eBiking.

You’ll spend one day riding hard tail mountain eBikes on mixed surfaces. No eBike experience is necessary. If you can ride a bike, then you can ride an E-Bike. It is recommended to spend time on a bike before your trip to “break in your butt.”

The Via Ferrata is a fun, challenging jaunt in the mountains. It involves hiking and scrambling up rock faces with the assistance of a built-in cable system. Those with a fear of heights will feel extra challenged. But you got this.

Daily Activities:

Day 1: Hiking, 2.5 hours, 3.5 miles. 1,000′ Gain. Easy.
Day 2: Hiking and Via Ferrata, 5-6 hours, 3 miles, 1,000′ Gain. Moderate+
Day 3: Hiking, 4 hours, 4 miles. 850′ Gain. Easy.
Day 4: Hiking, 4-5 hours, 5 miles. 1650′ Gain. Easy+
Day 5: Hiking, 5-6 hours, 6.5 miles. 2300′ Gain. Moderate
Day 6: E-Bike, approximately 18 miles. Moderate
Day 7: Boat Ride + swimming. Easy.

Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.

What's Included

Lodging

1 Night in a mountain hut. Shared open dormitory style sleeping arrangements. Shared bathrooms. Showers (unreliably) available at an extra cost.
2 Nights in a luxury hotel and spa in the town of Colfosco in the heart of the Dolomites. Rooms will be varied in size with differing views of the surroundings and will be assigned at random. Shared 2 per room. En-suite bathrooms in each room, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and satellite TV. Restaurants and spa on site.
1 Night in our second and more rustic mountain hut. Shared open dormitory style sleeping arrangements. Shared bathrooms, linens provided.
1 Night in a boutique hotel in the picturesque town of Ortisei. Shared 2 per room. En-suite bathrooms in each room, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. Pool, spa, gym and restaurant on site.
2 Nights in a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Garda. Shared 2 per room. En-suite bathrooms in each room, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Spa and restaurant on site.

Activities

All activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
Mountain Hut hikes include luggage transfer
E-Biking includes hard-tail mountain e-bike, helmet, support, and luggage transfer
Gratuities for all excursions

Meals

All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-7, L-7, D-5
Gratuities for included meals

Practical

Professional leadership team with a local guide and Explorer Chick Guide
Gratuities for local guides
A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip
The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!

Not Included

Airfare
Airport Transportation
Alcoholic beverages
Travel Insurance
Meals exclusive of itineraries
Costs for additional activities
Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here)

Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.

Let's Do This

Starting From

$5,799

Book Your Dolomites Trip

Save $300 with our Early Bird Discounts!

Just book at least 6 Months in Advance! Discount is automatically applied.

Non-Refundable Deposit: $300 due at booking to secure your spot

Questions about Italy?

In Her Words

lisa O.

Loved my first Explorer Chick trip to Yosemite - it won't be my last! Guides Christina and Nicole were so kind and attentive. I was a solo traveler and I enjoyed every other woman in my group! I left feeling confident in my strong hiking body and refreshed in my soul. Thank you, Explorer Chicks!

Danielle B.

This was the trip of a lifetime! Nicki was the best guide and I could not have asked for anything to be different! Run to sign up for this trip! You will not regret it!

Bobbie H.

The Uganda trip with Explorer Chicks was beyond my wildest dreams. It was a bucket list adventure taken to extraordinary heights, blending luxury and excitement. I had hoped for at least one game drive, and instead, we embarked on more than a dozen thrilling adventures to see giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, chimpanzees and more. Seeing gorillas up close was a dream come true, and not only did I see them, but I was also touched by a young gorilla—a moment that far exceeded any of my dreams.The accommodations were beyond 5 stars, a true testament to the luxury of the trip and the impeccable planning on the part of Explorer Chick. Imagine being gently woken up by your butler serenading you with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." The food was equally exceptional, adding to the overall luxurious experience. Moreover, I forged lasting friendships with the incredible women on this journey. I admire and adore each one of them, and the bonds we created are truly special.This trip was, without a doubt, an unforgettable adventure. All I can say is DO IT!!

Jenny H.

This trip is AMAZING! Don't overthink it, just book it and go. It is worth every penny and you will not regret it. Explorer Chick has covered all the details - we just showed up to enjoy it. The animals and wildlife were beyond words! The hotels were deluxe and, if you're worried, the meals were delicious with mostly Western ("normalish") options or regional favorites. The women on the trip were also amazing. It was wonderful to see the African plains, enjoy sundowners, hiking to the gorillas, meeting local people - all of it. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! An adventure of a lifetime. (My trip was December 2023.)

Lauren J.

Summer of 2023 I said to my husband, I need to do this trip, I went to the EC Banff Canada trip in March (first trip alone and I was freaking out) and it was absolutely amazing… but for some reason this trip just spoke to me… I was supposed to be there for my 40th in 2020 and you all know how that worked out! I booked it!!! I was scared to death. I packed and unpacked 1 million times and it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Do you have any idea what it feels like to travel across the world, to be an independent woman, to do it by yourself… to meet the most amazing people that you know you’ll be friends with forever. Women that to this day I still talk to and have traveled to see again. Uganda is such an amazing country, you will never ever regret it. The people the experience, the culture, the food, the animals it is absolutely breathtaking. Don’t pass this up life’s too short go for it.

Susan F.

I just completed the challenging and spectacular Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking trip with Explorer Chicks. Our guide, Ashley, was organized, knowledgeable, kind, calm and encouraging and we all agreed we would definitely travel with her again!! This was a trip of a lifetime and I’m so glad I got to experience the beauty of the Yosemite backcountry!

Sasha S.

I just got back from the Yosemite - Half Dome Backpacking Trip. From beginning to end it was AMAZING, STUPENDOUS, FABULOUS...you get the point. Kat was our guide and she was the absolute perfect fit for our group. Everything was so well thought out, meals were amazing! Loved our "Trailsgiving Dinner". Kat was great at reading the vibe of the group, making adjustments when needed and giving us super helpful little tips to make the trek easier. The itinerary was great and we had the trails mostly to ourselves in the backcountry with exception of the few high traffic areas so it felt like a magical little retreat. There were so many thoughtful details that made the trip extra special. We hiked Half Dome to watch the sunset and it was breathtaking. At no time did I feel unsafe because Kat coached us how to approach the cables and was there the whole time helping anyone who felt nervous. We had emails ahead of the trip with what to expect, frequent communication during the trip outlining the details of each day as well as a recap email that captured all of the special moments. I would so strongly recommend Explorer Chick to any woman looking for an adventure! BOOK IT!! You will not regret it!

Candice B.

This trip was wonderful from beginning to end! I am so thankful I found out about Explorer Chick! I will definitely be booking another trip soon. Kat was our guide and she truly was the best I could have asked for in a guide. You get to know people intimately when you go backpacking and share tents. Kat’s personality is optimistic and patient. Guiding 5 women who have hardly any experience backpacking or climbing could potentially be a very difficult situation but Kat is knowledgeable and kind and I trusted her guidance.

Shannon B.

I just got back from my third Explorer Chick trip--this time to Yellowstone. It was a busy trip and we saw a lot in one week. Our guides Christina and Jayme were first class and facilitated not just the logistics of travel, meals, and activities but also empowered us, educated and listened and were fun to be around. These are not trips if you want relaxing, easy vacations. But if if want to meet fantastic women and challenge yourself, sign up. There are so many options to choose from and new people to meet.

Sierra W.

Explorer Chick was absolutely phenomenal! I recently completed their Yosemite National Park Half Dome Backpacking trip and had an incredible experience. My guide, Kirstie, was beyond amazing. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the park, its history, and the surrounding area. Her enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors were contagious, making the trip even more enjoyable. Kirstie was also very approachable, making it easy to ask questions and feel comfortable in the group. I was impressed by her attention to detail, ensuring that everything was well-planned and executed. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend booking a trip with Explorer Chick!

Leila H

I recently returned from Yosemite National Park after completing one of my bucket list hikes, climbing Half Dome! The group of women and our guide Katie K. were an encouraging and inspirational circle to be surrounded by. It wasn't just about hiking and completing a goal; it was about connection, learning, and trust. My guide went above and beyond in educating the group, teaching meditation and relaxation techniques, and adapting to each individual and their personal comfort level. I look forward to more adventures in the near future!

Jamie L.

I just got back from the Yosemite hiking trip with Kara and Kirstie as guides and it was phenomenal! We covered several varied parts of the park and were so well taken care of by our guides! They adapted to each woman’s fitness level like pros. I will definitely be going on another trip with Explorer Chick and highly recommend them to any women thinking about it!

kara R.

I am a single woman with the desire to travel. I feel a bit intimidated going alone. I had my eye on Explorer Chicks for a couple of years and finally committed to a trip; just returned from Alaska. All the ladies were down-to-earth, funny and kind. The guides made me feel safe and took us to places that were well off the beaten path, not tourist-y. I am on my way to becoming a world traveler, having booked another trip with them this fall. You will have so much fun!

Susan A.

Beyond my expectation is what comes to mind when asked how I liked my EC adventure. I recently returned from the Alaska adventure of a lifetime. The scenery, my fellow "Chicks", the daily events, the food, the organization, all top notch! Our guides, Ashley and Nichole, knowledgeable, capable, enthusiastic, welcoming, experienced with adventures in the wild. This is a not to be missed experience I would repeat in a heartbeat.

Shelly B.

I did the 2024 Slovenia trip. My guide, Katie Klos-was awesome! And the trip was truly amazing! From the hut-to-hut hiking in the Alps- to the rest of trip adventures which included rafting, biking wine country, paddleboarding, hikes, delicious food and wine. Everything was planned and taken care of from start to finish and it was a grand adventure! It was my 3rd Explorer Chick trip and my favorite! HIghly Recommend!