Grand Circuit of the Dolomites Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo

After your arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo, you will meet up and transfer to the start of the trek at Passo Pordoi. Here, you will ascend by cable car and hike up Piz Boe (3152m), before making a descent to the refuge of the same name. Taking in the magnificent views of the Dolomites, you will travers a beautiful plateau before descending to the Cavazza refuge (2585 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5h, 475m ascent/835m descent
Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 Traverse the Gardena Pass

Day 2 of the tour is a beautiful journey to the Gardena pass (2121 m), before continuing on to the Puez Odle massifs that you will explore over the next two days. The Ciampei Pass (2366 m) provides access to a beautiful plateau that you will traverse on the way to the Puez refuge (2475 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5h, 760m ascent/860m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Trek to the Genova Refuge

Today is a magnificent day of trekking through a rocky landscape that features geological and floristic points of interest. In the afternoon you will arrive at the Genova refuge (2297m), which will be your accommodations for the evening.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5h, 580m ascent/760m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Descend Through the Val de Longiaru

Day 4 of the tour will be a bit quieter, as you make a beautiful descent in the Val de Longiaru followed by a transfer to the Fanes Sennes Braies Massif. A short uphill climb will bring you to tonight’s accommodation, which is located at the foot of the mountains at an altitude of 1985m.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 30 min transfer + 3.5h, 300m ascent/800m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Lagazuoi Pass and Tofana de Rozes

Today you will trek along a balcony path at the foot of immense limestone walls. The Lagazuoi Pass (2573 m) offers beautifully scenic views, before continuing on to Tofana de Rozes and the Via Ferrata. A final climb will lead you up to the Giussani refuge (2580 m), which is located in an area of strategic importance and has witnessed fighting during historical conflicts.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 1050m ascent/490m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Climb up the Ciase Pass

A beautiful day of alpine trekking awaits, as today’s journey follows an uncrowded trail. You will descend into the Travenanzes Valley and climb a steep but steady route to the Ciase pass (2760 m), before making another descent to the refuge of Fanes (2060 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6.5h, 1040m ascent/1550m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Biella Refuge and Optional Ascent of Croda del Becco

In the morning you will follow a track to the Biella refuge (2327 m), before having the option to ascend the Croda del Becco (2810 m / +/- 430m) in the afternoon. Here, you will enjoy some incredible views that stretch far out across the Dolomites.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5.5h, 840m ascent/570m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Trek to the Pratopiazza Refuge

Today you will follow along a panoramic ridge and cross a karstic landscape at the foot of the giants of the massif, the Croda Rossa and the Croda Rossa Pizora, eventually making your way to the Pratopiazza refuge (1991 m) for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 5.5h, 430m ascent/750m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 Views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Day 9 of the tour features a steep but pleasant descent under the Strudelkopf to reach the bottom of the Rienza Valley. Here, you will traverse the valley before taking a less-used path towards the Col Grande del Rondoi (2289 m). A beautifully scenic path will then lead you to the famous Locatelli refuge, which faces the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo (2405 m).
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6.5h, 1460m ascent/1060m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10 Return to Cortina d’Ampezzo

Last day of your tour will lead you to the Pian di Cengia pass (2522 m). After, you will make a return to the foot of the Cima Piccola, arriving at the Auronzo refuge which marks the end of the circuit. From here, you will transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo and make your individual departure from the Dolomites.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch