Self-Guided Cortina to Venice Dolomites Hiking and Walking Tour
Journey from the majestic Dolomites to the iconic canals of Venice on this diverse hiking adventure through northern Italy. Your path winds through mountain forests with panoramic alpine views, descends through the historic Belluno province, and meanders past famous Prosecco vineyards in Valdobbiadene. Experience authentic Italian culture in charming mountain villages and bustling towns alike. The route combines natural beauty with cultural richness, offering forest trails, ridge walks, vineyard paths, and riverside nature reserves. This carefully planned trek balances mountain scenery with lowland charm, culminating in one of Europe's most celebrated cities. Perfect for hikers seeking variety, culture, and memorable Italian experiences.
Self-Guided
moderate
19 km / 11 mi
6
casual Inns
Min. 2, Max. 12
Highlights
Dolomites to Adriatic Journey
Experience an incredible transition from high alpine peaks to sea-level lagoons, traversing diverse landscapes including mountain forests, ridge walks, rolling hills, and river valleys over eight remarkable days.
Prosecco Wine Country
Walk through the prestigious vineyards of Valdobbiadene where authentic Prosecco is produced, with opportunities to taste this world-renowned sparkling wine amid the beautiful terraced hillsides.
Cultural Heritage Trail
Discover authentic Italian culture from alpine Cortina to fashionable Treviso and historic Belluno, experiencing regional customs, architecture, and cuisine that reflect the diverse character of northern Italy.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Cortina d'Ampezzo | Hotel Beppe Sello | |||
| DAY 2 | San Vito di Cadore | Hotel Fiori | B | 13 km / 8 mi | hiking |
| DAY 3 | Pieve di Cadore | Hotel Belvedere | B | 21 km / 13 mi | hiking |
| DAY 4 | Belluno | Hotel Cappello e Cadore (4-star) | B | 15 km / 9 mi | hiking |
| DAY 5 | Revine | Hotel Ai Cadelach | B | 18 km / 11 mi | hiking |
| DAY 6 | Treviso | B&B Hotel | B | 21 km / 13 mi | hiking |
| DAY 7 | Mestre | Hotel Elite | B | 23 km / 14 mi | hiking |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Welcome to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the elegant city nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. Upon your individual arrival, settle into your accommodation and take time to explore this renowned alpine destination. The evening is yours to prepare for the exciting hiking journey ahead through some of Italy's most spectacular landscapes.
Day 2: San Vito di Cadore
Begin your trek on elevated forest paths offering stunning vistas of the Sorapis massif and the distinctive Five Towers rock formation. The trail keeps you slightly above the valley floor, providing excellent views throughout. Following the scenic Boite Valley, you'll gradually make your way to the charming village of San Vito di Cadore, where traditional mountain hospitality awaits.
Day 3: Pieve di Cadore
Today presents options for different hiking intensities. Consider taking the chair lift to Rifugio Scotter Palatini to shorten the initial climb. Follow the Via Alpini trail across Passo dei Camosci to reach Galassi mountain hut at the day's highest elevation. Marvel at iconic Dolomite peaks including Monte Pelmo, Civetta, and Antelao along the route. Descend through Valle d'Oten alongside the Molinà river, with the option to take a taxi from Bar Alla Pineta or continue hiking to Calalzo di Cadore for the bus connection.
Day 4: Belluno
Ascend above Calalzo di Cadore toward Tai di Cadore, then proceed to Valle di Cadore. A worthwhile detour takes you to the historic church of St. Martin in Valle di Cadore. Continue along the Cammino delle Dolomiti hiking trail to reach Calalzo di Cadore. From here, board the public bus to Belluno, often called the small Venice in the mountains, where you'll spend the evening exploring its charming historic center.
Day 5: Revine
After a brief transfer, arrive at the renowned Nevegal plateau with its sweeping views of Santa Croce and Lake Morto. Before descending to the plains in coming days, savor today's ridge walk with its spectacular 360-degree mountain panorama. Stop at one of the welcoming mountain huts for refreshments before making the long descent to Revine, transitioning from alpine to foothill terrain.
Day 6: Treviso
Following a morning transfer, continue southward on the celebrated Dream Path Munich-Venice hiking route. Navigate gentle hills before reaching Molinetto della Croda, home to a beautifully preserved historic watermill. Walk through expansive Prosecco vineyards that invite you to sample the region's famous sparkling wine. A short train ride from Conegliano delivers you to Treviso, northeastern Italy's stylish fashion capital. Alternatively, take the bus from Refrontolo to Conegliano.
Day 7: Mestre
Today's flat riverside walk follows the Sile River through its protected nature reserve, a haven of small lakes, peat bogs, and winding watercourses. The area supports diverse birdlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Continue through this tranquil ecosystem to Quarto d'Altino, where you'll board the train to Mestre on the Venetian mainland, perfectly positioned for your Venice visit.
Day 8: Departure
Your hiking journey from the Dolomites to the Adriatic concludes today. Depart at your leisure or extend your stay to fully explore the treasures of Venice and the surrounding region.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Additional Inclusions
• Accommodation in hotels • Breakfast Included • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel • Transfers according to the program • Well planned routes • Detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers) • Telephone service hotline for the entire tour • Navigation app
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Venice mainland/Mestre
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Arrival
Arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo is convenient by multiple transport options. By car, drive along the Brenner/Brennero motorway (A22) to Brixen/Bressanone, exit at “Brixen/Pustertal,” and continue via SS49 through Pustertal/Valle Pusteria to Toblach/Dobbiaco before heading south to Cortina. Alternatively, travel via Felbertauernstraße to Lienz (Austria) and continue into Italy through the same valley route. By train, travel from Innsbruck via Brenner to Franzensfeste/Fortezza, then change to the Pustertal–Lienz line and alight at Toblach/Dobbiaco, followed by a bus to Cortina. For air travel, the nearest airports are Innsbruck, Verona, Treviso, Venice Marco Polo, and Trieste. From Venice/Mestre, shuttle services (every Saturday) or daily Cortina Express buses provide direct transfers to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Unattended parking is available near the hotel.
** Departure**
Departure is typically from Cortina d’Ampezzo or nearby Mestre/Venice, depending on your itinerary. Travelers can return by bus from Cortina to Toblach/Dobbiaco and continue by train via Franzensfeste/Fortezza toward Innsbruck or other major cities. Those departing by air can access Venice Marco Polo, Treviso, or Verona airports via direct bus services such as Cortina Express or shuttle transfers. If traveling by car, simply retrace the scenic route via Pustertal/Valle Pusteria to the A22 motorway or through Lienz in Austria. This well-connected network ensures a smooth and flexible end to your journey.
The best time for this Dolomites to Venice hiking route is from June to August, offering warm temperatures between 18°C and 30°C (64°F–86°F) with clear skies and ideal trekking conditions.
May and September are considered good seasons with pleasant weather ranging from 12°C to 22°C (54°F–72°F) and fewer crowds.
April and October fall under mixed seasons due to unpredictable conditions, cooler temperatures, and partial trail accessibility.
The off-season from November to March experiences cold temperatures between -5°C and 8°C (23°F–46°F), heavy snowfall in mountainous areas, and limited hiking opportunities, making it less suitable for trekking.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Mixed
May
Good
June
Best
July
Best
August
Best
September
Good
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.
Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear
- Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
- Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
- Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
- Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended on uneven terrain).
- Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
- Headlamp or small flashlight.
- Light gloves and beanie for early mornings or high altitudes.
Clothing
- Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
- Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
- Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
- Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
- Extra socks (preferably synthetic or wool).
Other Necessities
- Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
- Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
- Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.
Pro Tips
- Pack light — you’ll appreciate it on uphill climbs.
- Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
- Keep rain gear easily accessible in your daypack.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website.
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
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