The Dolomites Active Escape
Peak Experiences
July 11-17, 2026
Dolomites Peak Experiences
Step into the heart of Italy’s most iconic mountain range with jagged limestone pinnacles rising above vast green meadows.
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, the Dolomites are renowned for dramatic rock formations, picturesque alpine villages, and fascinating geological significance. Ancient coral reefs were lifted and sculpted into high craggy spires, cliffs, and plateaus by the volcanic and geological forces that mold and remake our planet. Comfort and hospitality are never far away as we explore the culture that opens its doors to adventurous travellers.
Over seven days, we’ll:
EXERT hiking legendary trails
EXPLORE vistas of towers, spires, and soaring peaks
INDULGE over long lunches in mountaintop rifugi
Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occur while you are climbing it.”
- Andy Rooney
Hiking in the Dolomites
This trip is for you if:
You love the outdoors but also crave comfort and connection
You appreciate a well-paced trip that balances challenging hikes with slower-paced days
You’re fascinated by World War I history and admire the grit of those who fought under the extremes of alpine conditions
You find culinary experiences are a core part of your value system, and that food tastes best with tired muscles.
You’re a couple who want to share a unique adventure together
You’re with friends who bond over a good sweat
You’re a solo traveler - you will be alone as little or as much as you desire
You want to balance your hiking trip with spa luxuries along the way.
Highlights of the Dolomites active escape
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6 nights in hand-curated boutique lodging
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Hike stunning, iconic trails in the Dolomites
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Feel the history: Cinque Torre’s open-air WWI museum
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Choose what thrills you: soar on Europe’s longest zipline or unwind with a mountain-view yoga class.
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Indulge in chef-prepared alpine dinners, traditional rifugi lunches with insane views, rustic strudel stops, and a guided wine-pairing finale
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Experience the spa culture: hot soaks, cold plunges, massages, and more
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Fitness classes to complement our active itinerary: a little sweat, a lot of stretching, and that signature core work to get you moving, and keep you moving well.
WWI in the Dolomites
Virtually unknown in modern times, the battle between the Austrians and the Italians was one of the most brutal frontlines in history. An open-air museum will bring history alive as we learn the story of trenches and tunnels, avalanches and landslides that claimed the lives of a million soldiers.
Culinary Traditions of the Dolomites
Taste the Tyrolean mountain fair of the Dolomites, which is a hearty blend of Ladin, Italian, and Austrian traditions. It features simple dishes with flavorful seasonal ingredients packed with nutrition. Think smoked and cured meats, potatoes, barley, mushrooms, and fresh dairy. You will discover a burgeoning wine scene producing spectacular regional wines. High-altitude vineyards, unique soil properties, warm days, and cool nights create delicious vintages throughout the region.
Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery. —John Ruskin
Dolomites 7-day Itinerary:
*Note: The itinerary may adjust due to weather or other conditions.
Day 1
July 11 - Tre Cime Lavaredo - the symbol of the Dolomites 10k (4-6 miles)
We will gather and begin well with one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites, Tre Cima Lavaredo (the three chimneys). Cima Grande, Cima Ovest, and Cima Picola tower over screen slopes and vast meadows. With warmed muscles and a few (thousand) selfies already in the bag, we’ll enjoy a scenic lunch at Rifugio Auronzo. After checking into our hotel and enjoying the beer cart, we’ll meet for an incredible welcome dinner at the Michelin-recognized El Brite de Larieto. Che inizio!
Day 2
July 12 - Cinque Torre 10k (4-6 miles)
It might be hard to top yesterday’s famous hike, but Cinque Torre will leave you breathless from the second you exit the ski lift. A guided tour of the open-air World War I museum begins our journey, followed by a challenging hike with a little bit of tricky footing to keep us sharp. Lunch at Rifugio Averau will revive our spirits before we enjoy the scenery on the lift back down. We’ll check into Lagació Mountain Residence and maybe have time for a post-hike stretch and aperitivo (of course) before enjoying a casual pizza dinner.
Day 3
July 13 Piz Sorega, 4k (2.5 miles) walk, Ziplining
After the challenging hikes in our first couple of days, we’ll give our legs a little break. Enjoy the space for a relaxed breakfast before we meet up to take the lift up to the top of Piz Sorega for a workout with a view. We’ll start with recuperative mobility and move into essential core work (with extended challenges for those interested). We’ll get in our steps with a two-mile walk to lunch at Rifugio Col Alt. But today, we will walk less. And we will FLY more!
The thrill seekers among us will head out from Rifugio Col Alt to experience 3km of adrenaline and panoramic views on one of the longest ziplines in Europe. Those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground will return to the earthen heights of Piz Sorega for mountain-top yoga. Guided wine tasting and a group dinner rounds out a day of adventures
Day 4
July 14 Christ di Crespëna 8k (5 miles)
An alpine lake? Yes, please! After a lighter day on our feet, our legs should be ready for an energizing hike with views of a stunning Lech de Crespëina. After a trail-ending lunch at Rifugio Col Pradat and a relaxing tour of the scenery on the chairlift back, we’ll wrap up with evening yoga and mobility class to help keep your legs nourished before tomorrow’s adventure.
Enjoy some time to explore and have an early dinner on your own. You’ll want to rest well because tomorrow will be our biggest day!
Day 5
July 15: Fannes Sennes Nature Park 13k (8 miles)
Our most challenging hike will bring us incredible rewards: soaring vistas, a steep ascent and descent with a lake view, a coffee and strudel stop (of course), and lunch at Rifugio Scotini. We’ll definitely need some stretching this evening, then we’ll set you free to sleepily celebrate your success with dinner on your own (or perhaps soaking your well-worked legs in the mineral pool or steaming in the sauna).
Day 6
July 16 Exploring the Sella Massif 6k (3.5 miles)
If you’re a little sore when you wake up, a light core and strength class will help iron out the kinks. Our last hike will be a little more gentle, but the views will still be fierce and inspirational as we hike above the tree line. We’ll give you a little free time to soak or relax in the afternoon, before we travel in 4x4’s up up up to Rifugio Las Vegas for a rowdy, celebratory finale dinner. We’ll raise our glasses as the sun sets and feel all the feels, tired muscles, full hearts, and reflection on an incredible week-long journey together.
Day 7
July 17 Departure
We’ll return you to Cortina d’Ampezzo in time for the buses back to Venice. Or perhaps you’ll stay in the region and explore the prosecco vineyards, the Ötzi museum in Bolzano, or the Shakespearean town of Verona. Either way, the Dolomites will have carved their way into your hearts and your aching muscles.
Quote: There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” - Alex Lowe
Accomodations
Breathtaking views… from the comfort of your bed.
At the end of the day, you’ll put your feet up and savor the comfort of Ladin hospitality. We’ve selected accommodations that are thoughtfully designed and locally owned so that you can be at your best for each day’s hike.
Ready to book this peak experience?
Packing & Travel
Travel Recommendations
We suggest using Venice-Marco Polo airport. You will need at least two flights to get to Venice. Choose an international hub such as Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam or Zurich and then pick up a direct flight to Venice. From the Venic airport, there is an easy bus connection directly to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Private drivers can also be arranged.
Meet up: We will meet in Cortina d’Ampezzo on July 11 at 9 a.m
Post-trip: We’ll return you to Cortina d’Ampezzo in time for the buses back to Venice. You might consider exploring the region; prosecco vineyards, the Ötzi museum in Bolzano, or the Shakespearean town of Verona.
There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
- Sir Ranulph Fiennes
What to Pack
Alpine hiking requires serious consideration. While the summer months are warm, weather systems can unexpectedly change the game. Rain gear is a must, as is a down or fleece layer in your pack, regardless of the forecast. Dress in layers and be prepared to strip down or layer up. Hiking poles are strongly recommended.
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You will need comfortable hiking clothing made of performance fabrics that will dry quickly. The weather can be warm and muggy or freezing and rainy. A waterproof shell and a fleece or down layer are essential. Layering shirts, light pants, at least one pair of warmer pants, extra socks, and basic workout clothes for fitness classes can double as hiking attire.
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The Dolomites are pretty casual, and athleisure will mostly take you where you want to go. However, you may want to elevate your attire a little for our two fancier dinners. It is Italy, after all.
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Hiking boots or sturdy trail runners with nonslip soles and waterproofing are highly recommended. Light sneakers are acceptable for evenings and fitness classes.
Other suggested packing items:
Hiking Poles
Bathing suit for spas
Toiletries
Mosquito repellant
Sunscreen
Motion sickness medication or sea bands
Rain jacket (essential)
Hat / gloves for hiking (essential)
Down or fleece layer
Sunglasses
EU adapter for plugs
Travel-sized USB charger
Travel wallet (with RFID protection for your security).
Pro tips:
Consider uploading a photo of your passport and/or driver’s license to a password-protected cloud storage service (Dropbox, Google, Microsoft) and credit cards to an encrypted mobile wallet.
Throw a collapsable extra bag in your suitcase to fit all of your souvenirs for the way back
Training Notes
We’re literally climbing mountains, but you don’t need to be prepared to clip into a via ferrata. The trails we’re exploring are not technical but they are challenging and rigorous due to ascents, descents, and tricky terrain.
Participants need to be comfortable hiking up to 5-8 miles. We will have some scaled-back options and offer ample opportunities for rest and finding your own pace. Train on inclines, and be sure your hiking boots/shoes are well broken-in. Hiking poles are strongly encouraged (practice ahead of time).
BONUS: We’ll send you your Body Synergy hiking packs with enough time for you to get used to carrying your gear and 2 liters of water.
Your Hosts
Lisa Vonnegut, CSCS
Lisa has been helping people move better and feel stronger since 2000. Her love affair with travel began in 2007 on a solo adventure to the Amalfi Coast—proof that a great view and a little limoncello can change your life. Inspired by her love of travel, health, and fitness, she founded Body Synergy FitCation to create experiences that challenge the body, awaken the senses, and celebrate life’s most delicious pleasures.
With a background in clinical psychology and acute rehabilitation, Lisa knows how to create an environment where motivation thrives, and wellness feels like second nature (even when there's wine involved). She's also an applied neurology coach with Next Level Neuro, adding brain-boosting insights to her coaching toolkit.
As a digital nomad, Lisa splits her time between the SF Bay Area and Southern Germany, but she's most at home leading active escapes wherever there's a trail to hike, a vineyard to sip in, or a challenge to conquer.
Sophia Gottlieb
Sophia has been guiding active tours and planning vacations up and down Italy since 2011. A California native with a background in wine, food and events, she first fell in love with Italy when she came for a winery job in 2008. Now officially relocated to the heel of the boot, Sophia is fluent in Italian and specializes in itinerary planning, hunting out the best trails, history guides, tastings, meals, and scenery Italy has to offer.
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
- John Muir