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hiking and traveling the dolomites- looking for suggestions, etc

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my husband and I want to travel to northern Italy the beginning of September and spend about 7 days hiking; then just some general sightseeing. Just putting out feelers for recommendations on such a trip. We waited to book anything because of the current situation in the middle east that is impacting airfares as well as overseas travel.

Wondering if we would be wise to sign up with one of those outfitters that plans your hikes, arranges lodging, moves your luggage from town to town. Several years ago we went to Scotland and hiked the West Highland Way- it was far more challenging for me than expected, and I only hiked 3 1/2 segments of the total 7 we had planned. My husband, who is a major distance runner, is in excellent physical shape and was able to do all 7 segments without any issues. But the ease of having luggage and accommodations taken care of was great!

Also wondering where best to fly into, and whether renting a car is suggested once we finish the hiking portions of the trip. And of course, suggestions of where to travel after we are done hiking. Not sure if buses and/or trains would be the best way to get around to other parts of northern Italy.

Many thanks!

Posted by
2158 posts

Is this for September 2026 in a month and a half? If so, you might want to check with the outfitters to make sure they still have openings before you book anything else.

Posted by
150 posts

I checked Backroads and they do have a couple of September spots open for their Hut-to-Hut, which sounds like what you want. I’m sure it’s slim pickings at this point with most outfitters, but you might get lucky. The public transportation in many areas is excellent, but “where to travel after hiking” will be dependent on what accommodations you can get at this late date.

Posted by
370 posts

We were in the Dolomites last September. I was surprised by how hot it was when we were hiking the Alpe de Suisi and visiting Castelrotto, so check the weather before you leave so you bring appropriate clothes. We flew directly into Munich, and then took the train to Bolzano, where we stayed. Did a day trip to Trento. After Bolzano, we stayed in Verona for a few days, and took a day trip to Padova and also to Sermione on Lake Garda and Peschiera. We don't feel comfortable renting a car abroad, so we relied on public transportation. I hope you have a great time.

Posted by
11 posts

I would definitely recommend going with a guide, I've lots of experience hiking solo, but with a guide you have the commodity of someone taking you to the right trail, not having to plan much, and getting to the good spots.

When you plan solo and you don't know the location the risk is that you will spend lots of time wandering in the wrong place.

For my recent trip in the north of Tuscany I hired a hiking guide to visit the mountains and it was 100% worth it!

if you are afraid that the trip is too demanding like your previous experience and you might end up staying behind try to find find a small operator, they usually cater only to you, and not big groups, so they can adapt the trip to your needs and physical fitness.

Posted by
189 posts

I disagree that you need a guide for the Dolomites. Not saying it’s not without value, but 1st time tourists there all seem to visit the same well trodden trails. Also the infrastructure in the Dolomites is quite good and you can easily reach the most stunning areas with ease. Having a car is the best way to do so.

I have visited twice in the past 10 months for solo hiking and have seen a lot. I used the hiking guides on Moon and Honey travel for ideas and then downloaded the maps from All Trails.

Hiking is definitely challenging there, probably more so than Scotland. But you can always modify your routes on day hikes to suit your level of fitness.

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