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Thru-Hiking Italy's Most Beautiful Mountains. September 2023.
8 Nights ✧ 50+ Miles Hiking ✧ Mountain Lodges ✧ Via Ferrata
10-14 Total Spots
$3,750 per person
Sep 5-13, 2023
$850 Deposit required to hold your spot.
Balance due July 1, 2023.
Please view our Booking Terms here.
Sep 5 - 13, 2023
A thru-hike in the magical atmosphere of the Dolomites, a land of wild open spaces, green alpine meadows and jagged peaks beneath a deep blue sky. From start to finish, we will hike surrounded by glaciers, spires, and massifs, enjoying spellbinding views that make each day unforgettable, while cozying up in gorgeous, comfortable, and delicious remote mountain lodges each night.
We will have luggage support/transfer from hut-to-hut most days (see “Luggage Transfer” under “Travel Logistics & FAQ”), as well as the opportunity to try a via ferrata (rated “easy”) along the way (see “Via Ferrata”), as we traverse over 50 miles from Lake Braies to Capanna Trieste in the Northeastern corner of Italy.
“The choices of venues, guides, and activities were excellent and I felt safe throughout the trip. This trip was so well thought out and yet so personal. I felt like I was traveling with good friends. I would recommend this to anyone, and can’t wait to go on another trip with Jackie.” – Miranda
Arrive on your own to Dobbiaco, check-in to our group accommodations in the afternoon and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Dolomites. Take a stroll through the small streets of this charming village, wonderfully located on a plateau surrounded by meadows and pastures with a backdrop of some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites.
Meet at 5:30pm in the upstairs lobby of the hotel for a briefing and so you can meet Laura, your guide for the trip, and walk to dinner as a group to load up on pizza before we start our trek!
If you would like to book a private transfer to Dobbiaco or from Cortina from/to Venice or otherwise, please express interest to your future Dolomites travel mates inside of Basecamp so that you might share with others (we can give you information to book it). Private transfers are not included and can cost from 300-700 euros depending on the number of people/route, etc. We recommend buses and trains if they work for your itinerary.
Our first day of hiking is challenging but extremely rewarding. Along the way we’ll enjoy incredible views of Braies Lake and Rifugio Biella, at the feet of the towering Croda del Becco mountain. Our accommodation for tonight is Fodara Vedla, a mountain lodge immersed in an idyllic setting of meadows and huts, with the peaks of Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo, Crystal, and Fanes mountains for the backdrop.
After a long descent to the Pederu hut where we’ll grab a cappuccino and regroup, we start our final ascent to the Fanes plateau. Here we will sleep in a mountain hut that boasts the highest brewery in Europe, right there in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by trees and rugged peaks, in the heart of Fanes, Sennes & Braies National Park. Optional traditional Finnish sauna tonight!
This day is full of highlights! Starting from our hut in Fanes, we’ll walk to Limo Pass and nearby Limo Lake. We continue along a well-maintained but challenging trail to the beautiful Mt. Lagazuoi, with the small but enchanting Lake Lagazuoi, a bright blue spot surrounded by jagged peaks. Today’s hike ends with a big uphill and an even bigger reward when we arrive to Rifugio Lagazuoi, an area famous for its underground tunnels and trenches built during WWI. Optional sauna with epic views tonight!
Today we descend the famous Kaiserjäger trail right from the top of the mountain near our rifugio. This trail contains portions of via ferrata, thought it’s rated “easy” and could be looked at as a technical hike. It may or may not include a walk through short tunnels or trenches (the tunnels are not mandatory, and this opportunity depends on the guides). This 2-hour downhill is how we’ll get from the top of Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego, where we’ll regroup for coffee and a snack. See “Via Ferrata Info” in “Trip Logistics & FAQ” tab for more.
There is an option to take the gondola down from Lagazuoi if anyone is absolutely against the challenge of the Kaiserjäger Trail, though the gondola price is not included. This via ferrata is rated as “easy” and we will have expert alpine guides with us the entire way, so this if a fabulous opportunity to try a via ferrata if you haven’t before. You can do it!
Today we will walk across Passo Giau to the beautiful and wild Val Cernera. The views are incredible, from jagged peaks to peaceful meadows with lakes. Along the way, we will pass by the Mesolithic site of Mondeval, where in 1985 a well-preserved skeleton of a Mesolithic age hunter was found. We’ll cross below the majestic Monte Pelmo to Passo Staulanza for our overnight.
This morning we head out on the road towards a local cheese farm, and then up the mountain on a gorgeous winding path to Rifugio Coldai – where we can stop for a lunch break before continuing to the beautiful mountain lake Coldai. Today’s destination is the remote Rifugio Tissi, epically located at an elevation of over 7,400′ directly in front of the impressive Civetta wall. From the nearby peak of Col Rean, we can enjoy expansive views of the valley of Alleghe and its surrounding rugged peaks.
On our last day of the hike, we descend through the high Val Civetta and Sella di Pelsa among flower fields, mountain paths, and alpine huts where we can take a nice break overlooking the beautiful Valle Corpassa. From here we descend to Rifugio Capanna Trieste, where a transfer takes us to Cortina d’Ampezzo. We have one more overnight here together before bidding our farewells. Spa experience at our hotel tonight is optional and highly recommended! You may reserve a massage slot upon booking if you wish!
Awww, we hate this part, but as they say, all of the most amazing, epic, life-changing, trips must eventually come to an end. Departure on your own at any time. Check out is 11am.
If you would like to book a private transfer to Dobbiaco or from Cortina from/to Venice or otherwise, please express interest to your future Dolomites travel mates inside of Basecamp so that you might share with others (we can give you information to book it). Private transfers are not included and can cost from 300-700 euros depending on the number of people/route, etc. We recommend buses and trains if they work for your itinerary.
It was so nice to have all the details managed by one of the best travel professionals in the business, and all I had to do was say yes and buy my ticket.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when joining this, my first trip with Jackie, but if her other trips are anything like this one, be ready to have your expectations exceeded. In fact, just tuck your expectations away in some tidy place and let yourself simply BE in the experience. You’ll be coming away from it with some cherished lifetime memories.” – Dennis (Patagonia 2019)
“UNREAL trip!! Everything was taken care of, the excursions were absolutely incredible and I met the most wonderful people! None of this would have been possible without Jackie and her travel expertise. I cannot wait to travel with her again!!” – Sarah (Patagonia 2019)
“The perfect trip for my first solo journey! As a listener of Jump podcast, I was almost guaranteed to find commonality with my fellow travelers, and I did. Jackie’s groups are varied in ages and backgrounds, but everyone is ready for adventure and fun. The accommodations were comfortable, the food was plentiful and delicious, and everything was perfectly organized. Thank you, Jackie, for putting together a great experience!” – Rachel (Croatia 2021)
“Words cannot describe this trip. By far one of the best trips I have ever been on. Jackie you did an incredible job and would 100% book another trip in the near future. I didn’t have to think about a thing other than making sure I showed up at the right time to get on the boat. Each day I felt like I was living in a dream and knew I was on a truly relaxing vacation when biking one day I had no clue what day it was. Thank you for an adventure filled week in the most magical place!” – Shyla (Croatia 2021)
“We laughed, danced, swam, climbed hillsides, drank, ate, and JUMPed during what I imagine will be remembered as a beautiful week in each of our lives -especially as one of the first group trips many of us have been able to do since 2020. When people ask me how my time was in Croatia all I have to say is, ‘honestly, kinda life changing’.” – Kyle (Croatia 2021)
“The itinerary and pace of the trip was great. I enjoyed every person in our group and would love to travel with Jackie again!” – Becky (Patagonia 2019)
“My expectations were set pretty high and the trip STILL exceed them. I expected to meet others who enjoyed the outdoors, I didn’t expect to have a real connection with every single one of them and truly marvel together at the places we were seeing! I can’t say enough about how amazing this trip was!” – Annie (Patagonia 2019)
“I would do any trip that Jackie was leading, I had just the best time!” – Chuck (Patagonia 2019)
“I am used to planning my own trips, but it was lovely to just let go and trust that Jackie had everything handled. And she really did! Jackie was able to give us an experience through Patagonia that you would not have if you went on your own.” – Carley (4-time participant)
“I would travel with Jackie again because of the community she creates. She attracts open minded, adventurous badasses, and the conversations will leave you with new friends and mindsets. She also chooses amazing locations, with great itineraries, so I’ll keep showing up!” – Brittany (4-time participant)
“Jackie is so personable and knowledgeable. She definitely gears her trip to be not only awesome and fun, but meaningful. I think that’s the trifecta.” – Jackie P (Patagonia 2016)
“Thank you Jackie for sharing “your church” and passion with me. I will be forever changed!” – Brittany (Patagonia 2016)
“The experiences she planned were unique, once-in-a-lifetime-level! With her trips, Jackie has thought about all the details so you don’t have to.”
“[Her] genuine interest in getting to know all of us and making sure we were doing okay and enjoying, that is what made this trip so much more special than what I imagine traveling with a large tour company would be like. I would absolutely join her again. Her passion for travel and the areas she chooses to guide to makes it exciting and fun. And every outside organization (local guides, planned restaurants, our wonderful photographer) was outstanding as well. Jackie is a wonderful guide and a great person to travel with!”
“Jackie is an inspiration to any female solo traveler. The trip was a trip of a lifetime and I 100% plan to travel with Jackie again. I highly recommend traveling with her for your next trip! You won’t regret it :)” – Kristin (Patagonia 2017)
“I’d follow Jackie anywhere!” – Jenn (also Amanda) (Patagonia 2017)
“My trip with Jackie surpassed all my expectations, not only was it perfectly planned but Jackie is just great to be around. Now it’s not only a question of will I travel with Jackie again, but instead when?” – Virginia (Patagonia 2017)
“Go for it! Definitely get some good training hikes in. Learn some Spanish. Go if you have the chance. Because Patagonia is special, and different for everyone, and you have to experience it for yourself. And having a leader that is so passionate about the place makes it so much better.” – Alana (Patagonia 2017)
“My overall highlight of this trip was 110% the group of people who shared this adventure with me. Thank you, Jackie, for being authentically yourself and drawing amazing humans into your orbit.” – Carley (Patagonia 2018)
FUN FACTS:
“Take a chance, ignore that voice in your head that fills you with doubt and let this new experience change you. The experiences you will have, friends you will make, food you will eat, laughs you will share, and challenges you will overcome far outweigh any negative thoughts or self doubt you had before you left.” – Carly N (Patagonia 2017)
Meet Laura Ciaghi! She guided us for both of our JUMP weeks in 2022, she knows how we roll and is ready to rock it again with you this September. She is a Dolomite-local, professional guide who grew up in these mountains and knows the trails as if she spends every day of her life hiking them, because well… she does. While Jackie won’t be on this trip, she has still made all the arrangements to ensure that you’re in great hands!
We start in Dobbiaco (also known in German as Toblach) and end in Cortina. Transportation to and from Dobbiaco and Cortina (outside of our itinerary) is not included.
The closest airports you could fly into are Innsbruck, Verona, or Venice.
To and from Innsbruck (Austria), you can take a bus or a train to reach the Innsbruck main train station (HB) and then get a train to Dobbiaco (to check timetables use a service like Rome2Rio or Omio or Austria’s OBB app).
To and from Verona (Italy) airport you can take a shuttle that runs every 20 minutes to the city center, or you could choose a train. When you are in Verona Porta Nuova railway station, take a train to Dobbiaco (please check timetables at www.trenitalia.com).
To and from Venice (Italy) Marco Polo airport OR Mestre station there are ONLY bus options to Cortina and Dobbiaco, you cannot take a train directly from Venice, nor is there ONE bus that takes you the entire way – you must first take a bus to Cortina and switch to a bus for Dobbiaco. Use Cortina Express or Flixbus to get a bus from Venice/Mestre to Cortina, purchase your ticket online in advance. Then use Sudtirol Alto Adige (SAD) bus to Dobbiaco from Cortina, purchase your ticket ON THE BUS. These go every couple of hours, check the timetable here.
Private Transfers: If you would like to book a private transfer to Dobbiaco or from Cortina from/to Venice or otherwise, please express interest to your future Dolomites travel mates inside of Basecamp so that you might share with others (we can give you information to book it). Private transfers are not included and can cost from 300-700 euros depending on the number of people/route, etc. We recommend buses and trains if they work for your itinerary.
Each participant is highly encouraged to have travel insurance coverage, both to protect your own travel investment as well as personal luggage and medical coverage. We partner with battleface insurance to offer CFAR (cancel for any reason) coverage, and if you’re just looking for medical coverage, SafetyWing is a great choice.
This is a HUGE multi-day hiking trip. We will spend hours each day hiking with daypacks at altitudes of up to and around 7,000 – 9,000 ft, with very significant elevation gain and loss along steep and technical trails. A proficient level of physical fitness and ability is necessary for this trip, both to keep the group together with a good pace, and, more importantly, so that YOU feel your absolute best every day!
We recommend actively training for this hike for at least two to three months before departure, if not more. That way, you will have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos, and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next destination.
The best training is hiking – the activity that we will actually be doing – with cross-training as a bonus to feel your best. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure, to an amount you feel is appropriate (you don’t want to cause yourself injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, daypack, clothing, etc.) is also essential, as it gives familiarity and comfort with what you’ll be wearing on the trail. Adopt a philosophy of “getting fit to go thru-hiking,” rather than “going thru-hiking to get fit,” to avoid problems.
We specifically recommend (and use) nuun tablets for electrolyte replacement and hydration, compression socks for blood flow and fast recovery each night, and emergen-C packets to start each day with a boost of energy. These are in addition to physical fitness, they do NOT replace your training! You’ve got this!
If you are interested in a personal training program to prepare for this trip, we can help you, please just ask!
Everyone will have the opportunity to select and purchase their own picnic/box lunches every day of this hike, OR, when they are available, hot lunches from mountain huts we will pass along the way – think pasta on a mountain top!! We’re specifically opting for this to allow you to choose your own amount of food and what you’re in the mood for that day, OR to bring your own food if you have dietary restrictions (without paying extra every day for food you can’t eat).
We suggest budgeting about 10-15 euros for lunch each day if you plan to purchase from the lodges (whether boxed lunch or hot lunch).
Most lodges’ picnic lunch options will include any combination of the following:
Carrying your own lunch food:
Keep in mind, we do have luggage support (most days), so you will be able to carry your own food and restock each day from your main pack without carrying a ton of extra weight (except Day 7/8 and maybe Day 4/5 as described in itinerary).
Water:
About half the lodges have drinkable tap water, the others require you to purchase bottled water. You may bring a water filter and use it in the sinks at those lodges (we encourage this to avoid single-use plastic at all costs). Always bring your re-usable water bottle!
“Via ferrata” means “iron way” in Italian. It is essentially a climbing trail with permanently-fixed iron rungs, ladders, and cables to make your way up and across technical sections. You attach yourself to the cables via carabiners and a harness. Learn more about it here.
“The Kaiserjägersteig (Italian: Sentiero dei Kaserjäger) is a via ferrata along the summit of Lagazuoi Piccolo. The route is graded “A” (Austrian gradation) or “K1” (German gradation) and therefore best described as “easy”. The route is a combination of a hiking trail and a “true” via ferrata. The most famous asset of the route is the large wooden hanging bridge along the route that enables climbers to cross a large ravine. The route takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete.”
Read more here – NOTE that we’ll do the trail in reverse of this account – we’ll be going in a descending direction (both are normal).
We will have alpine guides and equipment (harnesses and helmets) for this portion of our hike. It is a perfect opportunity to try an easy via ferrata without getting the exposed heights that most via ferratas boast. This trail is more historical than technical, and finding leftover war shrapnel along the way and hearing stories from the guides is reason in itself to go, not to mention the views! It is an absolutely gorgeous and unforgettable experience!
If you absolutely do NOT want to participate in this portion of the trek, don’t worry! You can very easily take the gondola down right from the rifugio, although the price of the gondola ticket is not included.
It means we’ll have access to our luggage without having to haul it on our backs every day! Yippee! We will carry day packs with the essentials each day, while our luggage will be transported for us to our accommodations each night.
This service will be provided most days, with the exception of Day 7 and maybe Day 4 due to the remoteness of our mountain lodges on these nights (which vehicles cannot access). This means for Day 4 and Day 7, we will also carry any essential overnight and next day gear, and we will meet back up with our luggage on the night of Day 5 and after the hike on Day 8. The rest of the days, we will travel super light with only what we need on the trail during the day.
Day packs around 30L in size are sufficient for this hike. If you can’t pack in about 30L for this trek, you’re probably packing too much – mind the weight, you don’t need any extra hindrances on this trail!
Be sure to have a soft-sided duffel or backpack for your daily transfer luggage, as these are the most acceptable on gondolas and jeeps that will be hauling them through the mountains for us (no hard-sided suitcases for the daily transfer).
We are closely monitoring the situation in our destination and will be in communication with all registered participants as all-things-COVID continue to unfold. We appreciate your patience and participation!
Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for all questions and concerns regarding cancellations. Deposits are non-refundable, which is why we highly recommend purchasing CFAR travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Please note that deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Click here to read our Booking Terms & Conditions.
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