Hike the Heart of the Dolomites

Today you’ll hike to the Santa Croce Sanctuary at the base of the Sasso della Croce (Sass dla Crusc for the Ladin-speaking population). It takes about two hours from San Cassiano to reach the church and sanctuary of Ospizio S. Croce (2,045m / 6,710'). There is a charming rifugio here, where you can enjoy a traditional Dolomites lunch. Don’t miss the famous Kaiserschmarren, a crepe-like pancake with powdered sugar and jam! Descend to San Cassiano on the same path.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 11 km / 7 miles, 590m / 1,935' ascent and descent.)

The Cinque Torri area is of great interest for both the spectacular mountains and the abundance of reminders of the terrible years of WWI due to the vicinity of the former border between the long-dismantled Hapsburg Empire and Italy.

Today is a long but beautiful day!
After breakfast, hike uphill to the rear of the grassy Col Piombin. The trail entails plenty of ups and downs at first, followed by a 45min ascent on a scree slope. The views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo, and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. You'll hike over lush alpine meadows, perhaps spotting some wild edelweiss. An uphill stretch goes through light wood leading to a rifugio, a lovely spot for snacks and refreshments. Then all of a sudden, the Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394') is incredibly close, and at this range, easy to understand why it was dubbed Throne of the Gods. The last part of the day leads below the Pelmo's north face to your comfortable mountain rifugio (1,783m / 5,850') for tonight.
(~6 hours hiking, 12.8km / 8 miles, 380m / 1,250' ascent, 830m / 2,720' descent.)

Depart your rifugio this morning, hiking southeast for a beautiful tour around the south walls of Monte Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394'). Begin hiking through the forest under the smaller Pelmetto, continuing through pastures under Monte Pelmo itself, all the way to a lovely Rifugio (1,946m / 6,385') for lunch, just below Pelmo’s east shoulder. Reach a sacred pilgrimage place and take a private transfer to Cortina d'Ampezzo.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 14km / 8.4 miles, 360m / 1,181' ascent, 950m / 3,116' descent.)

In the morning, take a private transfer to the beginning of your hike in a valley lying between the Croda Rossa (northeast) and Lavinores (west) Dolomite groups. This walk to the Alpe di Sennes uplands entails a good range of scenery and habitats, home to veritable herds of ibex, chamois, roe deer, and marmots. Grandiose Dolomite groups headed by the Croda Rossa are the foremost features, their lower flanks cloaked by flourishing woods of a healthy mix of evergreen conifer and deciduous species. At the end of your hike, take a private transfer back to your hotel. 
(~4 hours hiking, 10.6km / 6.5 miles, 500m / 1,640' ascent and descent.)

Breakfast and departure at your discretion (private transfer available on request).