Hike the Ring of the Friulian Dolomites

Arrive in Pieve di Cadore (878m / 2,881') at your leisure, and check into your hotel (airport transfer available on request). Approaching from the south, Pieve di Cadore provides a natural gateway to the heart of the Belluno Dolomites. Just an hour and a half away from Venice and about 45 minutes southwest of Cortina d'Ampezzo, it is a place where culture, art, and nature seamlessly blend. Settle into your hotel, and depending on when you arrive, explore the town and its remarkable museums, or take a short hike to stretch your travel legs.

After breakfast, you'll meet your UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide for a trip briefing and orientation and take a private transfer to the start of your hike. You'll hike uphill on an easy trail through the picturesque meadows of the Val Prà di Toro, surrounded by a collection of spires known as the Spalti di Toro. At Ancoraio del Gatto (the "cat's anchor"), follow the trail to your left (northeast) through beech and pine trees. As you continue to climb, you depart the forest, and Forcella Scodavacca (2,042m / 7,000') will emerge in front of you. This pass, set between the Cridola and the jagged Monfalconi di Forni, is like a gate of stones welcoming you into the valley beyond. But be sure to take a look back towards the south, and admire two incredible massifs: Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394') and Antelao (3,264m / 10,709'), the second-largest peak in the Dolomites.
From the pass, the descent is relentlessly steep and with challenging footing over rough scree. As you reach the base of the trail, you'll enter a lovely woodland setting. Continue to your rifugio for tonight (1,400m / 4,593') (4.5 hours hiking 6km / 2.1 miles, 818m / 2,683' ascent, 687m / 2,254' descent).
Option: Monte Cridola
If you are interested in peak bagging, you have the option to summit Monte Cridola (2,581m / 8,465'), one of the highest peaks in the Friulian Dolomites (additional 2-3 hours hiking 2km / 1+ miles, 389m / 1,276' ascent and descent).

Today's itinerary will lead you over three high saddles (Urtisiel, Brica, and dell'Inferno) among various stunning alpine landscapes. From rock spires to plunging valleys, vast scree slopes, and awesome crests, this landscape is rugged, challenging, and exhilarating! The spectacular middle section of the trail takes its name from the local dialect "troi dai sclops," which means "path of gentians." The views are fantastic throughout the hike, but the fairy alpine meadow Canpuros, an enchanted place where hundreds of different flowers species blossom, is the highlight of today's hike (6-7 hours hiking 8.6km / 5.1 miles, 1,182m / 3,877' ascent, 1,019m / 3,342' descent).
Option: Via Ferrata Cassiopea al Torrione Comici
Add an extra night at Rifugio Flaiban-Pacherini, and climb a via ferrata with your guide.

Today's trail slowly arcs around the east and south sides of Monte Pramaggiore (2,478m / 8,130'). Monte Pramaggiore, together with Croda Pramaggiore, form an elongated rocky fortress dividing two valleys – the Val Settimana and the Val Cimoliana. As you hike across Passo Suola (1,994m / 3,916'), followed by Forcella Rua Alta (2,144m / 7,032'), and finally, over Passo Pramaggiore (2,295m / 7,528'), you'll watch the mountain change right before your eyes, presenting different angles and elevations, emphasized by the changing light of the day. After crossing Passo Pramaggiore, the rest of the trail is downhill. You'll descend to the entrance of the Val dell'Inferno – Valley of Hell – truly an idyllic place, despite its name! You'll continue your descent into the Val Postegae before reaching your rifugio for tonight (1,249m / 4,096'), the final rifugio of your trip! (5-6 hours hiking 6.3km / 3.7 miles, 1,039m / 3,407' ascent, 1,007m / 3,302' descent.)

Today is arguably the most challenging day of the trip, offering exciting hiking with incredible ups and downs along with scenery that won't disappoint! Begin by taking the uphill path towards Forcella Montanaia (2,334m / 7,655'), the highest pass you'll cross on your trip. Before you reach the pass, you'll find the spectacular monolith Campanile di Val Montanaia to the west. This lonely tower – a popular climbing destination – rises from the scree of the Val Montanaia amphitheater, towering some 300 meters (940') from its base. Continue your steep ascent up the Forcella Montanaia, an imposing pass that marks the end of the Montanaia Valley. Catch your breath, and take in the impressive moonscape views before starting a steep descent into Cadin d'Arade Valley. While the hike up is hard, it is not technically difficult. The descent, however, is more challenging, as you're hiking on scree all the way down. Watch your footing and take your time! Continue to Rifugio Padova for your return transfer to your hotel.
(5-6 hours hiking 6.3km / 3.8 miles, 1,039m / 3,408' ascent, 1,007m / 3,302' descent. An easier descent option is available: 5 hours hiking 8.6km / 5.3 miles, 1,298m / 4,258' ascent, 1,265m / 4,149' descent.)

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