Hiking Around Alpe di Siusi

Arrive in Val Gardena / Gröden (~1,500m / 5,000') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). The Gardena valley is best known for skiing and rock climbing, and woodcarving which has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena is written in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin!
In the afternoon, meet with a Dolomite Mountains representative who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps, and everything necessary for your self-guided adventure. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore the surroundings.

Today's hike takes you to Rifugio Bolzano / Schlernhaus (2,456m / 8,061') and Mount Pez (2563m / 8,407). From Ortisei take the Mont Seuc cablecar (not included) and begin your hike on path 6A / 6 to reach Ritsch Schwaige.  Continue on path 6 to Rifugio Malga Saltner at 1,850 meters (6,069'). This rifugio is proudly advertised as the “last filling station” before the climb, complete with a “lead free” drinking fountain! From here, start the 600-meter (1,968') uphill section of the hike on path n.5 / n.1, which has a seemingly interminable series of zigzags. Not to worry, your persistence will pay off when you reach Rifugio Bolzano / Schlernhaus! The snowbound Austrian Alps shimmer to the north, while the imposing Sciliar Massif stands out to the west. (~5-6 hours hiking, 13.7km / 8.5 miles, 754m / 2,473' ascent, 338 m / 1,108’ descent.)
From Rifugio Bolzano you have the option to hike up to Mount Pez  for even more sweeping views (1 hour hiking return, 1km / 0.62 miles, 100m / 328' ascent and descent).

Set atop the Sciliar plateau, not far from the summit of Mount Petz (Pez), this 100+-year-old rifugio has been a destination for countless hikers over the years. Serving “substantial food for your senses,” you’re sure to find a tempting polenta or stew for your noon-time meal! And, what could be better? Stunning views await you, especially of the wonderful neighboring Catinaccio Massif / Rosengarten. Rosengarten, meaning "rose garden" in German, refers to the legend of King Laurin and his rose garden, a traditional story explaining the outer appearance of the mountain range. Its breathtaking rock spires and towers have naturally long attracted mountaineers, and provide breathtaking vistas in varying light. Rosengarten is composed of a lovely shade of pink dolomite, and is celebrated as "glowing" in the Bozner Bergsteigerlied, one of the two unofficial hymns of the South Tyroleans.

Option:

Hike from your rifugio to Rifugio Alpe di Tires (2,440m / 8,005'), from where you can enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. Today’s hike offers high altitude panoramic walking with superb scenery; wild flowers grow in abundance on the grassy slopes populated by cows and marmots, while small birds of prey hovering for rodents can be observed.
At the head of two valleys, where Val di Fassa and Val Gardena both begin, is the magnificent twin formation Sassolungo-Sassopiatto (literally long stone and flat stone). Seen from the air, the formation resembles a horseshoe that is open at the northwest end, and accommodates two tiny glaciers. Intriguing explanations for the origin of the mountain are furnished in legends: one says the cruel King Laiadro, responsible for the death of his mother, is buried in the mountain, and his outstretched empty hand is clearly visible from Passo Sella reaching up as the five rock points of the Cinque Dita (Five Fingers). (~5 hours hiking 12km / 7 miles, 498m / 1,633' ascent, 650m / 2,132' descent.)

Indulge in a hearty alpine breakfast before departing this morning. Leave the rifugio and start hiking on toward Rifugio Vicenza (2,256m / 7,340’) nested at the foot of the dramatic towering peaks of Sassolungo-Sassopiatto.
Continue on a scree and gravel track to Rifugio Comici (2.153m / 7,061’) and enjoy a mouth watering fish based lunch with stunning views of Val Gardena valley. Continue hiking through ‘City of Stones’, a scenic trail through impressive boulder rocks formations at foot of the Sassolungo mountain. End your hike at Passo Sella (2,218m / 7,275’) for a private transfer to your hotel. (~4-5 hours hiking 10km / 6 miles, 360m / 1,180' ascent, 490m / 1,607' descent.)

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