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.

Begin your hike in the morning from the top station of the Alpe Di Siusi cable car. The snowbound Austrian Alps shimmer to the north, while the imposing Sciliar Massif stands out to the west. Your trail heads through lush meadows, past photogenic summer farms, and continues to a local rifugio 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, which has a seemingly interminable series of zigzags. Not to worry, your persistence will pay off when you reach your rifugio, complete with lunch and incredible views!
(~5-6 hours hiking, 13,7 km / 8,5 miles, 754m / 2,473' ascent, 338 m / 1,108’ descent.)

Today’s hike offers high-altitude panoramic walking with superb scenery; wildflowers grow in abundance on the grassy slopes populated by cows and marmots, while small birds of prey hovering for rodents can be observed. It is a long day though, plan an early start. Hike from your rifugio to a cozy mountain rifugio (2,440m / 8,005') from where you can enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. Continue until you reach the pass at the head of two valleys, where Val di Fassa and Val Gardena both begin. This ridge hike takes you your rifugio for tonight (2,300m / 7,546’), nested at the foot of 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.  
(~5 hours hiking, 12 km / 7,2 miles - 490m / 1,617' ascent, 620m / 2,046' descent.)

Indulge in a hearty alpine breakfast before departing this morning. Leave the rifugio and start hiking on toward a local rifugio nested at the foot of the dramatic towering peaks of Sassolungo-Sassopiatto.
Continue on a scree and gravel track as you reach the ‘City of Stones’, a scenic trail through impressive boulder rocks formation at foot of the Sassolungo mountain. At the end of the hike, take a private transfer to your hotel.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 10 km / 6 miles, 360m / 1,180' ascent, 490m / 1,607' descent.)

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