Dolomites Quick Getaways

Via Ferrata Quick Getaway

Short on time? Join our quick getaway climbing via ferrata (“iron paths”) in the Dolomites! You’ll ascend a different via ferrata each day, explore the diverse culture and excellent cuisine of the Cortina region of the Dolomites, and even spend two nights in traditional mountain rifugio!

Trip Overview

Want to experience the via ferrata – the “iron paths” of the Dolomites – but only have time for a short visit? Then we have the perfect trip for you! On this quick getaway, you’ll learn to ascend incredible and historic via ferratas, and climb through the Dolomites on a different ferrata each day! These world famous routes provide access to mountains and views usually reserved for climbers and mountaineers.

The origin of the via ferrata came during the First World War, when the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fought against each other on the vertical walls of these wonderful mountains. In order to succeed, they had to fix these iron ladders and wire cables to the rock, often under enemy fire. Today, many of these “iron paths” have been converted to recreational use and can be tackled by anyone interested in going a step beyond hiking, towards the magical world of climbing and mountaineering. This activity is suitable for all curious hikers that want to know what lies above the trails.

In just five days, you’ll have ample opportunity to climb the soaring peaks of the Dolomites, and marvel at the beauty of these breathtaking mountains. You’ll explore the mountains and valleys surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo, and discover the traditions and history of these places, and revel in the excellent culture and cuisine. You’ll even experience two nights sleeping at a rifugio, or mountain inn, with the welcoming hospitality high above the valleys below. Now that’s what we call a getaway!

Highlights

  • Explore the peaks surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo on this 5-day getaway!
  • Hike the tunnels and via ferratas constructed during World War I – with access to mountains and views usually reserved for mountaineers!
  • Stay in charming hotels and mountain rifugios – the best in the Alps – the perfect combination of mountain accommodations
  • Short on time? This is the perfect trip to experience the Dolomites and learn to climb via ferrata, the “iron paths” of the Dolomites!

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

  • Day 2

    Rifugio (B,D)

  • Day 3

    Rifugio (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo (B)

  • Day 5

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs?
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites!

Prefer luxury accommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our Luxury Hotels. For details, please contact us.

Want to learn more about our Mountain Inns & Rifugi?            
Rifugi – or mountain huts in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, rifugi are accessible only on foot (with a few exceptions that are reachable by car). These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.

The Dolomite rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided, hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.

To learn even more about rifugi in the Dolomites, check out our Rifugios in the Dolomites article, and learn about one of the best ways to experience these incredible mountains!

Check out the high definition videos in our SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

LEARN MORE:
Want to learn more about via ferrata? Check out our who, what, where, and when of climbing via ferrata resource!

Still want more? Why not extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore VeniceVeronaLake GardaFlorence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival, or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!

 

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Guided Trip:
€ 2.330 per person (2 participants) 
€ 1.580 per person (4 participants)
€ 1.740 per person (6 participants) - 2 guides

Self-guided trips are available on request. Good via ferrata experience required for self-guided via ferrata trips.
Via ferrata equipment is not included in this case, and 1st day will be guided.

The cost is based on the specified hotel category (please see the cost inclusions list). If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.

We will do our best to accommodate you in the specified class of accommodations. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at a supplementary price. 

Important to note:

  • There is a high-season 15% surcharge from July 14th to Sept 8th. 
  • There is a private-room supplement in Rifugi: €40 per Rifugio, per person per night (based on availability).
  • Prices may increase between the time of quotation and booking. Your Dolomite Mountains consultant will inform you of any changes.


Cost Includes:

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star B&B in Cortina d'Ampezzo
  • 2 nights accommodation in rifugio (shared dormitories)
  • All breakfasts
  • Dinners in rifugio
  • Local English speaking Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide 
  • Via ferrata equipment
  • Private transfer during the itinerary
  • Duffel bag transfer to rifugio
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map