Dolomites of Cortina Explorer
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Region: Italy
Cost per person in EUR: From $ 845 (+6 pax)
Tour Code: GAEUR-DCE-SG7
7 Days Self-Guided tour – Carry only your small bag with daily things & your own picnic
Italy
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Season: Mid-June to 10 Sep
This hike offers a mix of comfortable hikes suitable for moderate hikers, allowing ample time to explore the beauty of the Dolomites. The central location in Pocol provides convenient access to several iconic massifs, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience in this stunning mountain region.
By choosing Pocol as your base, we’ve set the stage for a memorable and diverse exploration of the Dolomites. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, iconic peaks, and the comfort of your surroundings!
Highlights
Comfortable Base in Pocol:
The hotel in Pocol offers a comfortable and well-equipped base for your stay, providing a relaxing environment after each day of exploration.
Variety of Landscapes:
Experience a striking alternation of rocky and green mountain landscapes. The Dolomites are renowned for their dramatic and diverse scenery, offering a visual treat at every turn.
Proximity to Iconic Mountains:
The central location in Pocol allows convenient access to iconic Dolomite mountains such as Cinque Torri, Tofane, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This proximity minimizes travel time and maximizes the time spent exploring these majestic peaks.
Some Info
1. LEVEL
Easy to moderate hiking. For a hiker with an average to good sporting level. No technically difficult paths. From 4 hours to 6 hours of walk every day. Between 350m and 558m of ascent per day. It is a lodge-based trip from one hotel.
We offer multiple length options for each hike to ensure that everyone can participate at a difficulty level that suits them best.
2. LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Nothing to carry besides a small backpack with your picnic and daily belongings. Your extra luggage will remain at our lodging accommodations.
3. ACCOMMODATION
– Hotel Villa Argentina: or equivalent. Comfortable 3* hotel in Pocol (6km from Cortina), sauna, bar/cafe, Wi-Fi.
– *Cortina Hotel option – Hotel Regina: or equivalent. Comfortable 3* hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, sauna, bar/café, Wi-Fi.
4. TRANSPORTATION
Bus and cable car transfers are not included in the trip price. Private taxis can replace public buses for most of the hiking options if desired and this can be arranged directly with hotel staff or our office. These transfers are not included in trip price and will need to be paid for directly with drivers.
Please note: Before mid-June and early September – (flexible dates year to year), buses from Pocol/Cortina to Lake Misurina and Tre Cime may not operate. In this case, if you do not come by car, you will need to arrange taxi transfers, to be paid on site.
We can help reserve them for you. Bus start and end dates change each year, without prior notice. All transportation schedules need to be checked before use.
All services, which are not included in the price of the trip, must be organised, and paid on the spot. X-Trekkers and our partners cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the information provided.
Itinerary
From Porcol or Cortina Hotel – Porcol or Cortina Hotel depending on your option.
We may have to modify the indicated itinerary: either at the level of the organization (problem of overload of the accommodations, duplication of the groups, modification of the state of the ground, landslides, degraded trails, etc.), or directly because of the guide (weather, group level, etc.). These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and for a better comfort!
Day 1
Porcol or Cortina d’Ampezzo
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at the hotel in Pocol or Cortina. Check-in at the hotel starts from 2 pm. You can relax and unwind, getting ready for the exciting days ahead.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Day 6 (5 days)
• We offer you multiple hikes to choose from in any order you prefer:
Dinner and overnight at the hotel (all nights).
Hike Option #1
The Cinque Torri [4.5hrs, 10km, +350m, -715m]
Morning, you can take the public bus from Pocol (30 minutes, NOT included) to the Falzarego Pass (2105m).
Today hike offers a mix of challenging and scenic trails, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and providing the option for a more extended adventure for those seeking an additional challenge.
**Optional Longer Hike:**
Participants have the possibility of a longer hike up to the Nuvolau summit, adding 1.5km to the journey with an elevation gain of +120m and descent of -120m.
Afternoon, return to Pocol by public bus (5 minutes, NOT included) or continue by foot (4km; +50m; -250m).
Hike Option #2
Croda da lago Lake
[5 hrs, 11.5km, +400m, -900m]
Morning, you can only take a private transfer/taxi (25 minutes, NOT included) from the hotel to the Giau Pass (2236m), the starting point of the hike.
Today’s hike promises a diverse and scenic trek, offering breathtaking views from Forcella Giau and the tranquility of the Lake of the Croda. The combination of alpine pastures, mountain passes, and a beautiful lake provides a memorable experience for participants.
Afternoon, you can take a public bus from Ponte de Rucurto (1710m, 10 minutes, NOT included) back to Pocol.
Hike Option #3
Crossing the Tofane massif [5 hrs, 10.5km +350m, -630m]
Morning, you can take a public bus (15 minutes, NOT included) from the hotel to the trailhead at an altitude of 1985m.
Today’s hike provides a mix of stunning mountain views, forested paths, and the opportunity for participants to tailor the length of their hike based on their preferences and capabilities.
Afternoon, continue the hike along a beautiful, forested path to Pocol.
**Options for Longer Hike:**
Participants have several possibilities for a longer hike, with the route dependent on the group’s ability and weather conditions.
Hike Option #4
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Discover the famous area of Tre Cime di Lavaredo from all sides.
(1) West and North faces
[4.5~5 hrs, 15km, +450m, -860m]
Morning, you can take a public bus (1-.15 hr, NOT included) from the hotel to Auronzo refuge (2320m).
Today comprehensive exploration of Tre Cime di Lavaredo promises outstanding views, a diverse trail experience in one of the most famous areas of the Dolomites. The full circumnavigation adds a unique touch to the excursion.
The hike ends by passing the idyllic Lake Antorno and then reaching the charming town of Misurina for your espresso or gelato. From here, you can take the public bus (1hr, NOT included) back to Pocol.
(2) Mount Paterno
[4.5 hrs, 13km, +590m, -590m]
Morning, you can take a public bus transfer (1-1.5 hours) to Auronzo, the starting point for the hike around Tre Cime.
Enjoy a full day of hiking around the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with breathtaking views and a memorable experience in one of the most famous spots in the Dolomites. The flexibility for a longer hike caters to varying preferences within the group.
Afternoon, you can take the public bus (1 hour) from Auronzo back to Pocol.
You have the possibility of a longer hike up to Ostl Est, adding 3km to the journey with an elevation gain of +130m and descent of -130m.
Hike Option #5
Sorapis Lake [5~6 hrs, 11.7km, +558m, -558m]
Morning, you can take a public bus (30 minutes, NOT included) from the hotel to Passo Tre Croci.
Today’s hike offers a mix of forested paths, rocky sections, and a stunning alpine lake.
Return via the same path and you can take the public bus (30 minutes, NOT included) back to Pocol/Cortina.
Day 7
Departure from Pocol/ Cortina Hotel
Morning, enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before check-out from the hotel.
Departure dates
14 June ~ 10 September 2024
Please Note: Buses do not always operate reliably in June and September.
Prices (2024) per person in EUR
Pocol Hotel Option – Half-board
| Dates | 2-5 pax | +6 pax |
| from 14~30 Jun | 865 | 845 |
| 1~31 July | 915 | 895 |
| 1~31 Aug | 965 | 945 |
| 1~21 Sep | 915 | 895 |
*Public bus options may not be reliable in June and September for all hikes.
Cortina Hotel Option – B&B
| Dates | 2-5 pax | +6 pax |
| from 7 Jun ~ 15 July | 1020 | 990 |
| 16~2 July | 1070 | 1040 |
| 25~31 Aug | 1070 | 1040 |
| 1~15 Sep | 975 | 945 |
* 28/7-24/08 Cortina hotel not available for booking.
**Public bus options may not be reliable in June and September for all hikes.
Supplements and Extra Options
• Single Room Supplement – Pocol (only on request, according to availabilities): +140 €
• Single Room Supplement – Cortina (only on request, according to availabilities): +315 €
• Printed travel pack: + 35 €/pack
• Private group transfer from Venice to Pocol/Cortina on D1: +385 € per group up to 4 pax/ +615 € per group up to 5+ pax
• Private group transfer from Pocol/Cortina to Venice on D7: +385 € per group up to 4 pax/ +615 € per group up to 5+ pax
• Extra Nights – Per Person:
– Pocol Hotel Option with half-board: from 114 € (double room)/ 123 € (single room)
– Cortina Hotel Option B&B: from 129 € (double room)/ 173 € (single room)
Cost includes
LAND Price includes
- Accommodation in a double room 6 nights; half-board (Pocol) or B&B (Cortina)
- *Pocol hotel option – Breakfast and dinner (dinner Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7)
- *Cortina hotel option – Breakfast (breakfast Day 2 to breakfast on Day 7)
- Tourist taxes
- Digital travel pack
- Briefing before departure
Cost excludes
Price excludes
- All airfare & taxes
- All transfers (private transfer/taxi, Cable car/gondola, chair lift or public bus tickets)
- Drinks & Lunches (*Cortina hotel option – Dinners)
- Visits & Entrance fees
- Personal gears
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions
- Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, beverages, cigarettes
- Travel Insurance
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
- Single supplement: (only on request, according to availabilities): + 290 €
- Visa and Visa application fees
- All those not mentioned in “the price includes”
More Information
FOOD
Half-board accommodation at the Pocol hotel for each night. This includes breakfast and dinner.
Cortina Hotel : ONLY breakfast is provided.
Lunch is not included in the package.
Participants can plan lunches at mountain huts along the hikes. Alternatively, you can prepare picnics using items purchased from local grocery stores in Cortina and Misurina.
Please inform us if you follow a special diet or have any food allergies.
This information will be communicated to the hotel to ensure appropriate meal options.
Travel Pack and Documentation
* Digital Travel Pack:
A digital travel pack containing all necessary documents will be sent by email.
Documents are available in English.
Access to our phone travel app for hikes and maps, available in English.
* Printed Travel Pack (Optional):
Participants can request a printed travel pack at the time of booking. The printed pack includes a paper roadbook in English, along with maps. There is a supplement fee of 35 € per package for the printed version.
* Collection of Printed Pack:
If a printed travel pack is requested, it will be waiting for participants at the first accommodation included in the itinerary.
GROUP
Min 2 people.
START / END
Start: At Pocol or Cortina Hotel check-in (available after 2pm)
End: after breakfast and hotel check-out (10am) from Pocol or Cortina
CONFIRMATION NOTICE
You will receive about two weeks before your departure, a confirmation notice specifying the time and place of the appointment, the name and contact information of the guide and the address of the first accommodation.
Extend your stay
You can extend your trip before or after the trek on request.
POCOL: from EUR 120 per person per night in a double room (Half-board)
DATES
At your convenience, from mid June to mid September. Go out with friends or family at the dates that suit you. Customisation possible from 6 people. When you book the tour please give us one or two other departure dates in case your 1st choice is not possible. Price may differ from the above cost.
Getting There & Away
IF YOU ARRIVE BY PLANE
We recommend flying in and out of Venice for this trip.
Return trip between Venice and Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina Express bus (approximately 2 hours journey): for bus timetables, consult the website.
Round trip between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Pocol by bus
> Bus DolomitiBus number 31/33
See Bus schedules
In Your Luggages
Cancellation Terms
Reviews
Being able to immerse in the beautiful views of the mountains, lakes and valley, all while challenging my own comfort zone. Also having to meet the most wonderful group mates, even though french speaking, they tried to include me in everything. Knowing that its my first time trekking and being a solo traveler, they took special care to look out for me.
An exhilarating trip. Overall i did not find any fault in the trip itself and the briefing notes were sufficient and i was well prepared for the trip with the information provided.
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