Dreaming of an unforgettable adventure in the Dolomites this summer? Whether it’s your first visit or you’re seeking a premium outdoor experience, this 7-day luxury hiking itinerary—focusing on the best of Alpe di Siusi, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Alta Badia—blends breathtaking routes, sophisticated rifugi (mountain huts), and easy-to-moderate trails suitable for hikers who demand both comfort and spectacular views. According to the official Dolomiti Turismo, summer 2025 is seeing high demand for curated alpine experiences: planning ahead is essential for both accommodation and fine dining in the most sought-after mountain rifugi. Read on to discover expert tips, insider trails, and logistics you need to make this the ultimate Dolomites summer itinerary.
Where to Base: The Three Premier Locations
Alpe di Siusi: The Idyllic Starting Point
- Home to Europe’s largest alpine meadow
- Access to gentle trails with striking mountain backdrops
- Luxury stays: [Hotel ICARO], [Alpina Dolomites]
Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Queen of the Dolomites
- Iconic UNESCO peaks nearby (Tofane, Cinque Torri, Cristallo)
- Upscale hotels and direct trail access
- Renowned for stylish après-hiking options
Alta Badia: Gourmet Heart of the Mountains
- Renowned for Ladin culture & cuisine
- Direct links to Via Ferrata and gentle scenic paths
- Michelin-starred mountain huts: [Rifugio Ütia de Bioch], [Rifugio Col Alt]
Accommodation & Logistics Table
| Base | Luxury Hotels (from €/night)* | Top Rifugi (Fine Dining) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpe di Siusi | €260+ | ICARO, Gostner Schwaige |
| Cortina | €310+ | Rifugio Scoiattoli, Averau |
| Alta Badia | €280+ | Ütia de Bioch, Col Alt |
| *Verify latest rates for 2025 |
7-Day Hiking Dolomites Summer Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization in Alpe di Siusi
- Settle into a luxury hotel; sunset stroll to Compatsch
- Dinner at ICARO: Sample South Tyrol classics (avg. €80 pp)
Day 2: Alpe di Siusi Meadows Trail
- Family-friendly 12km loop—viewpoint at Saltria
- Elevation gain: 350m
- Lunch at Gostner Schwaige (try the hay soup)
Day 3: Transfer to Cortina – Easy Hike in Cinque Torri
- Private transfer (2h, from €220)
- Iconic Cinque Torri loop (6km, 250m gain)
- Dinner at Rifugio Averau (fine dining menu €100+)
Day 4: Lagazuoi & Scenic Rifugi
- Morning ride on Lagazuoi cable car (€23 RT)
- Panoramic Lagazuoi-Tunnel hike (moderate, 7km)
- Gourmet lunch at Rifugio Lagazuoi
Day 5: Alta Badia’s Panorama Trail
- Transfer (1h30min, from €160)
- Explore the Armentara Meadows via the Panorama Trail (easy, 11km)
- Lunch at Ütia de Bioch (local Ladin dishes)
Day 6: Gran Cir & Col Alt Excursion
- Col Alt chairlift ascent (€22 RT)
- Gran Cir excursion (optional via ferrata section)
- Aperitivo at Col Alt terrace
Day 7: Leisure, Spa & Departure
- Morning spa at your hotel
- Last walk through Corvara or Ortisei’s village center
- Private transfer to Venice/Munich airport (from €280)
7-Day Quick Overview Table
| Day | Base | Trail/Experience | Top Rifugio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpe di Siusi | Sunset stroll | ICARO |
| 2 | Alpe di Siusi | Meadows Trail | Gostner Schwaige |
| 3 | Cortina | Cinque Torri | Rifugio Averau |
| 4 | Cortina | Lagazuoi & tunnels | Rifugio Lagazuoi |
| 5 | Alta Badia | Armentara/ Panorama Trail | Ütia de Bioch |
| 6 | Alta Badia | Gran Cir & Col Alt Excursion | Rifugio Col Alt |
| 7 | Any | Spa/ Village stroll & departure | Your hotel |
Contact our luxury itinerary designers to tailor this trip to your needs!
Fine Dining in the Rifugi: The Gourmet Mountain Experience
What Makes a Rifugio “Fine Dining”?
- Menus designed by award-winning chefs (many with Michelin pedigree)
- Local South Tyrol and Ladin products, often organic
- Wine lists featuring Alto Adige’s best whites
- Average tasting menu price: €70–120 pp
- Reservation recommended at least 2 weeks in advance (especially July–August)
Unmissable Rifugi for Food Lovers
- ICARO (Alpe di Siusi): Panoramic views & modern alpine cuisine
- Gostner Schwaige (Alpe di Siusi): Farm-style, renowned for hay milk specialties
- Rifugio Averau (Cortina): Signature gourmet dishes; book the Chef’s Table
- Rifugio Lagazuoi (Cortina): Highest terrace aperitivo in the Dolomites
- Ütia de Bioch (Alta Badia): Reinvented Ladin classics
- Rifugio Col Alt (Alta Badia): Known for wine cellar & truffle menus
Average Prices and Booking Tips
- Main course €20–38
- Full tasting menus €65–120
- Wines by the glass from €6
- Online booking recommended (websites open early March)
Useful Links
The Ultimate Packing List for a Luxury Dolomites Hike
How to Pack for the Dolomites in July (Carry-On Only)
- Performance Layering: Lightweight merino t-shirts (x3), breathable hiking pants (x2), packable down jacket
- Footwear: Waterproof trail shoes + sandals
- Fine dining essentials: Smart-casual shirt/blouse, compact skirt/pants
- Accessories: Sunglasses, wide-brim hat, SPF 50, refillable water bottle
- Electronics: Phone, camera, compact powerbank, universal plug
- Wellness: Portable massage gun/roller—spa bookings recommended
- Documents: Mountain insurance, ID, itinerary printout
Pro Insider Tip
“According to our experience, most luxury hotels provide laundry turnaround in under 24 hours, making carry-on travel effortless, even for a weeklong stay.”
Guided or Self-Guided? Regulations & Local Tips
Regulations 2025: What to Know
- Many trails are free-access, but hiking guides or local permits are strongly advised for Via Ferrata routes
- In 2025, new access quotas on popular trails near Seceda and Tre Cime apply in peak weeks (source: Ente Parco Dolomiti)
- Fines up to €150 for off-trail or unmarked hiking
Local Guides: When & Why To Book
- Licensed guides: €180–280 per day (group up to 8)
- Self-guided: Reserve GPS tracks and transfer in advance
- For custom experiences or family trips, tailor-made packages recommended
Emergency Numbers
- Mountain Rescue: 112
- Local Alpine Rescue: 118
FAQ: Dolomites Summer Itinerary & Hiking
Q1: What is the best month for hiking in the Dolomites?
The answer is: July and September offer ideal weather with fewer storms and moderate temperatures (12–24°C). Early July is less crowded than August.
Q2: Are the trails suitable for beginners?
The answer is: Yes, the routes suggested in this itinerary cover easy to moderate trails, suitable for hikers with basic fitness. Technical Via Ferrata sections are optional.
Q3: How far in advance should I book rifugi and cable cars?
The answer is: For luxury rifugi and popular cable cars (Lagazuoi, Col Alt), booking at least 2 months in advance is highly recommended in high season.
Q4: Can I use public transport between the three bases?
The answer is: Public buses connect most towns, but private transfers are faster and more comfortable for a luxury trip (from €150–€280 per route).
Q5: What do I need to hike safely in the Dolomites?
The answer is: Essential gear includes moisture-wicking layers, protective outerwear, sturdy footwear, sun protection, and a printed itinerary. Travel insurance covering mountain rescue is highly advised.
Ready for Your Luxury Dolomites Adventure?
A well-planned Dolomites summer itinerary, featuring luxury stays, scenic hiking, and curated gourmet experiences, is within your reach for summer 2025. According to official tourism boards and our direct experience, the blend of premium trails, access to stunning rifugi, and alpine cuisine is unmatched anywhere in Europe.
Start your bespoke Dolomites adventure today! Fill out our contact form for a personalized itinerary, tailored to your travel style, group size, and foodie preferences.
