Travel Tips/Blog

Our 2027 small group hiking trips launch in October. See dates, prices and where we are going, then join the waitlist for 24 hour early access.

Every multi-day trek has a hard day, usually day two. Here's why it happens, what it feels like, and three things that make it easier.

A trip leader who has hiked both breaks down the Alta Via 1 vs the Tour du Mont Blanc: terrain, huts, booking, cost and who each trek is actually right for.

Should you hike the Tour du Mont Blanc with a group or plan it yourself? An honest look at refuge booking, cost, navigation and pacing, from a trip leader.

Discover essential tips for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc — from packing and maps to food, transport, and must-know advice before you trek.

If hiking in the Italian Alps is calling your name, there’s no better adventure than the Alta Via 1 (AV1)—a 75-mile hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites that delivers world-class views, rustic charm, and one hell of a personal accomplishment. I hiked the Alta Via 1 Dolomites trail in July 2024 and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know: the itinerary, how to book rifugios, when to go, and how to prep like a pro. And if all the planning feels overwhelming—don’t worry. I’ve created the Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide , a downloadable planning tool that takes all the guesswork out of your AV1 adventure (more on that below). What Is the Alta Via 1? The Alta Via 1 (often called Alta Via One or AV1) is a legendary long-distance hike in the Dolomites, stretching from Lago di Braies to Belluno. Most hikers complete it in 6 to 11 days, depending on fitness and pace. 🥾 Total Distance: ~120 km / 75 miles ⛰️ Elevation Gain: Over 23,000 feet 🛏️ Lodging: Stay in family-run rifugios with meals, beds, and wine 🍝 Bonus: Delicious homemade pasta, mountain saunas, and even a microbrewery

The Alta Via 1 is the ultimate Dolomites hiking adventure —a 9-day journey through Italy’s most stunning mountain landscapes. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the exact itinerary I followed , including distances, elevation changes, and key highlights to help you plan your trek with confidence. Day 1: Lago di Braies to Rifugio Fodara Vedla Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles Elevation Gain: 880 m / 2,890 ft Elevation Loss: 220 m / 720 ft Your journey kicks off at the postcard-perfect Lago di Braies , one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites. After taking in the view, you’ll begin climbing into alpine pastures and forests. The day ends at Rifugio Fodara Vedla , a peaceful mountain hut with sweeping views and cozy alpine charm—a perfect start to your AV1 adventure.

If you're dreaming of hiking in the Italian Dolomites, you're probably overwhelmed by options. With endless peaks, valleys, and scenic day hikes, it’s hard to choose where to begin. But if you're looking for the most immersive, scenic, and culturally rich experience the Alps have to offer, the Alta Via 1 (AV1) stands out as the best hike in the Dolomites—hands down. This multi-day hut-to-hut trail combines jaw-dropping alpine views, historic World War I tunnels, charming rifugios, and some of the most rewarding hiking you'll find anywhere in Europe. What Is the Alta Via 1? The Alta Via 1 is a legendary long-distance hiking trail in the Dolomites, stretching about 75 miles (120 km) from Lago di Braies in the north to Belluno in the south. It typically takes 6 to 11 days to complete, depending on your pace and experience level. You’ll hike through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sleep in rustic-yet-cozy mountain huts (rifugios), and eat your weight in pasta, polenta, and alpine cheese. This is not just a hike—it’s a full sensory experience. Quick Facts: 🥾 Distance: ~120 km / 75 miles ⛰️ Elevation Gain: Over 23,000 feet 🏠 Accommodation: Family-owned rifugios with beds and meals 📍 Route: North to south — from Lago di Braies to Belluno 🍷 Perks: Italian meals, luxurious stays, saunas, microbreweries, panoramic ridgelines