New Walk 
7 nights
56 mls (km)
North East Italy
Moderate to Challenging 
Jun to Oct
£1180
Breath-taking walks through the magnificent Fanes-Sennes Nature Reserve
- Stunning views of dramatic Dolomite peaks and alpine landscapes.
- Pristine mountain lakes reflecting the rugged summits.
- Diverse wildlife, including chamois and marmots.
- Traditional alpine huts offering local cuisine and hospitality.
- Serene atmosphere perfect for reconnecting with nature.
- Savour delicious local cuisine including cheeses, carne salada, polenta, mushrooms, speck and outstanding wines.
Why This Walk?
Walking the Dolomites Alta Via through the Fanes-Sennes Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The route takes you through breathtaking landscapes of dramatic limestone peaks, lush meadows, serene alpine lakes, and picturesque valleys, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites. With a mix of challenging ascents and rewarding, well-marked trails, it’s perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Along the way, you’ll stay in welcoming mountain huts, where you can recharge with hearty, locally inspired meals and enjoy the warm hospitality of the region. The Fanes-Sennes reserve is also rich in wildlife, including marmots and chamois, while its vibrant wildflowers make the hike even more enchanting in spring and summer. This is one of Italy’s most spectacular natural areas, combining adventure, beauty, and a sense of serenity.
Path Walkthrough
The walk takes you along gravel roads or well-marked hiking trails. The routes do sometimes involve steeper ascents but can be walked by a reasonably fit adult. On some occasions there are optional opportunities for climbing local peaks; these are obviously more difficult trails, suitable for experienced mountain hikers. You stay in three mountain huts along the route, offering warm hospitality and hearty meals providing energy for the satisfyingly long and rewarding walks. You start with a choice of two shorter but scenic hikes from Berggasthof Plätzwiese, before a more challenging day on from Platzwiese to Senes. At Senes you take a circular walk exploring high-altitude plateaus with incredible mountain vistas and the following day to Fanes follows the Dolomite Höhenweg, with a descent to Lago de Foses and through Valon Scuro. There follows a steep climb and descent to arrive at the Fanes Plateau. At Fanes you have a choice of two circular walks before a final day descending to San Vigilio di Marebbe, with scenic views through forests and meadows.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the Alta Via walk ranges from simple guesthouses to luxury mountain huts, all situated around 2,000m altitude, surrounded by the breath-taking peaks of the Dolomites. Your final night is spent in a lively valley village (1,200m).
For the first three accommodations, you can choose between private rooms or dormitories (8–18 people). Private rooms include sheets and towels, while dormitory stays require you to bring a travel sheet and towel (blankets and pillows are provided). A limited number of private rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, but most have shared facilities in the hallways. We aim to book private en-suite rooms whenever possible; however, these fill up quickly, especially during high season.
A buffet breakfast is provided daily, along with a picnic lunch for your walk. Dinner is served each evening in the huts’ dining rooms, except in Sennes. The huts also sell snacks, but it's useful to bring energy bars or trail mix from home.
Our Dolomites – Alta Via Itineraries
Platzwiese/Prato Piazza to San Vigilio di Marebbe
Distance: 56 miles (90km)
- 7 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
- 4 dinners (Nights 1,2, 5 & 6)
- 6 packed lunches
- Luggage Transfers
- Walk Pack, to include Road Book (route notes/mapping) including pre-arrival information and destination information
- Access to a Travel APP
Price Does Not Include
- Evening meals except where stated in inclusions (Nights 1,2, 5 and 6). Available in local restaurant or in-house.
- Travel to Platzwiese-Prato Piazza/travel from San Vigilio di Marebbe. Optional Airport Transfers (available upon request at time of booking)
- City taxes (per person) payable direct to accommodations (variable)
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Dolomites – Alta Via holidays are available to walk June to October.
This holiday is available 02/06/2025 - 05/10/2025. You choose which day you would like your holiday to start and we will book in accordance with your requirements.
Closest Airports:
- Bolzano (Italy) – Approximately 100 km (2 hours by car).
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (Italy) – Approximately 180 km (3.5 hours by car).
- Innsbruck Airport (Austria) – Approximately 130 km (2.5 hours by car).
Train and Bus Connections:
- From Bolzano Airport:
- Take a train to Fortezza/Franzensfeste.
- Change to a regional train to Villabassa/Niederdorf.
- From Villabassa, take a local bus or taxi to Platzwiese/Prato Piazza.
- From Venice Marco Polo Airport:
- Take a bus or train to Mestre station.
- Board a train to Fortezza/Franzensfeste and transfer to a regional train to Villabassa/Niederdorf.
- From Villabassa, continue by bus or taxi to Platzwiese/Prato Piazza.
- From Innsbruck Airport:
- Take a train to Fortezza/Franzensfeste (via Brennero/Brenner).
- Transfer to a regional train to Villabassa/Niederdorf.
- Complete your journey with a local bus or taxi to Platzwiese/Prato Piazza.
Local Transfers:
If public transport schedules don’t suit, private transfers can be arranged from Villabassa/Niederdorf or the nearest major train station (Fortezza/Franzensfeste) to Platzwiese/Prato Piazza.
This region offers a seamless blend of public transport and scenic drives, ensuring an easy and picturesque start to your Dolomites adventure.
