A Day in the Dolomites

Editor’s Note: Recently returned from a six-day trip to the Dolomites designed (and guided) by Private Trip Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/georgia-yuill">Georgia Yuill</a>, traveller Margie Chen was kind enough to share this travel diary entry from Day Two of her trip.<h3>Dolomites Day 2 | By Margie Chen</h3>Before I recap today’s events I need to digress to last night, because cocktails and dinner at the hotel <a href="https://www.comohotels.com/italy/como-alpina-dolomites">COMO Alpina Dolomites</a> was quite special.

The hotel is only four years old and not in the typical Tyrolian style of timbered ceilings and hearts carved into the backs of the chairs. It is very modern and open to the beautiful setting with ample decks and floor to ceiling windows. We enjoyed cocktails and tons of delicious little hors d’ouevres watching the sunset colouring the Dolomites its famous pink cast. Then the full moon rose while we were treated to an elegant four-course dinner. My fave course was truffle risotto with nectarines.Tuesday morning, we took a gondola up the mountain to start our day of hiking. We climbed to the top of a ridge so we could see views of two valleys. Again, we were blessed by a spectacularly clear day, so we could see forever.Our reward for making it to the top of the mountain was a stop at an adorable rifugio for a treat. These rifugios are inns/restaurants that dot the countryside for hikers to stop and rest and eat. So instead of the usual water and candy bar van stop on our bike trips, we get to stop at these little chalets. This particular one had an oven outside baking fresh bread (later served with fresh homemade butter), plum coffeecake, apple strudel, ricotta cake, and some crispy fruit filled turnover. All freshly baked, served with cappuccinos, hot chocolate, beer, or grappa.We toured their cheesemaking shed before tasting their homemade grappa and finally tore ourselves away to hit the road. We were able to quickly see the “Big Five”: cows, horses, sheep, goats, and the elusive marmot. In addition, we saw llamas and turkeys. Not many birds. Clinton thinks he saw an eagle with green feathers, but maybe it was a grappa-infused vision.What I have really enjoyed&nbsp;seeing is all the different wild flowers, probably over 10 species. I am told that June and July are the times to come to really see the hills come alive with wild flowers.Our hiking ended at 4 pm for “lunch” at another rifugio. It was another incredible day of vistas.

Discover the Dolomites through these notes from a traveller—where dramatic peaks, charming alpine villages, and scenic trails come together in one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations.

Explore the Dolomites | Italian Alps Travel Guide

Dolomites

Glorious mountaintops wreathed in mists; fairytale villages with overflowing flower boxes; the bulbous domes of Baroque churches; log farmhouses dotting the valley floors—these are the images you’ll encounter on the lightly travelled pathways of Italy’s Dolomites, the mountains that divide the Venetian plain from Austria to the north.&nbsp;

Where Alpine majesty meets Italian charm

Hike UNESCO Dolomite trails past villages on a luxury small group or private tours. Alta Via routes, alpine refuges and dramatic peaks await.

Luxury Hiking & Private Tours in the Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites’ stunning peaks have drawn mountaineers for centuries, yet somehow they remain one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Explore the two most enchanting corners of the gorgeous Dolomites region: the Alpe di Siusi and Alta Badia. Experience the region’s remarkable people, unforgettable hikes, and sumptuous cuisine. Your taste buds will never forget the gastronomic surprises in store, the perfect reward after an invigorating (and jaw-dropping) alpine hike.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Tranquil Environment

Vibrant Culture

Italy’s Dolomites: outrageously scenic, slightly mysterious, and suspiciously crowd-free (shhh). Wander lush Alpe di Siusi’s larch forests, eye-popping meadows and trails beneath Sassolungo’s iconic peaks. Explore Alta Badia’s valleys, meet locals who proudly cling to Ladin traditions, and refuel with hearty alpine meals. Luxurious spas soothe tired legs—because even intrepid hikers deserve a little pampering.

A spectacular alpine hideaway

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Explore the gorgeous (and little known) Alpe di Siusi. Experience the region’s remarkable people, unforgettable hikes, and sumptuous cuisine. Your taste buds will never, ever forget the gastronomic surprises in store, the perfect reward after an invigorating (and jaw-dropping) alpine hike. B&amp;R Travel Expert Georgia Yuill was named Top Travel Specialist for the Dolomites 2020 by Condé Nast.

Hike a UNESCO World Heritage Dolomite landscape on this small group tour. Flower-filled meadows and mountain rifugios with the Alps' finest pasta.

Dolomites Hiking Tour | COMO Alpina & Aman Rosa Alpina | Butterfield & Robinson

Glorious mountaintops wreathed in mists. Fairytale villages with overflowing flower boxes. The bulbous domes of Baroque churches. In the Dolomite mountains, you'll find breathtaking beauty and rustic charm around every corner. Hike to the highest peak, spend the day indulging in culture, or savour the cuisine—here, you can’t make a wrong turn.B&amp;R Experience Designer Georgia Yuill has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Exclusive Access

Luxurious Stays

If Mother Nature had favourites, the Dolomites might top her list—misty peaks, absurdly pretty villages, and trails ranging from blissfully lackadaisical to ambitiously sweaty. On this self-guided adventure, hike at your leisure, savour rustic culinary delights, and mingle with locals who practically invented hospitality. Warning: real life feels alarmingly dull after this.

Have the Italian Alps all to yourself

Spend 5 nights hiking the Dolomites on this small group trip. Meadow trails, UNESCO mountain peaks and rifugio lunches above the clouds. Done properly.

Dolomites Self-Guided Hiking | Butterfield & Robinson

Crowning Italy’s northern border, the Dolomites are widely regarded as one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. Trails wind between massive peaks, offering new vistas at every turn and charming rifugi (mountain huts) that welcome hikers and bikers alike.&nbsp;Evenings are a delightful mixture of South Tyrolean and Ladin cultures, where you can dine on distinctive culinary specialties and savour the region's fine wines.

Local Connections

One-of-a-kind Hotels

The Dolomites are where alpine drama meets Italian flair. Hike jagged peaks, cycle storybook valleys and fuel up on pasta with a side of strudel. With luxe lodges, a dash of Austrian charm and views that redefine “breathtaking,” this UNESCO gem is mountain magic—served with a glass of Südtirol’s finest.

Experience the Italian Alps 

experience the italian alps

Explore the towering peaks of the Dolomites

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Whether you arrive for powder or peaks, experience the Dolomites on a tailor-made itinerary. Ski touring, rock climbing and Italy's finest mountain food.

Dolomites Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Discover one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world as you saddle up on an electric-assisted mountain biking journey through the Dolomite Mountains. Nestled in the north of Italy, this alpine land offers a unique blend of cultures and cuisines, stunning landscapes, always inviting hospitality and endless fun and exploration through its peaks and valleys. Pedalling through two of the region’s corners, the Alta Badia and the Alpe di Siusi, your rides can be as moderate or challenging as you wish, all guaranteed to be backdropped by craggy peaks, tranquil meadows and delightful (and delicious) mountain huts.B&amp;R Experience Designer Georgia Yuill has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Incredible Rides

The Dolomites are like the Alps’ charismatic cousin. Spin through Alta Badia’s dreamy valleys and Alpe di Siusi’s peaceful pastures, customizing each route to your preferred level of comfort (or bravado). Recharge at rustic mountain huts, savour hearty alpine fare, and soak in views so jaw-dropping you’ll be glad you had an electric assist.

Take on the Dolomites on two wheels

$9,495 based on two travellers. Request a detailed itinerary for pricing for more than 2 people

Spend 5 nights tackling the Dolomites' legendary passes on a small group e-bike tour. Gardena, Sella, Campolongo, with expert guides and the Alps' finest hotel.

Dolomites Self-Guided E-Mountain Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

Women-Led Experiences

Great Walks

One-of-a-Kind Hotels

The Dolomites have long enchanted travellers with their jagged peaks, blooming meadows, and fairytale villages—and this women’s-only journey is no exception. Hike among jagged peaks, take in sky-high views and meet inspiring women along the way, from local designers to expert breathwork guides. With stunning stays, shared stories, and fresh mountain air, this alpine escape is made for connection and discovery.&nbsp;

Spend 5 nights hiking the Dolomites in a small women's group. Guided alpine trails, shared rifugio dinners and memories that stay with you for years.

Dolomites Women's Hiking | Butterfield & Robinson

Venture to the vine covered slopes of the South Tyrol wine country to the heights of the Italian Alps and discover the Dolomites—a breathtaking mountain range often regarded as the most beautiful in the world. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, verdant valleys, and picturesque alpine villages, the Dolomites beckon to be explored on two wheels. On your e-mountain bike, begin your journey in the charming town of Bolzano, pedalling through the Adige Valley toward the prestigious vineyards of Lake Caldaro. Immerse yourself in the beautiful Alpe di Siusi, reached by cable car whisking you to the peaceful high alpine meadows. Witness the charms of mountain life as you bike through the enchanting village of Ortisei, and hike along the Fassa and Duron Valleys, where an incredible backdrop of the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto peaks accompanies you. After a day of adventure, retreat to luxurious hotels and rejuvenating spas, where you’ll quickly feel the serenity of this beautiful pocket of Italy.&nbsp;This trip is capped at 14 travellers.&nbsp;

Exceptional Wines

In Italy’s Dolomites, every ride and hike feels like a dream. Pedal through vineyard-covered valleys, soar by cable car to high alpine meadows, and spin past storybook villages framed by towering peaks. Hike along a panoramic ridge overlooking the Fassa and Duron Valleys, then unwind in luxurious hotels and soothing spas surrounded by serene beauty.

Cycle peaks and valleys 

Featured stays

Spend 5 nights biking and hiking the Dolomites on this small group adventure. Cycling climbs, alpine meadow trails and Italy's finest UNESCO landscape.