ZEALOUS ITALY
The Dolomites + Alta Via 4

OVERVIEW

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime, navigating the majestic landscapes of the Italian Dolomites along one of the most challenging Italian high routes, Alta Via 4. This hut-to-hut trek promises rugged terrain, panoramic vistas, and an adrenaline-packed experience for the adventurous at heart. Then head to Trento, where you'll brave the exhilarating rapids of the mighty Noce River. Your epic Dolomiti adventure awaits!

Hike amongst breathtaking limestone towers.

TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO

VIA FERRATAS GALORE

Challenge yourself along several via ferratas

RAFTING IN TRENTO

Paddle through nonstop rapids of the Noce River

from $3,375

Days

Italy

TRIP DETAILS

  • DESTINATION AIRPORT

    Venice (VCE)

  • MEETING PLACE

    Airport (VCE)

  • TRIP DURATION

    9 days

  • GROUP SIZE

    8-10 travelers

  • LOCAL LODGING

    4 nights

  • TRAIL HUTS

    4 nights

  • PHYSICAL LEVEL

    Very Challenging ➜ No backpacking experience required, but must lead an active lifestyle & be capable of hiking long distances & difficult terrain with a 20 lb. backpack. You should also be comfortable w/ heights since via ferrata segments are unavoidable

YOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1

Welcome to Italy

Meet at the Venice airport to start your 10-day adventure with a private transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a picturesque alpine town nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. You’ll pack & prep for the trek and will end the night with a warm welcome dinner and probably a glass of wine (or two).

  • Arrive in Venice (VCE)

  • Private transfer & welcome dinner

  • Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

DAY 2

Start Alta Via 4

We’ll hit the ground running! A private transfer will take us to Rifugio Auronzo to start AV4 and hike towards Via Ferrata Innerkofler. This historic route near Tre Cime scales Monte Paterno with majestic views — the perfect beginner via ferrata to start our adventure!

  • Private transfer to Rifugio Auronzo

  • Via Ferrata Innerkofler De Luca

  • Distance: 10 km

  • Accommodation: Rifugio

DAY 3

Via Ferrata Merlone

Today will be one of the most epic days of our trek. Experience awe-inspiring views from sunrise to sundown, as we make our way to the next rifugio. After lunch, we’ll ascend the scenic Via Ferrata Merlone before another warm mountain hut meal to end the day.

  • Amazing views the entire day

  • Climb Via Ferrata Merlone

  • Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi + 4 hrs via ferrata

  • Accommodation: Rifugio

DAY 4

Hike to Lake Sorapis

After breakfast, we’ll start hiking towards Misurina, a charming mountain town in the valley. After a short bus ride to avoid a section of road walking, we’ll pick up the trail towards the picturesque teal blue alpine lake, Lake Sorapis.

  • Varied terrain throughout

  • Explore Lake Sorapis

  • Distance: 12 km

  • Accommodation: Rifugio

DAY 5

Giro Di Sorapis

By far the longest & most challenging day! Start near the shores of Lake Sorapis to climb Via Ferrata Alfonso Vandelli & 2/3 of the Giro di Sorapis, another epic & difficult via ferrata. Tonight, we’ll be rewarded with a warm mountain hut meal at an adorable rifugio.

  • Longest & most difficult day of AV4

  • 2/3 of Via Ferrata Giro di Sorapis

  • Distance: 20 km

  • Accommodation: Rifugio

Phew! After the difficult day 4, we’ll take our time hiking down to the San Vito di Cadore, which marks the completion of our epic trek! After a hot shower, there’ll be time to explore Cortina d’Ampezzo (and eat gelato) before our celebratory dinner!

  • Short hike down to San Vito di Cadore

  • Celebratory dinner

  • Distance: 6 km

  • Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

DAY 7

Rest & Relax

DAY 6

Finish Alta Via 4 & Celebrate

After a much needed super long night of sleep, you’ll eat a leisurely breakfast before enjoying a day of rejuvination! We’ll take a private transfer to Trento, another charming Italian mountain town, for a relaxing afternoon to explore town, eat more gelato, get coffee, or take a nap before dinner.

  • Rest & relax & eat.

  • Private transfer to Trento

  • Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Trento

Water sports are extremely popular in this region of the Dolomites. The Noce River is known for world renowned, best-in-class rapids. We’ll navigate the river and paddle through rushing rapids for a water-soaked day of adventure. After free time to explore Trento, we’ll share a final dinner together in town.

  • Whitewater raft down the Noce River

  • Farewell dinner in town

  • Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Trento

DAY 9

Arrivederci, Italy

DAY 8

Rafting the Noce River

Pack your bags, it’s time to return to the real world. After breakfast, we’ll take private transportation to the airport in Venice, where you’ll catch your flight back home. Don’t forget to exchange contact info with your new adventure friends to stay in touch, share pics, and plan next year’s reunion Zealous trip!

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    • Day tour ➜ Whitewater rafting in the Noce River

    • Certified guides ➜ Awesome local English-speaking guides

    • Trip leaders ➜ Fun, friendly, logistical Jedi

    • 8 ➜ Breakfasts

    • 7 ➜ Lunches

    • 8 ➜ Dinners

    • 2 nights ➜ Family-owned hotel in Cortinia d'Ampezzo

    • 2 nights ➜ Family-owned B&B in Trento

    • 4 nights ➜ Dormitory-style rooms in the rifugios

    • Single occupancy is unavailable for this particular trip

    • All necessary ground transportation is included

  • Flights ➜ International

  • Some lunches during free-time

  • 30-40L trekking backpack w/ hip belt

  • Personal & incidental expenses

  • Tips ➜ for trekking & activity guides

International flights

  • Home airport ⇄ Venice (VCE)

  • Must arrive to Venice by 11:00am (or the night before)

** Guests will receive detailed flight information after booking **

Not Quite Fine Print

  • Outdoor adventure travel can be quite unpredictable. Our top priority is to provide a rewarding yet safe experience. We’ll do our best to adhere to the intended itinerary, but certain circumstances (i.e. unsafe weather conditions) may result in slight changes. However, spontaneity is often a good thing.

  • Guests are required to have a travel insurance policy that covers all potential activities for the specific trip. We suggest purchasing travel insurance shortly after booking with Zealous Travel Co. We highly recommend the Tin Leg Adventure policy through Squaremouth.

  • Guests must have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after your return flight.

  • Do not book flights until receiving the go-ahead email from Zealous Travel Co. We are happy to provide flight recommendations.

Payment Policy

  • Deposit is due at the time of booking.

  • 100% of deposit is refundable for any reason within 7 days of booking.

  • After 7 days, deposit is transferable to any future trip within 18 months.

Cancelation Policy

  • 120 days or more before trip start date:

    • 100% of payment(s) made to date are refundable

    • 100% of deposit is refundable

  • 90-119 days before trip start date:

    • 80% of payment(s) made to date are refundable

    • 20% of payment(s) made to date are not refundable

    • 100% of deposit is transferable to any future trip within 18 months

  • 60-89 days before trip start date:

    • 60% of paymen(s) made to date are refundable

    • 40% of paymen(s) made to date are not refundable

    • 100% of deposit is transferable to any future trip within 18 months

  • 0-59 days before trip start date:

    • Payment(s) made to date are not refundable

    • 100% of deposit is transferable to any future trip within 18 months

from $3,375