How to Explore the Dolomites

Tucked in the Italian Alps lies a mountain range so picturesque that, in 2009, it was named a United Nations World Heritage site for its extraordinary beauty. The Dolomites—full of sweeping panoramas, limestone walls, pinnacles, and spires—capture the imagination of anyone fortunate enough to trek through this rugged landscape.

Wandering through the towering peaks of the Dolomites requires a bit of sweat and struggle, but is within reach for active travelers. And believe us, any payments in exertion will be returned ten-fold with awe-inspiring views and the chance to experience Italian mountain hospitality.

To find out how to best explore the Dolomites, we picked the brains of our friends at MT Sobek who, in 2019, are celebrating 50 years as leaders in global adventure experiences.

Bring the Kiddos

For an unforgettable trip to the Dolomites, why not bring the whole family? The Dolomites may be rugged, but they aren't so extreme that you need to leave the teenagers at home. MT Sobek offers a family hiking trip that climbs to the majestic panoramas of Gran Cir, explores the peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and treks through alpine farmland on kid-friendly via ferrata mountain routes.

Spend your nights at charming rifugio huts, resting as a family and eating delicious Tyrolean dishes. This is an experience the kids will never, ever forget.

Yoga in the Mountains

Trekking through the Dolomites is an opportunity to check out the beautiful rifugio mountain huts...or the chance to stay in four-star wellness hotels. If the later is more your style, book a hiking and yoga trip with MT Sobek that combines the beauty of hiking through the Dolomites with daily morning yoga and nights spent eating regional fare and relaxing at the spa. 

The best of both worlds? We'd say so.

Hike Hut to Hut

For those who want nothing more than to trek through the mountains every day (raises hand), then a multi-day hut hiking trip is what you need. MT Sobek's Hut-to-Hut Trek explores the mountains on foot, with each trail leading to a comfortable rifugio hut or mountain hotel. On this trip you'll hike on the spectacular Alpe di Siusi, summit the 10,341-foot Piz Boe, and traverse under the Marmolada Glacier.

When Only the Best Will Do

Sometimes, when you're talking about somewhere as beautiful as the Dolomites, the best option to see a bit of everything. Do precisely that on MT Sobek's Best of the Dolomites nine-day experience, which includes challenging daily hikes through forests, past glacial lakes, on high alpine meadows, and through the mountain's jagged rock formations. 

See the famous peaks—Schlern, Sella, Drei Zinnen and Marmolada—while also exploring small mountain towns and Bozen, South Tyrol's historic capital.

All photos, including the cover photo, courtesy of MT Sobek