Walking the Italian Dolomites
Located between Lake Garda and Selva, the Brenta Dolomites are the headline act of northern Italy’s UNESCO-listed Adamello Brenta Natural Park. These jagged limestone peaks give way to alpine pastures and pristine lakes, providing a dramatic backdrop to hundreds of spectacular walking trails. Stay in the mountain village of Madona Di Campiglio and hop between high plateaus using the handy network of cable cars ready to take on everything from sky-high ridge walks to forested rambles, all steeped in fascinating WWI history.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the foothills of the Brenta Dolomites
- Admiring the sparkling waters of Lago delle Malghette
- Hiking through the waterfall-splashed landscapes of Val di Genova
- Enjoying magnificent views of the Adamello glacier
- Discovering the crystal clear waters of the Valagola Lake
- Hopping between high peaks with ease using the cable car network
What’s included
- Full programme of guided walks with local HF Holidays Leaders
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- Comfortable accommodation
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- Air-conditioned transport
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Arrive at the hotel and check in. Unpack and settle in.
Today we’ll take the shuttle bus from Madonna di Campiglio and embark on a hike through the Val di Genova – a fertile gorge where torrents of cascading water tumbling down the limestone walls have earned it the moniker, Valley of the Waterfalls. This area was part of Austria until World War I and numerous military operations took place on the crystalline rock formations, evidence of which is still visible from the valley bottom. Take in magnificent views of the Adamello and Presanella glaciers as we follow the course of the Sarca River.
Option 1 - Val Di Genova Gorge 1
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 1000ft (300m)
Total descent: 650ft (200m)
With the shuttle from Madonna di Campiglio, we reach Ponte Verde and walk towards Cascate di Nardis, the most scenic waterfalls in Val Genova. Once there we will take time to admire the forces of nature in this spectacular arena. From here we continue with a gentle hike to Ponte Maria, where we take the shuttle back to Madonna di Campiglio
Option 2 - Val di Genova Gorge 2
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Total ascent: 2130ft (650m)
Total descent: 650ft (200m)
Our start point for this walk is the Ponte Maria. We’ll head up the valley noting the imposing granite rock formations along the way and the incredible panoramas of the Presanella glacier. We’ll take the bus back from Malga Bedot to Madonna di Campiglio.
Our walks today will take us to an altitude of 1,900m where we’ll find the pine-fringed waters of Lago Delle Malghette, a stunning lake surrounded by the Folgarida Mountains. Rumour has it that this secluded lakeside location was the favourite spot of renowned 19th-century globetrotter, Empress Elizabeth of Austria. On a clear day, look out for the rocky massif of the Brenta Dolomites reflected in the lake’s shimmering surface.
Option 1 - Lake Malghette
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 165ft (50m)
Total descent: 1800ft (550m)
After taking the Pradalago cable car, our walk starts on flat ground passing by Lake Pradalago and the Viviani refuge. We’ll pass through pastures and mountain pines to Lake Malghette, offering a magnificent panorama of the Brenta group. We’ll make our way back down along the forest road and trails.
Option 2 - Malghette Mountain Lake
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1970ft (600m)
Total descent: 100ft (30m)
This option heads in the direction of Campo Carlo Magno and from Malga Zeledria, we’ll take the path to Lake Pradalago and the Viviani refuge. Following the same route as the first walk, we’ll enjoy the magnificent views over Lake Malghette before descending to Madonna di Campiglio.
We’ll spend the day exploring the foothills of the Brenta Dolomites. Pick your way between pinnacles and be wowed by a landscape of woods, streams, and waterfalls, thriving with wildlife. We’ll take the Grostè cable car to explore Lake Spinale (option 1) or visit the Frances Fox Tucket mountain hut – named after the intrepid mountaineer from Gloucestershire who, in 1865, was knighted by the King of Italy for his services to geographical and scientific research in the Italian alps (option 2).
Option 1 - Vallesinella Waterfalls
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 980ft (300m)
Total descent: 950ft (290m)
Following forest paths we head to the Vallesinella Valley, nestled at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. We ascend towards the High Waterfalls (Cascate Alte) and enjoy a break on the beautiful alpine pastures with evocative views of the valley below. From here we descend to Vallesinella and take the public shuttle bus to Madonna di Campiglio.
Option 2 - Vallesinella Waterfalls and Tucket Refuge
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 164ft (50m)
Total descent: 3280ft (1000m)
Hike to the Vallesinella Waterfalls and to the Tucket refuge on one of the most famous walks in the Brenta Dolomites. We take the cable car to Grostè and then visit a selection of other mountain huts before returning via public bus.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest.
There are plenty of self-guided walks in the Brenta Dolomites and your leaders will be happy to recommend options if you would like to explore independently on your free day. Take a cable car to one of the mountain refuges for lunch* with a view or stay local and discover what Madonna di Campiglio has to offer.
Alternatively, spend the day enjoying the facilities of the hotel. There’s a wellness centre with an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, as well as a spa* offering massages and beauty treatments.
*Payable locally
Today there is the choice of walks to either explore the scenic and accessible Monte Spinale with its 360° views of the Brenta Dolomites or riding the Cinque Laghi cable car to explore three stunning lakes.
Option 1 - Monte Spinale
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 985ft (300m)
Total descent: 1310ft (400m)
We take a gondola ride to the Spinale plateau and admire the spectacular 360° views of the Brenta Dolomite peaks and the Adamello-Presanella glaciers. These are a collection of large high-altitude glaciers including the Mandrone, one of the largest in the Italian Alps. We hike across alpine pastures inhabited by marmots, surrounded by grassy fields and alpine seasonal flowers. We will finish by descending by gondola to the breathtaking mountain pass of Campo Carlo Magno and then hike a gentle downhill path back to Madonna di Campiglio.
Option 2 - Three Lakes - Lago Ritorto, Lago Lambin and Lago Nambino
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 985ft (300m)
Total descent: 2650ft (800m)
We’ll take the Cinque Laghi cable car to the lakes region and start our exploration with Lago Ritorto. This is the largest of the famous five lakes and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. From here we walk on to Lago Lambin, known for its fjord-like shape and steep banks. Moving on we head to Lago Nambino which is surrounded by dense pine forest and the stunning peaks of the Dolomites. Each lake has its own character, and we will have time to take in the tranquil atmosphere. We end our day with a hike back to Madonna di Campiglio.
We spend the day immersed in lush forests, walking through green pastures with breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Both groups travel by coach for 30 minutes in the direction of the Valagola valley and then hike to the Lake of the same name. This crystal-clear lake takes on different colours and reflections depending on where you stand. With a backdrop of the Southern Dolomites this is a great place to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures of the great outdoors. From here the walks continue along different paths and then meet up again to share lunch in a grassy field with the amphitheatre of the rugged Dolomites on one side and the Adamello-Resena glacier on the other side. Towards the end of the walks the group stops at Malga Cioca a converted mountain hut with a bar and panoramic views.
Option 1 - Lake Valagola
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 1640 feet (500m)
Total descent: 984 feet (300m)
After a short break at Valagola Lake we begin the ascent to Passo Bandalors from where we can admire the spectacular amphitheatre of rugged Dolomite formation on one side, and the Adamello-Presena glacier on the other side. We continue hiking on a gentle path in the direction of Malga Cioca for a drink (not included) on the panoramic terrace, before descending by gondola to Pinzolo and rejoining our coach for the trip back to Madonna di Campiglio.
Option 2 - Lake Valagola & Piana di Nardis
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1804 feet (550m)
Total descent: 1148 feet (330m)
From Lake Valagola we will begin a steady ascent along a single track through the forest, leading to the scenic Piana di Nardis, a flat area of grassy fields located at the foot of the Southern Brenta Dolomite peaks, with scenic views of Rifugio Agostini from below. We then continue along an undulating path to Passo Bandaors where we meet up with the option 1 walkers and enjoy a picnic lunch together. After lunch we head to the Malga Cioca refuge for a drink (not included) on the panoramic terrace, before descending by gondola to Pinzolo and return to Madonna di Campiglio by private coach.
Return to the airport for your flight home.
Hotel Cristal Palace, Madonna di Campiglio
As far as locations go, the Hotel Cristal Palace is tough to beat. This 4-star alpine retreat puts you in the heart of the picturesque mountain ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio, the perfect base for exploring the spectacular hiking trails of the UNESCO-listed Brenta Dolomites. Guests can unwind in style courtesy of 61 luxurious rooms complete with elegant furnishings, free Wi-Fi, all modern amenities, and stunning mountain views. You can also make use of the full-service spa, take a dip in the indoor pool, and dine on gourmet Italian cuisine at the chic restaurant that looks out over Adamello Brenta Natural Park.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
20 Jun - 27 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,599 pp |
from £1,599 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
27 Jun - 04 Jul 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,599 pp |
from £1,599 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
04 Jul - 11 Jul 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,599 pp |
from £1,599 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
29 Aug - 05 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
20 Jun - 27 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,419 pp |
from £1,419 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
27 Jun - 04 Jul 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,419 pp |
from £1,419 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
04 Jul - 11 Jul 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,419 pp |
from £1,419 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
29 Aug - 05 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Verona or Milan depending on departure date
- Independent travellers can join our airport transfers from Verona Airport - please contact us for prices
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
540Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
