The Best of the Dolomites

On our Italian Dolomites trip, we follow a gorgeous itinerary through unforgettable mountains with stunning views, cozy mountain accommodations, and delicious regional cuisine. The Dolomites are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world! They are a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, universally valued for their unique and exceptional natural beauty. Geologically distinct (consisting mostly of sheer, high-quality limestone) with fantastically unusual shapes and features, they have inspired artists, scientists and outdoors enthusiasts for centuries.

Alternating between towering, alpine passes and lush, diverse valleys, we explore a wonderland of scenery and adventure. The magic of these Italian landscapes emerge in detail as our week progresses and we discover alpine plateaus, dramatic massifs, pristine rivers and lakes, fields of wildflowers, fairytale villages, awe-inspiring mountain vistas and a lot more.

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Dolomites! Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site while savoring the rich culinary traditions of the region. With highly rated accommodations, local dining, professional mountain guides, and private transportation, this is the ultimate Dolomite experience.

Trip Highlights

• Experience the unparalleled beauty of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Marvel at the towering pillars, pinnacles, and rock walls that define the Dolomite Mountains
• Hike to the Santa Croce Sanctuary for breathtaking views of the Val Badia
• Trek across a high alpine pasture below the northern face of Croda Rossa Mountain and Prato Piazza
• Traverse the scenic “Dolomieu Trail” for panoramic vistas
• Stay in luxury hotels, enjoying top-notch gourmet cuisine, expert mountain guides, and private transportation

What’s Included

• A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
• Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes.
• Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on Day 7
• Venice Airport (VCE) pick up on Day 1 and Venice Airport (VCE) or Venice Mestre Train Station drop off on Day 7
• Lodging for the duration of the tour
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 7
• Use of a day pack and trekking poles
• Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and emergency communication device
• Guide gratuities

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to/from Venice, Italy
• Beverages and personal expenses
• Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in the Alps)
• Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
• All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
• Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
• Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
• Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight

Trip start/End

Trip Start: You will meet at 3:00 pm at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Flights must arrive by 2:30 pm in Venice.

Trip End: You have the option of a drop-off at either Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or the Venice Mestre Train Station. Flights should be planned to leave no earlier than 6 pm on this day.

Our pre-trip communications team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to answer any last-minute questions you have.

Flights to/from Venice are the guest’s responsibility.

Recommended pre/post trip LODGING

Hotel Adua (Venice – 2 Star)

Hotel Cà d’Oro (Venice – 3 Star)

Palazzo Veneziano (Venice – Luxury)

Ca’ Bonfadini – Palazzi (Venice – Luxury)

Book Your Adventure Now

This is more than just a trip – it’s an experience of a lifetime. Contact us today to reserve your spot and start your journey into the heart of the Dolomites! 

* Please note that hotels are subject to change until closer to the retreat date.

* Please note the itinerary is subject to change due to weather.

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. 

To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website. 

Packing List for Travel to Europe

Important Documentation:

• Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)
• Passport
• Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)
• COVID-19 vaccination records
• Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)

Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other important travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.

Money:

• Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)
• Credit card
• Petty cash (in euros, ~100)
• Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)

Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.

ATMs are readily available throughout Italy. You will want to let your bank know that you will be travelling so they do not put a hold on your card. Also, it is a good idea to research which of your credit cards have the cheapest international transaction fees. Lastly, it’s best if your pin is 4 digits, not 6 digits, when travelling in Europe. If you have a 6-digit pin, you will want to change your pin to 4 digits. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Exchanging USD into Euro is typically most convenient at an ATM versus going into a bank or an exchange bureau. When you arrive to the Venice Airport, there will be several ATMs for exchanging money. Use this map to locate an ATM when you arrive.  For additional information on current currency exchange rates, you can click here. 

Clothing:

• Comfortable walking shoes (closed toe preferred)
• Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)
• Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
• Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)
• Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
• Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Undergarments and socks
• Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)
• Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, hat, socks, etc.)
• Laundry bag
• Waterproof gear ( pants, jacket, backpack cover, shoes )

Helpful Tip: Pack for all weather possibilities. Hiking poles can be rented. You can do laundry at the hotel.

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
• Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Personal medications (in their original containers)
• Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
• Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
• Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
• Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)
• Hand sanitizer
• Earplugs

Electronics:

• Smartphone and/or camera
• Charger and adapter (for European outlets)
• Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)
• Headphones
• Waterproof phone case
• Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)
• VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)
• Purchasing a SIM card upon arrival should give you the cheapest and most reliable cell phone coverage while in Italy. You can also call your phone carrier and ask about international phone plans or activating global roaming. Make sure to ask about pricing for these options. ESIMS are gaining popularity and can be a good option is your phone is compatible.
• Phone service while you are hiking in the mountains may be spotty but will be reliable when you are at your hotel and in most villages.

Additional Personal Items:

• Refillable water bottle
• Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)
• Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)
• Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)
• Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)
• Book or e-reader
• Journal or notepad

Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. Leave valuable items at home if possible or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!

Clothing

The following items are required for your trip. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

(GG) = Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – mid-weight, lug-soled, waterproof, and well broken in
  (Note: buy your boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)

• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of your trip. Hiking specific padded socks, no cotton please! Best Hiking Socks Overall – Darn Tough Micro Crew – Men’s / Women’s, Runner Up: Best Hiking Socks for Support and Features – Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Five – Men’s / Women’s, Best All-Season Performance – Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion Socks – Men’s / Women’s, Best Budget Wool Socks for Hiking – REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Socks – Unisex
  (Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters)

• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo

• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves 

• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts, Best Wool Blend Hiking Shirt – Smartwool Classic All-Season  – Men’s / Women’s, Best Synthetic Hiking Shirt – Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily – Men’s / Women’s, Best Button-Up Hiking Shirt – Outdoor Research Astroman – Men’s / Women’s, Best Hiking Hoodie – Cotopaxi Sombra Hoodie  – Men’s / Women’s, Best Budget Hiking Shirt – REI Co-op Sahara – Men’s / Women’s
  (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)

• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material – merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
• Mid Layer Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Pants GG – Shorts GG)
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc. (Base Layers GG)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Jackets GG – Rain Pants GG)
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings off the trail

Gear 

Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure)

• Best Hydration Bladder Overall – Platypus Big Zip Evo  – 3-Liter / 2-Liter
• Best Feature-Rich Hydration Reservoir –Gregory 3D Hydro – 3-Liter / 2-Liter
• Best Streamlined Hydration Badder  – CamelBak Crux – 3-Liter / 2-Liter
• Best Insulated Hydration Bladder (And Durable!) –Hydrapak Hydrasleeve – 3-Liter

Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries

• Best Headlamp Overall – Black Diamond Spot 400 – View at REI
• Runner Up: Best Headlamp for Hiking – Petzl Actik Core Headlamp – View at REI
• Best Budget Headlamp – Petzl Tikkina Headlamp – View at REI 
• Most Streamlined Headlamp for Hiking – Biolite Headlamp 325 – View at REI
  (Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries)

Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – this is needed to keep important documents (i.e. passport, travel insurance, etc.) safe from weather/water and easily carried day to day

Contact Lenses & Glasses – if you wear contact lenses, we recommend also bringing a pair of glasses

Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm

Toiletries

Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of the hotel will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with your own kit to use during portions of this tour. Your hotels will be fully equipped with needed amenities, but otherwise along the trail it may be natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.). Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & ziplock bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.

Prescription Medication – please inform your guide of any medications you are taking.

Money – for small purchases you may want to make.

Optional

• Personal Trekking Poles –this can be provided for you if you don't have your own you wish to bring.
• Phone, Charger, & Power Bank – local sim card, e-sim, or international phone plan may be needed
• Travel Power Adapter – universal from Amazon works great.
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces you may use (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Small quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit
• Electrolytes 
• 1-2 Face Masks
• Personal First Aid kit – there will also be one provided.

2 Bag Packing System

This trip uses a 2-bag packing system:

Main Travel Bag/Duffel: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring on this trip. It will be transferred by van, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of hiking, but not throughout the day. Ideally, luggage is limited to one suitcase or duffel bag but, if necessary, we can fit up to two pieces.

Hiking Day Pack (provided): All guests will be issued a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during the trek. Items in this pack should include anything you may need throughout the day on the trail (i.e. rain gear, warm layer(s), water, passport, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks, camera/phone, etc.). Also, keep in mind that you will need to reserve a small space (think tissue box size) in your bag for lunch items.

Extra Luggage: There is no luggage storage available on this trip. If you are traveling to Italy with additional luggage than the above, you will need to find a place to store it. Venice airport provides luggage storage options.

Important note: We recommend either wearing or packing in your carry-on bag the main items you intend to hike with vs. putting the majority of the items in any checked luggage, especially your hiking shoes! Hiking footwear is hard to replace last minute if luggage becomes lost or delayed.

Altitude: The lodges are in the villages of Pocol and Misurina. Pocol is at 1,500m (around 5,000ft), and Misurina is at 1,750m (around 5,800ft). During the excursions, the group reaches a maximum altitude of 2500/2600mt (8,200/8,600ft).

Money:

• Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.
• Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs as they charge a lot of conversion fees.
• Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something. 
• Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and if they do, you won't get a good conversion.
• Always do the local currency, Euro, if a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro.
• Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.
• If you leave a tip anywhere, just round up. No need to tip out standard 20%.
• Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe as you cannot exchange them back.

Financial Safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
• Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).
• Keep your wallet or purse close to your body and never leave it unattended.
• Use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
• Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for any unauthorized charges or transactions.
• Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.
• Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.
• Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.
• Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.

Personal Safety:

• Be aware of surroundings and stay alert.
• Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
• Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep important items secure.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
• Keep wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
• Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.
• Be wary of strangers who approach.
• Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.
• Register with embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
• Always keep emergency contact information with you.
• Learn basic phrases in local language, including how to ask for help.
• Tap water throughout Italy is safe to drink. You can fill your water bottles at the hotels in the morning before you begin hiking. Some days there might be an option to refill water along the trail at natural springs or mountain huts.

Transportation:

• Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
• Use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
• Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.

Activity Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks whilst taking part of this retreat.

To be fully covered you should take out your insurance immediately after booking. Bring a copy of your insurance details with you, and carry it at all times. It is entirely your own responsibility to ensure that any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and for the activity you will be undertaking. Walker Wellness Retreats cannot advise on insurance policies and cannot be held responsible if in the event of a claim your insurance is inadequate. Information provided below is for guidance only.

Travel Guard - for residents worldwide, including the United States of America and Canada

The Travel Guard Plus Plan is for those travelers who want the most comprehensive package of travel insurance coverage and assistance services that includes Adventure Sports coverage.

World Nomad Insurance - for residents worldwide, including the United States of America and Canada

World Nomad offers simple and flexible insurance coverage. You can buy online, even after you’ve left home. Extend and claim online while traveling. They offer adventure traveler insurance for over 140 countries. Some but not all of their policies provide cover for some coronavirus-related events.

Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

1. BE AWARE OF ANY TRAVEL ALERTS.

Most Governments maintain websites dedicated to providing their citizens with the most up to date travel information. The websites below publish online travel reports containing the most recent news in addition to background on each country.

US Bureau of Consular Affairs. We recommend US residents enroll with the STEP program.

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau

2. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

You are responsible for ensuring you have secured all required travel documentation. Sherpa Travel is a great tool for checking passport, visa, and other entry requirements, as well as checking government websites as suggested above.

Most countries require that your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiration date.

We always recommend discussing immunization requirements with your Primary Care Provider.

3. LEARN ABOUT THE LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS.

On our European Alps trips the language most frequently spoken depends on the country the trip is operating in.  Most people speak at least some English and our guides are all fluent in English.  Languages spoken in the areas our trips operate are Swiss German, German, Italian, & French. Learning a few words in the local language is recommended and a fun way to interact with the culture and people you meet during your travels.

4. TRAVEL/TRIP INSURANCE

Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is required on this trip as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD). We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover inside of 30 days (prior to your trip departure date) that you are unable to travel, no refund is available. 

Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.

5. CURRENCY, BANK & CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Check with your bank and credit card companies if you need to notify them of your travels. Some companies require this before travel. Also check for international usage fees. Visa, MasterCard, and EuroCard are the most widely accepted cards in this region.

All vendors in the European Union accept Euros.

You can exchange money before you leave your home country or use ATMs or banks to obtain local currency upon arrival.

For additional information on current currency exchange rates, you can click here.

6. MEDICAL & PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS

In our many years of organizing adventure travel itineraries all over the world, we have found that everyone who travels should carry a small personal first aid kit. On all our treks, our staff carry emergency equipment available to help guests, staff and really anyone we come in contact with during a trip. This equipment always includes emergency communication devices and a full first aid kit with contents that we have found to cover most illnesses and injuries we have most commonly dealt with during our trips. But what about on your travels to meet our group or after our trip ends when you continue on? We like to educate our guests to be prepared and travel smart. In many of the areas we travel, certain medicines and first aid supplies can be hard to come by or are even nonexistent. Because of this, it is always important to have a small amount of first aid supplies and any prescription or over the counter (OTC) medicines you may need with you while you travel. We also always recommend discussing travel plans, immunization requirements and any OTC medicine use with your Primary Care Provider before trips.

7. OTHER HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• In Italy, plug types C, F and L are used. Plug type C has two round pins, plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L has three round pins. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
• Alps trips are all on Central European Time (CET): Universal Time Coordinated GMT/UTC UTC+1