We have hiked a lot this last 3-4 years, but our memories of the Dolomites are the most special. We chose a self guided hiking trip in the Brenta Dolomites. The full nine day tour seemed too long, but we were able to modify our trip to a shorter 7 day version. Thanks to the team at Dolomites Active for helping with all our questions. We were given everything, including detailed route guidance and maps - it made the trip very stress free. As for the huts we stayed in 4 different places. Waking up each day to a different view and every evening we ate delicious local foods, washed down with Italian wine! The shared bedrooms and bathrooms are not so bad... I can only say it is by far better than camping! The Dolomites was so beautiful, we are desperate to go back, we hope it will be soon.
Exploring Sennes to Lago di Braies: 3 Days on the Trail












Tour Available As
Self-Guided
Duration
3 - 5 day options

Difficulty
3/5
Phone Support
English
Tour Highlights
Trade hut-hopping for one rifugio basecamp with a private ensuite room, then hike a new stretch of the wild Sennes plateau each day, ending at Lago di Braies.
- Cross two Dolomite nature parks on foot, from Ampezzo into Fanes-Sennes-Braies
- Wander the wide, moon-like karst plateau of the Sennes massif
- Descend through rugged limestone terrain to the turquoise waters of Lago di Braies
- Sleep two nights in a private ensuite room at your mountain rifugio, (not a shared dormitory)
- Choose your preferred day three route from: 2 short options, an easy/moderate loop, or a more demanding high-alpine trek
- Climb to Croda del Becco summit for a top panorama over Lago di Braies (Day 3 Option)
- Visit up to three mountain refuges in a single day, if you choose that route
- Wind down your final evening back in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the elegant alpine town that’s been a gateway to Dolomite adventure for over a century. Wander the streets, pick up any last-minute gear, and ease into the pace of the mountains before tomorrow’s hike begins.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Meals: Dinner at your leisure – Cortina offers an excellent range of restaurants, and guests love experiencing the town’s dining scene.



Your first day on the trail starts today, with a distance you can adjust to suit your pace. From Fiames, the path winds through fragrant spruce forest along the Boite river to the trailhead hub at Sant’Uberto, then climbs through a narrow, water-carved gorge to the open pastures of Rifugio Malga Ra Stua. From there, a steep, exposed alpine ascent on marked footpaths carries you up limestone terrain, crossing from the Ampezzo Dolomites into the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.
The payoff: the trail crests onto a wide, moon-like plateau of rolling alpine tundra, dotted with traditional wooden huts, right where your rifugio is waiting.
There’s flexibility built into today’s hike; choose from two or three distance and difficulty options, starting from Sant’Uberto or, when road access allows, Malga Ra Stua itself, to shorten the day while still finishing on the same final approach.
Hiking (Option A): 14km | ↑757m ↓77m | 4.5–5 hours
Hiking (Option B): 8km | ↑610m ↓67m | 3 hours
Hiking (Option C): 4.8km | ↑321m ↓39m | 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Mountain hut, private room with ensuite
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included



Today’s hike is yours to choose; pick from four routes across the high Sennes plateau of varying difficulty and lengths.
The Sennes Huts Short Circuit (easy, 7.4km) is a gentle loop linking three mountain refuges across rolling pasture.
The Lavinores Summit out-and-back (2.5 hours) is a quick, steep and rewarding climb to a 2,462m viewpoint.
The Biella Loop (moderate, 12.7–16.2km) tracks past the glacial basin of Lago Gran de Foses to a welcoming mountain refuge, with an optional ascent of Croda del Becco for one of the best 360° panoramas, looking straight down over Lago di Braies.
For strong hikers, the Muntejela de Sennes and Colle di Lasta route (hard, 16.3km, 1,245m ascent) pushes deep into the Sennes massif for a committed hike with spectacular scenery, often spotting marmots and ibex. The final ascent is tough and a little exposed, adding some extra adventure on the way to the summit, with views of the Dolomites in every direction, and also out to the Austrian Alps.
Sennes Huts Short Circuit (Easy): 7.4km | ↑331m ↓331m | 2.5 hours
Lavinores Summit, out and back (Easy-Moderate): 5.7km | ↑474m ↓474m | 2.5 hours
Biella Loop (Easy): 16.2km | ↑690m ↓690m | 5.5 hours (12.7km / 4.5 hours if skipping the refugio detour; add ~2-3 hours for the optional Croda del Becco summit)
Muntejela de Sennes to Colle di Lasta (Hard): 16.3km | ↑1245m ↓1245m | 7 hours
Accommodation: Same mountain hut, private room with ensuite
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included



Your final mountain day carries you off the high plateau and down to one of the Dolomites’ most photographed sights.
The route traces open, exposed meadow across the Sennes plateau before dropping into pale, rugged limestone terrain deep in the park’s interior. A long, shaded forest path takes over from there, switchbacking steadily down through the Val di Braies.
As the trees finally part, the emerald waters of Lago di Braies open up below, framed by the towering Croda del Becco. Take your time at the water’s edge, whether that’s a slow lap of the lakeshore path, a few iconic photos, or simply sitting with the view you’ve earned after three days on the plateau.
From the lakeshore, a shuttle and bus returns you to Cortina d’Ampezzo for a well-earned final night.
Hiking: 11km | ↑374m ↓874m | 4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Meals: Breakfast Included



Your basecamp adventure wraps up here. Depart Cortina d’Ampezzo at your own pace, taking with you the memory of the wild Sennes plateau and that first glimpse of Lago di Braies.



Tour Duration Options
All three options share the same three days of hiking, the climb onto the Sennes plateau, your choice of routes on the second day, and the descent to Lago di Braies. What changes is how much support and buffer sit either side of the hiking, not the trek itself. A couple of timings stay fixed no matter which option you choose:
- Starting your first hiking day – mid-morning at the latest.
- Your final hiking day will allow you to arrive back in Cortina by 2pm at the absolute earliest (including allowing only 1hr for breaks and time at Lake Braies).
5-Day Standard | The Recommended Hassle-Free Option
Arrive in Cortina with a full afternoon to settle in, hike your three days, then return to a Cortina hotel for a relaxed final night before departing the next morning. This allows for any travel delays and gives you time to settle and prepare for your adventure with minimal stress.
4-Day Option | For Guests Who Want to Trim the Last Night
Arrive in Cortina and settle into your hotel, follow the 3-day hiking itinerary, and return to Cortina to depart to your next destination that evening.
- Best for: Guests who are comfortable with a tighter schedule and want to shave a night off the trip, without giving up your arrival buffer.
- Good to know: Your main luggage stays at the hotel while you’re on the plateau, and you’ll need to return to Cortina to collect it before heading onward that same evening. Not recommended if your onward travel is very tight.
3-Day Option | For Self-Driving or Guests Already in the Region
Skips hotel nights altogether, therefore eliminating any arrival and departure buffers. Arrive ready to hike, leave your car and any extra luggage in Cortina, and start the trail the same morning.
- Best for: Independent, organized travelers who are already road-tripping through the Dolomites (or nearby) or already staying in Cortina with limited time available.
- Good to know: This option is not recommended for anyone arriving in Cortina by public transport the same day. If driving, you’ll also need to organize and pay for parking in Cortina for the duration of the trek. If not driving and already in Cortina, you will need to arrange luggage storage – we can assist with this.
A Note on All Shortened Options
If travel delays mean you can’t make it to the trailhead on time, you’ll need to arrange and cover your own accommodation for that night and make your own way to the rifugio in time for the second night. If there’s any uncertainty in your travel plans, the 5-day option remains the safer, simpler choice.
This Tour is Available From:
June 10th to October 10th
Tour Pricing Per Person From:*
(Based on Twin Share)
5 Day Self-Guided
€1,070
4 Day Self-Guided
€940
3 Day Self-Guided
€680
5 Day Self-Guided
€485
4 Day Self-Guided
€375
3 Day Self-Guided
€260
For solo travelers, there is also the option of a shared room in the rifugio, which will assist in reducing accommodation costs.
Shared Room single person supplements:
5 Day Self-Guided – €230
4 Day Self-Guided – €120
3 Day Self-Guided – €0
*Pricing may vary depending on your preferred dates, accommodation preferences, and selected extras.
We can provide a quick quote upon request, or you can book a free call to discuss your options.
What is a Self-Guided Tour
Self-guided hiking is suitable if you have some hiking experience and skills. These types of tours are ideal if you have a sense of adventure but want the ease of having everything pre-planned and booked for you.
You will receive a detailed itinerary showing routes, elevations, waypoints, general instructions, views, safety, and lunch stop recommendations. As well as a hardcopy map and access to Outdooractive Pro+ digital maps for your phone (currently supporting iPhone and Android).
Inclusions
*Inclusions & exclusions are based on the standard tour duration of 5 Days / 4 Nights - 3 Hiking Days
- 2 nights accommodation in one Rifugio: Private room with ensuite - includes breakfast and dinners
- 2 nights accommodation in Cortina. 3-star equivalent hotel - includes breakfasts
- Comprehensive itinerary with daily route instructions, recommendations and variations where possible
- Transport and logistics instructions and timetables for tour arrival and departures
- 1:25,000 scale hiking maps (1 per group booking for 4 & 5 day tours only)
- Complimentary Outdooractive Pro+ subscription for the duration of your trip, including electronic maps with satellite navigation
- Luggage storage at your hotel in Cortina during your trek (for the 4 & 5 day tours only)
Exclusions
- Travel and medical insurance - we strongly advise you to obtain comprehensive insurance for your trip
- Dinners in Cortina - there are many dining options to experience in Cortina (however if you prefer we can arrange dinner with your hotel restaurant)
- Drinks, personal expenses, lunches and trail snacks
- Single room supplement in valley town hotels and rifugio
- Tourist tax where applicable (some but not all accommodations are required to charge this, usually €1.50 - €5 per person per night)
- Public transport to, from, and during the tour (guests are responsible for checking schedules)
- Bus fare to the trailhead (approx. €3/person). Timetable & instructions are provided with your itinerary
- Bus fare from the trail end (approx. €15/person). Timetable & instructions are provided with your itinerary
- Private transfers to the trailhead and from the trail end
- Anything not specifically listed as included
Extras
- Private airport transfers available on request
- Single room in hotels for non-solo travelers (€155 per hotel night) supplement per person - based on 3 start hotel)
- Option to upgrade to a 4 or 5-star hotel for the first and final nights
- Car parking at your valley town hotel (for duration of hike usually between €0 - €15 per day - subject to availability and payable directly to the hotel)
Payment Methods
We offer flexible payment options, securely accepting all major credit cards via Wise, or you can pay conveniently via direct bank transfer.
Transport & Accessibility
Start Location: Cortina
End Location: Cortina
Nearby Airports: Venice Marco Polo & Treviso (TSF)
Nearby Cities: Venice, Treviso, Verona, Trento, Bolzano
We provide all guests with up-to-date public transport instructions and timetables based on your specific arrival and departure points (main towns and airports).
Getting There
Reaching Cortina d’Ampezzo is straightforward. Venice Marco Polo (VCE) and Treviso (TSF) are the closest major international gateways, located within a two-hour drive.
- By Car: Take the scenic A27 motorway from the south or the Brenner Pass from the north.
- By Bus: Direct express coach services run daily from Venice Airport and Mestre Train Station straight into the heart of town via operators like Cortina Express, ATVO, and Flixbus.
- By Rail: High-speed trains connect major Italian hubs to Venice Mestre, where regional lines continue to Calalzo di Cadore (35 km from Cortina), linked directly by local shuttle buses.
Self-Guided Tour FAQ
No. Unlike the majority of our Dolomites hiking trips, you stay at the same rifugio for both nights on the plateau, in a private room with its own ensuite bathroom rather than a shared dormitory.
This tour is rated 3 out of 5 for fitness and difficulty. Day two involves up to 757m of ascent over roughly 5 hours, with shorter options available, and day three offers a choice of hiking difficulty, from an easy 2.5-hour loop to a demanding 7-hour high-alpine traverse.
Choosing the easier, shorter options re-rates the hike to a Level 2 of 5.
You will stay in comfortable, private rooms featuring an en-suite bathroom (private shower and WC). Your stay includes a hearty mountain breakfast buffet and a multi-course dinner featuring regional South Tyrolean and Ladin specialties served in the cozy dining room. Some rooms also feature a private balcony overlooking the stunning alpine meadows and peaks of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Natural Park.
Croda del Becco is a 2,810m peak with one of the most celebrated views in the Dolomites, including a bird’s-eye look over Lago di Braies. It’s an optional add-on to the day three Biella Loop route for experienced hikers, adding roughly 2+ hours to the day. It is steep, requiring sure-footedness, and you will encounter short, exposed rock sections equipped with metal cables and chains.
Private Guided Tour FAQ
It’s a dedicated group booking for your group only, not a shared departure with others.
Our pricing is based on a minimum of 4 people per group, with a recommended maximum of 7 participants per guide for safety, transport, and accommodation reasons. Larger groups can be accommodated on request.
Yes. Your guide tailors the daily pace, breaks, and commentary to your group’s preferences and abilities.
Accommodation on private guided tours is shared dormitory. Private rooms can be requested, subject to availability, at an additional cost.
General Tour FAQ
We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance covering mountain hiking up to 3,200 meters, medical expenses, emergency mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost belongings. Mountain rescue can be extremely costly. Ensure your policy specifically covers trekking and alpine activities at altitude – many standard policies don’t.
Half-board is standard at all rifugios, which includes dinner and breakfast.
Lunches are not included, but most huts offer packed lunches, which you can order the night before, or you can purchase meals at huts you pass during the day.
Hut breakfasts include bread, cheese, cold cuts, yogurt, muslie, and hot beverages.
Dinners are multi-course, communal meals featuring local dishes like polenta, pasta, goulash, soups, cake & strudel. Some huts offer a choice of 2-3 meals per course, others operate à la carte, more like a restaurant.
Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available if requested in advance.
Please communicate any allergies or food intolerances when checking in, and again at meal times.
Most huts can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals, though options may be limited. Inform us of any dietary needs, allergies, or intolerances at booking so we can notify all huts in advance. Huts prepare meals based on bookings with limited storage, so last-minute requests can’t always be fulfilled. For highly specific requirements, consider supplementing with your own provisions.
You can stop at Malga’s (alpine farms) or mountain huts (rifugios) along the way and purchase complete meals, snacks, drinks, etc.
You will also have the option to purchase a packed lunch from most huts. You just need to order it the evening before – check with the hut staff when checking in.
Mobile coverage is generally good but varies by location and can be unreliable in deep valleys or some high ridges. Most huts have a signal, and many offer WiFi (sometimes for a fee). Download offline maps as backup and carry a portable charger. Inform someone at home of your daily itinerary and expected arrival times.
Yes – most huts have outlets available in common areas or rooms. As a precaution, we recommend bringing a compact power bank.
Since you’re staying in mountain huts, pack light. Essential items include: a sleeping bag liner (mandatory in all rifugios), lightweight hut clothes, toiletries, a quick-dry towel, a waterproof jacket and layers, sunscreen and sunglasses, water, snacks, a headlamp, earplugs, flip-flops or sandles for the huts, and cash (most huts don’t accept cards).
We recommend that your total pack weight be around 8 -12kg.
We provide a full pack list upon booking with us.
You can also get a good idea from our Packing List page.
No. Mountain huts provide blankets and pillows, but you must bring your own sleeping bag liner or slip for hygiene purposes. This is mandatory in all rifugios (that do not supply linen). You can purchase cotton, silk, or synthetic liners – they’re lightweight and pack down small.
Hiking poles are highly recommended, especially for steep descents and for stability on rocky sections. They’re particularly helpful on trails when rocks can be slippery and can take alot of pressure off your knees.
Collapsible poles are best so you can stow them when necessary.
Most huts offer showers for an additional fee (€3-8 for a few minutes of hot water), but availability depends on water supply and can be limited during busy periods. Not all huts have showers, and some may turn them off during dry spells. Bring wet wipes just in case, and a quick-dry towel.
Upon booking, we request your arrival airport or the nearest town you will be coming from. We then provide you with transport options, the latest timetable, and directions.
The itinerary has pre-booked accommodations at specific huts each night, so modifications are limited. However, you have options for alternative paths or can shorten stages using cable cars where available. If you need a rest day or must cut the trek short, we can help arrange alternatives. Changes may incur additional costs and are subject to availability.
What To Expect
Most Dolomites hiking trips have you packing up and moving to a new bed every night. This multi-day self-guided hiking tour to Lago di Braies does things differently. You’ll settle into one rifugio basecamp for two nights, in a private room with its own ensuite rather than a shared dormitory, and hike a different route from the same front door each day.
From Cortina d’Ampezzo, day one on the trail climbs out of spruce forest and along a river gorge before turning properly alpine: a steep, exposed push onto the karst plateau of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. What greets you at the top doesn’t look like anywhere else in the range, rolling, moon-like alpine tundra scattered with traditional wooden huts.
With your rifugio as base, day two on the mountain is entirely up to you. Pick a gentle loop between three mountain refuges, a moderate high-plateau route with the option to summit Croda del Becco for one of the best panoramas in this part of the Dolomites, a short out-and-back to a 2,462m viewpoint, or a demanding ridgeline traverse deep into the Sennes massif, whichever suits your legs that day.
Your final hiking day is the payoff. A long, scenic descent off the high plateau through forest brings you down to the emerald waters of Lago di Braies, one of the most photographed lakes in Italy, before you head back to Cortina for a relaxed last night.
This is a self-guided tour: you’ll move at your own pace on a pre-planned route with logistical support behind you. If you’re after a short hiking tour to Lago di Braies that swaps the usual hut-hopping for one comfortable basecamp, this is it!
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Whether you choose a guided multisport adventure or a winter break package, we consistently receive positive feedback about the quality of the experience. Discover what others loved most about the range of Dolomites experiences we offer.
Our small family group (2 adults and 2 teenagers) had an AMAZING time with Dolomite Active. Our trip in the Dolomites is one of most memorable active family holidays!! 😁 We chose a multisport 7 day tour and experienced so many beautiful places, including Marmolada and Lake Garda. Our tour guides were all very professional, knowledgeable, but also kind, fun and customer oriented. They even arranged a hike instead of a via ferrata on one of the days. We really appreciate the personal service and can't wait to come back!! Thank you Dolomite Active team!!! 😁
Amazing!!
What a trip! From day one, everything ran so smoothly that we could just relax and enjoy ourselves. The guides were absolute pros and always thinking ahead so the group got the most out of each day. We had so many “wow” moments where you just have to stop and soak it all in. Great food, welcoming hotels, and a perfect balance of adventure and relax time. If you’re looking for a trip that’s easy, fun, and unforgettable, then I have no problem recommending Dolomites Active Tours.
Excellent organization! Everything was very well organised and we didn't have to think about a thing. We did the multisport (hiking, cycling and ferrata) over 7 days. There was a good mix of activity and downtime and we ate lots of delicious mountain foods. Hotels were very good, especially the smaller family run places. The mountain bikes and via ferrata equipment was all top notch. The guides were very professional. I highly recommend Dolomites Active Tours.
Justin has been so helpful in planning our Dolomites hiking tour, he was always there answering to all my questions, was nice to face time each other and talk about the tour rather than just over emails. I would definitely book future tour with Justin only, extremely the best customer service.
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