The Dolomites

"I came home with tired legs, a full heart, and one big question: why didn't I visit the Dolomites sooner?"

If you've ever dreamed of soaring peaks, charming mountain villages, unforgettable hikes, and food that tastes even better after a day on the trails, let me tell you about my trip to a spectacular and less well known corner of Italy. You might have heard about and seen this region during the 2026 Winter Olympics, centred in Cortina, the heart of the Dolomites, but seeing it on the TV screen doesn’t come close to exploring it on foot – it’s like walking through a postcard!

It’s easy to justify being fueled by pasta, pizza, hearty alpine cuisine - and the occasional Hugo spritz (I mean, the elderberry is iconic here) - when undertaking daily treks of about 10 km distance, 300-500m elevation.

How to describe the eye-popping scenery? You truly could not take a bad picture. The fragrances of early spring flowers, the feeling of the transition from warmer to cooler air as you make the elevations, the feeling of euphoria when you have crested the slope and get the reward of a stunning view? I was constantly pinching myself to make sure it wasn’t all a wonderful dream.

Staying in a central location, no need to pack and unpack every day, having a five-course meal every night, and sleeping in a comfortable bed every night made the experience even better!

What could make a week of hiking in these beautiful rugged mountains even better? How about a rest day in the middle, and what better to do on a rest day than to bike 47km – downhill! All the way across the border into Austria, through wildflower-sprinkled meadows and thick forests on a paved downhill slope the whole way, then taking the train back, was the perfect way to see more of this spectacular region up close.

And then – just when I thought it couldn’t get any better – a final night at an exclusive luxury hotel high in the Dolomites, where my concept of indulgence was redefined. Silent mountain surroundings, total relaxation, and an evening dinner that was one of the best I have ever eaten. This was the reward for the hard work of the hiking, and was worth every step.

A stop for a few days in Lake Garda, topped off by a night at the world’s most famous opera house, La Scala in Milan, made for the perfect elegant finale to a holiday that filled all the senses – and then some.

I know the other people who joined me on this awe-inspiring trip would agree – the Dolomites should be on the list of any traveller who seeks adventure and a redefinition of their idea of spectacular.

I also have more active trips in the works, so if you want to be among those who are first in the know, reach out to me directly to join my Active Travellers email list.

It’s the best way to find out first about my escorted active trips – the Dolomites group was filled in less than a day, so get on my list to be among the first to hear about where to next!