Alps & Dolomites
July 10 to 18, 2027
8 nights, 9 days | $6150
OVERVIEW
From the shores of Lake Lucerne through the alpine pastures of Switzerland to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, this is a journey through some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. We’ll cross high ridges, pass turquoise alpine lakes and explore characterful mountain towns
Travel by historic mountain railways, funiculars, gondolas and chairlifts, stopping for refuge lunches with a view and exploring some of the region’s most iconic trails. From the Swiss Alps to the Italian Dolomites, it’s a week of mountains, great food, beautiful places and plenty of time outdoors, finishing beside the canals of iconic Venice
Highlights
Swiss Alpine Adventures
Mt. Rigi, Stoos Ridge & the Engadin
Iconic Dolomite Trails
Seceda, Tre Cime & Cinque Torri
Mountain Towns
St. Moritz, Ortisei & Cortina d'Ampezzo
Turquoise Alpine Lakes
Lago di Braies & Lago di Sorapis
Map
Weather
​
Early July is a great time to explore the Alps and Dolomites, with green meadows, wildflowers, long daylight hours and temperatures typically around 65–80°F during the day. Mountain weather can change quickly, so we’ll make the most of the long days with early starts for cooler trails and the best chance of clear views. The mountain huts will be in full swing, but we’ll hit the sweet spot before the European crowds arrive
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Lucerne – a small city nestled between the Swiss Alps and the shores of a lake with the same name
​
Zurich is the easiest gateway to arrive on your international flight, with frequent direct trains whisking you from the airport to the heart of Lucerne in around 45 minutes. Arrive at your own pace, and settle into this stunning lakeside city.
With time to spare our recommendations include taking a stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge and through the colorful Old Town, then wander along the flower-filled waterfront for beautiful lake and mountain views. Be sure to stop for some delicious Swiss chocolate, and if you have time, visit the famous Lion Monument.
​
We’ll come together this evening for our welcome dinner, when it’s time to raise a glass to the adventure ahead — tomorrow, we hit the trails!
Location : Lucerne, Switzerland
​
Meals : Dinner
​
Lodging : Hotel Seeburg (night 1 of 2)
​
Trails : We’ll organize an optional shake-out run around the lake for those arriving early!
​
​
Day 2
Lake Lucerne to Mount Rigi — a scenic boat ride, historic cogwheel railway and beautiful Alpine run with 360° mountain views
We’ll sail across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then take the historic cogwheel railway up Mount Rigi. From the summit, we’ll head out on a beautiful run or hike through green pastures and classic Alpine scenery, with spectacular mountain views all around — and plenty of cowbells along the way. We may even get the chance to sample locally produced cheese - yum!
Post lunch we're starting the trip right by treating ourselves after the long journey to Europe, at Mineralbad & Spa Rigi. Here we can soak in warm mineral waters with spectacular Alpine and lake views.
Late afternoon we return to Lucerne, where a sundowner at a lakeside spot is sure to beckon, before dinner at location of your choice.
Location : Lucerne & Mt Rigi, Switzerland
​
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner on your own (1)
​
Lodging : Hotel Seeburg (night 2 of 2)
​
Transport : Scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, Historic Cog Railway
​
Trail : Mt Rigi Trail (6-8km)
Activities : Rigi Mineralbad & Spa
​
​
​
​
Day 3
Stoos Ridge to St. Moritz — ride the world’s steepest funicular, run high above Lake Lucerne and journey deeper into the Swiss Alps
​
We’re on the move! After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to the Stoosbahn to ride the world’s steepest funicular, climbing dramatically into the mountains. From Stoos, the adventure continues skyward on an alpine chairlift before we set off across the spectacular Stoos Ridge.
With panoramic views stretching across Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Swiss Alps, this is mountain scenery at its finest. We’ll take our time on the trail before enjoying a well-deserved mountain lunch, then descend and hit the road towards St. Moritz.
Sit back, relax and soak up the scenery as we wind our way deeper into the Alps — although you might want to stay awake for this one! We’ll settle into a remote mountain location for the evening, with a cosy dinner. A private sauna and steam room session for our group will provide the perfect way to relax those muscles for those that wish.
Location : Stoos & Bivio, Switzerland
​
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
​
Lodging : Post Hotel (night 1 of 1)
Transport: Bus, (Worlds steepest!) Funicular, Chair lifts
​
Trails : Stoos Ridge Trail (5km)
​
Activities : Sauna and steam room session
Day 4
Cross the spectacular Julier Pass, explore glamorous St. Moritz and run the panoramic trails above the Engadin Valley before continuing to the Western Dolomites
​
After breakfast, we’ll check out and travel over the spectacular Julier Pass, a high mountain route winding through the Swiss Alps with sweeping views of rugged peaks, alpine valleys and glacial landscapes. We’ll descend into glamorous St. Moritz, the legendary mountain resort on the shores of Lake St. Moritz, where we’ll have time for a coffee and a wander before continuing to the trails.
We’ll board another historic funicular up to Muottas Muragl, then set off on a beautiful panoramic trail high above the Engadin Valley. With incredible views at every turn, we’ll finish with a well-earned Alpine lunch overlooking the mountains before continuing our journey into Italy.
By afternoon, we’ll arrive in Ortisei, our home for the next two nights and the perfect base for exploring the Western Dolomites. Tonight, we’ll come together for a group dinner and raise a glass to the next chapter of our adventure.
Location : St Moritz & Engadin Valley, Switzerland, to Ortisei, Italy
​
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Pick your own lunch today at a beautiful mountain refuge (2)
​
Lodging : Hotel Saslong (or similar) (night 1 of 2)
​
Transport : Bus, historic Funicular, Chair lifts
Trails : Muottas Muragl Trail (7-10km)
Day 5
Head high into the Dolomites for an unforgettable run among the iconic Seceda peaks, then unwind with a free afternoon exploring the charming mountain village of Ortisei
​
Today we head high into the Dolomites, taking the gondola from Ortisei up towards the Alpe di Siusi, one of Europe’s largest high-alpine meadows. From here, the landscape changes dramatically as green pastures and wildflower meadows meet the towering limestone peaks of the Dolomites.
We’ll continue towards the famous Seceda Ridge, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the mountains. At around 2,500 meters, the jagged Odle peaks rise dramatically above the rolling alpine landscape, with sweeping views.
After lunch and a spectacular day on the trails, we’ll return to Ortisei with the afternoon free to explore. Wander its charming pedestrian streets, browse local shops and woodcarving boutiques, stop for a coffee or aperitivo, and find your own spot for dinner in this beautiful mountain village.
​
​
Location : Ortisei, Italy
​
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner on your own today in Ortisei (3)
​
Lodging : Hotel Saslong (or similar) (night 2 of 2)
​
Transport : Gondola
​
Trails : Alpe de Siusi & Seceda Ridge Trail (~7-10km)
​
Activities : Free time in Ortisei
​
​
​
​
Day 6
Journey deeper into the Eastern Dolomites for the iconic Lago di Braies, with an optional challenge to the turquoise waters of Lago di Sorapis before settling into Cortina
​
We’ll leave Ortisei behind and journey deeper into the Eastern Dolomites, where towering limestone peaks, dramatic valleys and jagged mountain walls create some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps.
Our trail takes us to the famous Lago di Braies, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic alpine lakes, known for its turquoise waters and spectacular mountain backdrop.
After lunch, those looking for an extra challenge can join an optional fairly strenuous hike to Lago di Sorapis, a breathtaking turquoise lake tucked high in the mountains.
We all meet us in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the legendary “Queen of the Dolomites” and home to the 1956 Winter Olympics. We’ll check in, settle beneath the peaks and come together for a group dinner.
​
Location : Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
​
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Alaska or Hotel Aquila (night 1 of 2)
​
Transport : Bus
​
Trails : Lago di Braiesm Trail (5-7km)
Optional hike : Lago di Sorapis (9km)
​
​
​
​
Day 7
Take on the iconic Tre Cime, then return to Cortina for a relaxed afternoon of exploring, or spa time
​
The icing on the cake — today we take on the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the unmistakable three peaks that have become one of the defining symbols of the Dolomites. We’ll make an early start to beat the crowds and enjoy the mountains at their most peaceful, following a loop beneath the towering limestone walls, with incredible views in every direction.
After our trail, we’ll stop for lunch before taking the scenic road back towards Cortina. The afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like — wander the elegant streets, browse the shops, relax at the hotel or treat yourself to a well-earned spa session.
Tonight, dinner is on your own — explore Cortina’s restaurants and soak up one final evening in the heart of the Dolomites.
​
Location : Tre Cime & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
​
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner on your own today in Cortina (4)
​
Transport : Bus
​
Lodging : Hotel Alaska or Hotel Aquila (night 2 of 2)
​
Trails : Tre Cime Trail (6-10km)
​
Activities : Free time in Cortina
​
​
Day 8
Finish our Dolomites adventure among the historic Cinque Torri, then journey to Venice for a final evening exploring the canals, bridges and timeless streets of the city
​
Our final trail takes us to the spectacular Cinque Torri, where towering rock formations rise above the surrounding Dolomites. Beyond the incredible views, this is a place steeped in history — the mountains were a major World War I frontline, and today you can hike through remarkably preserved trenches, tunnels and artillery positions that form an open-air museum.
After our final mountain lunch, we’ll hit the road for Venice. Once we’ve checked in, we’ll head out to explore the city on foot, winding through its atmospheric streets, bridges and canals before gathering for our final group dinner.
A fitting finale to an unforgettable week of mountains, trails, food and adventure.
Location : Cinque Torri & Venice, Italy
​
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
​
Lodging : Hotel Rio Nuovo in Venice (night 1 of 1)
Trails : Cinque Torri Trail (5-8km)
​
Activities : Venice walking tour
​
​
​
​
Day 9
Departure from Venice
​
Today we say goodbye! After an unforgettable week of mountains, trails, lakes and Swiss-Italian adventures, your escapada comes to an end.
Why not stay a little longer? Spend another day or two exploring Venice, or continue south and discover more of Italy — from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the ancient streets of Rome or the spectacular Amalfi Coast. The adventure doesn’t have to end here!
​
When you’re ready to head home, Venice has an international airport with easy connections back to the US and beyond.
Location : Venice, Italy
​
Meals : Breakfast
​
