ZEALOUS ITALY
ALTA VIA 4 + DOLOMITES
OVERVIEW
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime, navigating the majestic landscapes of the Italian Dolomites along the Alta Via 4, one of the more challenging Italian high routes. This hut-to-hut trek promises rugged terrain, panoramic vistas, and an adrenaline-packed experience for the adventurous at heart. Then head to Trento, where you'll brave the exhilarating rapids of the mighty Noce River. Your epic Dolomite adventure awaits!
TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
Soak up the views as you hike amongst the towering Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
VIA FERRATAS GALORE
Challenge yourself with several thrilling via ferrata routes along the Alta Via 4.
RAFTING IN TRENTO
Give your legs a rest as you paddle through the rapids of the Noce River.
TRIP DETAILS
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet at the Venice airport to start your 10-day adventure with a private transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a picturesque alpine town nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. You’ll pack & prep for the trek and will end the night with a warm welcome dinner and probably a glass of wine (or two).
Arrive in Venice (VCE)
Private transfer & welcome dinner
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DAY 2
We’re certainly gonna hit the ground running! After breakfast, a private transfer will take us to the start of the Alta Via 4, which is located just outside San Candido. It’ll be a long first day, but views will be rewarding. Arrive to Rifugio Auronzo for a hearty meal before going to sleep in the cozy hut.
Private transfer to San Candido
Start the Alta Via No. 4
Distance: 19.3 km / 12 mi
Accommodation: Rifugio Auronzo
DAY 3
Today will be one of the most epic days of our trek. Experience awe-inspiring views from sunrise to sundown, as we make our way to Rifugio Fonda Savio. After lunch, we’ll grab our gear to ascend the scenic Via Ferrata Merlone before another warm mountain hut meal to end the day.
Amazing views the entire day
Climb Via Ferrata Merlone
Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi + 4 hrs via ferrata
Accommodation: Rifugio Fonda Savio
DAY 4
Get ready for the longest day (distance) on the trail. After breakfast, we’ll start hiking towards Rifugio Col de Varda, which is near Misurina, a charming mountain town accessible by chairlift. After reaching Vandelli, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short walk to the popular & picturesque Lake Sorapis.
Longest trail day
Check out Lake Sorapis
Distance: 20.3 km / 12.6 mi
Accommodation: Rifugio Vandelli
DAY 5
Yesterday was the longest day. Today will be the most challenging. Start near the shores of Lake Sorapis to climb Via Ferrata Alfonso Vandelli, the most difficlult on our trek. You’ll also take on 2/3 of the Giro di Sorapis, another epic via ferrata in the region. It’s guaranteed to be an epic day!
Via Ferrata Alfonso Vandelli
2/3 of Via Ferrata Giro di Sorapis
Distance: 19.6 km / 12.2 mi
Accommodation: Rifugio San Marco
DAY 6
Today will be another challenging one, but slightly less than the previous day. In tandem with amazing views, there’s a fair amount of elevation gain & loss as we ascend to several saddles, or forcellas. The final via ferrata will be epic, as we climb up and over Forcella del Ghiacciaio before descending to the rifugio.
Plenty of elevation gain/loss
Hike over Forcella del Ghiacciaio
Distance: 17.5 km / 10.9 mi
Accommodation: Rifugio Antelao
DAY 7
In approriate fashion, the final day of the Alta Via 4 is the easiest. We’ll take our time to eat breakfast before starting our short hike towards the town of Pozzale, where we’ll take a private transfer back to Cortina d’Ampezzo. After a hot shower (and ice cream run) we’ll have our celebratory dinner in town.
Short hike to the finish at Pozzale
Celebratory dinner
Distance: 8 km / 5.0 mi
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DAY 8
After a much needed super long night of sleep, you’ll eat a leisurely breakfast before enjoying a day of rejuvination! We’ll take a private transfer to Trento, another charming Italian mountain town, for a relaxing afternoon to explore town, eat ice cream, get coffee, or take a nap before dinner.
Rest & relax & eat.
Private transfer to Trento
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Trento
DAY 9
Water sports are extremely popular in this region of the Dolomites. The Noce River is known for world renowned, best-in-class rapids. We’ll navigate the river and paddle through rushing rapids for a water-soaked day of adventure. After free time to explore Trento, we’ll share a final dinner together in town.
Whitewater raft down the Noce River
Farewell dinner in town
Accommodation: Family-run hotel in Trento
DAY 10
Pack your bags, it’s time to return to the real world. After breakfast, we’ll take a private transfer back to the airport in Venice, where you’ll catch your flight back home. Don’t forget to exchange contact info with your new adventure buddies to share pics, stay in touch, and plan next year’s Zealous trip 2.0.
Transportation
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION:
✦ All private group transports
Food
INCLUDED MEALS:
➜ Included: (1) one alcoholic drink
We're happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
Please inform us at the time of booking.
Accommodations
INCLUDED ACCOMMODATIONS ➜ BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:
✦ 2 nights in Cortina d'Ampezzo in family-owned hotels
✦ 2 nights in Trento in family-owned hotels
✦ 5 nights in mountain huts during trek
❖ Dormitory-style rooms
❖ Sleeping liner provided
Activities
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES:
✦ Via ferrata equipment
✦ Whitewater rafting in Trento
✦ Awesome English-speaking certified guides
✦ Fun, friendly, logistical-jedi trip leaders
And you'll meet other fun travelers like yourself 😎
Not Included
NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE:
✘ Flights
✘ Mandatory travel insurance
✘ Some meals as outlined above
✘ Personal and/or incidental expenses
✘ 28-40L backpack
GETTING TO THE AREA
This is the simplified version:
➤ International flight ➜ Venice (VCE).
Flight must arrive by TBD. Your adventure starts here!
➤ Venice (VCE) ➜ International flight.
Flight must depart Venice after TBD.
Travelers will receive detailed flight requirements after booking.
SAMPLE PACKING LIST
REQUIRED
Backpack ➜ 28-40L
Hiking boots, no trail runners.
Hiking socks
Hiking pants or leggings
Long-sleeve hiking shirts
Baselayers for sleeping
Rain pants
Rain jacket / shell
Packable midlayer
Beanie
Lightweight gloves
Water bottle / hydration
Headlamp
Microfiber towel
RECOMMENDED
Crocs or light camp sandals
Neck buff
Headband
Windbreaker
Sunglasses
Portable charger
Type-C plug adaptor
Earplugs
Sunscreen & lip balm
Camp pillow
2-3 ziplock baggies
PROVIDED
Sleeping liner
Trekking poles
Via ferrata equipment
Travelers will receive a more detailed item-by-item gear list after booking, in addition to personalized pre-departure guidance from our trip specialists. We are happy to help you find the right gear for your safety and comfort on the trail. Because blisters suck.
Pizza, one of the world's favorite foods, originated in Naples, Italy. The Margherita pizza, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is said to represent the colors of the Italian flag.
Venice is build on an intricate network of 118 islands separated by canals and connected by over 400 bridges. The entire city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site iin 1987.
Italy is the world's largest producer of wine. With its diverse climates & regions, Italy produces a wide variety, ranging from the Chianti in Tuscany to Prosecco in the Veneto region.
The Colosseum, located in the heart of Rome, is an ancient amphitheater built around AD 70-80. It once hosted gladiator contests & stands as an iconic symbol of the Roman Empire.
NOT-QUITE FINE PRINT
✦ Outdoor adventure travel can be unpredictable. Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Our top priority is to provide a rewarding yet safe experience. We'll do our best to adhere to the intended itinerary. Certain circumstances (i.e. unsafe weather conditions) may result in slight changes to the itinerary, but we believe spontaneity is often a good thing.
✦ Travelers must have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after your return flight.
✦ Travelers are required to have trip insurance. Proof of coverage must be received no later than 30 days prior to trip departure. We suggest purchasing trip insurance as soon as you book your Zealous trip. Our top recommendation is the Tin Leg Adventure plan through Squaremouth.
✦ Packing light is cool. Along with your hiking pack, we recommend a medium-sized bag for non-trekking items, ideally a carry-on sized duffel or roller bag. During the trek, this bag may be stored at our in-town accommodation. One bag per person is included.
✦ IMPORTANT: Please do not book flights until receiving the green light email from a trip specialist to ensure the minimum number of participants are confirmed. We are happy to provide flight recommendations.
PAYMENT POLICY
- ❖ At time of booking ➜ risk-free deposit!
- ✓ Transferable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable for any reason within 7 days.
- ❖ If not paying in full, a payment plan will be created after booking.
- ✓ Payments will be split into 3-4 payments based on booking date.
- ❖ Final payment will be due at ~30 days from trip start date.
CANCELATION POLICY
- ❖ 120 day or more before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable.
- ❖ 90 to 119 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 60 to 89 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 0 to 59 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are not refundable or transferable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to future trip.
Travelers will receive additional details after booking.
$3,500
$450 refundable deposit
2024: Aug 30 - Sep 8