Grande Traverse: Verona to Venice

Arrival day. Arrive in Verona and check into your hotel. The evening is free to explore the Roman amphitheatre and the medieval centro storico. Your guide is available for a pre-departure briefing on the route ahead.

Into the Dolomites. Transfer from Verona to Bolzano and onward to Passo Costalunga, where the walking begins at the foot of the Rosengarten massif. The trail climbs through larch forest and open meadows to the Stella Alpina Refuge at 2,000 m6,562 ft, with the pale towers of Catinaccio glowing in the afternoon light.

Rosengarten heights. A demanding day that crosses beneath the main Rosengarten towers and descends into the broad Alpe di Tires basin. The pale rock walls and wildflower meadows of this circuit are among the most photogenic in the Dolomites. Overnight at the Alpe di Tires Refuge at 2,440 m8,005 ft.

Across the Alpe di Siusi. The route descends from the Rosengarten area and traverses the edge of the Alpe di Siusi - the largest high-altitude plateau in Europe - before climbing again to Passo Sella at 2,244 m7,362 ft, with the vertical walls of the Sella Group rising directly ahead.

The Vallunga canyon. Today's standout section descends into the dramatic Vallunga canyon, a narrow gorge of pale limestone cutting deep into the Puez-Odle plateau. The route climbs out through increasingly open terrain to the Gardenaccia Refuge, perched at the edge of the high plateau above the Val Badia.

Lagazuoi summit. A long ridge walk across the Puez-Odle plateau leads toward the Lagazuoi massif. The climb to the summit at 2,778 m9,114 ft rewards with panoramic views spanning the entire Dolomites range. Descend to Falzarego Pass and continue to the Dibona Refuge on the Tofane side.

Travenanzes canyon. The most dramatic day of the traverse. The trail descends into the narrow Travenanzes canyon beneath the Tofane walls - a slot canyon of vertical rock above a rushing stream. The route emerges into the broad Ampezzo valley and climbs to the Ra Stua Refuge.

The Sennes plateau. A long traverse across the remote Sennes plateau inside the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. Marmots are common and the views north toward the Austrian Alps are clear on good days. The day ends at Prato Piazza, a broad highland meadow with the Croda Rossa forming a striking backdrop.

Approaching the towers. The final full hiking day heads south toward the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The trail crosses open terrain with the three towers visible from far off, growing with every step. The complete circuit around the north face at Auronzo Refuge provides the defining finish of the traverse.

Venice arrival. A 3-hour transfer from the Tre Cime area through Cortina and down the Belluno valleys delivers the group to Venice in time for the afternoon. The evening is free to explore the canals and celebrate the traverse.

Departure day. A final morning in Venice before onward travel. Take a last stroll through the calli or cross to San Giorgio Maggiore by vaporetto. The traverse from Verona to Venice - through one of the great mountain ranges in Europe - is complete.