Trekking holidays Italy, the Alta Via 2

The Italian Dolomites are easily reached from European and Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For more information on travelling by public transport, please refer to our travel blog.

Train

If travelling from the UK, you can take the train all the way to Brixen/Bressanone, you can use RailEurope to view timetables and book tickets.  You can also use RailEurope or Flixbus if travelling from other European cities.

Flights

If choosing to travel by air, the closest airports are Munich in Germany, Innsbruck in Austria or Verona, Milan and Venice in Italy. Upon arrival we then suggest taking the bus or train to reach Brixen/Bressanone.

For Münich, Innsbruck or in Italy Verona, Bergamo e Milano - Malpensa we recommend transferring to the start of your hike with Alto Adige Dolomites Airport Shuttle. This is run by Sudtirol Bus. When buying tickets in advance we recommend selecting the arrival stop as: Bressanone Hotel Goldene Krone.

Verona: Is the closest airport to Bressanone (Brixen), just 2 hours by road. Alto Adige Dolomites Airport Shuttle run a transfer to Brixen/Bressanone every 4 hours.

Venice: Venice has two airports. The main airport is Venice Marco Polo but some airlines such as Ryanair fly to Venice ‘Treviso'. There is a 15 minute drive between these two airports. The easiest transfer from Venice to Bressanone (Brixen) is by train. Tickets can be bought in advance. From either airport you must first transfer by bus to Venice Mestre main rail way station (15 minutes approximately), and then take the train 3 - 3.5 hours north to reach Bressanone (Brixen). Train times can be sourced here either with: Deutsche Bahn or Trenitalia. Ticket prices vary depending on sales and the time of the day expect to pay 20-40 Euros one way.

A useful link which gives other options, such as the buses from Verona or Venice is Rome2Rio which gives a map and overall picture taking 3h30-5h50 respectively.

Innsbruck: From Innsbruck airport use the airport free shuttle bus from the airport to Innsbruck central railway station: it takes 15 mins and leaves every 10 minutes. Then take the train to Brixen/Bressanone, taking about 1h35. The train from Innsbruck departs hourly, in the direction of Brennero/Brenner: change here for a train in the direction of Merano.

The best website for train/bus links across the Sud Tirol/Dolomites region is the SudTirol Mobil website. Searching: Innsbruck, Hauptbahnhof to Bressanone, Stazione. It also provides 'Google' maps of the exact station location.

Munich: From Munich airport to Brixen/Bressanone there is the Alto Adige Dolomites Airport Shuttle. This is run by Sudtirol Bus. The bus picks up at Terminals 1 and 2 at Munich Airport, but also at Innsbruck Airport.

Other bus options are Deutsche Bahn and OEBB and Flixbus. You can try both Munich Airport to/from Bressanone and Munich Hauptbahnhof to/from Bressanone. Using Hauptbahnhof often results in a far cheaper price and it is easy to connect to/from the train at Munich Ost. Buy a ticket from/to the airport at a machine - line 1 or 8, and remember to stamp the ticket before getting on the train.

Trenitalia - it is also worth checking the Italian train network for Brixen/Bressanone to Innsbruck (or vice versa) and then the cost of Innsbruck to/from Munich Flughafen or Munich Hauptbahnhof on Deutsche Bahn & OEBB.

RailEurope is also helpful for finding other train times from Munich airport (3h20), Verona (2h15) or Venice (3h50).

Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Drinking Water - on this trip we stay in a number of mountain huts where the only safe source of drinking water is to buy bottled water. As well as being environmentally unsustainable this can also be very expensive. For this reason you may wish to consider a water filtration system. We avoid recommending any specific product and ask that you do your own research into the safest and most efficient system.

Equipment

• Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!

• Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended

• Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip

• Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry

• Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system

• Short gaiters – useful, but not essential

• Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers

• Emergency foil blanket

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm

• Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather

• Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement

• Shorts/skort

• Sun hat

• Warm hat

• Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin

• Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops

• Fleece jacket/shirt

• Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs

• Duvet jacket/second warm jacket

• Thermal leggings - optional

Comfort

• Sunscreen

• Lip salve

• Sunglasses - eye protection is essential

• Tissues

• Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle

• Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers

• Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix

• Book/Kindle/Music

Documentation

• Passport, plus a paper copy

• Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory

• Travel Insurance

• Credit Card

• Cash - Euros 

• Waterproof bag for documents

• GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Personal First Aid

• Personal medication - if required

• Antiseptic cream/spray

• Painkillers/anti-inflammatories

• Glucose tablets

• 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte

• A few throat lozenges

• Blister plasters 

• Blister tape eg. Strappal

• Bandaid plasters

Items for the nights in mountain huts/rifugios

• Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet provided by the Rifugios

• Pack towel

• Ear plugs - optional, but advised

• Head torch - plus batteries

• Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so

Additional Items

• Slippers for use in Rifugios 

• Clothing for use at Rifugios

• Camera

• Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these

• Padlock - for luggage being left in storage

**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.

When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. As many of the overnights on this trip are in rifugios a single room will only be possible for the three nights in Bressanone and at Passo San Pellegrino. This trip has a single supplement of £215 in 2026 and £225 in 2027.

Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.

On this particular trip, due to the inaccessible nature of the Rifugio’s there will not be any luggage support. In other words when we leave Brixen/Bressanone you will carry what you need for the entire trip in your rucksack. In reality this is not much more than what you would carry each day, just a few additional items. This type of trip is usually a very satisfying and rewarding experience allowing you to ‘cast aside’ unrequired material possessions for the duration of the trip.

The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.

Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you could consider those listed below:

Tabacco Maps 030: Brixen - Villnossertal 1:25,000

Tabacco Maps 07: Alta Badia 1:25,000

Tabacco Maps 015: Marmolada - Pelmo 1:25,000

Tabacco Maps 022: Pale di San Martino 1:25,000

Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes. Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow.

Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem.  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups. 

In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

Optional Extra: A via ferrata, which in Italian means the 'iron way', is a precipitous mountain route with added fixed ‘protection’ such as metal ladders, handles and chains. You will wear a climbing harness and be attached to this protection at all times. This allows access to isolated trail systems, rocky cliff lines and summits normally reserved for climbers. The technique was initially developed by soldiers in the First World War, but has become a popular sport. Ask for details if you would like to try this activity before or after your trip. We only use qualified IFMGA Guides for this activity which is available for an extra charge.

If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:

Get Fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 1

Get fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 2

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not.  Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size. 

Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.

We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.

You can read our Sustainable Travel Policy here.

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained. 

We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. All our trips are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may be joined by guests from other companies. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By working with other companies your chosen holiday may reach its minimum number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and give you the go-ahead to book your travel. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us. 

Lunches are not included in your trip fee, allowing you to choose the trail food you enjoy while helping to reduce food waste. Lunches are generally picnic-style, with a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day. Your guide/instructor will advise you where to buy supplies locally or help you order a picnic from your accommodation. Occasionally, there may also be an opportunity to stop at a café or restaurant along the trail. Please pay for any lunches or drinks ordered from your accommodation the evening before, to avoid delays in the morning.