5 Stars (98 reviews)
Stunning is the first word that comes to mind. This was my 4th trip with Active and as usual it was 5 stars across the board. When I first heard about the trip I called Phil to learn more. He told me the Dolomites were the most stunning, picture perfect landscape he's seen and he wasn't exaggerating. I've never said WOW so many times before. Every turn would lead to a breathtaking scene.
The trip was managed very well as are all Active trips. The guides were great, within days feeling like long time friends. The food and accommodations were excellent, luxury mountain hiking with 5 course meals, electricity and plumbing to be found at every stop!
The Dolomites are a must visit and I can't think of a better group to do it with than Active Adventures. Looking forward to my next adventure with them.
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Boris, United States
5 Stars (98 reviews)
Active Adventures did again! Another great experience for the books. From the great hospitality from our guides to our accommodations everything was perfect! The Dolomites are indescribable, never have I seen such beauty and breath taking views at every corner! Something you can only experience in person! Great job Active!!
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Starr, United States
4 Stars (98 reviews)
The people, the view, the food, the lodging were all spectacular! At the end of every day after hiking and biking just made that glass (or bottle) of pinot even more tasteful and rewarding. The entire trip was very well organized and catering to our individual liking and capability. Thank you Phil for your patience and sense of humor!!
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Christine, United States
5 Stars (98 reviews)
Simply put, this trip would rate as being one of those experiences that I will value throughout my life!
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Doug, United States
5 Stars (98 reviews)
The trip hit all of the marks! The hikes were spectacular, the planning impressive, the accommodations exceptional, the food great, the guides were at your service, knowledgable, fun, funny & just great to hang out with. Just show up and take the ride.
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Pat, United States
5 Stars (98 reviews)
Because we were going to be in Italy we decided to bookend our trip with a day in Venice. Active Adventures picked us up at the Marco Polo Airport and within two and one half hours we were transported to San Cassiano. The juxtaposition of the urban to the pastoral was a shock to the senses.
It was not hard to make the transition though. Right away we were immersed in our new surroundings. On the very first day, jet-lagged and reeling we were hiking in the rolling hills of San Cassiano.
The first days of the trip used the hotel in San Cassiano as a base of operations. We trekked to Santa Croce through the beautiful countryside to a Refugio that used to be a Monastery. By chance, a choir was giving a concert in the chapel and we were treated to an event that may not have been scheduled, but was one of those special occasions that you have to relish when it happens.
The next day we visited the tunnels of Lagazuoi, a monument to the stupidity of war, but an adventure that should not be missed. Deep in the heart of the mountain, in dark tunnels it was not hard to imagine the suffering of the soldiers.
Afterwards we split into two groups. One group would continue hiking while the other group would participate in a via ferratta. I went on the via ferratta and topped out on Mount Averau. I beheld a 360 degree view that was breathtaking. A via ferratta is not for everyone, but I found the challenge exhilarating.
Today we are beginning our trek through the Dolomites, a grand mountain range of solid limestone. Geologically speaking they were once the floor of an ancient sea. We hiked from Refugio to Refugio. These were like small hostels complete with showers and five course meals. This is the most civilized hiking I have ever done. Everyday we would traverse the most exquisite scenery only to stop for cappuccino and cake before continuing on to our lodgings and then taking an afternoon exploration hike. A great way to spend the day. After three days and two nights it was hard to leave the back country for the Cortina’s hustle and bustle.
Cortina is the gem of this area. Once the venue for the winter Olympics it has taken on the mantle of the Aspen of Italy. From here we took a magnificent mountain bike ride to Dobbiaco. The next day we circumnavigated Cime de Lavaredo. This was a fitting culmination to our adventure.
I cannot say enough about the guides; they were excellent. They kept us busy, motivated and with a good laugh now and then. A bit of humor takes the edge off some of those days that take a toll.
It is hard to explain an Active Adventure. You would never be able to accomplish such a complicated itinerary on your own . They take care of all the logistics, and the activities are not easy but they are within the capabilities of anyone with a reasonable level of physical fitness. But there is an extra component of camaraderie that is brought to bear that creates an unforgettable moment in time.
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Joe, United States
5 Stars (98 reviews)
Pictures don't capture the beauty of the Dolomites. Around every bend and hill climbed stands a new view more stunning then the last. Our guides-Mike, Phil and Richard were an added bonus!
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Diana, United States
5 Stars (98 reviews)
This was an absolutely wonderful trip in all the ways that mean so much to us: beautiful scenery with physical "challenges"; great trip leaders (oh how we laughed); wonderful people with which to enjoy the trip; great food and a chance to learn about local culture.
Dolomites Adventure, October 2016
Diane, United States