Dolomites of Cortina Explorer - via Pocol & Misurina

Difficulty level 2/5 to 3/5, easy to moderate or moderate to intermediate hiking options. For a hiker with an average to good sporting level. No technically difficult paths. From 2 hours to 6 hours of walking every day. Between 300m/984ft and 1000m/3281ft of elevation gain per day. Most hike options have multiple length options to adjust days to your desired difficulty level.

Nothing to carry besides a small backpack with your daily belongings during hikes. Your extra luggage will stay at your accommodations. On day 4, your luggage will be transported to the hotel in Misurina after you are dropped off at the start of the hike.

Bus and cable car transfers are not included in the price. Private taxis can replace public buses for most of the hiking options if desired and this can be arranged directly with hotel staff or our office. These transfers are not included in trip price and will need to be paid for directly with drivers. If you want to take the cable car several times a week, it may be worth buying the Hiking up card! Value Card points.

Please Note: outside the school holiday periods (before mid-June and after mid-September – flexible dates), buses between Passo Falzarego, Pocol, Cortina, Lake Misurina and Tre Cime do not run. In this case, if you do not come by car, you will have to arrange taxi transfers, to be paid on site. We can book them for you: you must add "private transfer option" in your registration. Budget to be expected: +900 € per trip per vehicle needed (minivan from 2 to max 7 seats). Bus dates and frequency change every year, without prior notice.

From 2 people and above.

Departure date at your convenience from the 14th of June until the 21st of September 2026 (or 2027).

Please Note: bus routes do not always operate in June and late September.

7 days / 6 nights / 5 days of hiking

Start

On Day 1, at hotel check-in (available after ~2pm) in Pocol, Italy.

Finish

On Day 7, after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am) in Misurina, Italy.

We are happy to book additional nights in Pocol or Misurina for you. Please contact our sales team for further details.

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. We provide you with a digital travel packet that includes access to our smartphone guidance app, any vouchers and all the information you need to make your stay run smoothly. If you wish, we can provide you with a paper version of the travel packet with maps, topographical guide and travel pouch (with supplement). For any request for a paper travel packet: the files will be sent on site to the 1st hotel of the itinerary.

Accommodation / Catering

Accommodation

3 nights - Hotel Villa Argentina or equivalent. Comfortable 3* hotel in Pocol (6km/3.2mi from Cortina), sauna, bar/cafe, Wi-Fi.

3 nights - Grand Hotel Misurina or equivalent. Comfortable 4* hotel in Misurina, pool, bar/café, Wi-Fi.

Meals

Half-board accommodation at the hotels (Breakfast and Dinner) each night. Lunch not included, but easily planned at mountain huts along the hikes or by planning picnics from items purchased from local grocery stores in Cortina or Misurina.

-Please let us know if you follow a special diet or have any food allergies so that we may inform the hotel.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Pocol, Italy

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Misurina, Italy

By Plane

We recommend flying out of Venice, Italy at the end of this trip. Marco Polo Airport - VCE: Venezia Airport – Airport in Venice Marco Polo (VCE)

By Bus: Venice / Cortina

Cortina d’Ampezzo to Venice > Bus Cortina Express (about 2.5 hours) Bus Schedule Information: Cortina Express | Emotions in motion or ATVO-Azienda Trasporti Veneto Orientale.

Round trip between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Pocol > Bus DolomitiBus number 52 To know the bus schedules, see the site: http://dolomitibus.it (Italian site only available, use translator)

Schedule and tickets: - Flix Bus: https://www.flixbus.com/ - Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus

By Train

Venice has 2 different main departure train stations. The Venezia Santa Lucia train station is the closest to the city center and historic area most frequented by tourists. The Venezia Mestre train station serves the Venetian mainland and is in the Mestre area.

Find out about schedules and tickets: - Italian Railway: Trenitalia

By Car

Follow the Cortina Road (32km), then the Pocol road located 6km on the road leading to Passo Falzarego.

-Possibility to park your car for the week in front of the hotel in Pocol.

Swimming

Several of our trips are suitable for swimming, either during a stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it in the right season. We want to highlight that you are the ultimate decision-maker regarding whether to swim or not. As such, these swims are entirely your responsibility and undertaken at your own risk.

Travel story

Would you like to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the greater Grand Angle hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your words that we can consider publishing on our blog.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST:

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in (Note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

GEAR CHECKLIST:

• Backpack – a 30-45 Liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Hiking Crampons – (especially for early and late season snow; less essential for high season)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use. If desired, tipping private drivers is acceptable and the average amount is just a few Euros per ride, but it is not expected and fully optional.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Face Masks; Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

*FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS:

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/”KT Tape”, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL: It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP: During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. Extra luggage is allowed on the trip and easily stored at hotels.

Day Backpack (not provided): All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during hikes. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.).

Italy, a member of the European Union, capital city: Rome.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Italy Country Code: +39

European Emergency Services: 112

Tourism Office in Italy: Discover Italy: Official Tourism Website - Italia.it

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

In the Dolomites, the region is often bilingual: people speak either German or Italian or both. Tourist area employees almost always speak some English.

Italy is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. Italy, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Italian banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies. Italy more than other EU destinations, still prefer cash in most settings, but credit card use is becoming more and more available.

- Maps TABACCO: numbers 3, 10 and 31, Scale: 1:25,000.

- Map KOMPASS Editions: numbers 55 and 57, 1:50,000.

Déodat Tancrède Gratet de Dolomieu (1750 – 1801) was a French man of aristocratic origin. He was the man who discovered the chemical composition of dolomitic rocks in which calcium and magnesium carbonates become crimson at dawn and at sunset. It arouses a deep emotion that warms your heart!

This new mineral was discovered in 1789 and it received the name of “Dolomite” in honor of Dolomieu. The rock itself was called “Dolomitic rock”. Later, in 1864, the whole mountainous region where this rock prevails took on the name we know today, the DOLOMITES.

In the Dolomites, which are a genuine stone garden, we find more than 1,500 different species of plants, but also wood and forests among the largest and the most varied ones in Europe. At the season of blooming flowers, it is an explosion of colors. More than 50 varieties of orchids and countless meadow flowers are mixed with red fruits, edelweiss, and other solitary mountain flowers. We can also find a great number of herbs and medicinal plants and mushrooms of all sorts. The diversity and the variety of the ground enable the blooming of this huge multicolored garden that contributes to the peculiarity of the Dolomites.

Painters, writers, and poets, have all praised the mountains of the Veneto region. For centuries, explorers, fearless climbers, tireless hunters, mushroom lovers, and hikers searched for unspoiled, hidden nature and pure air to breath within these mountains. The distinct and memorable contours etched against the boundless expanse of the celestial heights in the upper atmosphere offers an emotion you must experience firsthand to perfectly understand it. The Dolomites, mountains of legend and of extreme rock climbing, with their spiked summits and their bright pastel tints, exert a magical and strong attraction on all human beings.

They offer the possibility to live an unforgettable experience, an opportunity for all, of any age and physical condition; indeed, to appreciate them and be definitively conquered by their beauty, it is not necessary to climb them; you only must get close and look at them. This is the aim of this trip.