• 8 nights of accommodations

• Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 8 dinners including wine (Lunches at mountain huts during hikes are NOT included)

• Transportation: Private driver in a 8-seater van. Lift tickets are also included.

• Experiences: All activities and visits described in this document.

• 24/7 Trip Leader: Italian and English-speaking leader/cultural host

• Carbon Footprint Offset: A donation will be made to a local organization planting trees to fight against devastating deforestation caused by a beetle.

• Pre-Trip Prep: Cultural and Italian languageguidance, packing tips, and additional resources to help you fully connect with what you'll experience!

For a detailed list of what's included and excluded, please download the detailed itinerary pdf by clicking the "Get the Detailed Itinerary" button on the webpage.

Yes!

• This Dolomites itinerary involves walking on uneven ground for 4-5 hours at time including some steep inclines. A restroom will not always be available.

• Please note that you'll need to carry your own luggage up and down stairs at hotels and across cobblestone.

• The longest drive will be 3.5-4 hours plus breaks.

• Wifi is available in all locations but connection may be not be as strong as what you're used to.

• Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you let us know well in advance.

• Though we won't be doing technical or the most difficult hikes, this trip is still VERY ACTIVE. Hiking trails range from leisurely paved paths to steep, rocky inclines. You can opt out of most hikes if you wish. Please click the Get Detailed Itinerary Button on the webpage for more detailed information about the hikes.

• We will be spending time on farms which can entail unpleasant smells or animal noises.

Any other questions or concerns? Contact us!

Will I be matched with another traveler to share a room with? Yep! If you book a double occupancy spot but you're traveling alone, we will pair you up with a roommate. You'll be paired up based on your time of arrival and how compatible we think you are.

Sharing a room is an excellent way to save money as well as make a new friend! That being said, it's helpful if you approach the situation with an open mind, some flexibility, and sometimes a little humor. Our trips attract like-minded travelers who almost always hit it off, but we can't promise you'll become fast BFFs with your roommate or have compatible sleeping styles.

Should I share a room? If you're a light sleeper, get easily irritated, or know that you are someone who is much happier with your own space, sharing a room may not be the best decision for getting the most out of this experience. In the same way, if people have told you that you snore or you have health conditions that could be disruptive to others, we ask you to do the right thing and get a private room out of respect for others.

What happens if I don't get along with my roommate? If you've made an honest effort but you absolutely can't find your groove with your roommate to the point that you really need to separate, your trip leader will make their best effort to move things around, or, try to get you a private room for an additional cost.

What if I book a double room, and you can't match me? If the number of solo travelers and rooms doesn't allow us to match you with a roommate, your room would become a single room and additional charges may apply.

Our small group trips require at least 5 people to run. We will let you know as soon as possible when the trip has reached enough bookings to run. In the unusual event that the trip doesn't reach its minimum within 90 days of departure, you can choose to:

-take the trip as a private departure (additional costs may occur),

-convert amounts paid to credit applicable to any small group tour departing within 12 months,

-or get a full refund.

Any expenses already incurred at the time of cancellation would need to be reimbursed through your travel insurance.

Don't forget your passport! You will want to make sure it's valid for entry. Visa rules can be different based on where you're from, so it's smart to check beforehand. Also, your passport should be good for at least 3 months after you plan to leave Europe. Keep an eye on the entry rules - they can switch up on you. For those coming from the US, hop onto Travel.State.Gov for all the details!

Learn more about essential requirements for travel to Italy.

If you are traveling to popular spots before our Dolomites tour begins, like Florence, Milan, or Venice, it's always smart to watch out for pickpocketing in busy spots.

When setting off on your small group tour of the Dolomites, you'll find the safest surroundings in the smaller, off the beaten path villages we visit and stay in. There in the countryside of northern Italy, there are lower chances of encountering safety issues. Italy's strong healthcare system also adds an extra layer of security for travelers. Keep an eye on travel advisories, and remember to stick to standard safety precautions.

Typically, for tourism purposes, many visitors to Italy don't require a visa for short stays (less than 90 days) if they are from countries with visa-exempt agreements, such as the US. This website can help you understand if you need a visa or not. Need help? Simply reach out to our team, we would be happy to help guide you!

In late 2026, Europe is planning to roll out a new visa-on-arrival system called ETIAS. Learn more about ETIAS here.

Yes! Travel insurance provides essential financial protection in the event of unexpected situations, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and travel delays (depending on the policy you select). It will give you peace of mind by making sure you are covered for various unforeseen circumstances that could disrupt your travels! Guidance on purchasing the required travel insurance is provided after you book your small group tour to Tuscany.

Read more on our blog here: https://www.creativeedgetravel.com/post/putting-travel-insurance-on-your-itinerary

When you land in Italy, using an ATM at the airport to get euros with your debit card is pretty straightforward. However, keep in mind that while credit cards are widely accepted, American Express might not work everywhere. Some travelers prefer having euros in hand before arriving for peace of mind. Although cards are fine in touristy spots, smaller local shops might prefer cash. If you want to exchange money beforehand, your local bank, currency exchange offices, or the airport can help, but be cautious of not-so-great rates at the airport. It's handy to have a mix of cash and cards. Make sure to check with your bank about international fees and inform them about your travel plans to avoid any issues. This mix gives you convenience and flexibility during your trip!

When you're exploring Italy with a small group, make it a point to connect with your fellow travelers during those shared experiences. The guides are absolute gems—they've got all the cool stories about Italy's culture and history, so don't be shy about chatting them up too! Small groups mean you've got flexibility on your side, ready for those spur-of-the-moment adventures. Don't miss out on group hangouts like meals and outings; they're the perfect chance to bond with your travel buddies. And of course, make sure to carve out some "me" time for your own solo explorations!

Read more here: https://www.creativeedgetravel.com/post/8-benefits-of-sustainable-off-the-beaten-path-travel

When traveling in your small group tour to the Dolomites, you will want to focus on layers! Bring long sleeved, sweat-wicking shirts, lightweight, down jackets, hiking pants, and 2-3 sweaters. You will want to include jeans and casual, close-toed shoes for days when you won't be hiking.

You will need some special gear for this Dolomites hiking tour:

-well worn-in hiking boots with good tread and support for your feet and ankles

-hiking poles for balance

-a backpack for hiking to carry your water bottle, snacks, and shedded layers

-rain jacket or poncho

-umbrella

A detailed packing list will be provided before the tour departure.

October in the Dolomites offers excellent conditions for hiking and photography, often continuing the pleasant weather patterns from September with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures. As the month advances, expect spectacular autumn foliage that transforms into vibrant orange and golden hues, typically peaking in late October.

Consider visiting during this period for several advantages: reduced crowds on hiking trails, peaceful mountain experiences, minimal risk of thunderstorms, and more affordable accommodation rates. The later sunrise time of approximately 7:30 am provides additional flexibility for morning preparations.

Prepare for variable weather conditions, as October can occasionally bring early winter weather including heavy snowstorms and freezing temperatures, though these conditions are uncommon. Since this is firmly off-season, plan accordingly for limited services - most high-elevation mountain huts and cable systems close for the season, and many hotels and restaurants in the Trentino and Belluno regions of Italy shut down at September's end.

Expect average temperatures around 6.8°C (44.4°F), with typical highs reaching 11.8°C (53.4°F) and lows dropping to 1.8°C (35.4°F). While crisp, these temperatures remain comfortable for hiking activities.

Pack essential cold-weather gear including a down jacket, warm hat, gloves, and hiking poles for stability. Be aware that snowfall may occur, particularly on north-facing slopes where temperatures remain lower.

Weather conditions in October can vary significantly from year to year - you might encounter heavy snowstorms, extended periods of stable and clear weather, or cold but stable conditions. Plan with flexibility to adapt to whatever conditions arise during your visit.

You will want to make sure your passport is valid for entry. Visa rules can be different based on where you're from, so it's smart to check beforehand. Also, your passport should be good for at least 3 months after you plan to leave Europe. Keep an eye on the entry rules - they can switch up on you. For those coming from the US, hop onto Travel.State.Gov for all the details!

Unlike most other tour operators who call 14-20 people a "small group", our tour groups are *actually* small with just 7-8 people max per trip. This allows us to enter those small, artisan spaces or local homes and be at our own table in the corner of the restaurant observing the locals rather than a loud table of tourists in the middle of the room. It's all part of our philosophy of slow, sustainable, and authentic travel!

The hikes on this trip range from fairly easy to moderate. The hike to Geisleralm would lean more towards advanced for the average person (but not compared to the most difficult hikes in the Dolomites). Our hiking guides will know when to give you a rest while they share information about the area, but you need to be fit enough to walk up steep hills at a sustained pace that will get your heart pumping. If you're an experienced hiker, you may need to slow down to stay close to the group and accommodate a few more breaks than you're used to– but with those views you won't complain! There hikes with a few challenges are interspersed with lighter hikes that don't involve as much incline.

Getting sweaty is part of the deal but entering a cozy mountain hut for a homemade meal is the reward! Don't worry– if you're not up for the more challenging hikes, you are welcome to opt for free time at our accommodations instead. This trip is best for those who can enjoy alone time simply reading a book in a cozy nook or having a drink with the view– there's not a lot to "do" but rather a great place to just "be".

We've designed this itinerary with a balance of physical excursions and relaxed time. Most mornings will start with a hike to a mountain hut for lunch, a hike back down, then return to the B&B around 3 or 4pm. There are also days focused on culture for a break from physical activity.

Please click the "Get Detailed Itinerary" button on the webpage to see more information about the difficulty level of each hike. Schedule a Trip Chat if you are unsure, we can send you links to information about each hike and help you determine whether this trip is a good fit for you or not.

Yes! The Dolomites is already a destination away from the typical tourist hot spots of Italy such as Venice, Rome, and Florence. But on top of that, we will be going in the off season, futher avoiding the crowds. The downside? Some businesses and services close around mid-October. The upside? Fewer crowds, better prices, slower pace, AND absolutely gorgeous Fall atmosphere!

The Italian currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are available in the villages but be sure you call your bank to let them know you'll be using your card in Italy and to ask about any fees associated with using ATMs in Italy. Credit cards are widely accepted but you'll want to check with your credit card company to be sure they don't have foreign transaction fees.

Learn more about currency and getting cash in Italy.