The Dolomiti are traversed by several long-distance Alte Vie (High Routes), in addition to many other magnificent trails and climbing routes. The following 6-day itinerary passes through or near some of the greatest ranges and nature reserves of the Dolomiti, from the Puez-Odle and Sella Groups to the Fanes-Sennes-Braies and Dolomiti d'Ampezzo Natural Parks. This trek could be completed as several shorter excursions, as there are at least two possible early ending points. Or it could be extended for those who wish a longer excursion.

Day 1: Bressanone to Rifugio Genova
The gingerbread town of Bressanone is well worth a tour in itself. From here take the early morning bus to Plancios, then walk along the road to Rifugio Gerardschatz (a fine place to stay the night before). From here follow the Alta Via #2, which descends through fields of flowers and farms to a road, which the route follows. Leaving the road (it is clearly marked), the trail then climbs steadily up the other side to Forcela Putia pass, eventually reaching the beautiful Rifugio Genova.

Day 2: Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez
All day follow the AV #2. Two passes must be climbed as you traverse the Odle Group, the second one perhaps a bit scary for those afraid of heights (but nothing really to worry about, as there are iron cords to hold on to).
From here the views are spectacular, extending to the Sella Group to the Sasso Lungo and all the way to the Dolomiti d'Ampezzo. At Rifugio Puez one dines as well as at Rifugio Genova and most of the other rifugi, a steaming plate of polenta and gulasch enough to bring a smile to any exhausted
walker. And also like other rifugi, there is great Sudtirol beer is on tap.

Day 3: Rifugio Puez to Ospizio Santa Croce
One could end the trek by descending from Rifugio Puez into the Val Gardena.
Take the scenic Vallunga trail down to Selva, from where there are bus services to Ortisei (the entrance way to the Alpe di Siusi) and beyond to Bolzano. As for those continuing on from Puez: Head toward Rifugio Gardenaccia and then descend to the village of La Villa. From here take the bus to Pedraces, then the cablecar up to Ospizio Santa Croce.
[One could continue on to Rifugio Fanes but it would make for a very long day. Better to enjoy this place slowly.]

Day 4: Ospizio Santa Croce to Rifugio Fanes or Lavarela
Those with mountaineering experience could start directly up the route to the Passo di Santa Croce. Otherwise traverse on Trail 15 to Trail 12, from where it is a rigorous ascent to the Forcella Lavarela. From here it is an easy descent into Val di Fanes. However if energy and time permit climb back
Trail 7 to the Passo di Santa Croce and Monte Cavallo (2907m), from where vistas are even more stunning and encompassing than usual, extending all the way to the great white Marmolada. Descend on Trail 7 to Rifugi Fanes and Lavarela, both adjacent to each other and both excellent.

Day 5: Rifugio Fanes or Lavarela to Rifugio Biella
Follow AV#1 all day, and pass several other rifugi on your way up to Rifugio Biella, a cozy high altitude hut. Stop for a leisurely lunch at one of the other rifugi during the day. Or one could descend to Malga Ra Stua, from where there are buses to Cortina, at several different points. A fine panorama may be had from the Croda del Becco (2810m) above Rifugio Biella, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo imposing even from this distance.

Day 6: Rifugio Biella to Cortina d'Ampezzo
One should consider an early morning climb of the Croda del Becco if not done the day before. Another fine way to finish the trek would be hike the ridge from Biella on Trail 28, and perhaps run into a family of long-horned stambecchi (ibex). Descend from here to Lago di Fosses, rejoining the main path down from Biella to Malga Ra Stua, where one can enjoy a celebratory beer or hot chocolate before heading back to Cortina.

Of course one need not finish the excursion here. From Rifugio Biella, one could continue on the AV#1 to its finish at Lago di Braies (one day), or continue to Sesto via the Tre Cima di Lavaredo (two days).