This morning, we take public bus to Passo Falzareggo and then walk (You can also decide to take a cable car) to Lagazuol (2750m). This is one of the most scenic and panoramic views in this area and it’s where we are at starting our first walk. From where we start the walk the only way is down.

The descent is steepish on loose stone, then we follow a flatter track out towards Lago Lagazuoi. We then make our way backwards and follow another trail back down to Passo Falzareggo.

After our walk we catch the bus back into Cortina.

Walking Time: approx. 5hrs, Distance 11Km, incline 560m – Choice to shorten.

Set off from the peaceful woodland trailhead at Ponte di Rocurto and step into one of the most beautiful loop hikes in the Italian Dolomites. The Croda da Lago circuit offers a perfect blend of alpine forest, dramatic limestone peaks, and tranquil mountain lakes—all in a day’s walk.

Your journey begins along a gently climbing forest path that opens up to reveal Lago Federa, a mirror-like alpine lake nestled beneath the rugged spires of Croda da Lago. Here, the welcoming Rifugio Palmieri invites you to pause for a coffee or lunch with a view—an unforgettable moment in the heart of the mountains.

From the lake, the trail rises steadily to Forcella Ambrizzola, a grassy saddle with sweeping views across the Ampezzo Valley and far beyond. The route then winds through high alpine meadows and rocky terrain to reach Forcella di Formin, the highest point of the hike. The panorama from here is breathtaking, with jagged peaks stretching out in every direction. 

Walking Time: approx. 6hrs, Distance 12.2Km, incline 900m – Choice to shorten.

We need to take public transport to Passo Falzareggo. We start our walk from here to reach Rifuggio Scoiattoli at 2255m. Where we will be staying for the evening.

This rewarding alpine walk begins at Passo Falzarego, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Dolomites, and leads you gently uphill to the spectacular Rifugio Scoiattoli. Along the way, you're treated to breathtaking views of the towering Cinque Torri (Five Towers), a dramatic cluster of limestone peaks that seem to rise straight out of the landscape.

The trail is well-marked and accessible, making it perfect for a relaxed half-day hike. As you walk, the landscape opens up to reveal sweeping vistas of the Tofane, Lagazuoi, and the vast Ampezzo Valley below. Arriving at Rifugio Scoiattoli, you’ll find a warm welcome and one of the best panoramic terraces in the region—an ideal spot to enjoy a drink or hearty mountain lunch.

There is also a military museum up here from the first world war and Italy’s war with Austria. This area was once one of the main routes into Italy from Austria and was heavily guarded.  There are also trails that you can walk from here such as the Rifugio Nuvolau to really get incredible views at the highest point.

Walking Time: approx. 3.5hrs, Distance 7Km, incline 409m Decline: 249m

When we wake up at the Rifugio and after our breakfast here there is a choice to take the cable car back down or walk down a different route to the one that we took up. The walk back down is very easy and is approx. 2-3hrs.

Whichever you decide to do you get the public bus back to Cortina and enjoy the rest of the day to yourself. You can explore Cortina and some of it’s museums or hire a bike to cycle on the greenway here along an old train track. They also provide electric bikes to make the cycle even easier.

After our breakfast this morning we will all walk together to the cable car near the Bus station in Cortina to take another cable car to the Rifugio Faloria (2123m). 

Once on top it’s mainly descent along a good forest road and track to Rio Gere. From here we enter the Eco Farm - Agriturismo El Brite de Larieto. Everything they offer here is made from the farm produce and it is delicious.

After this you have an option to shorten or extend your walk, the extended walk will be approx 12Km. This is a lovely trail over-looking Cortina through some pine woods and meadows, eventually it bring back along to the Greenway (cycle track) into Cortina and back to our hotel. 

As this is the last day of our adventure in these wonderful parts of Italy and the Dolomites.  So we will have an evening meal together. 

 Walking Time: 4.5hrs, Distance 12.4Km, incline 1169m descent 1169m

This morning is an early start to leave Cortina and say our last farewell to the Dolomites and new friends for a while as we make our way south to Venice.

We should arrive at the Marco Polo airport for approx 10:30am