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Europe · Italy
Nine days on the Alta Via, sleeping high
The classic hut-to-hut traverse of the Alta Via 1, walked south from Cortina in the first week of September, when the summer crowds have gone and the huts still have their good cook. Packs stay light because beds and dinner are waiting; the walking is what you carry.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
A two-hour transfer north out of the lagoon and into the limestone. Boots on for an easy hour above the town in the evening, to get the altitude honest before tomorrow.
Cinque Torri
An acclimatisation day among five towers and the restored trench system that runs between them. Four hours walking, a long lunch, and a briefing on hut etiquette that is more useful than it sounds.
Rifugio Nuvolau, 2,575 m
Up onto the ridge and along it to the oldest refuge in the Dolomites, built in 1883 and perched on the summit itself. Sunset from the terrace is the reason people come here.
Rifugio Città di Fiume
A long traverse under the Croda da Lago with the Pelmo growing ahead of you all afternoon. Seven hours, one substantial climb, and a hut with an unreasonable view of it.
Rifugio Coldai
Half a circuit of a mountain that stands entirely on its own, then down through larch to Passo Staulanza and up the other side. The Civetta appears at the top of the climb and does not leave.
Rifugio Vazzoler
The finest day of the route: four kilometres of vertical rock on your left, the Alleghe valley below, and a path that never quite descends. Finishing at Vazzoler among the pines.
Rifugio Pramperet
Over the Duran pass and into quieter country — fewer walkers, more chamois. A short section of cable-protected path, straightforward in dry weather, and we carry harnesses for it regardless.
Belluno
A final high traverse across the Van de Zita, then a long, steady descent through beech forest to the valley floor. Hotel, hot bath, and dinner in the old town.
Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
A morning transfer to Marco Polo. Flights from 13:00 onward are comfortable, and a later train from Venezia Mestre is easy if you are continuing in Italy.
Reservations for Meridian Expeditions — reservations@meridianexpeditions.example · +1 (604) 555-0142. Bookings taken here are written back to the operator’s reservations platform; PEAK 15 remains the system of record.