You’re about to embark on an adventure in a place, and among people, whose way of life may be different from your own.
Life in the villages of the Dolomites, and across Europe, often moves at a different rhythm.
What might feel unfamiliar at first is often what makes this region so special, the very things that give it its charm, authenticity, and sense of wonder.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the EU but will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization, a new online travel system, starting in late early 2027.
This ETIAS will be a mandatory electronic approval, not a traditional visa, for visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area for short visits of up to 90 days.
Even so, you will need to provide personal data when entering the Schengen area, collected as part of the new EES as of October 12th, 2025.
For any other nationalities, please click here to be referred to the Schengen Visa Info Website.
Please click here for further information on Italian Visa Requirements.
EES stands for Entry Exit System. EES is now in operation.
The EES applies to you if you are a non-EU national travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES and you either:
Your travel document data and other personal data will be collected, including your entry and exit dates, and will be registered electronically in the system. This procedure will facilitate your border crossing.
If this is your first time arriving at an EU-border crossing point since the EES implementation, you’ll be required to provide your personal information. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face, and this data will be stored in a digital file.
Please click here for further information on the new Entry Exit System.
EES stands for Entry Exit System. EES is now in operation.
The EES applies to you if you are a non-EU national travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES and you either:
Your travel document data and other personal data will be collected, including your entry and exit dates, and will be registered electronically in the system. This procedure will facilitate your border crossing.
If this is your first time arriving at an EU-border crossing point since the EES implementation, you’ll be required to provide your personal information. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face, and this data will be stored in a digital file.
Please click here for further information on the new Entry Exit System.
You will have to present several documents at the Schengen port of entry, in order to be permitted to enter if you are a non-EU/Schengen country national, regardless if you are a visa-exempt or not.
The documents you need to provide when entering the Schengen Area are as follows:
Please always seek up-to-date advise before your departure as entry conditions can rapidly change.
For further information please check out Schengen Visa Information & Schengen Visa News.
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions.
Once you have booked an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment and other associated costs. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
At No Roads, we personally handpick every place you’ll stay. Our goal is simple: to give you a welcoming, luxurious home base, a place to relax, recharge, and indulge after each day’s adventures.
In Verona, you’ll stay in a boutique-style hotel in the heart of the historic center, just a short walk from cafés, wine bars, and local restaurants.
In the Dolomites, our home will be the Dolomitenhof, a beautiful alpine spa hotel known for its charming rooms, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking mountain views. This will be our staycation haven for eight days, you’ll unpack once on Day 2 and settle in until our return to Verona on Day 10.
Please note that hotel room sizes and amenities can vary from place to place, and even from room to room within the same property, part of the charm of European accommodations.
Single supplements are available for this journey. If you’d like more information, our team will be happy to assist.
Reaching Verona from the United States is a straightforward and enjoyable journey, though it does require at least one connection in Europe. Verona’s airport, Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), is a modern international gateway located about six miles (10 km) southwest of the city center.
The easiest way to travel is to fly from a major U.S. hub, such as New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), or Los Angeles (LAX), to a major European connection city like Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, or Zurich.
From there, you can take a short connecting flight directly to Verona. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and ITA Airways frequently operate these routes in partnership with U.S. carriers, allowing your luggage to be checked through to your final destination.
Another convenient option is to fly into a nearby major Italian airport, such as Milan (MXP or LIN), Venice (VCE), or Bologna (BLQ). From any of these cities, it’s easy to reach Verona by train or private transfer. The Italian rail system is fast, efficient, and scenic, with direct high-speed trains from Milan or Venice reaching Verona in just 1 to 1.5 hours. This option is often faster and more relaxing than taking an additional short flight.
Rising from the heart of northern Italy, the Dolomites are unlike any other mountains on Earth. Named for the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu, these “Pale Mountains” owe their luminous color to ancient carbonate rock, the remnants of coral reefs that once thrived at the bottom of a tropical sea more than 200 million years ago. When the African and European tectonic plates collided, those seabeds were thrust skyward, creating the dramatic spires and soaring walls we see today.
The result is a landscape of extraordinary contrast: jagged peaks and smooth table-top summits rising above lush green meadows and storybook valleys. Around every bend, the view shifts,one moment wild and rugged, the next serene and pastoral. It’s no wonder UNESCO calls the Dolomites one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world.
This region, known as Alto Adige or South Tyrol, carries a fascinating blend of cultures. Though located in Italy, German is the predominant language, a legacy of its Austrian heritage. The mix of Italian passion and Tyrolean tradition is everywhere, in the architecture, the warmth of its mountain villages, and especially in its cuisine. Here, hearty Alpine dishes meet fine Italian wines, making the Dolomites a favorite not only for serious mountaineers but for anyone seeking a place where nature, history, and culture come together in perfect harmony.
On our journey, we’ll explore Val Fiscalina and the stunning Three Peaks Nature Park, home to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed “Three Peaks” that stand as the unmistakable symbol of the Dolomites.
Gone are the moments of rage, scrabbling through your backpack in search of something. On this trip, you should exploit the advantage of staying in “The One Place” for most of the trip. You can bring as much or as little as you like.
Suitcases are recommended for this trip, although many travelers carry their luggage in a backpack. Alternatively, a sports-type / carry-all bag with a shoulder strap would suffice.
You will also need a good day pack when out trekking/cycling to carry a jacket and personal effects such as camera, sunscreen, water, snacks, blister kit.
If you choose to take up the option of experiencing a night in a Refugio with us, you will also need a cotton or silk sleeping bag liner.
Travel Documents
Passport
Air ticket
Travel Insurance Policy
Personal Vaccination Documentation
Credit card
Spending money (cash) in Euro
Personal First Aid Kit
Your personal First Aid kit will contain Band-aids, Paracetamol, Deep Heat or other muscle liniment, Blister pads, Crepe bandages, Antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, ‘Imodium’ tablets, Strapping tape (for knees and ankles), Anti-chafing cream, Pawpaw cream, Foot powder if needed, Waterless hand disinfectant, Anti-inflammatory cream, Broad-spectrum antibiotic tablets, Anti-Nausea Tablets.
We also recommend sharing a First Aid Kit if you are traveling in a group.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections or sinus problems, bring what you need with you.
Note: We suggest carrying a few RAT Tests and a sufficient supply of Facemasks.
Personal Items
Clothing
Non-Optional For This Trip
Walking poles (good for balance & taking the weight off your knees on descents).
Other Suggestions
Your Boots
In the Dolomites, you will encounter alpine trek conditions that vary from well-defined treks to gravel to rocky terrain.
Unless you are an experienced trekker or trail runner we highly recommend wearing walking boots with ankle support on the trek to prevent you from any injuries.
Layering
Because we’ll be spending time in the high mountains, it’s important to be ready for just about any kind of weather. At higher elevations, it’s often cool, and when clouds roll in, it can quickly turn cold and damp. Expect daytime temperatures in the lower valleys to range from 68°F to 86°F (20–30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F (10°C), making mornings crisp and chilly.
It’s always better to be prepared than caught off guard. Dress in layers, think of it like dressing “like an onion”, so you can easily add or remove clothing as conditions change. Keep your extra layers handy in your daypack when you’re not using them.
Personal Day Gear
Recommended Contents Of Your Day Pack
Blister Management
Walking for extended hours for multiple days may affect your feet. We have put together some helpful advice on how to care for your feet along the trek which you can view HERE.
Last-Minute Supplies
There are a few good outdoor stores in Verona and Sexten where you can purchase extras such as walking poles, day packs, etc. We will give you the address on arrival.
Supplied Equipment
Currency
Italy uses the Euro (€). It’s a good idea to bring some cash with you so you don’t have to exchange money immediately upon arrival.
As of early October 2025, the exchange rate was approximately USD $1.00 = €0.86 (rates fluctuate, so check before you travel).
Exchanging Money
You can exchange U.S. dollars for euros at major international airports or once you arrive in Verona. Airport exchange counters tend to have higher fees, so withdrawing from an ATM is usually the easiest and most cost-effective option.
ATM Access
ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard are widely available throughout Italy, including Verona. There is also an ATM in Bad Moos, though note that the Dolomitenhof Hotel is located just outside town.
Credit Cards
Most major restaurants, hotels, and shops accept credit cards. The Dolomitenhof also accepts Visa and Mastercard. Smaller cafés or mountain huts, however, may be cash-only, so keep some euros handy for incidental expenses.
Spending Money
Everyone’s spending habits are different, but plan on $30–$55 USD (€30–€50) per day for lunches, snacks, drinks, and any souvenirs. Breakfast and dinner are included in your trip. Some travelers enjoy an extra glass of wine or like to shop more than others, so adjust according to your style.
Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it’s always appreciated. If you’d like to show your gratitude to your local guides or trip leader for excellent service, a small tip is a thoughtful gesture.
To ensure an authentic and enriching experience, No Roads partners with a dedicated local guide and the renowned Alpinschule in the Dolomites. Their deep knowledge of the region allows us to uncover the area’s natural beauty and fascinating history, and, for those keen on adventure, even try a Via Ferrata, the classic Dolomite climbing route aided by cables and ladders.
While you’ll want to arrive in good physical shape for the trek, your qualified mountain guide will handle all the safety and logistical details, ensuring you can focus fully on the journey itself, an unforgettable blend of challenge, discovery, and reward.
Throughout your trip, your guide will bring the mountains to life: identifying wildflowers, explaining local customs, sharing stories of the region’s unique blend of Italian and Tyrolean culture, and spotting wildlife you might otherwise miss.
Dolomites – What is so special?
If walking is meditative and healing, walking in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Dolomites and its surrounding landscape will leave you recharged and fulfilled with happiness.
Considered by well-heeled adventurers and travellers as “the most beautiful mountain range on the planet”, the Dolomites offer spectacular rugged mountain trails, lush valleys of vast forests, and at the right time of year, seas of beautiful wildflowers. Mountain refugios provide wonderful meals and shelter in this wild and outrageously gorgeous landscape.
What is a Staycation?
During our hiking adventure, we’ll make the Dolomitenhof our home base, a luxurious alpine retreat where we’ll stay for eight nights. From this stunning mountain setting, we’ll set out each day to explore the trails, valleys, and peaks of the Dolomites, returning each evening to comfort, great food, and panoramic views.
As part of the experience, you’ll also have the option to spend one night in a traditional mountain rifugio, a cozy alpine hut offering a taste of authentic mountain life. More details about this special overnight stay will be included in your welcome information.
When is the best time to walk in the Dolomites?
The best time to walk the Dolomites is mid-June to the end of July and at the end of August to mid-September. June has fewer people and the flowers start to bloom end of June/ early July.
Early August is holiday time in Europe and there are just too many people on the trails. End-August/September sees the trails free up again.
How hard is the Dolomite Explorer Trip?
Exploiting the advantage of a single home base, guests may join as many of the daily activities as they wish. This unique approach, makes your holiday as hard or as easy as you want it to be.
For further information please refer to the Fitness section below.
What do I have to carry?
You are only required to carry a light day pack of 11-15 pounds.
How do I train for the activities in the Dolomites?
To prepare safely and confidently for your trek in the Dolomites, plan to train for at least five to six months before departure. Focus on regular hikes that gradually increase in distance, elevation gain, and duration. During your training, get comfortable carrying a daypack weighing 10–15 pounds, and practice using the same boots and trekking poles you’ll bring on the trip.
As part of your welcome pack, we’ll share a basic training plan designed to help you build strength, endurance, and hiking-specific conditioning. You’ll also have exclusive access to our online training program if you’d like more personalized guidance.
You don’t need to be a superhero to enjoy this trek, but the fitter you are, the more rewarding (and fun) each day will be.
No specialized training is required for the e-biking or optional Via Ferrata portion of the trip, though basic cycling experience is helpful. The Via Ferrata does require some upper-body strength and agility; your guide will teach you everything you need to know on the day.
Please note that a few hiking days include steep or rocky descents, which can be challenging for the knees. Building leg strength and balance during your training will help make these sections easier and more enjoyable.
Altitude and Distance
Altitude should not be an issue on this trek as the highest point is well below 10000 feet.
We do experience a variety of longer and shorter treks on this trip.
However, we ease you in with some shorter hikes and an E-Bike Tour before we tackle some of the more strenuous days and the optional Via Ferrata.
Dolomites – What’s it like underfoot?
Underfoot, you will experience a variety of tracks and trails in the Dolomites. Typically, the mountainous sections run on single tracks and paths that can be rocky in places; sometimes with steps but mostly just the bare earth.
Mud is not really a problem in the summer months. Tracks are also common – perhaps gravel forest roads, ski pistes, or rough tracks for vehicles over agricultural land.
Note: Walking Poles are a must for this trip and do not only provide you with extra stability but also ensure even blood circulation in your arms.
How hard is the E-Bike Tour?
Using E-Bikes has the advantage that one can choose how strenuous or easy this tour should be. That said we will cover some serious mileage on the day and while you don’t need to be experienced on an E-Bike itself some cycling experience is required.
Why choose No Roads to guide you?
At No Roads, your adventure is led by some of the best in the business — fully certified IFMGA mountain guides who live and breathe the Dolomites. They’re passionate locals who spend their days skiing, climbing, and hiking these very mountains, and their intimate knowledge of the terrain ensures both your safety and your experience are second to none.
All of our Dolomites guides are members of the respected local Alpinschule, bringing both technical expertise and a deep connection to the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Each day, they’ll provide weather and trail updates, adjust routes to suit the conditions and the group’s pace, and share stories that bring the landscape to life.
While it’s important to arrive in good physical shape, your guide will take care of all the logistics and safety preparations, so you can focus on what matters most, enjoying an unforgettable journey through one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on Earth.
What is the accommodation like?
This is where our Dolomites journey truly stands apart.
During our time in the mountains, we’ll stay at the Dolomitenhof, a luxurious four-star alpine hotel set at the very foot of the Dolomites. Here, breathtaking mountain views stretch in every direction, and guests can unwind in the hotel’s spa and sauna complex after a rewarding day on the trails. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence.
At the beginning and end of our trip, we’ll stay at the elegant Hotel Accademia in Verona, a four-star superior property housed in an 18th-century palazzo in the city’s historic center. From here, it’s just a short stroll to Verona’s charming shops, cafés, and restaurants,the ideal starting and finishing touch to your Italian adventure.
Health and Safety procedures along the trek?
No Roads is constantly monitoring and following the advice of government bodies and has developed detailed safety protocols for all guests and team members.
We are also in constant contact with our local partners and teams abroad helping us to monitor and comply with the implemented safety measures and restrictions of each destination.
More detailed information will be sent along with the joining information closer to the departure of your trip.
Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata, Italian for “Iron Road,” combines history, adventure, and breathtaking alpine scenery. These protected climbing routes were originally built during World War I, when soldiers fixed iron cables and ladders into the rock to move troops safely through the rugged Dolomites. Today, those same routes have become a thrilling, yet safe way for hikers to experience sections of the mountains once accessible only to expert climbers.
During a Via Ferrata, participants wear a helmet, harness, and carabiners that attach to the fixed steel cable along the route. If you slip, your safety gear prevents you from falling more than a few feet. The Via Ferrata we’ve planned is beginner-friendly, perfect for first-timers. You’ll be guided by a certified Alpinschule professional, trained in introducing newcomers to this unforgettable alpine experience.
A good head for heights and comfort with exposed rock faces are essential, but no previous climbing experience is required. It’s an incredible way to see the Dolomites from a completely new perspective, and one of the most rewarding highlights of the trip.
Mountain Biking
Our Dolomites mountain biking day takes you deep into the heart of this stunning alpine landscape, along forest trails, across open pastures, and up into the mountains for sweeping views of the peaks. You’ll be led by a certified mountain bike guide, and all equipment, including an E-bike and helmet, is provided.
Thanks to the electric assist, this adventure is accessible to riders of most fitness levels, allowing you to focus on the scenery, not just the pedaling. So if you’re planning to join this ride, pack a touch of your cycling spirit (and maybe your Lycra!) and get ready for a day that’s as exhilarating as it is scenic.
The Dolomite Explorer is what we call a High Heart Rate Holiday, an adventure designed to challenge you physically while rewarding you with extraordinary scenery, great food, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re climbing mountain trails or taking part in other active pursuits, this trip is all about embracing movement and the joy of pushing yourself just a little further.
While some sections will definitely get your heart pumping, others are gentler and allow time to catch your breath and take in the views. Combined with well-maintained trails, excellent accommodations and cuisine, and full luggage transfers, this journey strikes the perfect balance between effort and comfort, the essence of an active vacation done right.
You should have average to good fitness or be willing to train in advance to make the most of the experience. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’ll be happy to talk you through what’s needed to get ready.
Pace, Challenge, and Preparation
Because this is an unpack-once adventure, you’ll enjoy the comfort of staying in one beautiful alpine hotel while choosing how active each day will be. Guests are free to join as many of the daily hikes and activities as they wish. Groups travel at their own pace, taking frequent breaks surrounded by the Dolomites’ stunning scenery. This flexibility makes the trip as relaxed, or as challenging, as you want it to be.
That said, if you plan to join all daily activities, including routes with notable elevation gain, this is no walk in the park. Some days include 5–6 hours of hiking with a light daypack (10–15 lbs), and a few descents can be demanding on rocky terrain. The optional Via Ferrata requires a bit of upper-body strength and comfort with heights (your guide will teach the technical skills on the day), and basic cycling experience is recommended for the E-Bike tour.
To get the most out of your experience, plan to arrive in good physical condition. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable every moment will be. We recommend consulting your physician before the trip to confirm you’re in good health for mountain travel. While No Roads is not a medical advisor, we’ll always act swiftly and responsibly in the event of illness or injury. Please note that any evacuation or medical costs must be covered by the traveler’s insurance before departure from the country (see Insurance section).
For safe and effective preparation, we suggest five to six months of regular training focused on hiking. Gradually increase your walking distance, elevation gain, and time on the trail. Get used to hiking with a daypack (10–15 lbs) and trekking poles. As part of your welcome pack, we’ll share a basic training plan to help you build the strength and endurance needed for this unforgettable Dolomites adventure.
All No Roads Expeditions guests must be in good physical health to fully participate in the group travel experience. If, in the opinion of your trip leader, a traveler is unable to complete the itinerary safely, or poses an undue risk to themselves or others, No Roads Expeditions reserves the right to exclude that person from all or part of the trip, without refund.
While there are no mandatory health requirements for this journey, it’s important to recognize that the Dolomites involve physically demanding conditions at times. You should be in overall good health and consult your physician before departure, especially if you have any ongoing medical conditions, to ensure this trip is suitable for you.
Your guide will carry a first-aid kit for emergencies; however, we strongly recommend that you bring your own personal medical supplies for common ailments and any prescription medications you require. Please note that, for legal reasons, our guides are not permitted to administer any medication, including pain relievers or antibiotics.
We are committed to supporting guests who have medical conditions, allergies, or anaphylaxis. If you disclose a condition in advance, we’ll inform our local teams and make every reasonable effort to accommodate your needs. To ensure your safety and comfort, we encourage you to reconfirm any relevant health information during the trip whenever necessary. Our goal is for every guest to have a safe, enjoyable, and worry-free adventure in the mountains.
At this time, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers entering the Schengen Area (which includes Italy) from the United States or other visa-exempt countries. If a Schengen visa is required for your nationality, any vaccination requirements will be communicated during your consulate interview.
We strongly recommend that you consult your travel physician well before departure to discuss recommended vaccines and any personal health considerations.
Commonly advised vaccines for travel to Europe include:
Plan ahead — some vaccines require multiple doses or boosters, and others shouldn’t be given at the same time. It’s best to schedule your travel health appointment at least 4–6 weeks before departure to make sure you’re fully protected and ready for your adventure.
General Travel Advice
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and U.S. Department of State’s travel website. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
Dietary Requirements
We are able to cater to most common dietary requirements, however, we can not cater to Vegans on this trip. The Sud Tyrol and the Dolomites are well known for their excellent and typical cuisine from the regions of Italy and Austria, known as Imperial cuisine.
These regional diets include choices of pasta, potatoes, cheeses, cured meats, salads, and fruits.
Due to this heavy gluten, cheese, and meat-based diet, the options for certain dietary needs might be limited.
Please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
Note: The No Roads team will do everything it can to support any allergies which might require a special diet by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made for all meals.
We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests to assist us by providing this information while traveling, in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you do have an uncommon dietary requirement please contact our office directly.
At No Roads Expeditions, we believe travel should leave a positive impact, enriching local communities, protecting fragile ecosystems, and inspiring travelers to become stewards of the places they explore. Our goal is to minimize our footprint while maximizing the benefits that responsible tourism can bring. You can learn more about our social and environmental commitments in our online policy.
The Environment
Many of the areas you’ll visit are pristine natural environments, and we ask that all travelers help us keep them that way. Please:
By following these simple practices, you’ll help preserve the Dolomites’ landscapes and wildlife for future generations to enjoy.
The Local Community
We believe travel should give back to the communities that make our experiences possible. No Roads Expeditions proudly supports local conservation and social initiatives in the regions we visit. For every expedition booked, we donate $20 to a local charity or environmental project.
You can read more about these initiatives on the Charity section of each expedition page, and know that your adventure directly contributes to sustaining the places and people that make it so special.
