3. Alta Via 1-8, The Italian Dolomites

Ahh. The Italian Dolomites. If you love the mountains, there frankly isn’t a better place than the Italian Dolomites. With 18 peaks over 9,500 feet (3,000 meters), thousands of miles of hiking trails, good food, challenging climbs and a chain of friendly mountain huts, the Italian Dolomites are an outdoor enthusiast and adventurer’s paradise.

The Dolomites are criss-crossed by 8 challenging, outrageously scenic long-distance trails known as the ‘Alta Via’ (‘high ways’). Each of these has its own merits, taking in lofty peaks such as Marmolada, the Civetta, Antelao and the world-famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The via ferrata routes offer a climbing-hiking hybrid and a truly thrilling add-on to the already exhilarating walking trails.