Alps Hiking: Italy, Austria & Slovenia
10 days |
- Group size
- 6–20 travelers
High peaks, deep culture, three countries on foot.
From the jagged limestone towers of the Italian Dolomites to the glacier-draped summits of the Austrian Alps to the cobalt waters of Slovenia’s Lake Bled, this tour covers ground that most travelers never think to connect. Each destination is spectacular on its own—but strung together on foot, they tell a richer story. WWI-scarred ridgelines above Cortina. The iconic circuit around Tre Cime di Lavaredo. A loop above Austria's largest glacier, and summit views over the Julian Alps from Mt. Visevnik. These trails earn their reputation — and then some. In between, a Slow Food community lunch in Carinthia, a stop at a generations-old alpine farm shop, and an afternoon with Slovenian beekeepers keep the days grounded in the places you’re passing through. This is alpine Europe at its most varied and most rewarding.
What's included
- 8 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private bus for local transfers
- 8 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 2 local food tastings
- An expert European Tour Director
- Local licensed guides for select hikes
- Cable car/chairlift/gondola tickets for hikes, when applicable
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Ascend Cinque Torri's rugged trails and explore World War I history as you go
- Circle Tre Cime di Lavaredo for stunning views of the Dolomites’ jagged cliffs
- Go behind the scenes of Austrian alpine food culture with a Slow Food community
- Walk the Alpe Adria Trail above the Pasterze Glacier on a loop from Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe
- Visit a Slovenian bee farm and sample products from the Carniolan honeybee
- Hike up Mt. Visevnik in Triglav National Park for views of the southern Julian Alps
Itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Venice
Your first day (and night) are spent flying across the ocean to Italy. As you cross time zones, close your eyes and picture the rugged peaks and serene lakes of the Dolomites. And don’t forget to get up and stretch your legs once in a while—you’re going to want them fresh!
Cortina d'Ampezzo region3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Venice and travel to Cortina d’Ampezzo region
Included meal: Welcome dinner
The adventure truly begins when you touch down at the Venice airport. From there, a scenic bus ride will take you to your first stop in the Dolomites, the Cortina d’Ampezzo region. Often referred to as simply "Cortina," this northern Italian resort town—host of the 2026 Winter Olympics—will instantly win you over with its striking mountain views and charming historic center.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport in Venice.
- Transfer 3 hours to your hotel in the Cortina d’Ampezzo region to check in and explore your surroundings.
- Raise a glass of beer or wine while you get to know your fellow hikers and Tour Director during a Welcome Orientation.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner to continue bonding with the group.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Day 3: Cinque Torri hike and Cortina d’Ampezzo walking tour
Included meal: Breakfast
One-part majestic hike, one-part open-air museum—Cinque Torri is calling. Taking a chairlift up to Rifugio Scoiattoli, the trail begins its loop beneath the five towering limestone formations that give this iconic Dolomites landmark its name. But the scenery isn't the only story here—during World War I, Cinque Torri sat squarely on the front line between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces, and the remarkably preserved trenches, tunnels, and fortifications carved into the rock make for a haunting and fascinating history lesson at altitude. Those opting for the shorter route will complete the loop around the formations before heading back down. Those pushing further will continue past Rifugio Averau and climb to Rifugio Nuvolau—the highest point of the day at 7,067 feet—where 360-degree views of the Dolomites unfold in every direction. Back in Cortina d'Ampezzo, your Tour Director will take you on a walking tour of this beloved alpine town.
Cinque Torri hike
- Option A: 4.6 miles, 1,407 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Option B: 6.8 miles, 2,388 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Hike the loop beneath Cinque Torri’s five limestone towers, passing through preserved WWI trenches and fortifications—then push on to Rifugio Nuvolau at 7,067 feet for sweeping 360-degree Dolomites views if you’re up for more.
- Join your Tour Director for a walking tour of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- Walk through Piazza Venezia and admire the 18th-century Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, Cortina’s iconic parish church.
Day 4: Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike and free evening in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Included meal: Breakfast
Your morning begins with a scenic bus ride from your hotel to Rifugio Auronzo—your gateway to one of the most iconic hikes in all of the Alps. A local guide will lead you on a breathtaking circuit around the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo—three towering limestone spires that have come to define the Dolomites skyline. The route winds past alpine chapels, dramatic ridgelines, and panoramic viewpoints, with a longer option that adds a visit to the perched Rifugio Locatelli before a steep and thrilling descent through a rocky valley. After completing the circuit, both groups reunite for a rewarding out-and-back extension to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint—one of the finest panoramas in the Dolomites. In the evening, you’ll have free time to wander Cortina d’Ampezzo’s elegant streets and grab dinner on your own.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike
- Option A: 6.4 miles, 1,476 ft gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Option B: 7.8 miles, 2,047 ft gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Set out on a guided circuit around Tre Cime di Lavaredo with sweeping views from the Forcella Lavaredo ridge at 8,051 ft.
- Opt for the longer route to visit Rifugio Locatelli, perched at 7,890 ft, before tackling the hike's most dramatic descent through a rocky alpine valley.
- Explore Cortina d’Ampezzo at your own pace and stop for dinner along the way—ask your Tour Director for recommendations.
Lienz region2 nights
Day 5: Slow Food experience and travel to Lienz
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting
Leaving Cortina d’Ampezzo behind, you’ll cross the border into Austria and make your first stop in Obervellach, a small village tucked into the Mölltal valley of Carinthia. Here, the local Slow Food community—built on the philosophy that good food should be local, sustainable, and savored—opens its doors for a morning that moves at a deliberate pace: a guided walk through the historic town center, a leisurely plated lunch of alpine cheeses, warm bread, and seasonal produce, and a tasting stop at the Walter Farm Shop in nearby Raufen, where a multi-generational farming family shares their house-made preserves, honey, and dairy. Then it’s on to Lienz, the compact capital of Austria’s East Tyrol region, where your Tour Director leads you through a well-preserved historic center backed by a dramatic Dolomites skyline.
- Say addio to Italy and hallo to Austria as your cross the border.
- Walk through Obervellach’s historic center with the local Slow Food community and sit down to a leisurely lunch of Carinthian specialties.
- Sample house-made preserves, honey, and dairy at the Walter Farm Shop in nearby Raufen.
- Settle into your hotel in the Lienz region, your home base for the next few nights.
Day 6: Hike a section of the Alpe Adria Trail along the Pasterze Circuit
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's hike starts where most people stop to take a photo. Your bus climbs the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe at 7,769 feet—the spectacular observation platform perched directly above the Pasterze Glacier, Austria's largest ice field, with the Grossglockner's 12,461-foot summit rising sharply overhead. From here, the Pasterze Circuit drops you into the glacial zone itself, descending through stark alpine terrain past the milky-green waters of Sandersee and the turquoise Margaritzenstausee reservoir before the trail turns and climbs back up to the viewpoint. Those pushing further will extend along the banks of Sandersee for a longer look at the glacier before making the return ascent. Both routes finish back at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where the full sweep of Hohe Tauern National Park unfolds one more time before the drive back to the Lienz region and a well-earned dinner at the hotel.
Alpe Adria Trail Segment 1: Pasterze Circuit
- Option A: 4.8 miles, 1,522 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Option B: 6.5 miles, 1,820 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Ride the Grossglockner High Alpine Road to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where the Pasterze Glacier and Grossglockner summit come into full view.
- Descend from the observation platform into the glacial zone, passing the ethereal Sandersee and the turquoise Margaritzenstausee reservoir.
- Extend your hike along the banks of Sandersee for a longer look at the glacier, or begin your ascent back to the viewpoint.
- Return to the Lienz region for a well-earned dinner at the hotel.
Lake Bled region3 nights
Day 7: Kranjska Gora hike & travel to the Lake Bled region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
As you enter Slovenia, the Julian Alps announce themselves in dramatic fashion. Your first stop is Kranjska Gora—a mountain resort town with a rich history tied to World War I, when these peaceful peaks became an unlikely front line. After some free time to grab lunch, you’ll lace up your shoes and head out on another section of the Alpe Adria Trail, along the Pisnica River into the heart of Triglav National Park. The trail winds through lush forested corridors, past wildflower-dotted meadows and wooden footbridges, with the jagged Triglav massif commanding the skyline throughout. Those opting for the shorter route will finish in the quiet hamlet of Gozd Martuljek, while those pushing further will be rewarded with the Martuljski Slapovi—twin waterfalls that thunder down from 3,077 feet in a spectacular curtain of white water. An included dinner caps the day before you settle into your new home base in the Lake Bled region.
Kranjska Gora hike
- Option A: 4.8 miles, 702 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Option B: 6.6 miles, 1,296 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Cross into Slovenia and arrive in Kranjska Gora, a mountain resort town framed by three converging alpine valleys, with free time to explore and grab lunch.
- Hike another section of the Alpe Adria Trail along the turquoise Pisnica River through Triglav National Park.
- Finish your hike in the serene hamlet of Gozd Martuljek, or push on to the thundering Martuljski Slapovi twin waterfalls cascading from 3,077 feet above.
- Travel to the Lake Bled region and gather with your group for an included dinner to close out the day.
Day 8: Lake Bled loop hike & Slovenian bee farm visit
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Few places on earth make a first impression like Lake Bled. This morning, you’ll set out on a loop trail around the shores of Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most iconic glacial lake. Medieval Bled Castle clings to a rocky cliffside above, cobalt and jade water stretches below, and a church-crowned island sits at the center of it all. Those who want a bit more can tackle the switchbacks and stone steps up to the stunning Mala Osojnica viewpoint, before descending back to the lake. The afternoon shifts gears entirely—into the world of the Carniolan honeybee. Slovenia is considered the cradle of beekeeping, and a visit to a local bee farm puts that legacy front and center, with a guided look at honey production and a tasting of the country’s beloved honey products.
Lake Bled loop hike
- Option A: 3.9 miles, 115 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Option B: 4.8 miles, 676 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Hike a loop trail around the shores of Lake Bled, with views of the medieval Bled Castle perched on its rocky cliffside and the iconic church-crowned Bled Island.
- Opt to climb to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint for sweeping panoramas over the lake and the surrounding Karavanke mountains.
- Discover Slovenia’s deep-rooted beekeeping heritage at a local bee farm—home to the original Carniolan honeybee—and sample honey liqueur, pollen, and traditional homemade sweets straight from the source.
Day 9: Mt. Visevnik hike in Triglav National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Today, you’re heading into Triglav National Park—a landscape of towering peaks, emerald-colored rivers, and wildflower-filled meadows that encompasses most of the Julian Alps—to take on Mt. Visevnik. The trail climbs steadily through dense spruce and beech forest before the trees thin and give way to rocky alpine meadows and exposed ridgelines. Those opting for the shorter route will peel off mid-ascent to summit the nearby Plesisce limestone slab before heading back down. Those pushing on to the full summit of Visevnik will get 360-degree views of the Bohinj Valley spreading below and the Southern Julian Alps stretching toward the horizon. The day closes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant—a fitting send-off for a trip that’s given you plenty to raise a glass to.
Mt. Visevnik hike in Triglav National Park
- Option A: 3.1 miles, 1,555 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Option B: 4.2 miles, 2,345 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 4 out of 5
- Set out from the Pokljuka Plateau and climb through Triglav National Park’s pristine spruce and beech forests.
- Summit the Plesisce limestone slab for sweeping views over the surrounding peaks, or push on to the top of Mt. Visevnik at 6,725 feet.
- Gather with your group for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant and toast to the adventures of a lifetime.
Flight home
Day 10: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
After days of hiking WWI battlegrounds above Cortina, chasing waterfalls through Hohe Tauern National Park, and discovering why Slovenia punches so far above its weight, it’s time to head home. Transfer 45 minutes to Ljubljana Airport for your international flight, bringing home plenty of memories—and maybe a jar or two of Carniolan honey tucked into your bag.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Cortina d'Ampezzo region - B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci
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Lienz region - Grandhotel Lienz
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Lake Bled region - Bled Rose
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Weather
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
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Bled, Slovenia
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Lienz region, Austria
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Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
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Obervellach, Austria
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Venice, Italy
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Know before you go
- In order to enter Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in late 2026, Passport holders from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. and Canada will need to register for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter certain European countries. Even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these 30 countries without a visa, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you’ll only need to complete the form once. All EF Adventures travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- Round-trip flights booked through EF arrive in Venice and depart from Ljubljana.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
- When you arrive in Venice, an EF Adventures representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
- Please note that your arrival transfer may be via water taxi.
Physical activity level
This tour is rated as Intermediate, which means you thrive on a good challenge and aren't afraid to break a sweat on the trail. This level features longer hikes with varied terrain that will get your pulse racing. You're comfortable with sustained climbs and some rocky or root-covered paths, excited by the sense of accomplishment they bring.
This tour is great for:
- Hiking enthusiasts
- Those who want to raise their heart rate
What to expect:
- Daily mileage: 3–9 miles
- Daily elevation gain: Up to 4,500 ft
- Typical terrain: Rolling terrain with some significant gradients. Hikes are hilly with steeper climbs over longer distances.
Tour pacing
This is a fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you'll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you'll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 3-night stays and one 2-night stay
- Most days are full of included activities (more if you add excursions), however most evenings are free
- Most transportation by bus
Climate considerations
- The regions visited on tour all share an alpine climate with cool summers and cold winters.
- Summer temperatures (June to September) typically range from 50°F to 75°F across all three destinations, though conditions vary with elevation—higher alpine terrain tends to run cooler.
- Mountain weather across the region can shift rapidly, so come prepared for sudden temperature drops, afternoon thunderstorms, and the possibility of snow at higher elevations.
- Layered clothing is essential to adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 7,800 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
Physical activity & tour pace extra info
- EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including private buses, cable cars/chairlifts/gondolas, and a water taxi.
- On this tour, you'll need to come prepared with your own gear for the daily hikes and mountain adventures, including hiking shoes, a day pack, reusable water bottle, and more. For a detailed suggested packing list, see the “Clothing & packing tips” section.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on buses.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Don't forget to pack:
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or trail runners with good traction
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
- Sunscreen and a sun hat
- Rain jacket and pants
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- A warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
- A warm, lightweight jacket
- Warm hat and gloves (it can be cold at high elevations)
- Insect repellent
- A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
- Binoculars, in case you want to get a closer look at local wildlife and scenery
- A collapsible walking stick for long hikes (some travelers find them useful)
- A swimsuit for hotel pools
- Casual clothes for evenings and travel days
- Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
- Sleepwear and toiletries
- A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
- Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for bus rides
- Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)
- EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Italy and Slovenia operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
- Austria operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 7,800 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
- There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities such as hiking, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- This tour includes one lunch and four dinners. They may be set menus, à la carte, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also may include beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Dolomites cuisine is a blend of Italian and Austrian influences. Popular dishes include canederli (bread dumplings), speck (smoked ham), polenta, and various types of pasta. Don’t miss trying local specialties like apple strudel and traditional mountain cheeses.
- Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
- Slovenian cuisine draws from its diverse neighbors—Austria, Italy, and Hungary—resulting in a rich mix of Central European and Alpine flavors. Hearty stews, cured meats, and freshwater fish feature prominently on local menus, alongside comforting soups and rustic breads. Don’t miss trying local specialties like struklji (rolled dumplings filled with cheese, walnuts, or tarragon), potica (a traditional nut roll cake), and jota—a warming bean and sauerkraut stew rooted in the country’s peasant cooking traditions.
- Tips for meals, bus drivers, porterage (if applicable), sightseeing guides, and local hiking guides are included in the price of your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $15-$20 USD per person per day for your Tour Director.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- You will use the euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Your Tour Director will be an experienced hiker who will accompany you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the region's history, culture, and natural wonders, they will:
- Support the group during daily hikes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers
- Provide detailed briefings on trail conditions, weather, and altitude considerations
- Coordinate logistics and arrange meals and transportation
- Offer basic first-aid assistance and emergency support if needed
As experienced hikers themselves, your Tour Director will be well-versed in mountain safety and trained in high-altitude first-aid procedures.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Italy, Austria, and Slovenia are 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
- When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don't touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from animal parts or products tested on animals.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
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