Some growth simply cannot be discovered until you are bold enough to unshackle yourself from your comfortable trappings and push yourself further than you ever thought possible!
Is your spirit longing for a life-changing adventure with the Lord?
Encounter Dolomites is an epic pilgrimage through the staggering landscapes and surreal beauty of northern Italy. Trek the world-famous Alta Via trail system, stay in charming hotels in Italian mountain villages, and experience God and His creation in a way you never have before.
Every mile offers an opportunity for perseverance, reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. Along the way, trekkers will be guided through Solace’s 4-part pattern for spiritual renewal—challenging your body, mind, and spirit and inviting God to meet you in the journey.
The Adventure
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Approx. dates: September 6-17, 2027 depending on the options you chose
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5 days of trekking
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45–55 miles through the Dolomites near Cortina d'Ampezzo, the site of the recent winter Olympic games
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7-12 miles per day, with elevations from 4,000–9,500 feet
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Stay each night in 3- and 4-star hotels where we will enjoy breakfast and dinner
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Enjoy an optional day in Venice at the end
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Approx. cost: $3,400 early registration / $3,700 regular registration, plus discretionary funds
Registration deadlines:
Early: April 1, 2027
Regular: June 1, 2027
See FAQs below.
All details are preliminary and subject to change.
- "Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things..." 1 Tim. 4:7. There is so much value in immersing the whole self - body, soul, and spirit - into a singular focus. As we prepare, train, and strive to navigate these mountains, our spirits will be striving in tandem toward God. We will discipline our bodies as well as our spirits to truly avail ourselves to the Lord. This experience can change your life!
Why are we doing this?
- A self-guided trek along various routes of the Alta Via system through the Dolomite mountains in Northern Italy. We will hike 45-55 miles at elevations ranging from 4,000 ft. - 9,500 ft. Average 7-12 miles per day. Each day, we will focus on elements of Solace's pattern for spiritual renewal. As we push our bodies along the path, our spirits will strive toward the Lord!
What will we be doing?
- Tentatively scheduled for September 6-17, 2027. These dates offer cooler weather and lighter crowds.
When is the trip?
- Early Registration will cost approx. $3,400. Regular Registration will be approx. $3,700. This covers all lodging, airfare, other transportation, travel insurance, most meals, and our logistics service company. Expect some meals, incidentals, tips, and discretionary expenses. Some options and excursions will incur additional costs.
What will the trip cost?
- Strenuous, but not technical. We'll trek 5 days. The other days are for tourism and travel. Average 7-12 miles per day with plenty of elevation gain. This trek requires a high level of fitness. Be prepared to train for a minimum of three months prior to the trip to ensure adequate fitness and healthy weight.
How hard is the trip?
- We will utilize a self-guided service company who will coordinate all of our travel, lodging, meals, baggage transfers, and transportation. The Alta Via system is well-marked, so a personal guide is not necessary. Since our luggage will be transported to the next hotel each day, we will each carry only personal essentials for that day. No tents or bedding required. Packs should be small - around 20-30L and weigh around 10-18 lbs.
Will we have guides and porters?
- Each day, we'll observe various spiritual practices like prayer, scripture, meditation, silence, and fellowship. We will focus on Solace's 4-part renewal process: AVAILING ourselves fully to the Lord, REPENTING of worldly thoughts and actions, RECEIVING whatever the Lord has for us, and ABIDING in Him.
What does the spiritual renewal part look like?
- This is a highlights trek rather than a linear point-to-point trek. Our accommodations will be prearranged. We will stay in charming 3- and 4-star hotels in Italian mountain villages where we will enjoy breakfast and dinner each day. The route passes through Cortina d'Ampezzo, the site of 2026 winter Olympic games.
Where will we be staying?
- Your primary gear need will be footwear, proper clothing, and a small backpack between 20-30L. Trekking poles are helpful.
What kind of gear will I need?
- Yep! Our plan is to add one optional day to the end of our trip for rest, reflection, and an opportunity to see the famous city of Venice!
Will we get to tour Venice?
- This adventure is designed for men & women 16 years and older in excellent shape by application only. This spiritual renewal retreat is designed to draw Christ-followers closer to God with the help of the Holy Spirit. This part is essential. If spiritual renewal is not of the highest importance to you, we are happy to direct you to regular outfitters for a more traditional trekking experience.
Who can go?
- While I wouldn't describe this adventure as "dangerous," participants should be cognizant of the inherent risk. There are no technical climbing elements, and there is very little exposure to falls. But 45-55 miles of uneven terrain over 5 days including significant elevation gain involves a high physical demand. We take every precaution we can to ensure participant safety, but risk cannot be eliminated. Every participant must acknowledge and accept that there is inherent risk of serious injury, illness, and death while trekking, and remote Italian medical services might not match the standards to which you are accustomed. That said, you might conclude that the risk is worth it!
Is this safe?