Overview
A five day, self-guided walking holiday in and around the Veneto region’s Asiago Plateau, based in one town in the heart of it. This is either Asiago, the capital of the region, or nearby Gallio, both of which are small, elevated towns with views of the mountains. Asiago Plateau is the highest in Italy, with average elevations of 1,000m and, although it saw huge losses in the First World War, and there are many memorials and war architecture reflecting this, today it’s a landscape of utter tranquility. One of the walks is even called Sentiero del Silenzio.
Other peaceful trails include the Strada del Vecchio Trenino former railway line, the ascent to Monte Cengio (1,354m) or Monte Fior (1,824m), from which you get views across the plateau. The walking holiday comes to a close on the upland pastures of Malgas of Gallio, where the region’s famous Asiago cheese is produced. Just one of many fine foods you get to sample in this region.
- Asiago or Gallio
- Monte Cengio
- Cima Ekar
- Forte Corbin
- Monte Fior
- Sentiero del Silenzio
- Malgas of Gallio
- Strada del Vecchio Trenino
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Asiago or Gallio
You are met at either Thiene or Bassano del Grappa train station and transferred to your accommodation in Asiago or Gallio (depending on availability). They are both in the heart of Asiago Plateau, which is the largest in Italy, gifting hikers to the Veneto region a vast green basin at an average elevation of 1,000m. In contrast, this peaceful landscape was also the site of many battles during World War one, and there are monuments throughout the region to commemorate this. Both towns where you’re accommodated were damaged, and the architecture reflects post-war styles. All around, however, are tranquil views of meadows and alpine peaks.
- Accommodation: Asiago Sporting Hotel & SPA or similar in Asiago or B&B La Capr’allegra in Gallio
Day 2: Strada del Vecchio Trenino | 11km
Begin with a short walk or transfer to the trailhead, depending on your accommodation. The trail follows Strada del Vecchio Trenino, a former railway line that winds through typical woodland and meadows of Asiago Plateau. The trail ends in Treschè Conca, where you take a bus (payable locally) back to Asiago.
- Walking for the day: 11km, 3h, ↑119m ↓71m
Day 3: Monte Cengio | 16km
The day begins with a short transfer to Treschè Conca, where the walk starts. The route climbs to Monte Cengio (1,354m), a limestone ridge associated with some of the fiercest fighting on the Asiago Plateau during the First World War. Consequently, the walking trail takes you past trenches, tunnels and memorials, as well as Forte Corbin, one of the best-preserved fortifications in the area. Return to Treschè Conca, where your driver awaits to transfer you back to your accommodation.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 5h 30mins, ↑686m ↓686m
Day 4: Cima Ekar | 15km
You are transferred to the village of Bertigo, where the route starts. Begin the ascent to Cima Ekar (1,366m), home to an astronomical observatory operated by the University of Padua. The route passes displays from the Patrizio Arrigoni Nature Museum before bringing you to the Giant Bench, a viewpoint overlooking the plateau. Return to Bertigo for the transfer back to your accommodation.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 4h 30mins, ↑338m ↓338m
Day 5: Monte Fior | 10km
Start with a short transfer to Melette Ski Station. From here, walk up towards Città di Roccia, a collection of limestone formations shaped by erosion. Continue to the summit of Monte Fior (1,824m), with views across Asiago Plateau and the surrounding mountains. At the end of the walk, you are met and transported back to your accommodation.
- Walking for the day: 10km, 3h, ↑394m ↓394m
Day 6: Malgas of Gallio | 17km
After a short transfer to the foot of Monte Cucco (1,614m), the trail takes you to the upland pastures of Malgas of Gallio, where the region’s famous Asiago cheese is produced, before entering spruce woodland and joining the Sentiero del Silenzio (Path of Silence). Continue to Rifugio Campomuletto before returning to the starting point for the transfer back to your accommodation.
- Walking for the day: 17km, 5h, ↑596m ↓596m
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Complimentary transfer to Thiene or Bassano del Grappa.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation may be an agriturismo, a small family-owned B&Bs or a well-established hotel in the area. They have been carefully selected based on various criteria, including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food, and commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view sample hotels
- Asiago Sporting Hotel & SPA (Asiago)
- Hotel Croce Bianca (Asiago)
- B&B La Capr’allegra (Gallio)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate and is suitable for hikers with a good level of fitness, with most days offering 4-6h of walking. The routes cover a variety of terrain, including dirt roads, mountain trails and asphalt, with important steep sections in certain areas. (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you only to follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from April to July and from September to October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date within the season.
The Veneto region generally experiences mild to warm weather. Spring and autumn temperatures range between 10–20C, with occasional rain and possible snow in early April. Summer temperatures typically range between 20–30C, with plenty of sunshine, so it’s advisable to start walking early to avoid the midday heat.
For more information please read our Best time to go to Italy blog.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Venezia airport (VCE)
By train or bus
- The Asiago Plateau is not reachable by train, though Thiene and Bassano del Grappa can both be reached by rail. We suggest the former, as it is better connected with Asiago
- The tour includes both arrival and departure transfers from either Thiene or Bassano del Grappa railway stations. On day one, you are transferred to your accommodation and on day seven, you are transferred to one of the aforementioned railway stations
- From Vicenza railway station, take the Regionale train (30/45mins) to Thiene railway station. Walk approximately 15mins to the bus station where you can take the E23 bus to Asiago (1h), more details from the local supplier AIM Vicenza. For more details, see the national rail operator Trenitalia, or use the Omio planner above. Once in Asiago, your accommodation will be nearby.
- Transfers: private transfers to and from the airport can be arranged on request
Inclusions
Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- 6 breakfasts
- Arrival and departure transfers on day one and day seven
- Short daily transfers to reach the routes and return to the Hotel, when needed
- Digital tour materials: detailed roadbook including maps a navigation app for smartphones and GPS tracks. Please note that no printed documents will be provided on-site.
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- International flights and land transfers
- Lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Additional travel-related changes in the programme due to bad weather
- Entrance fees for attractions and museums
- Personal expenses
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Airport transfers from any major airport in the area on request
