This is a four day hike in a relatively unknown area of the Italian Dolomites, the Friulian Dolomites. The route follows a ring, with 4 huts to stay in. Full details of the route can be found here: http://www.anellodolomitifriulane.it/en/percorso
Also, a pdf file with a detailed description of the route (unfortunately only in Italian or German) is available on the website of the Rifugio Padova, on of the huts on route (https://www.rifugiopadova.it/)
Generally, the route should not be too difficult, with no particularly technical parts, each stage around 5-6 hours, with up to about 1100m of elevation gain. There are some optional extra peaks or alternative routes that can also be taken. The route is not particularly high - the highest passes are around 2300m high, but the optional peaks are slightly higher. We will never be anywhere near 3000m on this route. Despite not being particularly high, it is a very beautiful area - I did one stage of the route last year, and it was spectacular.
Due to availability of the huts, we will start from the Pacherini hut, and do the ring in the recommended clockwise direction, staying at the Pordenone hut, the Padova hut and finally the Giaf hut. On the final day (Tuesday 15th) we will walk back to the Pacherini hut, and descend down to the valley to Forni di Sopra.
Travel out Friday 11th August, with walk up to the Pacherini hut (approx 2hrs). The "real" hike starts on the Saturday. Return to Vienna may be possible on the Tuesday after hike or Wednesday after a night in the valley, depending on driver. I intend to stay one night in the valley before returning to Vienna on the Wednesday.
Note: The Tuesday 15th August is a national holiday in Austria, so you only need to take the Friday, Monday and maybe the Wednesday off work.
