If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. If hiking is your thing, June through September is the best time to visit the Dolomites. ), but pre-sunrise really is the best time to see the achingly beautiful Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee). Location: Western Dolomites Where to Stay: Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). If youre unsure, its possible to hire a guide in Corvara to take you to the summit safely. Looking for "must see areas" not very interested in the larger cities, prefer off the beaten path, From there we would like to travel down to Lake Como area (Varenna Maybe) to stay and explore this region for a couple of days. HELPFUL TIPS: We cover important things to know before you go and travel tips in our article How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites. Train from Pontresina to Varenna and spend a few nights and explore Lake Como. We believe the absolute best time of year to visit the Dolomites is during September and early October. If you havent driven over one of these passes yet, then choose the route that is new to you. We've outlined our Dolomites road trip route and itinerary in the map below. As you enter the park, towering mountains and spruce pine forests surround you from all angles, providing the most memorable of drives. Respect these sites and do not, under any circumstance, remove anything from the national park. View of Tre Cime on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Most popular tours in the Dolomites 1. From Cortina dAmpezzo, head west towards Marmolada. If you can only choose one or the other, look at what you can do from each area and then make your choice based on these activities. Uncover the best of this stunning Italian region, including major sights and attractions, best day hikes, and where to eat, as well as all the essential travel information you need. Have lunch in town and then you have the afternoon to go exploring. Yes, you should be able to rent a car in Milan and return it in Vienna. For most of those hikes you should be fine in trail running shoes. You can also walk the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, a 10 km/6 mile loop that has several stunning viewpoints of the area. This is a great place to bike from restaurant to restaurant, trying new foods and dining with a view of the magnificent Sassolungo. After reading them all, we updated our itinerary to 2 nights in Lucerne, 4 nights in Murren, 2 nights in Zermatt taking the glacier express to St Moritz / Upper Engadine area for 3 nights before jumping on the Bernina express to Tirano. Rothorn or Sunegga for more views & hikes. Another day, another early morning (sensing a theme here yet?! To get to this epic vantage point, take the Seilbahn Seceda cable car from Ortisei (32 return) to the top of Seceda and admire the views for yourself (we recommend taking the earliest possible cable car to enjoy the surrounds crowd-free). Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites and you can get to the top by riding a series of cable cars. From here, you will ride a series of cable cars to Punta Rocca. Only in Nepal have we come close to feeling as we do in the Dolomites; a sense of pure awe and elation at the epic landscapes surrounding us. How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. PLACES TO GO: For ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. Immerse in the natural splendor of the Swiss Alps, experience the historical charms of its idyllic cities, and relish an unforgettable scenic train from St. Moritz to Tirano then onto the serene hideaway of Bellagio. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint | Dolomites Itinerary. Furthermore, keep in mind that Switzerland is, uh, rather expensive. 2. For those feeling a little adventurous, try one of the local schnapps which will literally put hairs on your chest. You can also visit the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park which is located southwest of Val Gardena. Many thanks for the time you put into it! The hut, built-in 1928, is the perfect location to enjoy a typical mountain meal - we suggest grabbing a table on the sun terrace and enjoying traditional Tyrolean dumplings with spinach, washed down with a Forst beer. Bolzano is full of things to do, and even a short walk through the old town will have you see most of the main attractions. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Alternatively, head to the town of San Cassiano and take the cable car to Piz Sorega, then take a short walk to Rifugio tia de Bioch to enjoy some authentic South Tyrolean cuisine. This doesnt mean you cant visit the Dolomites during this period; it's just that you may struggle to find an array of accommodation options. In this article, we list five sample itineraries for Switzerland. However, Lagazuoi is beautiful and there is a hut here. We will also share with you different ways to put this all together, to simplify your travel planning process. Spend a couple of nights in Milan and from there you can fly to Amsterdam. Fortunately, Lago di Braies is a short 30-minute drive away from San Candido (follow the SS49, turn off just after Niederdorf/Villabassa and follow the signs). In Val di Funes, you can hike the Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm. Cheers, Julie. For recommendations on how to put all of this together, below we list sample multi-day itineraries, putting together the daily itineraries listed above. The Dolomites are in the region of South Tyrol in Northern Italy, but as it's wedged in-between Italy and Austria, their influence can also be felt. Although its not possible to fly directly to the Dolomites, three airports exist within a three-hour drive to the main attractions, while three major international airports exist between 4-6 hours away. For the best experience, get started early (by 9 am). Thinking of day trip or overnight in Zermatt? How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (places to go in the eastern and western Dolomites). It is a 17 km (10.6 miles) hike that takes 6 to 9 hours. We also have a detailed 10 day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Venice and a 10 day northern Italy itinerary that includes the Dolomites and Venice. Our 7-day Dolomites Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide The Ultimate Switzerland Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers Although our itinerary isnt actually one that we've followed on either of our two trips here; it is an amalgamation of all the best things to do in the Dolomites that weve personally enjoyed and discovered. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you cant, carry it out of the national park with you. Additionally, the train ride through the South Tyrolean alps is one of the most incredible in Europe, winding through alpine passes and verdant valleys while overlooking the towering Dolomiti peaks above. This popular hike takes you to another stunning lake in the Dolomites. On this most recent trip to the Dolomites we rented in Venice and returned it in Chamonix, France. Here is a list of the best things to do in the Dolomites. Book here. Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks Its also well worth it to add on the hike to Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau (4 km/2.5 miles), for one of the best viewpoints and dining experiences in the Dolomites. Take a leisurely stroll around the chic lake town of Lake Como and venture out onto the water to soak . The cover photo for this guide was taken in Val di Funes. The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Grab the presets we use on every photo here, RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. Ride the cable car from Passo Pordoi for panoramic views of the Dolomites. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for their dramatic peaks and pristine natural environment, but in recent years have become even more popular through Instagram and other social media apps. Afterwards, explore the town of Cortina dAmpezzo, check into your hotel, and then have dinner. Alpe di Siusi is actually the largest alpine meadow in Europe and is home to the iconic views of rolling hills and alpine huts of the Dolomites. The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. With that being said, I did the Murren via ferrata in a pair of On trail running shoes, but the soles met the companys requirements. The picturesque old town is worth a quick stroll, but we recommend continuing on to the famed three peaks of Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen to start your afternoon hike. For each Dolomites itinerary, I also list where in the Dolomites it is located (eastern or western Dolomites, or both). Passo Gardena is a high mountain pass connecting the valleys of Gardena and Badia. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike | Dolomites Itinerary. Julie Last updated: April 19, 2023 Italy, Itinerary 17 Comments. The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy - We Are Global Travellers In July, we are planning on spending 3 days in Bernese Oberland hiking, etc and then a few days in Lake Como then the Dolomites for 5 1/2 days (staying in Selva and Cortina). After all, nothing tastes sweeter than a good feed after an early morning hike and beautiful sunrise. The most iconic alpine lake in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is famous the world over for its emerald waters, recognisable boathouse, beautiful spruce pine forests and towering limestone peaks. BEST OF ITALY: In our Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 20 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy. 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: Complete Guide for First-Timers When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. We rode the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon because the weather was perfect. Upon leaving Bolzano, make your way on the SS241 towards Nova Levante/Welschnofen, the small but pretty town and gateway to Lago di Carezza. Your email address will not be published. Once in Val Gardena, check into your hotel and have dinner. The view from Marmolada | Dolomites Itinerary. DOLOMITES DESTINATION GUIDES | A guide to Val di Funes, A complete guide to Alpe di Siusi, How to visit Lago di Carezza, our guide to Lago di Braies, HIKES TO REMEMBER | 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Violet Towers hiking guide, Hiking to Lago di Sorapis, Cadini di Misurina, SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, plus everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region, PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Both are beautiful drives. From Ortisei, we recommend heading west towards the Dolomites most famous landmarks, Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Then its a lot of twists and turns as you drive to Passo Pordoi, the highest paved pass in the Dolomites. Cheers, Julie. Have a great time in the Dolomites! Watch the sun hit the top of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar range, before encasing the valley in a golden glow. Pro tip: take them slow and enjoy the view, Distances are fairly short, but take a long time | Due to the mountain ranges, driving around the Dolomites can be quite slow. Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Basically, hiking shoes are almost mandatory. We also have guides about How to Visit St. Marks Basilica, where to get the Best Views of Venice, and how to spend Two Days in Venice. Hike Tre Cime and add on Cadini di Misurina if you still have energy. Helicopter ride with Air Zermatt. 2-Week Switzerland and Italy Road Trip with INSANE Hiking! In the morning, pick up your rental car in Venice. You can start this 5 Dolomites itinerary from any nearby airport, or destination. DOLOMITES ROAD TRIP ITINERARY | OUR DAY BY DAY GUIDE DAY #1 | BOLZANO TO NOVA LEVANTE/WELSCHNOFEN Start your road trip in Bolzano, the surprisingly charming provincial capital of South Tyrol (we very much recommend spending a few days here prior, it's wonderful).. Bolzano is full of things to do, and even a short walk through the old town will have you see most of the main attractions. Below are a few important things to note before driving in the Dolomites: International drivers permit | If your licence is from outside the EU, youll need to bring an International Drivers Permit (as well as your licence and passport) to hire a car in Italy, Signs are in Italian and German | An autonomous region in Northern Italy, South Tyrol is home to both Italian and German. Its also one of the most popular places to visit and there are now cut-off times for when you can drive to the lake. Take it from us - driving in Italy (and the Dolomites) is a little crazy, especially if youre not used to driving on the right side (or wrong side!) Discover our definitive 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary. Oberholz Alpine hut is a recently-opened contemporary restaurant with incredible panoramic views of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Dolomites. Northern Italy Switzerland Itinerary - Brown Eyed Flower Child It showcases some of the best views, roads, lakes, mountains and more! Ascend an excellent but sometimes steep trail through the trees. Take the guesswork out of where to stay in the Dolomites in our guide Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites. Respect the local environment and culture | This part of Italy, which stretches across the South Tyrol and Verona communes, has a unique and rich culture, steeped in religious and historical significance. Haven't been to the Dolomites or Zermatt. Get recommendations for the best places to stay in the eastern and western Dolomites for your budget, including Cortina dAmpezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Ortisei, Alta Badia, and more. DO | Enjoy the views from Seceda, explore parts of Cortina dAmpezzo, hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. Your website is the single most useful resource that I have found in planning my familys upcoming vacation to Italy. 13 Days 20 Meals. Once at Lago di Braies, rent a rowboat and/or walk the loop trail around the lake (3.7 km/2.3 miles). The view from Cima Tofana (get here by riding the Freccia nel Cielo cable car from Cortina dAmpezzo). Thoughts? In the afternoon, spend some time at Lago di Misurina, spend a leisurely afternoon in Cortina dAmpezzo, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, or drive to Val Gardena and check into your hotel.