Just as long as the area doesnt get a lot of snow, then you can do all of the hikes and everything on this list. Seceda (pronounced Seh-chey-da), with the peaks of Fermeda Towers jutting out from behind the Seceda mountain, is one of the most instantly recognisable in all of the Dolomites, and a must-visit on any Dolomites itinerary. Returning down, drop into JimmiHtte for an incredible and well-deserved breakfast. Until after WWI, Trento was part of Austria. DO | Visit Lago di Carezza, hike to and dine at Oberholz Mountain Hut, drive over Passa Gardena, STAY | Enjoy the beautiful timber interior of Mountain Hotel Mezdi, Colfosco/Corvara. To escape the crowds, take the picturesque 1-hour walk which follows the shores of the lake and provides the most majestic views from almost every angle. 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. If unsure, go slowly and carefully, Mountain passes | Some of the best European mountain passes exist in the Dolomites. We suggest sampling the deliciously simple Schlutzkrapfen, a ravioli-esque dumpling filled with spinach and ricotta, served with parmesan and chives, and Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake served with applesauce and cream. It is a 17 km (10.6 miles) hike that takes 6 to 9 hours. The drive is extremely picturesque, with a backdrop of vine-covered hills and soaring peaks, and fast-flowing alpine rivers leading you towards Nova Levante. One problem is that returning to Rome will eat up an entire day (and cost you). This is a great place to bike from restaurant to restaurant, trying new foods and dining with a view of the magnificent Sassolungo. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. STAY | Continue enjoying the amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. This initiative, which encourages people to leave their car at home and travel by more environmentally friendly means, allows travellers to book transfers to accommodation online at www.suedtiroltransfer.com/en. From here, if you still have energy, walk the downhill trail back to the Falzarego Pass (4 km/2.5 miles). This 9.2 km (5.7 miles) loop takes 2 to 3 hours, but youll want to add some additional time to have lunch at one of the rifugios. Alpinn only uses seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from the surrounding valleys as part of their mountain to plate philosophy to create a range of exceptional dishes, all enjoyed overlooking the Dolomites from 2,275m. In the morning, pick up your rental car in Venice. Grab the presets we use on every photo here, RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. Haven't been to the Dolomites or Zermatt. Trento is the furthest north that this itinerary takes you. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Arm) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. Explore three of Scandinavia's great cities on this Europe itinerary. Weve also included our personal recommendations on where to stay and eat, handy tips for driving in the Dolomites, a location map and more. A visit to Lago di Braies lasts about 4 hours. I would stay no less than 4 nights. If you do have more time spare, wed definitely recommend a stay overnight in the Drei Zinnen Htte / Rifugio Locatelli during the summer months, as sunrise over the three peaks is an insanely beautiful experience. I like what response # 5 says. Breakdown of your Dolomites itinerary Day 1: Visiting Lago di Carezza and arriving to Ortisei Day 2: Visiting the Santa Maddalena church and the church of Saint John in Val di Funes, seeing the sunset in Alpe di Siusi Day 3: Hiking at the Seceda ridgeline, driving through Passo Gardena, and arriving at La Villa or Cortina d'Ampezzo Afterwards, explore the town of Cortina dAmpezzo, check into your hotel, and then have dinner. If you will be staying in Val Gardena, take your pick from days 8, 9, or 10. Yes, depending on the weather. For more information on local public transport, click here. With 2 days in Cortina, I recommend the Cinque Torri + Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau hike, followed by the cable car to Lagazuoi if the skies are still clear. Alternatively, you could do a short segment of the Alta Via 2, which runs through Val Gardena. Trento is in the Trentino-Alto/Sudtirol region, which borders Austria and Switzerland. Location: Eastern and western Dolomites Where to Stay: Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). . Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links. Which is better, staying in Cortina dAmpezzo or Val Gardena? Do you have any suggestions for 2-day hut routes & a good town to stay in for the other nights to get a good feel of the area? Respect these sites and do not, under any circumstance, remove anything from the national park. Other major international airports within a 4-6 hour radius include: Malpensa Airport Milan, Italy | 4-5 hours, Munich International Airport Germany | 3-4 hours, BOOK | Check dates and prices for flights here. 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. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. If Venice is the starting point for your trip, you could pick up the rental car upon arrival at the airport to save yourself another trip to the airport to pick it up. Along the way, you have awesome views of the Sella group, Sella pass, and the Puez-Odle Nature Park. across four floors. Then its a lot of twists and turns as you drive to Passo Pordoi, the highest paved pass in the Dolomites. After all, nothing tastes sweeter than a good feed after an early morning hike and beautiful sunrise. I would suggest staying the overnight of day 2 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the luxury ski town of the Dolomites. Basically, hiking shoes are almost mandatory. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cheers, Julie. Are you able to recommend hikes/walks that are not too long or ways to see the place with minimum walks and more cable cars. I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in the summer. Unfortunately we only have 2 full days (staying in Cortina) What would you suggest is a must see in the area? If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Did you book automatic car? Built into the old cableway station, this architecturally designed building takes you through the history of mountain photography, as well as adding modern-day elements (the mirror room is the best room in the building!) If if were me and I planned to do all of the hikes on your list, plus the Murren via ferrata, Id bring my hiking shoes, both because they are waterproof (great if you come across snow on the trails) and to not take a chance Id get denied doing the via ferrata. Along the way, you can fill up your water bottles at the Kalkbrundl natural spring. How Many Days Do You Need in the Dolomites? You can get here by riding the cable car to the rifugio and from here, hike the Cinque Torri and/or to Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau. The half-day hike is in our opinion the most beautiful in the Dolomites. Im so thankful I found your blog. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again. As far as museums go, this is one of the best weve ever visited. In many ways, Switzerland feels like three different countries at once - depending on the regions you pick for your adventure. Although you wont have the attractions or trails entirely to yourself, you will be able to thoroughly enjoy the stunning surroundings without the insane summer crush (more on that below). We recommend stopping at the various viewpoints on the way before arriving in the town of Corvara in Alta Badia, where we recommend staying for two nights. There are a number of huts to enjoy a morning coffee/Kaiserschmarrn break in the sun, including Baita Sofie, which has a beautiful sun terrace overlooking the Val Gardena. If you dont want to go hiking on your first day, and the skies are clear, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana. Afternoon Rafting on the River Noce. From Cortina dAmpezzo, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to drive to the trailhead parking lots. Get Travel Insurance | Obviously! Passo Gardena is a high mountain pass connecting the valleys of Gardena and Badia. Related | How to get to the Dolomites, Italy. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike | Dolomites Itinerary. The Common Wanderer is a responsible travel and adventure blog by Mark & Mim. Then CInque Tori and Refugio Averau and Rifugio NuvolvaTRe Cime di Lavaredo Circuit and Cadina di Misurina viewpoint, Croda del lago circuit, Pues-Oddle Altopiano, and bikign the Alpe di Suisi Meadow. And in the colder months, the Dolomites becomes a winter wonderland and a world-class skiing destination. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. We ate a very late lunch at Pizzeria Edelweiss. Weve also created our road-trip guide in an easily followed circular loop through some of the regions most beautiful roads and stunning regional towns, starting and ending in the accessible and wonderfully pretty city of Bolzano. For recommendations on how to put all of this together, below we list sample multi-day itineraries, putting together the daily itineraries listed above. and some of the best hiking on earth, the Dolomites are worthy of your vacation time. Both of these are located along the Alta Via 1 route. Cable cars transport visitors to the highest peaks, so you dont have to be a big hiker to get to the panoramic viewpoints. DO | Hike to Gran Cir peak, enjoy South Tyrolean cuisine at Rifugio tia de Bioch, STAY | Continue your stay at the beautiful timber interior of Mountain Hotel Mezdi, Colfosco/Corvara. 10-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Florence - Turin - Lausanne 2. This afternoon, you can relax at your hotel or ride the cable car to Cima Tofana, if you havent done that yet, and the skies are clear. First, we give a brief overview of the Dolomites and a list of the top experiences. Furthermore, keep in mind that Switzerland is, uh, rather expensive. 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. Gorner Gorge. Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. Dolomites One Day Itinerary Route Planner Bolzano (A) to Val di Funes (F) 170km 5h 40 mins ( including stops) If you only have one day in the Dolomites, this is the itinerary I would pick. However, were very much of the opinion that you could spend forever in the Dolomites and still find places to visit and things to see, so how long you stay here is completely up to you. The reward though is waiting for you when you arrive. The itineraries listed in this guide are for a visit to the Dolomites in the summer months (June through early October), when the hiking trails are open. Everything you need to know on how to get to the Dolomites is available in our guide, which you can read here. Either nap and enjoy the wellness at your accommodation, or head into town and enjoy lunch (and espresso) and one of Corvaras cafes. 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. From here, you will ride a series of cable cars to Punta Rocca. Helicopter ride with Air Zermatt. Follow the path to the right, up a small incline through the forest, before the path again flattens out towards Fanes Htte. With its green rolling hills, view of the Odle/Geisler group, iconic view of the Santa Maddalena church, and hiking trails, this is another great spot to add onto your Dolomites itinerary. BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads. STAY | The Berg Hotel in Sexten/Sesto offers huge rooms with incredible views (and amazing food!). You can start this 5 Dolomites itinerary from any nearby airport, or destination. the Fashion Hub of Milan. We are very active and fit. Featuring underground galleries and a cantilevered viewing platform over the valley, the building itself is enough to visit. For the full list, and more information about each activity, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. After enjoying the museums, take the cable car back down to Riscone/Brunico and head to your accommodation for some wellness and relaxation. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. DO | Lago di Braies, Lumen Photography Museum, MMM Corones museum, Alpinn Restaurant, STAY | Enjoy amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. Highlights of our 7-day Dolomites Itinerary. Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. My question is, we normally hike in Merrill Moab hiking shoes but last year in Norway hiked and biked in Brook Trail runners. Depending on your starting point, you will arrive in the Dolomites from late morning to early afternoon. The time spent there is up to you. Norberts philosophy is creating a kitchen in perfect harmony with the nature surrounding it, one thats connected to the environment and its residents. On day three of your 3-day Dolomites itinerary, there are sort of two directions you could go. Trying to decide where to stay in the Dolomites might seem like a daunting task but it doesnt have to be. The parking lot for Marmolada is located on SP641 at Malga Ciapela. 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. After Alpe di Siusi, its time to finish your road trip by driving back to the beautiful and bustling Bolzano. We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Puglia, and the Cinque Terre. For the best experience, get started early (by 9 am). In the afternoon, drive to Passo Giau and ride the chairlift to Rifugio Averau for a late lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon in Cortina dAmpezzo, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, or drive to Val Gardena and check into your hotel. Here are the driving distances and times for Milan, Verona, and other nearby destinations to Selva di Val Gardena: PRO TRAVEL TIP: Visit Lago di Carezza on the drive into the Dolomites. At an elevation of 2,136m above sea level, the pass consists of many tight hairpins bends and some of the best views in the Dolomites. Have lunch in town and then you have the afternoon to go exploring. A day is a lot in a short, eat-all-you-can itinerary. The dolomites in Italy have something for you lasting two weeks or more so stay there and leave Switzerland for another voyage when you might have more money. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Required fields are marked *. Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, the imposing three peaks loom high above as you walk the circuit. Both are beautiful drives. Hi all and thanks in advance for the recommendations My wife and I will be traveling to Europe in September, we are looking to fly into Zurich from London and work our way to the Lauterbrunnen area to stay for a couple of days, explore the region, do some hikes/ walks/ etc. Weve now, happily, visited the Dolomites five times (read our detailed Dolomites travel guide here), spending over two weeks exploring all the region has to offer (hint: a lot!). Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet! If hiking is your thing, June through September is the best time to visit the Dolomites. From picturesque mountain lakes such as Lago di Braies to the soaring peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, beautiful mountain towns such as Cortina dAmpezzo, to endless alpine meadows, delicious food (and beer, and wine!) Cheers, Julie. Look up on the web. 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). This is one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. Once finished the hike, if you still have energy left, add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Our website uses cookies. Will you be able to tell if we can rent a car at Milan MXP Airport (then head to Como to Dolomites) and then to Austria (return in Vienna)? This hike is 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip and takes 1 to 2 hours. We typically rent the car at the airport, which is easy to get to using public transportation from Venice. If you hike the Adolf Munkel Weg and walk the shortened trail to the Santa Maddalena viewpoint, the visit to Val di Funes will take most of the day. Built by famed architect Zaha Hadid, the museum is curated by famous mountaineer, Reinhold Messner, and is dedicated to traditional mountaineering and mountain history in the surrounding area of the Dolomites and Alps. Afternoon with Kayak adventure. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. The Croda da Lago Circuit takes you to Lago Federa and several spectacular viewpoints along the way. As a result, the main attractions and destinations can be overrun, the roads busy, and the summer temperatures almost too warm for outdoor activities. Drive to Val Gardena . From Obereggen we recommend hiking up to the next stop on our Dolomites itinerary, Oberholz (its also possible to take a cable car!). ITALY ITINERARY WITH THE DOLOMITES: In our 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary, visit the Dolomites, Venice, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como. 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. Discover our definitive 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary. 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. 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). You can also drive to the Falzarego Pass and ride the Lagazuoi cable car for another great view. Aim is to still see the most beautiful places/views if possible. Related | Our favourite things to do in the Dolomites. In summer, rest the legs and enjoy a beer or wine on the sun terrace overlooking the ridiculous view, before hiking (or taking the cable car) back down. If you choose to stay in huts along the Alta Via 1, then stay in and hike at Val Gardena. We stayed in Selva di Cadore. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. Read our complete guide to Lago di Braies here. Appenzell-St Moritz; 200km (124 miles) Switzerland's rural, folksy heart beats loudest in the Appenzell region, snuggling up to Liechtenstein in the country's northeast. To help you explore the best of the Italian Dolomites, weve put together our 7-day Dolomites itinerary. From Cortina dAmpezzo, head west towards Marmolada. On the map below, I highlighted these two regions and labeled a few of the most popular towns and things to do, so you get a basic idea of where things are located. Hello Emily. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. Alternatively, jump aboard the cable car down to the town. Book here. Ive been reading articles that say you really are fine with good trail runners for these day hikes. When is the best time to visit the Dolomites? The Dolomites are north of Venice and southeast of Innsbruck. 8. Pick up any trash you see | Although, thankfully, theres not much rubbish to be found around these parts, the odd piece can still pop up. Its more impressive in 3D, save for the 100s of photographers that scramble for the best vantage points, even in the early hours. Enjoyed reading it! hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. My 7 Day Switzerland itinerary starting from Geneva includes where to stay, things to do, where to eat, getting around and costs broken down into a day-by-day guide for: DAY 1: Geneva DAY 2: Bern DAY 3: Zermatt DAY 4: Jungfraujoch & Interlaken Day 5: Lucerne DAY 6: Mt Pilatus DAY 7: Zurich