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. Expect to pay anywhere between 80 - 200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type). Along this drive, you can stop off at the viewpoint of Tre Cime (called Vista Panoramica Tre Cime di Lavaredo) for a view of the three peaks. Be warned though, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. Featuring underground galleries and a cantilevered viewing platform over the valley, the building itself is enough to visit. ), but pre-sunrise really is the best time to see the achingly beautiful Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee). Passo dello Stelvio is another place to see close to the Swiss border. Your website has been soooo helpful as we plan our trip for early September! Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. THE COMMON WANDERER LTD 2015-2023All rights reserved. This hike starts at the Dantercepies gondola in Selva di Val Gardena. Save up to $200. And if you choose huts along Alta Via 2, then stay in Cortina and do day hikes from here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. This popular hike takes you to another stunning lake in the Dolomites. The Common Wanderer is a responsible travel and adventure blog by Mark & Mim. Weve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites. Whatever you do, dont travel through Italy without travel insurance, even if youre the most experienced traveller. 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. The view from Marmolada | Dolomites Itinerary. Your Dolomites hiking itinerary for today: Hike southeast out of Niederdorf following trail markers and join Alta Via 3 (Trail 15). We will also share with you different ways to put this all together, to simplify your travel planning process. View of Tre Cime on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. 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. TIP | Buy and take your own Grayl GEOPRESS, which can be filled up at any water source, and pick up any rubbish you see on the way. Its also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, which in our opinion makes the experience far better. You can visit the western Dolomites from Cortina dAmpezzo or the eastern Dolomites from Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei), but you will need to add on 2 hours of extra driving time to each itinerary. 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. You can also visit the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park which is located southwest of Val Gardena. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. Some cable cars could have reduced hours or not be running (for example, the Freccia nel Cielo cable car only goes all of the way to the top to Cima Tofana in the summer but you can go part of the way up at other times of the year), so double check those before you go. Although weve not been able to find adequate information about flying drones in the Dolomites, respect the usual rules of flying and be super careful. Trento is in the Trentino-Alto/Sudtirol region, which borders Austria and Switzerland. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. I would stay no less than 4 nights. 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. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Im so thankful I found your blog. 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!) Day #2: Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint, Day #3: Lago di Braies + Lago di Misurina, Day #5: Cinque Torri + Rifugios Averau & Nuvolau, Day #7: Drive from Cortina dAmpezzo to Val Gardena. 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. It showcases some of the best views, roads, lakes, mountains and more! 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. 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). 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. STAY | Continue enjoying the amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. You can arrive in Zurich and head to Murren or Wengen. To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. 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. We typically rent the car at the airport, which is easy to get to using public transportation from Venice. 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. Spend 2 nights in Chur. Parts of the trail are a Via Ferrata (though it is possible to complete the trail without being roped in) and it requires a decent hiking skill set and level of fitness. I like what response # 5 says. Im planning a trip in June with the whole family. one of the most beautiful places in Europe. However, Lagazuoi is beautiful and there is a hut here. 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. 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. Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary - The Best of the Italian Dolomites in 7 Days Experience the best of the Dolomites in this 7 day road trip itinerary: Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, Lake Sorapis, Tre Cime di Lavaredo. And keep your fingers crossed for good weather! If flying, we suggest arranging car hire from your arrival airport or catching a train/shuttle bus to Bolzano to start your Dolomites road trip. The trailhead is a 20-minute drive from Cortina dAmpezzo. How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. Have lunch in town and then you have the afternoon to go exploring. We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!). Whether you just have a few days, or an entire week, we have some great options to share with you. The surrounding peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Dolomites are just as impressive, while the hike takes in beautiful turquoise mountain lakes, verdant alpine plains and endless valleys. Furthermore, keep in mind that Switzerland is, uh, rather expensive. The cover photo for this guide was taken in Val di Funes. You can rent a car for just this portion of your trip to Italy, doing so from the last major town you visit before entering the Dolomites. Norberts philosophy is creating a kitchen in perfect harmony with the nature surrounding it, one thats connected to the environment and its residents. We can drive a manual but it seems like the trend nowadays is for automatic vehicles, even without asking for it. 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. You absolutely must have the risotto with wild garlic and wood sorrel (18), washed down with a mountain Spritz (South Tyrols version of an Aperol Spritz) or local wine. Have a great time in the Dolomites. Travel, adventure, photography and wanderlust, prices and availability in San Candido here, things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region, The Best Dolomites Hiking: 15+ Amazing Day Hikes in the Dolomites, 15+ Incredible Things to do in Bologna, Italy (2023 Update), How To Visit The Breathtaking Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) in the Dolomites, Italy, Experience The Best of Emilia Romagna With These Day Trips from Bologna, Where To Stay In Bologna, Italy: Boutique Hotels, Quirky Guesthouses and Hip Hostels, A Guide to Summer in Alta Badia, South Tyrol: The Best Hikes, Food and Hotels, Dolomites Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting, Our Detailed Guide to Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, South Tyrols Alpine Playground, A Guide to Visiting the Idyllic Val di Funes, South Tyrol. Julie Last updated: April 19, 2023 Italy, Itinerary 17 Comments. Book here, TIP | At Lago di Braies, P3 car park is free. I recommend five days at a minimum. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. This has lead to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, as well as the dreaded impacts of over-tourism. Tour Detail. In short, this is your Dolomites road trip bible - your ultimate guide to the best of the Dolomites, and one we hope will make you fall just as in love with the region just as we have. If you havent driven over one of these passes yet, then choose the route that is new to you. Verona Villafranca International Airport - Italy | 2.5 hours, Marco Polo International Airport, Venice - Italy | 2.5 hours. Ive been reading articles that say you really are fine with good trail runners for these day hikes. We recommend World Nomads travel insurance - purchase yours here. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Arm) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. Yes, depending on the weather. Read our complete guide to Lago di Braies here. Ascend an excellent but sometimes steep trail through the trees. Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. We are an active family with no injuries. Thank you for all the information you share. Day One: Day # 1 Arrive from Venice, Milan, or Verona. But if you are a hiker, this is one of top hiking destinations in the world. DO | Enjoy the views from Seceda, explore parts of Cortina dAmpezzo, hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. Grab the presets we use on every photo here, RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. If youre keen to stretch the legs, then hike back down to Ortisei (2 hrs). The Cinque Torri is a short, easy loop hike (2 km/1.2 miles) around the five pillars of rock that are an iconic landmark in the Dolomites. It's a terrifically unsung region for a road trip, with rolling dairy country giving way to lavishly . to spend a few days exploring, drop the car off somewhere in Italy hopefully not back in Como and then were flying out to spend our last few days in Amsterdam (little relaxing break at the end of the trip before flying home). If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Day 1 - Milan Milan Duomo Choose accommodation in the vibrant Brera district: it is close to the city center but way cheaper than the luxurious accommodations you'll find in the Duomo area. For each Dolomites itinerary, I also list where in the Dolomites it is located (eastern or western Dolomites, or both). Wed recommend hiring a small all-wheel-drive / SUV in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures. We are very active and fit. This article has a long list of things to do that dont require hiking. Thinking of staying in Wengen or Murren as base for couple days. 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. But if you must have an automatic, make sure you reserve it in advance or speak with the rental car company before your trip. A gondola eliminates the first big climb, making this an overall downhill walk. Therefore, all towns and destinations have two names. 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. We will be doing the following hikes: Mannlichen to Klein Scheidegg and the Eiger Trail: Eigergletscher to Alpiglen, Schynige PLatte to Faulhorn to first, Murrent Via Feretta. PLACES TO GO: For ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Europe. #1 Witness the rainbow lake of Lago di Carezza, #6 Trek through the underrated Fanes National Park, #7 Eat South Tyrolean fare at Alpinn restaurant, #8 Explore the pretty towns of South Tyrol. Have a great time in the Dolomites! A, Then would like to rent a car from Como and drive to the Dolomites (Ortisei?) Hand sanitiser | not something wed actually recommend normally, but when hiking it can be a bloody great investment, READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Italy consciously and comfortably. You can start this 5 Dolomites itinerary from any nearby airport, or destination. 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. 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. Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links. 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 Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is an 8.8 km (5.5 mile) loop, but you can add on detours to viewpoints and alpine lakes. Spend the afternoon by hiking one of the nearby trails. Most hire cars should have a GPS built-in, Tolls | Around Bolzano and the surrounding valleys, tollways are prevalent. 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. Note, it can also be done in the opposite direction, if traveling from Val Gardena to Cortina dAmpezzo. Rothorn or Sunegga for more views & hikes. Venice, Verona, Bolzano, and Milan are all great options. The Gastlosen is a chain of limestone mountains that look very similar to the Dolomites of Italy. 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?