Its all part of the fun though and gives you time to enjoy the views. In this guide, we share with you the top experiences in the Dolomites, how to organize them day-by-day, and then how to put this all together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary, whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or more. Spring is also a wonderful time to visit (mid-June - July), as the wildflowers cover the meadows with bright bursts of colour, and the snow still covers the upper mountains, providing the most picturesque of backdrops to your explorations. Drivers can be a little pushy | Dont be alarmed if youre sticking to the speed limit and a car flies past you at lightning speed (generally on a tight bend or narrow road!). Unless you arrive to the Dolomites very early, you will have to skip the places with the morning cut-off times, such as Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi, and even Tre Cime di Lavaredo, if parking spaces fill up. If skiing is your thing, visit the Dolomites from December through March, although some ski resorts will open sooner than this or close later than this. 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. Theyre a little crazy but incredibly fun to drive. The time spent there is up to you. With its rocky mountain peaks, rolling green hills, small towns and chalets, the Dolomites are very photogenic and a wonderful place to explore. Ride the cable car from Passo Pordoi for panoramic views of the Dolomites. Whether you just have a few days, or an entire week, we have some great options to share with you. Your Dolomites hiking itinerary for today: Hike southeast out of Niederdorf following trail markers and join Alta Via 3 (Trail 15). 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. 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. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint | Dolomites Itinerary. Related | How to get to the Dolomites, Italy. Look up on the web. Croda da Lago Circuit Hike (+ Lago Federa & Forcella Ambrizzola), How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites: Things to Know Before You Go, Where to Stay in the Dolomites 2023: Best Locations & Hotels, Best Things to Do in the Dolomites (With Little to No Hiking). 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). To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. More Information for Your Trip to the Dolomites. If you are planning your Dolomites itinerary, there is an overwhelming amount of information to processboth on the internet and in guidebooks. Aim is to still see the most beautiful places/views if possible. From here, you have the option to add on the hike to Piz Bo (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours). From these, pick your favorites and them string them together to create the Dolomites itinerary that best fits your travel style. Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. Wed recommend hiring a small all-wheel-drive / SUV in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. The train runs consistently between 5am and 12:30am and the actual station is situated at the lowest level of the airport at level 02. Another view from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hiking trail. This drive connects these two areas. I recommend five days at a minimum. The views overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. 12-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich - Geneva - Bologna - Florence In the Eastern Dolomites you will find Cortina dAmpezzo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Lago di Misurina, the Cinque Torri, Croda da Lago and Lago Federa, and Selva di Cadore. Haven't been to the Dolomites or Zermatt. For those based on the European continent, train travel is the most convenient, stress-free and environmentally friendly way to get to the Dolomites. For more information on local public transport, click here. 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. Book here, TIP | At Lago di Braies, P3 car park is free. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. You can also walk the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, a 10 km/6 mile loop that has several stunning viewpoints of the area. Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, the imposing three peaks loom high above as you walk the circuit. Dolomites: 5 days Venice: 2 days You can choose whether you start in Milan and end in Venice, or go in reverse. Tour Rating: : from $3,149 pp. For recommendations on how to put all of this together, below we list sample multi-day itineraries, putting together the daily itineraries listed above. A short 45-minute drive from Riscone is, in our opinion, the most underrated national park in the whole of South Tyrol - Fanes (follow the SS244 road to parcheggio Pedur). 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. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. Best explored by car, our Dolomites road trip itinerary takes in all the major sights and attractions, best day hikes, as well as some hidden gems youre yet to read about (thank us later!). After starting in London, this itinerary takes in Lake Geneva, the Austrian Tirol, and the heights of the Zugspitze in Bavaria, with stunning views all the way HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES: And if you want to go hiking, in our article Best Hikes in the Dolomites, we cover 15 epic trails in the Dolomites. This short hike has spectacular views not only of the jagged peaks of the Cadini di Misurina but you also get a unique view of Tre Cime. Again, if you have a few more days, wed recommend spending the night in the Fanes Htte, which was one of the more comfortable mountain huts weve ever had the pleasure of sleeping in! From early July through early September, between the hours of 9:30 am and 4 pm, you are not permitted to drive through the Pragser Tal Valley and park at Lago di Braies (see our Lago di Braies guide for more details). 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. You are of great help in our travels. Day 1: Arrive in Zrich We started our Northern Italy Switzerland journey in Zrich. Thoughts? From the summit, the sunset is truly spectacular. Here is a list of the best things to do in the Dolomites. Your email address will not be published. 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. Surrounded on all sides by sleeping mountain giants, its impossible not to feel moved by the sheer beauty. Afternoon with Kayak adventure. Geisler Alm/Rifugio Odle | Dolomites Itinerary. Book here. Day Three: Choose another day near your hotel. This popular hike takes you to another stunning lake in the Dolomites. Its one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and it will be a short detour on your drive. Dont hate us if youre not a morning person, but today is going to be an early one. To help you explore the best of the Italian Dolomites, weve put together our 7-day Dolomites itinerary. Your email address will not be published. MORE INFORMATION: For all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. Upon leaving Bolzano, make your way on the SS241 towards Nova Levante/Welschnofen, the small but pretty town and gateway to Lago di Carezza. NORTHERN ITALY: Verona is a beautiful city to add to your Italy itinerary and we also have a detailed guides onLake Garda on how to day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio. hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. 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). Book here. 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. 8. That way you will get to see different parts of the Dolomites. On this most recent trip to the Dolomites we rented in Venice and returned it in Chamonix, France. For each Dolomites itinerary, I also list where in the Dolomites it is located (eastern or western Dolomites, or both). Read our guide on how to carbon offset here. You'll step into the pages of this itinerary by watching local craftspeople at work, wandering through art galleries, and resting your head underneath contemporary Alpine architecture. STAY | Continue enjoying the amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet! 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. Youre welcome! Its also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, which in our opinion makes the experience far better. 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. Copenhagen, Stockholm & Oslo Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen Days 2 & 3: Explore Copenhagen Day 4: Fly to Stockholm, explore Stockholm Days 5 & 6: Stockholm Day 7: Fly to Oslo Day 8: Oslo Day 9: Norway in a Nutshell Day 10: Fly home On our second visit, we had 9 days in the Dolomites. 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. On the drive to Cortina dAmpezzo, visit Lago di Misurina. Your site has been very helpful in picking hikes for our family. 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. . Book here. 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? The Ultimate Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks Day 1: Zurich Where to stay in Zurich Best things to do in Zurich Where to eat in Zrich Day 2: Zurich to Interlaken via Lake Brienz Lucerne Lake Brienz Arriving in Interlaken Day 3: Scenic Drive around Interlaken Lauterbrunnen Trmmelbachflle Harder Kulm Day 4: Grindelwald and Blausee This article has a long list of things to do that dont require hiking. When is the best time to visit the Dolomites? The main one that could be an issue is the Murren via ferrata. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. 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. While Kronplatz is known for its myriad of outdoor pursuits, from hiking and biking to paragliding, we recommend changing the pace of your Dolomites itinerary and visiting the modern, architecturally designed museums at its summit (take the cable car to the summit - 19 return). Starting at 4 am (depending on the time of year, it could be earlier or later depending on sunrise times), the hike starts from Passo Gardena (Refugio Frara) before snaking its way up a scree gully towards the summit. Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina. ), but one you wont regret, as the hike/via ferrata too summit of Gran Cir is one of the best things weve done in the Dolomites. Another early morning is on the cards (sorry guys! If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. In the afternoon, drive to Lago di Dobbiaco and have lunch at one of the restaurants that sit along the edge of this lake. The hike is steep but easy and should take around 2 - 3 hours to complete. 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. 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. If youre keen to stretch the legs, then hike back down to Ortisei (2 hrs). The Gastlosen is a chain of limestone mountains that look very similar to the Dolomites of Italy. Take a leisurely stroll around the chic lake town of Lake Como and venture out onto the water to soak . The reward though is waiting for you when you arrive. 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. #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. Many thanks for the time you put into it! At the very least, we recommend walking down and through the connected passageways off via Argentieri. From Lago di Braies, head west towards the town of Brunico/Bruneck and the famous holiday region of Kronplatz. So, if you have the time in your schedule, you could easily spend 7 to 10 days hiking in the Dolomites. ), but pre-sunrise really is the best time to see the achingly beautiful Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee). Weve lost count of the number of times weve stopped, jaw firmly on the floor, and drooled over the views in front of us. Therefore, its important to remember a few key rules: The Dolomites arent your Instagram playground | The Dolomites are an incredible natural phenomenon perfect for photography and Instagram, but that doesnt mean you have free reign to break rules, ruin natural environments and use it as your playground (read our responsible travel tips here). Related | Our favourite things to do in the Dolomites. A gondola eliminates the first big climb, making this an overall downhill walk. Its best to stay in two different locations while visiting the Dolomites to minimize how much driving you will do. Grab the presets we use on every photo here, RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. For the full list, and more information about each activity, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. Cheers, Julie. Any insight or recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thinking of staying in Wengen or Murren as base for couple days. We will also share with you different ways to put this all together, to simplify your travel planning process. Starting From $6,499 AUD pp* Save up to $250. Afterwards, explore the town of Cortina dAmpezzo, check into your hotel, and then have dinner. Until after WWI, Trento was part of Austria. Its essentially a more thorough version of the dream itinerary wed send our friends or family with the caveat of you HAVE to visit these places. Im planning a trip in June with the whole family. Youre not actually allowed to drive into Alpe di Siusi unless youre staying at one of the hotels in there (theres a pretty hefty 150+ fine if you do), so we suggest parking at Compatsch and walking into the meadow at your own pace. 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. The Dolomites are one of those places that you could visit at any time of the year and still have a memorable experience. Option #1: Getting to the Dolomites from Venice. Home About Blog Hiking Hiking Gear Hut to Hut Hiking Packing List Europe Hikes Best Day Hikes in Europe Best Treks in Europe You can drive to Alpe di Siusi before 9 am and after 5 pm. The Croda da Lago Circuit takes you to Lago Federa and several spectacular viewpoints along the way. Learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to Alpe di Siusi. In this article, we list five sample itineraries for Switzerland. 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. This Northern Italy road trip itinerary works either way! Is that ok? After all, nothing tastes sweeter than a good feed after an early morning hike and beautiful sunrise. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. Respect these sites and do not, under any circumstance, remove anything from the national park. Enjoy the views from the upper cable car station and on the journey back down the mountain, stop off at Serauta, visit the Museum of the Great War, and do the short, optional hike to the Sacred Monumental Area. We rode the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon because the weather was perfect. Depending on your plans, we recommend spending at least a day or two extra in Bolzano and nearby Merano as theyre stunning little cities devoid of mass tourism. From Cortina dAmpezzo, it takes one hour to drive to Lago di Braies. 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. This hike starts at the Dantercepies gondola in Selva di Val Gardena. If you dont want to do a big hike, do Lago di Braies in the morning, followed by lunch at Lago di Misurina or Lago Dobbiaco. Furthermore, keep in mind that Switzerland is, uh, rather expensive. Cable cars transport visitors to the highest peaks, so you dont have to be a big hiker to get to the panoramic viewpoints. After two early mornings in a row, we recommend chilling out during the midday hours. Croda da Lago Circuit | Dolomites Itinerary. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you cant, carry it out of the national park with you. Be warned though, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. R ich tones, minimalist style, heavy on the pine and the wool what you see in the magazines isn't fabricated. Once in Val Gardena, check into your hotel and have dinner. Val Badia is the dividing line between these two areas. However, Lagazuoi is beautiful and there is a hut here. Julie Last updated: April 19, 2023 Italy, Itinerary 17 Comments. There is a limit to the number of cars that can park here, as well as a 30 parking fee. 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. After lunch, continue the drive south on SS51. Our Dolomites itinerary covers everything from the insta-perfect lakes to the vertiginous rocky peaks, incredible day-hikes to the must-see museums, not forgetting a host of incredible restaurants, and a spot of adrenalin here and there. Norberts philosophy is creating a kitchen in perfect harmony with the nature surrounding it, one thats connected to the environment and its residents. Those hikes, lakes, and cable car rides should give you a very nice experience in the Dolomites. Dont litter | Whatever you do, please dont litter in this pristine natural environment. If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. Expect to pay anywhere between 80 - 200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type). Full Itinerary. one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Have a great time in the Dolomites! 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. After this brief summary, we list multiple daily itineraries. We shortened this walk to visit the church and the main viewpoint. Rifugio tia de Bioch also has a ridiculously well-stocked cellar, so prepare to sample some regional wines, too. Either nap and enjoy the wellness at your accommodation, or head into town and enjoy lunch (and espresso) and one of Corvaras cafes. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike | Dolomites Itinerary. One problem is that returning to Rome will eat up an entire day (and cost you). PLACES TO GO: For ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo has several short detours, where you can visit alpine lakes or viewpoints of the nearby mountains and valleys. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Discover our definitive 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary. THE COMMON WANDERER LTD 2015-2023All rights reserved. Start your road trip in Bolzano, the surprisingly charming provincial capital of South Tyrol (we very much recommend spending a few days here prior, its wonderful). 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. Required fields are marked *. There are public buses but these arent always reliable and you wont have the freedom to explore the Dolomites at your own pace. You could combine it with Rifugio Nuvolau which also has a great view. You can pick out your favorite daily itineraries and then put them together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary. For 11 km, 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. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. TIP | If arriving by train, you can organise the South Tyrol shuttle to pick you up and drop you at your accommodation. This seems to be how some of the locals who are comfortable driving these roads approach the roads here - dont let it affect your nerves on the road though. From Cortina dAmpezzo, head west towards Marmolada. For most of those hikes you should be fine in trail running shoes. But if you must have an automatic, make sure you reserve it in advance or speak with the rental car company before your trip. Weve also included our personal recommendations on where to stay and eat, handy tips for driving in the Dolomites, a location map and more. 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. Look up on the web. The drive lasts around 2 hours, so we recommend stopping on the way into the famous alpine resort of Cortina dAmpezzo, famous for hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, and of course for James Bonds visit during For Your Eyes Only". To save our map, click the star the right of the map title while will download the map to: your places - maps in your Google account. BOOK | Search for car rental options in Bolzano here. We recommend the burrata plate and the alpine mushroom risotto. Get started at 8 am and if you do both hikes, you will be finished by early afternoon. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. If you are looking for a less crowded hike that is still BIG on views, this hike is for you. After you plan your flight to Amsterdam you'll have a better idea of where to rent/drop your car. The half-day hike is in our opinion the most beautiful in the Dolomites. Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites and you can get to the top by riding a series of cable cars. Hello Emily. If you love hiking, spend as much time here as you can. 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. This is also the best route to go if you are heading next or back to the Venice area. 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. In the afternoon, ride the cable car to Cima Tofana and make a reservation for a nice dinner in Cortina that night. We rented a car twice in Italy in 2022 and both times had an automatic. Spend the afternoon by hiking one of the nearby trails. We believe the absolute best time of year to visit the Dolomites is during September and early October. 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. With one day in the Dolomites, I recommend starting as early as possible from your starting point (Venice, Verona, etc). The view from Lagazuoi | Dolomites Itinerary. 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). ITALY ITINERARY WITH THE DOLOMITES: In our 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary, visit the Dolomites, Venice, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como. Follow the path to the right, up a small incline through the forest, before the path again flattens out towards Fanes Htte. 7. 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 Read How to Get to the Dolomites for info on the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.. Val Gardena (Gherdina in Ladin, Grden in German) is a valley in South Tyrol, which stretches between Valle Isarco (Eisacktal in German) and Sella Pass and Gardena Pass. 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. Note: This post contains affiliate links.
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