The trailhead is a 20-minute drive from Cortina dAmpezzo. Look up on the web. The 7 best road trips in Switzerland - Lonely Planet Surrounded on all sides by sleeping mountain giants, its impossible not to feel moved by the sheer beauty. Get started at 8 am and if you do both hikes, you will be finished by early afternoon. 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. From these, you can pick your favorites and string them together into a multi-day itinerary. Your Dolomites hiking itinerary for today: Hike southeast out of Niederdorf following trail markers and join Alta Via 3 (Trail 15). If youre planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes as well as the main sights, 10 nights might be a better option. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. This hike is 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip and takes 1 to 2 hours. Be warned though, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the Dolomites surrounding you, including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and the Monte Antelao and Pelmo. Once in Val Gardena, check into your hotel and have dinner. Post lunch, continue the hike up towards Lago di Limo alpine lake, 30 minutes beyond Fanes Htte for some more impressive views of the unique landscape. 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. Just be aware that you will have an additional fee to park it in a parking garage during your time in Venice. But if you want to visit Val di Funes and hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano, stay in Val Gardena. This drive connects these two areas. 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. How was your experience with rental car? How Many Days Do You Need in the Dolomites? Have a great time in the Dolomites! Afternoon with Kayak adventure. 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. ITALY ITINERARY WITH THE DOLOMITES: In our 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary, visit the Dolomites, Venice, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Expect to pay anywhere between 80 - 200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type). and some of the best hiking on earth, the Dolomites are worthy of your vacation time. With its rocky mountain peaks, rolling green hills, small towns and chalets, the Dolomites are very photogenic and a wonderful place to explore. If youre travelling via train from Germany, Switzerland or Austria in the north, or Italy in the south, get off at Bolzano station, the main hub for the region. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. There are public buses but these arent always reliable and you wont have the freedom to explore the Dolomites at your own pace. Trying to decide where to stay in the Dolomites might seem like a daunting task but it doesnt have to be. Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. If possible, stay around for sunset to enjoy the three peaks at their most beautiful. Spend 2 nights in Chur. Varenna is beautiful (especially when viewed from the water) and is a good base for also visiting Bellagio and Menaggio. I agree with Nigel. Related | How to get to the Dolomites, Italy. Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Book here. And keep your fingers crossed for good weather! 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). If youre arriving from further abroad, flying may be the best option. To plan your Dolomites itinerary, take your pick from the daily itineraries listed above. If you plan to spend more than three days in the Dolomites, we recommend that you stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo (or somewhere near here) and Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for three different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. Dont hate us if youre not a morning person, but today is going to be an early one. The recently opened Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography is a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to mountain photography (Adults: 17, open 10 am - 4 pm, Monday - Sunday). Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. After two trips to its jagged peaks, emerald lakes, verdant meadows, and quaint towns, were utterly convinced the Dolomites are heaven on Earth. As far as museums go, this is one of the best weve ever visited. We rented a car twice in Italy in 2022 and both times had an automatic. Ascend an excellent but sometimes steep trail through the trees. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to try a short hike from town or enjoy wellness at your hotel. Best enjoyed at sunrise, Alpe di Siusi is one of those too beautiful to be real type places. 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). Alternatively, you could do a short segment of the Alta Via 2, which runs through Val Gardena. Schlern, as well as the insta-famous Alpe di Siusi meadow. #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. Your email address will not be published. Yes, depending on the weather. We stayed in Cortina dAmpezzo from days 1 through 6 and then stayed in Selva di Val Gardena from the evening of day 6 through day 9. 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 here, if you still have energy, walk the downhill trail back to the Falzarego Pass (4 km/2.5 miles). The time spent there is up to you. Where are the Dolomites? Another early morning is on the cards (sorry guys! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The half-day hike is in our opinion the most beautiful in the Dolomites. 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. For example, if you have 5 days in the Dolomites, pick your five favorite daily itineraries. Our website uses cookies. The Appenzell rural route. ), start the 4-hour return hike towards Fanes Htte, following the path up a steep incline, before it flattens out in the upper valley. I would suggest staying the overnight of day 2 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the luxury ski town of the Dolomites. Zermatt to Chur on Glacier Express Onight in Chur for one night Day 11 - Mon, July 22nd Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano Swiss Pass expires on this day St. Moritz to Tirano Day 12 - 15 - Tue, July 23rd Tirano to Bolzona to Val Gardena O.night in Val Gardena for 4 nights hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. With five days in the Dolomites, stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo and Val Gardena and spend some time visiting both areas of the Dolomites: With six days in the Dolomites, stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo and Val Gardena and spend some time visiting both areas of the Dolomites: With seven days in the Dolomites, stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo and Val Gardena and spend some time visiting both areas of the Dolomites: With each additional day you have in the Dolomites, you can add more time in Cortina dAmpezzo or Val Gardena. Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, the imposing three peaks loom high above as you walk the circuit. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe, ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Dont leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials. For those based on the European continent, train travel is the most convenient, stress-free and environmentally friendly way to get to the Dolomites. Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. Via Ferrata Guided Walk Duration: 7 days The Dolomites are known across the world as the home of great climbing adventures, and this 7-day tour is the place where dreams are fulfilled, and both experienced and beginner climbers will overcome new challenges. 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 On the drive to Cortina dAmpezzo, visit Lago di Misurina. 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. We have 4 days in the dolomites & are looking to incorporate some hut stays we love to hike & ideally, would do 2 nights in huts and 2 nights in a town setting. 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). 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. Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. We use Rentalcars.com to book our rental cars, which is an aggregator of all the major car hire companies. 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. 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. Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Italy, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues! Its also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, which in our opinion makes the experience far better. For recommendations on how to put all of this together, below we list sample multi-day itineraries, putting together the daily itineraries listed above. Milan To Venice: A Perfect Road Trip Through Northern Italy - TravelAwaits Across the Alps by train: a feast of scenery from Switzerland to How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites: Things to Know Before You Go 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!) 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. You can also get here by bus or by cable car (get the details in our Alpe di Siusi guide, (coming soon)). This gives you the freedom to explore the towns, drive the passes, and get to the lakes and trailheads on your own schedule. Once finished the hike, if you still have energy left, add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. After you plan your flight to Amsterdam you'll have a better idea of where to rent/drop your car. This walk is 3 km/2 miles, takes about an hour, and you can get the full details here. Day Three: Choose another day near your hotel. Geisler Alm/Rifugio Odle | Dolomites Itinerary. 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. When is the best time to visit the Dolomites? I recommend five days at a minimum. 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. To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. 2. You are of great help in our travels. Both of these are located along the Alta Via 1 route. Starting From $6,499 AUD pp* Save up to $250. We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Puglia, and the Cinque Terre. Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary - The Best of the Italian Dolomites in 7 Days You can also walk the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, a 10 km/6 mile loop that has several stunning viewpoints of the area. 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. We stayed in Selva di Cadore. Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever: DOLOMITES | Our Dolomites Travel Guide, Top things to do in the Dolomites, Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites, How to get to the Dolomites. Map for your Northern Italy road trip Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you're going to visit on this Northern Italy road trip itinerary. Watch the sun hit the top of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar range, before encasing the valley in a golden glow. 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. On our second visit, we had 9 days in the Dolomites. At this point, we should add that the Dolomites really do look their best in the early morning, or late evening, so there may be a few early mornings in there - but trust us - you wont regret waking up and enjoying the natural environment before everyone else does. Writing an itinerary for 8 days in Switzerland is no tiny task. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. As you enter the park, towering mountains and spruce pine forests surround you from all angles, providing the most memorable of 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. 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. how to day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio. From Cortina dAmpezzo, it takes one hour to drive to Lago di Braies. 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 Wed recommend hiring a small all-wheel-drive / SUV in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures. Any insight or recommendations are greatly appreciated. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again. From Oberholz, take the road back towards Nova Levante and Lago di Carezza, to Plan del Graba and the start of the Dolomites most impressive road, Passo Gardena (1.5 hours, follow the roads SS241, SS48 and SS242). DO | Enjoy the views from Seceda, explore parts of Cortina dAmpezzo, hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites and you can get to the top by riding a series of cable cars. You can pick out your favorite daily itineraries and then put them together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary. Explore three of Scandinavia's great cities on this Europe itinerary. The views overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you cant, carry it out of the national park with you. The shoulder season is when the crowds in the Dolomites are far less, yet the weather is still comfortable (think crisp mornings and beautiful clear days). 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. The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. 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. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. 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!). 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. Italy and Switzerland itinerary - Travel Passionate Note, it can also be done in the opposite direction, if traveling from Val Gardena to Cortina dAmpezzo. If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. The cover photo for this guide was taken in Val di Funes. 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. Cheers, Julie, This is a great find thank you so much for taking the time to share Cant wait for my Dolomites trip! 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. 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. Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links. 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. Day Two: If you will be staying in Cortina dAmpezzo, take your pick from days 2 through 6. Respect these sites and do not, under any circumstance, remove anything from the national park. The view from Lagazuoi | Dolomites Itinerary. From here, you will ride a series of cable cars to Punta Rocca. If you havent driven over one of these passes yet, then choose the route that is new to you. With one day in the Dolomites, I recommend starting as early as possible from your starting point (Venice, Verona, etc). 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. In many ways, Switzerland feels like three different countries at once - depending on the regions you pick for your adventure. Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina. 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. This hike starts at the Dantercepies gondola in Selva di Val Gardena. The Cinque Torri is a short hike but you have to ride a chairlift to get to the start of the hike. We believe the absolute best time of year to visit the Dolomites is during September and early October. Enjoyed reading it! 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). 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. Lago di Braies is one of the prettiest lakes in the Dolomites. Once youve witnessed nature doing her thing, take the short walk around Lago di Carezza, enjoying the fresh mountain air and misty spruce forests. Learn more here. From here, you have the option to add on the hike to Piz Bo (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours). 13 Days 20 Meals. This is one of our favorite experiences 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. I hope this helps and I hope you have a wonderful time on your upcoming trip! Thinking of day trip or overnight in Zermatt? The Ultimate Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks ), 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. Learn more about things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Marmolada. 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. 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. 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. Cheers, Julie. The view from Marmolada | Dolomites Itinerary. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. 11 Awesome Itineraries for Your Trip Through the Alps - Matador Network We will also share with you different ways to put this all together, to simplify your travel planning process. Thanks, Good spots to go with a toddler are Lago di Braies, the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, the cable car to Lagazuoi (but Im not sure the walk down is toddler friendly), the cable car and short walks at Seceda, and a visit to Lago di Misurina would all be very nice. Best road trip for rural Switzerland. Thanks for an inspiring itinerary. Tours of France, Italy, and Switzerland feat The Alps of Europe If you have any questions about planning your Dolomites itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. Home About Blog Hiking Hiking Gear Hut to Hut Hiking Packing List Europe Hikes Best Day Hikes in Europe Best Treks in Europe Its important to note that the Dolomites are essentially a tourist resort and a lot of the towns and amenities (hotels, restaurants) shut down during the off-season, from mid-October - December, and between April - June. We shortened this walk to visit the church and the main viewpoint. 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.