Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, the imposing three peaks loom high above as you walk the circuit. Cheers, Julie. 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. Venice, Verona, Bolzano, and Milan are all great options. Is it possible to do all this 10 day itinerary on early October? 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. It's a terrifically unsung region for a road trip, with rolling dairy country giving way to lavishly . The 7 best road trips in Switzerland - Lonely Planet A visit to Lago di Braies lasts about 4 hours. 1 Week In Switzerland Itinerary: All The Highlights - Expert World Travel 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. Day Three: Choose another day near your hotel. Unfortunately we only have 2 full days (staying in Cortina) What would you suggest is a must see in the area? That depends on what you want to do. It is a popular destination for locals and used as a gateway to the Dolomite Mountains. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo has several short detours, where you can visit alpine lakes or viewpoints of the nearby mountains and valleys. The stunning emerald waters of Lago di Carezza are just a 10-minute drive from Hotel Stella Stern in Nova Levante, and are best witnessed in the early morning just prior to sunrise. I think yours is THE best one I read (read a ton). 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. 10-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Florence - Turin - Lausanne 2. 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. 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. To plan your Dolomites itinerary, take your pick from the daily itineraries listed above. 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). Use our Dolomites road trip guide as your bible, and youre sure to have the best week of your life. 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. 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. Weve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites. 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. 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. 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. Once in Alpe di Siusi, spend the day hiking or mountain biking. After you plan your flight to Amsterdam you'll have a better idea of where to rent/drop your car. 8 Days in Switzerland: A Perfectly Magical Switzerland Itinerary You can start this 5 Dolomites itinerary from any nearby airport, or destination. Europe. 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. Take a leisurely stroll around the chic lake town of Lake Como and venture out onto the water to soak . Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet! Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. It takes anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours to do this hike, depending on your speed and how much you add on. Once at Passo Pordoi, you have the option to ride another cable car, this time to Sass Pordoi. Spend 2 nights in Chur. In the Western Dolomites you will find Val Gardena, the Puez-Odle Nature Park, Alpe di Siusi, Val di Funes, Marmolada, Seceda, and the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. Watch the sun hit the top of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar range, before encasing the valley in a golden glow. 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. The cover photo for this guide was taken in Val di Funes. For this afternoon, we recommend something short and not too far away: Lagazuoi to the Falzarego Pass or the Cinque Torri with the optional add on of Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau. 3-Day Dolomites Itinerary: How to Explore Trentino-Alto Adige by Car 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. If possible, wed avoid visiting during the summer months of July - August as the Dolomites become extremely busy with Italian and German holidaymakers, as well as foreign tourists. 8. Cheers, Julie, This is a great find thank you so much for taking the time to share Cant wait for my Dolomites trip! Cheers, Julie, Hi, your guide is amazing , thank you for sharing your experience. 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. 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. 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. We will have hiking poles. Youre welcome! A visit to Marmolada lasts about 2 hours. 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. On this most recent trip to the Dolomites we rented in Venice and returned it in Chamonix, France. 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. Gorner Gorge. 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. Highlights of our 7-day Dolomites Itinerary. ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for five different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. DO | Hike to Alpe di Siusi, Europes largest alpine meadow, TIP | Park at Compatsch and hike into Alpe di Siusi. 2. From the upper station, you have more 360 views of the Dolomites and over Passo Pordoi. 10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries - Earth Trekkers 13 Days 20 Meals. The Cortina dAmpezzo from the Freccia nel Cielo cable car. Hike Tre Cime and add on Cadini di Misurina if you still have energy. It's another trip. Day 3 - Explore the Canyon Rio Sass. Related | How to get to the Dolomites, Italy. 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. Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links. A day is a lot in a short, eat-all-you-can itinerary. Until after WWI, Trento was part of Austria. Dont hate us if youre not a morning person, but today is going to be an early one. Your website is the single most useful resource that I have found in planning my familys upcoming vacation to Italy. The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful places in Europe. If you are looking for a less crowded hike that is still BIG on views, this hike is for you. A 14-Day Hiking Itinerary in the Italian Dolomites - Miss Adventure Pants of the road, like us Aussies. You could combine it with Rifugio Nuvolau which also has a great view. Just be aware that you will have an additional fee to park it in a parking garage during your time in Venice. Hello Kim. Your site has been very helpful in picking hikes for our family. Once at Lago di Braies, rent a rowboat and/or walk the loop trail around the lake (3.7 km/2.3 miles). Day One: Day # 1 Arrive from Venice, Milan, or Verona. There is a limit to the number of cars that can park here, as well as a 30 parking fee. Seceda | Dolomites Itinerary Passo Pordoi | Dolomites Itinerary Day #2: Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Location: Eastern Dolomites 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. The main one that could be an issue is the Murren via ferrata. Schlern, as well as the insta-famous Alpe di Siusi meadow. Whether you just have a few days, or an entire week, we have some great options to share with you. and some of the best hiking on earth, the Dolomites are worthy of your vacation time. I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in the summer. From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. Therefore, all towns and destinations have two names. Have a great time in the Dolomites! The Dolomites are one of those places that you could visit at any time of the year and still have a memorable experience. The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days Across the Alps by train: a feast of scenery from Switzerland to 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)? If you choose to stay in huts along the Alta Via 1, then stay in and hike at Val Gardena. For those feeling a little adventurous, try one of the local schnapps which will literally put hairs on your chest. The Ultimate Switzerland Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads. Everything you need to know on how to get to the Dolomites is available in our guide, which you can read here. Many thanks for the time you put into it! Another view from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hiking trail. Im so thankful I found your blog. How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites: Things to Know Before You Go Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels. Switzerland, Lake Como and the Dolomites Itinerary This drive connects these two areas. Tours of France, Italy, and Switzerland feat The Alps of Europe R ich tones, minimalist style, heavy on the pine and the wool what you see in the magazines isn't fabricated. Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites and you can get to the top by riding a series of cable cars. The parking lot for Marmolada is located on SP641 at Malga Ciapela. 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 Those hikes, lakes, and cable car rides should give you a very nice experience in the Dolomites. Then its a lot of twists and turns as you drive to Passo Pordoi, the highest paved pass in the Dolomites. Day 1 - Lake Tovel and naturalistic gems of the Adamello - Brenta Nature Park. Any insight or recommendations are greatly appreciated. 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! From Obereggen we recommend hiking up to the next stop on our Dolomites itinerary, Oberholz (its also possible to take a cable car!). Train from Pontresina to Varenna and spend a few nights and explore Lake Como. 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. I don't know how often you travel in Europe and how many days you will be there in Sept. This hike starts at the Dantercepies gondola in Selva di Val Gardena. 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. 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. If youre planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes as well as the main sights, 10 nights might be a better option. BOOK | Search for car rental options in Bolzano here. Trento is the furthest north that this itinerary takes you. Both are great areas to stay in the Dolomites. This gives you the freedom to explore the towns, drive the passes, and get to the lakes and trailheads on your own schedule. Rather than listing one 3, 5, or 7-day Dolomites itinerary, we list multiple daily itineraries. 2 weeks in Italy & Switzerland - Rick Steves Travel Forum On our second visit, we had 9 days in the Dolomites. If you will be staying in Val Gardena, take your pick from days 8, 9, or 10. For the full list, and more information about each activity, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. 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. Look up on the web. 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. The half-day hike is in our opinion the most beautiful in the Dolomites. For 11 km, 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? You also have the option to add on the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon, which is another one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. Best enjoyed at sunrise, Alpe di Siusi is one of those too beautiful to be real type places. I appreciate your, Thats very exciting that you will are planning a trip to the Dolomites. Read our complete guide to Lago di Braies here. I hope you have a great time in the Dolomites, Como, and Austria! From Lago di Braies, head west towards the town of Brunico/Bruneck and the famous holiday region of Kronplatz. Upon leaving Bolzano, make your way on the SS241 towards Nova Levante/Welschnofen, the small but pretty town and gateway to Lago di Carezza. 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. 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. For example, if you have 5 days in the Dolomites, pick your five favorite daily itineraries. Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary - The Best of the Italian Dolomites in 7 Days This has lead to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, as well as the dreaded impacts of over-tourism. In many ways, Switzerland feels like three different countries at once - depending on the regions you pick for your adventure. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. REALLY IMPORTANT. Furthermore, keep in mind that Switzerland is, uh, rather expensive. Ascend an excellent but sometimes steep trail through the trees. How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. Dolomites: 5 days Venice: 2 days You can choose whether you start in Milan and end in Venice, or go in reverse. Expect to pay anywhere between 80 - 200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type). 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. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike | Dolomites Itinerary. #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. 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. Book here. To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. DO | Enjoy the views from Seceda, explore parts of Cortina dAmpezzo, hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. Tour of the Alps in Europe featuring the Dolomites & More Day 1: Arrive in Zrich We started our Northern Italy Switzerland journey in Zrich. 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. 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. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Required fields are marked *. Ultimate Dolomites Itinerary: Best of the Dolomites from 1 to 10 Days I would probably add a night there rather than make the effort to go to Zermatt for a night - or skip the Berner Oberland altogether and spend all your mountain time in Zermatt. In the afternoon, visit Lago di Misurina or, if skies are clear, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana. In the morning, pick up your rental car in Venice.