Day 3 - Explore the Canyon Rio Sass. Switzerland. Related | Our favourite things to do in the Dolomites. I would suggest staying the overnight of day 2 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the luxury ski town of the Dolomites. After two trips to its jagged peaks, emerald lakes, verdant meadows, and quaint towns, were utterly convinced the Dolomites are heaven on Earth. Another day, another early morning (sensing a theme here yet?! I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in the summer. 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. From Cortina dAmpezzo, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to drive to the trailhead parking lots. I hope you have a great time in the Dolomites, Como, and Austria! Pick up a rental car in Milan, Verona, or Bolzano and drive to Val Gardena. 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. Alternatively, you could do a short segment of the Alta Via 2, which runs through Val Gardena. How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. Varenna is beautiful (especially when viewed from the water) and is a good base for also visiting Bellagio and Menaggio. You can also get here by bus or by cable car (get the details in our Alpe di Siusi guide, (coming soon)). From the rifugio, you can also experience some of the best views of over the Dolomites, including views to the tallest in the region, Marmolada. Dont litter | Whatever you do, please dont litter in this pristine natural environment. Croda da Lago Circuit | Dolomites Itinerary. Most hire cars should have a GPS built-in, Tolls | Around Bolzano and the surrounding valleys, tollways are prevalent. Full Itinerary. The hut, built-in 1928, is the perfect location to enjoy a typical mountain meal - we suggest grabbing a table on the sun terrace and enjoying traditional Tyrolean dumplings with spinach, washed down with a Forst beer. Schlern, as well as the insta-famous Alpe di Siusi meadow. So much to do. Once in Val Gardena, check into your hotel and have dinner. We dont have any personal experience staying in any of the huts in the Dolomites. Oberholz Alpine hut is a recently-opened contemporary restaurant with incredible panoramic views of the Unesco World Heritage-listed 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 Location: Western Dolomites Where to Stay: Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). Everything you need to know on how to get to the Dolomites is available in our guide, which you can read here. Day Three: Choose another day near your hotel. At the very least, we recommend walking down and through the connected passageways off via Argentieri. 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. In this article, we list five sample itineraries for Switzerland. 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. Optional: Add on the hike to Piz Bo, one of the easiest 3,000+ meter peaks in the Dolomites to summit (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours). 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. 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. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. This is a great place to bike from restaurant to restaurant, trying new foods and dining with a view of the magnificent Sassolungo. Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links. Day One: Day # 1 Arrive from Venice, Milan, or Verona. From Ortisei, we recommend heading west towards the Dolomites most famous landmarks, Tre Cime di Lavaredo. and some of the best hiking on earth, the Dolomites are worthy of your vacation time. For each Dolomites itinerary, I also list where in the Dolomites it is located (eastern or western Dolomites, or both). First things first; if youre doing a road trip to the Dolomites, youre probably going to need a car! 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. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo has several short detours, where you can visit alpine lakes or viewpoints of the nearby mountains and valleys. The main one that could be an issue is the Murren via ferrata. After two early mornings in a row, we recommend chilling out during the midday hours. 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. 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. Option #1: Getting to the Dolomites from Venice. Starting From $6,499 AUD pp* Save up to $250. 8. 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. 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. Get started at 8 am and if you do both hikes, you will be finished by early afternoon. Both of these are located along the Alta Via 1 route. To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. Take a leisurely stroll around the chic lake town of Lake Como and venture out onto the water to soak . Just be aware that you will have an additional fee to park it in a parking garage during your time in Venice. Book here. 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. And in the colder months, the Dolomites becomes a winter wonderland and a world-class skiing destination. 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. From Lago di Braies, head west towards the town of Brunico/Bruneck and the famous holiday region of Kronplatz. Its best to stay in two different locations while visiting the Dolomites to minimize how much driving you will do. 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. Cheers, Julie, This is a great find thank you so much for taking the time to share Cant wait for my Dolomites trip! Learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to Alpe di Siusi. This mountain range spans three regions of Italy (Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol, and Friuli Venezia Giulia). Learn more here. Weve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites. 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. 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!). 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. Both are great areas to stay in the Dolomites. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. 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. 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. Best enjoyed at sunrise, Alpe di Siusi is one of those too beautiful to be real type places. For those based on the European continent, train travel is the most convenient, stress-free and environmentally friendly way to get to the Dolomites. Follow the path to the right, up a small incline through the forest, before the path again flattens out towards Fanes Htte. Verona Villafranca International Airport - Italy | 2.5 hours, Marco Polo International Airport, Venice - Italy | 2.5 hours. Only in Nepal have we come close to feeling as we do in the Dolomites; a sense of pure awe and elation at the epic landscapes surrounding us. of the road, like us Aussies. 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. Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. I don't know how often you travel in Europe and how many days you will be there in Sept. TRAIN. It's another trip. Its all part of the fun though and gives you time to enjoy the views. During this time, you can walk, bike, or take the bus. With its rocky mountain peaks, rolling green hills, small towns and chalets, the Dolomites are very photogenic and a wonderful place to explore. For more information on local public transport, click here. However, Lagazuoi is beautiful and there is a hut here. The time spent there is up to you. If youre planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes as well as the main sights, 10 nights might be a better option. With four days, stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo and Val Gardena and spend some time visiting both areas of the Dolomites: Or, stay in Cortina dAmpezzo for your entire visit: Viewpoint next to Rifugio Scoiattoli. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the Dolomites surrounding you, including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and the Monte Antelao and Pelmo. Required fields are marked *. From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. A gondola eliminates the first big climb, making this an overall downhill walk. The cover photo for this guide was taken in Val di Funes. Unfortunately we only have 2 full days (staying in Cortina) What would you suggest is a must see in the area? ), but pre-sunrise really is the best time to see the achingly beautiful Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee). 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. #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. Day 1: Arrive in Zrich We started our Northern Italy Switzerland journey in Zrich. In October, once the snow begins to fall, the trails close. While in the town of Santa Maddalena, we also recommend visiting the viewpoint of the Church of St. John GPS coordinates: 463812.3N 114319.6E. TIP | There are several daily Shuttle buses to South Tyrol from the airports of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Treviso, Venice, Verona, Bergamo and Milan Malpensa. 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. Cheers, Julie, Hi, your guide is amazing , thank you for sharing your experience. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. So, we recommend renting a car for your time in the Dolomites. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. Its also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, which in our opinion makes the experience far better. 12-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich - Geneva - Bologna - Florence We typically rent the car at the airport, which is easy to get to using public transportation from Venice. Day Two: If you will be staying in Cortina dAmpezzo, take your pick from days 2 through 6. R ich tones, minimalist style, heavy on the pine and the wool what you see in the magazines isn't fabricated. Afterwards, explore the town of Cortina dAmpezzo, check into your hotel, and then have dinner. To simplify where things are in the Dolomites, the Dolomites are sometimes split into the Eastern Dolomites and Western Dolomites. BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads. If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. 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. From here, theres a mix of hiking, scrambling and rock climbing to get to the Gran Cir peak just in time for sunrise. This drive connects these two areas. It takes anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours to do this hike, depending on your speed and how much you add on. This article has a long list of things to do that dont require hiking. If you have any questions about planning your Dolomites itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. There is a limit to the number of cars that can park here, as well as a 30 parking fee. Its more impressive in 3D, save for the 100s of photographers that scramble for the best vantage points, even in the early hours. DO | Hike to Alpe di Siusi, Europes largest alpine meadow, TIP | Park at Compatsch and hike into Alpe di Siusi. Once at Lago di Braies, rent a rowboat and/or walk the loop trail around the lake (3.7 km/2.3 miles). Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. Overlooking Passo Giau from Rifugio Nuvolau | Dolomites Itinerary. Theyre a little crazy but incredibly fun to drive. 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. We are very active and fit. 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 have the option to add on the hike to Piz Bo (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours). If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This can get a little tricky when navigating around. In Val di Funes, you can hike the Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm. Great, thanks KBK. Your email address will not be published. From these, you can pick your favorites and string them together into a multi-day itinerary. 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). Afternoon with Kayak adventure. 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). The Lago di Sorapis hike is 12 km (7.5 miles) and takes 3 to 5 hours, a little longer if you hike up and over Forcella Marcuoira, which is a wonderful addition to this hike. Thoughts? Either nap and enjoy the wellness at your accommodation, or head into town and enjoy lunch (and espresso) and one of Corvaras cafes. Trying to decide where to stay in the Dolomites might seem like a daunting task but it doesnt have to be. 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). Thank you for all the information you share. Cable cars transport visitors to the highest peaks, so you dont have to be a big hiker to get to the panoramic viewpoints. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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 this guide, we list the top hotels, B&Bs, lodges, and wellness centers in the Dolomites, organized by location. 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. 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!) 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. 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. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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. After all, nothing tastes sweeter than a good feed after an early morning hike and beautiful sunrise. It's a terrifically unsung region for a road trip, with rolling dairy country giving way to lavishly . Featuring underground galleries and a cantilevered viewing platform over the valley, the building itself is enough to visit. 3 of the Best Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary Ideas for an Amazing 10-14 Day Trip Table of Contents 1. 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. It is a 17 km (10.6 miles) hike that takes 6 to 9 hours. Here is a list of the best things to do in the Dolomites. If the Dolomites fits into your Italy itinerary after a visit to Milan or Verona, its best to start your visit in the western Dolomites. 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. The reward though is waiting for you when you arrive. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Arm) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. This hike is 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip and takes 1 to 2 hours. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you cant, carry it out of the national park with you. 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. ), 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. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. 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). You can pick out your favorite daily itineraries and then put them together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary. 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 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. Once youve witnessed nature doing her thing, take the short walk around Lago di Carezza, enjoying the fresh mountain air and misty spruce forests. Another view from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hiking trail. We also have guides about How to Visit St. Marks Basilica, where to get the Best Views of Venice, and how to spend Two Days in Venice. This has lead to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, as well as the dreaded impacts of over-tourism. Passo Gardena is a high mountain pass connecting the valleys of Gardena and Badia. 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. Dont hate us if youre not a morning person, but today is going to be an early one. Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. 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. But if you are a hiker, this is one of top hiking destinations in the world. 7. Rather than listing one 3, 5, or 7-day Dolomites itinerary, we list multiple daily itineraries. 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. PLACES TO GO: For ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. Hike Tre Cime and add on Cadini di Misurina if you still have energy. This walk is 3 km/2 miles, takes about an hour, and you can get the full details here. 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). The hike is steep but easy and should take around 2 - 3 hours to complete. 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 Cortina dAmpezzo from the Freccia nel Cielo cable car. How was your experience with rental car? Did you book automatic car? Highlights of our 7-day Dolomites Itinerary. TIP | If arriving by train, you can organise the South Tyrol shuttle to pick you up and drop you at your accommodation. The Croda da Lago Circuit takes you to Lago Federa and several spectacular viewpoints along the way. You could easily spend a day here, hiking or biking the trails. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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). 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. Your website is the single most useful resource that I have found in planning my familys upcoming vacation to Italy. 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. 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. 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!). one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Alternatively, jump aboard the cable car down to the town. Day 4 - E-Bike to 2K. 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)? 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. Val Badia is the dividing line between these two areas. At this point, we recommend heading back in the direction you came, slowly making your way towards the carpark. If you choose to stay in huts along the Alta Via 1, then stay in and hike at Val Gardena. The Gastlosen is a chain of limestone mountains that look very similar to the Dolomites of Italy. Hello Kim. We are an active family with no injuries. Is it possible to do all this 10 day itinerary on early October? Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike | Dolomites Itinerary. From Obereggen we recommend hiking up to the next stop on our Dolomites itinerary, Oberholz (its also possible to take a cable car!). A day is a lot in a short, eat-all-you-can itinerary. On this most recent trip to the Dolomites we rented in Venice and returned it in Chamonix, France. 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. Most popular tours in the Dolomites 1. 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 Julie Last updated: April 19, 2023 Italy, Itinerary 17 Comments. Lago di Braies is one of the prettiest lakes in the Dolomites. When is the best time to visit the Dolomites? This is another place where there are morning cut-off times for driving to the parking lot. 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". You can drive to Alpe di Siusi before 9 am and after 5 pm.
