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. 2. 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. Thinking of staying in Wengen or Murren as base for couple days. We can drive a manual but it seems like the trend nowadays is for automatic vehicles, even without asking for it. Through thoughtful storytelling, practical guides, and beautiful photography, we inspire and empower curious travellers to explore the world, sustainably and responsibly. Day 1: Arrive in Zrich We started our Northern Italy Switzerland journey in Zrich. You are of great help in our travels. Our website uses cookies. Oberholz is home to some seriously world-class cuisine, using ingredients from South Tyrol to create simple, wonderful mountain food. Tour Detail. If youre unsure, its possible to hire a guide in Corvara to take you to the summit safely. 8. Day Two: If you will be staying in Cortina dAmpezzo, take your pick from days 2 through 6. We recommend World Nomads travel insurance - purchase yours here. A day is a lot in a short, eat-all-you-can 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). 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. From these, pick your favorites and them string them together to create the Dolomites itinerary that best fits your travel style. As you enter the park, towering mountains and spruce pine forests surround you from all angles, providing the most memorable of drives. Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites and you can get to the top by riding a series of cable cars. Just be aware that you will have an additional fee to park it in a parking garage during your time in Venice. Enjoyed reading it! Im so thankful I found your blog. 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. Seceda | Dolomites Itinerary Passo Pordoi | Dolomites Itinerary Day #2: Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Location: Eastern 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. 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. Watch the sun hit the top of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar range, before encasing the valley in a golden glow. Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy. This has lead to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, as well as the dreaded impacts of over-tourism. Learn more here. A visit to Lago di Braies lasts about 4 hours. 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. BOOK | Search for car rental options in Bolzano here. That depends on what you want to do. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Arm) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel (or elsewhere) before checking out and driving towards the ski-resort town of Obereggen (20 mins - follow road SS241, then SS620). Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. Cheers, Julie, This is a great find thank you so much for taking the time to share Cant wait for my Dolomites trip! Uncover the best of this stunning Italian region, including major sights and attractions, best day hikes, and where to eat, as well as all the essential travel information you need. If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. In this guide, we list the top hotels, B&Bs, lodges, and wellness centers in the Dolomites, organized by location. You can pay with cash or card, but we recommend keeping some cash handy to quicken the process, Narrow roads | Some of the roads in the Dolomites are very narrow, so take it easy when going around corners. There are public buses but these arent always reliable and you wont have the freedom to explore the Dolomites at your own pace. Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina. This is one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. 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. Alternatively, jump aboard the cable car down to the town. You could combine it with Rifugio Nuvolau which also has a great view. The Dolomites are one of those places that you could visit at any time of the year and still have a memorable experience. After two trips to its jagged peaks, emerald lakes, verdant meadows, and quaint towns, were utterly convinced the Dolomites are heaven on Earth. I hope this helps and I hope you have a wonderful time on your upcoming trip! the Fashion Hub of Milan. For the best experience, get started early (by 9 am). The Croda da Lago Circuit takes you to Lago Federa and several spectacular viewpoints along the way. Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links. 2-Week Switzerland and Italy Road Trip with INSANE Hiking! On our second visit, we had 9 days in the Dolomites. 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). Tour of the Alps in Europe featuring the Dolomites & More At this point, we recommend heading back in the direction you came, slowly making your way towards the carpark. The Dolomites are in the region of South Tyrol in Northern Italy, but as it's wedged in-between Italy and Austria, their influence can also be felt. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. A gondola eliminates the first big climb, making this an overall downhill walk. 12-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich - Geneva - Bologna - Florence To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you: Reusable water bottle | THE BEST INVESTMENT WEVE EVER MADE! Afterwards, you have the option to add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, which starts from the same parking lot. Verona Villafranca International Airport - Italy | 2.5 hours, Marco Polo International Airport, Venice - Italy | 2.5 hours. 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. 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!) Featuring underground galleries and a cantilevered viewing platform over the valley, the building itself is enough to visit. 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. From Lago di Braies, head west towards the town of Brunico/Bruneck and the famous holiday region of Kronplatz. After all, nothing tastes sweeter than a good feed after an early morning hike and beautiful sunrise. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you cant, carry it out of the national park with you. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. From Cortina dAmpezzo, it takes one hour to drive to Lago di Braies. The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful places in Europe. 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. This Northern Italy road trip itinerary works either way! Whether you just have a few days, or an entire week, we have some great options to share with you. If youre planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes as well as the main sights, 10 nights might be a better option. Do your research. 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. There is a limit to the number of cars that can park here, as well as a 30 parking fee. BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take! 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. Gorner Gorge. 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. We rode the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon because the weather was perfect. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo has several short detours, where you can visit alpine lakes or viewpoints of the nearby mountains and valleys. 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. Discover our definitive 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary. Rothorn or Sunegga for more views & hikes. Brenner Pass to begin with is a good place to start, North of Bolzano for sure. In Val di Funes, you can hike the Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm. Your website has been soooo helpful as we plan our trip for early September! Book here. Have a great time in the Dolomites. If youre keen to stretch the legs, then hike back down to Ortisei (2 hrs). TIP | There are several daily Shuttle buses to South Tyrol from the airports of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Treviso, Venice, Verona, Bergamo and Milan Malpensa. 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. 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. Pick two or three regions and immerse yourself in them. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the Dolomites surrounding you, including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and the Monte Antelao and Pelmo. The hike is 13 km (8 miles), moderately strenuous, and takes 4.5 to 6 hours. Expect to pay anywhere between 80 - 200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type). Be warned though, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. Your website is the single most useful resource that I have found in planning my familys upcoming vacation to Italy. After two early mornings in a row, we recommend chilling out during the midday hours. THE COMMON WANDERER LTD 2015-2023All rights reserved. But if you must have an automatic, make sure you reserve it in advance or speak with the rental car company before your trip. The views overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. Once at the top, follow trail #1 towards the epic peaks in front of you. 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). The half-day hike is in our opinion the most beautiful in the Dolomites. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. You can also visit the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park which is located southwest of Val Gardena. 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. Adjacent to Lumen is Alpinn restaurant, the brainchild of Michelin-starred South Tyrolean chef and culinary legend, Norbert Niederkofler. From here, theres a mix of hiking, scrambling and rock climbing to get to the Gran Cir peak just in time for sunrise. Along the way, you can fill up your water bottles at the Kalkbrundl natural spring. Which is better, staying in Cortina dAmpezzo or Val Gardena? Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary Ideas for the - MultiCityTrips Helicopter ride with Air Zermatt. 3-Day Dolomites Itinerary: How to Explore Trentino-Alto Adige by Car Note, it can also be done in the opposite direction, if traveling from Val Gardena to Cortina dAmpezzo. Our Dolomites itinerary is based on exploring the region for 7-days/one week in total, taking in a mixture of natural beauty, perfect day hikes, modern museums, and the best regional food. 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. Read our guide on how to carbon offset here. View of Tre Cime on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. 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. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a beautiful mountainous region spread across Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland . Surrounded by such natural beauty, The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites, which span the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, Verona and Belluno, are full of endless things to see and do. 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. After lunch, continue the drive south on SS51. August/September 2022 trip to Switzerland & Dolomites The Cinque Torri is a short hike but you have to ride a chairlift to get to the start of the hike. 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. 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. across four floors. The Swiss Alps vs. The Dolomites: Which Climb is Worth It? Either nap and enjoy the wellness at your accommodation, or head into town and enjoy lunch (and espresso) and one of Corvaras cafes. 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 dont want to go hiking on your first day, and the skies are clear, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana. The trailhead is a 20-minute drive from Cortina dAmpezzo. We rented a car twice in Italy in 2022 and both times had an automatic. #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. Its one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and it will be a short detour on your drive. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. Yes, you should be able to rent a car in Milan and return it in Vienna. Day 4 - E-Bike to 2K. Use our Dolomites road trip guide as your bible, and youre sure to have the best week of your life. 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. Here, the unique mountainscapes become more rugged and imposing, with the jagged peaks towering high above. From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. Italy and Switzerland itinerary - Travel Passionate Although our itinerary isnt actually one that we've followed on either of our two trips here; it is an amalgamation of all the best things to do in the Dolomites that weve personally enjoyed and discovered. TRAIN. 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! This can get a little tricky when navigating around. 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. Europe. 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)? So, we recommend renting a car for your time in the Dolomites. You can start this 5 Dolomites itinerary from any nearby airport, or destination. This article has a long list of things to do that dont require hiking. Is it possible to do all this 10 day itinerary on early October? Northern Italy Switzerland Itinerary - Brown Eyed Flower Child Both are beautiful drives. We recommend the burrata plate and the alpine mushroom risotto. Overlooking Passo Giau from Rifugio Nuvolau | Dolomites Itinerary. Hike Tre Cime and add on Cadini di Misurina if you still have energy. Yes, depending on the weather. Book here. 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. Save up to $200. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. Back in July 2017 we stayed in Wengen over Murren and made the right choice because it's a bit larger with more commercial businesses. In the afternoon, drive to Lago di Dobbiaco and have lunch at one of the restaurants that sit along the edge of this lake. Note: This post contains affiliate links. You can also get here by bus or by cable car (get the details in our Alpe di Siusi guide, (coming soon)). The Appenzell rural route. Ascend an excellent but sometimes steep trail through the trees. 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. To plan your Dolomites itinerary, take your pick from the daily itineraries listed above. On this most recent trip to the Dolomites we rented in Venice and returned it in Chamonix, France. With its green rolling hills, view of the Odle/Geisler group, iconic view of the Santa Maddalena church, and hiking trails, this is another great spot to add onto your Dolomites itinerary. Schlern, as well as the insta-famous Alpe di Siusi meadow. 10-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Florence - Turin - Lausanne 2. Youre welcome! 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. ), start the 4-hour return hike towards Fanes Htte, following the path up a steep incline, before it flattens out in the upper valley. Is that ok? R ich tones, minimalist style, heavy on the pine and the wool what you see in the magazines isn't fabricated. Its also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, which in our opinion makes the experience far better. This afternoon, take your pick: Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites. Weve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites. The sporting good store that rents the via ferrata gear was very particular about the shoes we wore, in that they had to have very good traction and the soles werent worn down. Then CInque Tori and Refugio Averau and Rifugio NuvolvaTRe Cime di Lavaredo Circuit and Cadina di Misurina viewpoint, Croda del lago circuit, Pues-Oddle Altopiano, and bikign the Alpe di Suisi Meadow. If you come across rubbish on your travels here, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later. Passo Gardena is a high mountain pass connecting the valleys of Gardena and Badia. Day One: Day # 1 Arrive from Venice, Milan, or Verona. A 14-Day Hiking Itinerary in the Italian Dolomites - Miss Adventure Pants Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. Follow the SS49 road that heads through South Tyrol towards the town of Misurina. Train from Pontresina to Varenna and spend a few nights and explore Lake Como. Gornergrat (train ride to the top with views of the Matterhorn) Kleine Matterhorn Cablecar (Highest in Europe with year-round skiing) 5 Lakes Hike (2.5 hours with lake reflections of the Matterhorn) Hike at the Schwarzsee. We want to simplify that for you. The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. If you are looking for a less crowded hike that is still BIG on views, this hike is for you. We've outlined our Dolomites road trip route and itinerary in the map below. Once in Alpe di Siusi, spend the day hiking or mountain biking. You can arrive in Zurich and head to Murren or Wengen. Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. 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. Absolutely. Starting From $6,499 AUD pp* Save up to $250. For each Dolomites itinerary, I also list where in the Dolomites it is located (eastern or western Dolomites, or both). 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. This hike starts at the Dantercepies gondola in Selva di Val Gardena. Location: Eastern Dolomites Where to Stay: Cortina dAmpezzo. To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. After this brief summary, we list multiple daily itineraries. As far as museums go, this is one of the best weve ever visited. 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). Furthermore, keep in mind that Switzerland is, uh, rather expensive. 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. On day three of your 3-day Dolomites itinerary, there are sort of two directions you could go. Most hire cars should have a GPS built-in, Tolls | Around Bolzano and the surrounding valleys, tollways are prevalent. Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, the imposing three peaks loom high above as you walk the circuit. So, if you have the time in your schedule, you could easily spend 7 to 10 days hiking in the Dolomites. On our first visit, we had three days in the Dolomites. If you return the car to the same city, you will avoid the drop fee which can help keep your rental car cost low. You can pick out your favorite daily itineraries and then put them together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary. If you choose to stay in huts along the Alta Via 1, then stay in and hike at Val Gardena. We stayed in Selva di Cadore. 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. Option #1: Getting to the Dolomites from Venice. If youre arriving from further abroad, flying may be the best option. It will be a busy 2 days but it will be so much fun! Another view from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hiking trail. Trek at the tail ends of the season | The Dolomites can get extremely busy in the height of summer, so we suggest trekking either side of the peak periods to avoid contributing to over-tourism and environmental degradation. Many thanks for the time you put into it! ITALY ITINERARY WITH THE DOLOMITES: In our 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary, visit the Dolomites, Venice, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como. Weve had very positive experiences with rental cars in Europe and recently (in the past year) have only had automatic vehicles. Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. Immerse in the natural splendor of the Swiss Alps, experience the historical charms of its idyllic cities, and relish an unforgettable scenic train from St. Moritz to Tirano then onto the serene hideaway of Bellagio. BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads. Take a leisurely stroll around the chic lake town of Lake Como and venture out onto the water to soak . When is the best time to visit the Dolomites? MORE INFORMATION: For all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. For recommendations on how to put all of this together, below we list sample multi-day itineraries, putting together the daily itineraries listed above. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. Venice, Verona, Bolzano, and Milan are all great options. 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. First things first; if youre doing a road trip to the Dolomites, youre probably going to need a car! The view from Cima Tofana (get here by riding the Freccia nel Cielo cable car from Cortina dAmpezzo). 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".