From Obereggen we recommend hiking up to the next stop on our Dolomites itinerary, Oberholz (its also possible to take a cable car!). 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. 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. Whether you just have a few days, or an entire week, we have some great options to share with you. Although weve not been able to find adequate information about flying drones in the Dolomites, respect the usual rules of flying and be super careful. Youre welcome! 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 toddler is not bale to walk very far. The views overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. First, we give a brief overview of the Dolomites and a list of the top experiences. 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. From Ortisei, we recommend heading west towards the Dolomites most famous landmarks, Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Verona Villafranca International Airport - Italy | 2.5 hours, Marco Polo International Airport, Venice - Italy | 2.5 hours. In October, once the snow begins to fall, the trails close. 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. Surrounded on all sides by sleeping mountain giants, its impossible not to feel moved by the sheer beauty. Venice, Verona, Bolzano, and Milan are all great options. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. 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. Save up to $200. This can get a little tricky when navigating around. Switzerland. We rented a car twice in Italy in 2022 and both times had an automatic. Northern Italy Switzerland Itinerary - Brown Eyed Flower Child Rothorn or Sunegga for more views & hikes. Brenner Pass to begin with is a good place to start, North of Bolzano for sure. We rode the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon because the weather was perfect. This afternoon, take your pick: Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites. For those feeling a little adventurous, try one of the local schnapps which will literally put hairs on your chest. VENICE: Learn more about Venice in our article Best Things to Do in Venice. Other major international airports within a 4-6 hour radius include: Malpensa Airport Milan, Italy | 4-5 hours, Munich International Airport Germany | 3-4 hours, BOOK | Check dates and prices for flights here. The Dolomites are north of Venice and southeast of Innsbruck. 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. 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. 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. With its rocky mountain peaks, rolling green hills, small towns and chalets, the Dolomites are very photogenic and a wonderful place to explore. The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days 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. On this most recent trip to the Dolomites we rented in Venice and returned it in Chamonix, France. #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. 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. Afterwards, you have the option to add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, which starts from the same parking lot. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. A gondola eliminates the first big climb, making this an overall downhill walk. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you cant, carry it out of the national park with you. On your second day, go east. From here, you have the option to add on the hike to Piz Bo (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours). This mountain range spans three regions of Italy (Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol, and Friuli Venezia Giulia). 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. Switzerland, Lake Como and the Dolomites Itinerary Train from Pontresina to Varenna and spend a few nights and explore Lake Como. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. 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. Best of Switzerland, Lake Como & Milan | Fully Personalized Vacations - BTC From Cortina dAmpezzo, head west towards Marmolada. From here, theres a mix of hiking, scrambling and rock climbing to get to the Gran Cir peak just in time for sunrise. 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 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. 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. I hope you have a great time in the Dolomites, Como, and Austria! Weve been to Rifugio Puez and you could combine that with another nearby hut. Travel, adventure, photography and wanderlust, prices and availability in San Candido here, things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region, The Best Dolomites Hiking: 15+ Amazing Day Hikes in the Dolomites, 15+ Incredible Things to do in Bologna, Italy (2023 Update), How To Visit The Breathtaking Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) in the Dolomites, Italy, Experience The Best of Emilia Romagna With These Day Trips from Bologna, Where To Stay In Bologna, Italy: Boutique Hotels, Quirky Guesthouses and Hip Hostels, A Guide to Summer in Alta Badia, South Tyrol: The Best Hikes, Food and Hotels, Dolomites Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting, Our Detailed Guide to Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, South Tyrols Alpine Playground, A Guide to Visiting the Idyllic Val di Funes, South Tyrol. The Swiss Alps vs. The Dolomites: Which Climb is Worth It? Any insight or recommendations are greatly appreciated. We are an active family with no injuries. Did you book automatic car? You can train to Como and rent a car and explore the areas of the Dolomites you wish and return the car in Milan. 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. From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. We use Rentalcars.com to book our rental cars, which is an aggregator of all the major car hire companies. 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. 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 hike is 13 km (8 miles), moderately strenuous, and takes 4.5 to 6 hours. Haven't been to the Dolomites or Zermatt. MORE INFORMATION: For all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. 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. Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. Many thanks for the time you put into it! It is a 17 km (10.6 miles) hike that takes 6 to 9 hours. Julie Last updated: April 19, 2023 Italy, Itinerary 17 Comments. Val Badia is the dividing line between these two areas. 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. 2 weeks in Italy & Switzerland - Rick Steves Travel Forum 11 Awesome Itineraries for Your Trip Through the Alps - Matador Network 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. You are of great help in our travels. To escape the crowds, take the picturesque 1-hour walk which follows the shores of the lake and provides the most majestic views from almost every angle. 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!) Ultimate Dolomites Itinerary: Best of the Dolomites from 1 to 10 Days A visit to Lago di Braies lasts about 4 hours. This is one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. 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). Depending on your arrival time, you may want to try a short hike from town or enjoy wellness at your hotel. 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 you have any suggestions for 2-day hut routes & a good town to stay in for the other nights to get a good feel of the area? Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again. 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: Complete Guide for First-Timers In the afternoon, ride the cable car to Cima Tofana and make a reservation for a nice dinner in Cortina that night. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike | Dolomites Itinerary. and some of the best hiking on earth, the Dolomites are worthy of your vacation time. 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. If youre arriving from further abroad, flying may be the best option. Depending on your starting point, you will arrive in the Dolomites from late morning to early afternoon. 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. For those based on the European continent, train travel is the most convenient, stress-free and environmentally friendly way to get to the Dolomites. 2. 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. Some cable cars could have reduced hours or not be running (for example, the Freccia nel Cielo cable car only goes all of the way to the top to Cima Tofana in the summer but you can go part of the way up at other times of the year), so double check those before you go. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. Tour Detail. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. If you are looking for a less crowded hike that is still BIG on views, this hike is for you. After this brief summary, we list multiple daily itineraries. Ride the cable car from Passo Pordoi for panoramic views of the Dolomites. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. 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!). The view from Marmolada | Dolomites Itinerary. 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. Ascend an excellent but sometimes steep trail through the trees. Hello Kim. Respect the local environment and culture | This part of Italy, which stretches across the South Tyrol and Verona communes, has a unique and rich culture, steeped in religious and historical significance. 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. 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. From here, you will ride a series of cable cars to Punta Rocca. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. To simplify where things are in the Dolomites, the Dolomites are sometimes split into the Eastern Dolomites and Western Dolomites. Oberholz Alpine hut is a recently-opened contemporary restaurant with incredible panoramic views of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Dolomites. Weve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites. Upon leaving Bolzano, make your way on the SS241 towards Nova Levante/Welschnofen, the small but pretty town and gateway to Lago di Carezza. This popular hike takes you to another stunning lake in the Dolomites. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the Dolomites surrounding you, including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and the Monte Antelao and Pelmo. Related | How to get to the Dolomites, Italy. This article has a long list of things to do that dont require hiking. So far, we spent 12 very busy days in the Dolomites and still have more that we want to come back and do. BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take! Hello Emily. 12-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich - Geneva - Bologna - Florence 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). the Fashion Hub of Milan. We've outlined our Dolomites road trip route and itinerary in the map below. The hike is steep but easy and should take around 2 - 3 hours to complete. 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 beautiful hike is also one of quietest trails that we hiked in the Dolomites. Most popular tours in the Dolomites 1. 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). 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. If you choose to stay in huts along the Alta Via 1, then stay in and hike at Val Gardena. Switzerland and Italy Road Trip Itinerary The breakdown for the itinerary goes like this, with more details below: 4 days: Tyrol / Val di Funes / Ortisei (Italian Dolomites) 4 days: Lake Como / Lake Garda (Italy) 6 days: Lauterbrunnen / Lucern / Stoos (Swiss Alps) Day 1: Tyrol Mountains But if you want to visit Val di Funes and hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano, stay in Val Gardena. We will have hiking poles. As far as museums go, this is one of the best weve ever visited. The Ultimate 7-day Dolomites Itinerary | Road Trip Guide Passo dello Stelvio is another place to see close to the Swiss border. For 11 km, If Venice is the starting point for your trip, you could pick up the rental car upon arrival at the airport to save yourself another trip to the airport to pick it up. 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. From here, if you still have energy, walk the downhill trail back to the Falzarego Pass (4 km/2.5 miles). STAY | The Berg Hotel in Sexten/Sesto offers huge rooms with incredible views (and amazing food!). If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. Its also well worth it to add on the hike to Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau (4 km/2.5 miles), for one of the best viewpoints and dining experiences in the Dolomites. 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. I recommend five days at a minimum. STAY | Continue enjoying the amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy - We Are Global Travellers Val di Funes is a picturesque part of the Dolomites. Its best to stay in two different locations while visiting the Dolomites to minimize how much driving you will do. When is the best time to visit the Dolomites? REALLY IMPORTANT. Trento is the furthest north that this itinerary takes you. During this time, you can walk, bike, or take the bus. Passo Gardena is a high mountain pass connecting the valleys of Gardena and Badia. If you love hiking, spend as much time here as you can. 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. 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. Alternatively, check prices and availability in San Candido here. 10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries - Earth Trekkers 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. 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. Trento is in the Trentino-Alto/Sudtirol region, which borders Austria and Switzerland. 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. THE COMMON WANDERER LTD 2015-2023All rights reserved. You can also visit the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park which is located southwest of Val Gardena. Seceda | Dolomites Itinerary Passo Pordoi | Dolomites Itinerary Day #2: Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Location: Eastern Dolomites To drive from Venice to Cortina dAmpezzo, it is a 160 km drive that takes just over two hours. Its a slightly longer walk (2 mins), but worth it. On our second visit, we had 9 days in the Dolomites. WHERE TO STAY: For recommendations on where to stay, check out our guide Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites. 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. Once in Alpe di Siusi, spend the day hiking or mountain biking.