the Fashion Hub of Milan. 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. 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. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe, ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Dont leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials. Dont hate us if youre not a morning person, but today is going to be an early one. Its all part of the fun though and gives you time to enjoy the views. The Puez-Odle Altopiano is a long hike in the Dolomites but its also one of the best. Location: Eastern and western Dolomites Where to Stay: Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). Basically, hiking shoes are almost mandatory. Below are a few important things to note before driving in the Dolomites: International drivers permit | If your licence is from outside the EU, youll need to bring an International Drivers Permit (as well as your licence and passport) to hire a car in Italy, Signs are in Italian and German | An autonomous region in Northern Italy, South Tyrol is home to both Italian and German. 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). Everything you need to know on how to get to the Dolomites is available in our guide, which you can read here. For the full list, and more information about each activity, take a look at our article Best Things to Do 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! The Croda da Lago Circuit takes you to Lago Federa and several spectacular viewpoints along the way. The Dolomites are one of those places that you could visit at any time of the year and still have a memorable experience. But if you must have an automatic, make sure you reserve it in advance or speak with the rental car company before your trip. You can also walk the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, a 10 km/6 mile loop that has several stunning viewpoints of the area. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. Once at Lago di Braies, rent a rowboat and/or walk the loop trail around the lake (3.7 km/2.3 miles). 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. Book here. 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. Whatever you do, dont travel through Italy without travel insurance, even if youre the most experienced traveller. 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. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you cant, carry it out of the national park with you. Helicopter ride with Air Zermatt. Most hire cars should have a GPS built-in, Tolls | Around Bolzano and the surrounding valleys, tollways are prevalent. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike | Dolomites Itinerary. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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. The cover photo for this guide was taken in Val di Funes. 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. And if you choose huts along Alta Via 2, then stay in Cortina and do day hikes from here. 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. REALLY IMPORTANT. Oberholz is home to some seriously world-class cuisine, using ingredients from South Tyrol to create simple, wonderful mountain food. 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. 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. If you love hiking, spend as much time here as you can. Spend the afternoon by hiking one of the nearby trails. Your email address will not be published. I hope you have a great time in the Dolomites, Como, and Austria! 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. Its a slightly longer walk (2 mins), but 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. Enjoy the views from the upper cable car station and on the journey back down the mountain, stop off at Serauta, visit the Museum of the Great War, and do the short, optional hike to the Sacred Monumental Area. After reading them all, we updated our itinerary to 2 nights in Lucerne, 4 nights in Murren, 2 nights in Zermatt taking the glacier express to St Moritz / Upper Engadine area for 3 nights before jumping on the Bernina express to Tirano. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again. 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). The view from Marmolada | Dolomites Itinerary. Spend 2 nights in Chur. First, we give a brief overview of the Dolomites and a list of the top experiences. Afterwards, you have the option to add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, which starts from the same parking lot. Or, be prepared to take the bus. Val di Funes is a picturesque part of the Dolomites. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. Best enjoyed at sunrise, Alpe di Siusi is one of those too beautiful to be real type places. Dont litter | Whatever you do, please dont litter in this pristine natural environment. Unfortunately we only have 2 full days (staying in Cortina) What would you suggest is a must see in the area? If youre planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes as well as the main sights, 10 nights might be a better option. Switzerland. We will have hiking poles. We recommend getting to the lake by 9 am. Ride the cable car from Passo Pordoi for panoramic views of the Dolomites. 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. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. Is that ok? Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy. 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. I think yours is THE best one I read (read a ton). Discover our definitive 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint | Dolomites Itinerary. To help you explore the best of the Italian Dolomites, weve put together our 7-day Dolomites itinerary. You can visit the western Dolomites from Cortina dAmpezzo or the eastern Dolomites from Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei), but you will need to add on 2 hours of extra driving time to each itinerary. VENICE: Learn more about Venice in our article Best Things to Do in Venice. 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. It will be a busy 2 days but it will be so much fun! After lunch, continue the drive south on SS51. You can follow this itinerary outside of this time frame with some modifications (skipping the hikes and just visiting the viewpoints, or skiing instead of hiking). There are public buses but these arent always reliable and you wont have the freedom to explore the Dolomites at your own pace. Weve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Day 1: Arrive in Zrich We started our Northern Italy Switzerland journey in Zrich. After this brief summary, we list multiple daily itineraries. Weve lost count of the number of times weve stopped, jaw firmly on the floor, and drooled over the views in front of us. Writing an itinerary for 8 days in Switzerland is no tiny task. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can start this 5 Dolomites itinerary from any nearby airport, or destination. 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. Have lunch in town and then you have the afternoon to go exploring. 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. Weve now, happily, visited the Dolomites five times (read our detailed Dolomites travel guide here), spending over two weeks exploring all the region has to offer (hint: a lot!). But if you are a hiker, this is one of top hiking destinations in the world. 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 From here, you will ride a series of cable cars to Punta Rocca. How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. Your site has been very helpful in picking hikes for our family. 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. Therefore, all towns and destinations have two names. Expect to pay anywhere between 80 - 200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type). With one day in the Dolomites, I recommend starting as early as possible from your starting point (Venice, Verona, etc). Returning down, drop into JimmiHtte for an incredible and well-deserved breakfast. Follow the SS49 road that heads through South Tyrol towards the town of Misurina. After two early mornings in a row, we recommend chilling out during the midday hours. From Cortina dAmpezzo, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to drive to the trailhead parking lots. Be warned though, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. 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. This is also the best route to go if you are heading next or back to the Venice area. Grab the presets we use on every photo here, RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. Spring is also a wonderful time to visit (mid-June - July), as the wildflowers cover the meadows with bright bursts of colour, and the snow still covers the upper mountains, providing the most picturesque of backdrops to your explorations. Along the way, you have awesome views of the Sella group, Sella pass, and the Puez-Odle Nature Park. We typically rent the car at the airport, which is easy to get to using public transportation from Venice. Venice, Verona, Bolzano, and Milan are all great options. This doesnt mean you cant visit the Dolomites during this period; it's just that you may struggle to find an array of accommodation options. Trento is in the Trentino-Alto/Sudtirol region, which borders Austria and Switzerland. This is one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. Trying to decide where to stay in the Dolomites might seem like a daunting task but it doesnt have to be. 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. Day 4 - E-Bike to 2K. 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. Croda da Lago Circuit | Dolomites Itinerary. 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. 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). Stay the evening in the picturesque market town of San Candido/Innichen, just a short 30 minute drive north in the Puster valley. To plan your Dolomites itinerary, take your pick from the daily itineraries listed above. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo has several short detours, where you can visit alpine lakes or viewpoints of the nearby mountains and valleys. Read our complete guide to Lago di Braies here. Weve been to Rifugio Puez and you could combine that with another nearby hut. We have a toddler and a new born. This article has a long list of things to do that dont require hiking. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 13 Days 20 Meals. HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES: And if you want to go hiking, in our article Best Hikes in the Dolomites, we cover 15 epic trails in the Dolomites. I appreciate your, Thats very exciting that you will are planning a trip to the Dolomites. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. 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!) The hike is 13 km (8 miles), moderately strenuous, and takes 4.5 to 6 hours. Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. In the morning, pick up your rental car in Venice. and some of the best hiking on earth, the Dolomites are worthy of your vacation time. For example, if you have 5 days in the Dolomites, pick your five favorite daily itineraries. However, Lagazuoi is beautiful and there is a hut here. one of the most beautiful places in Europe. In our opinion, the best (and most environmentally friendly) way to get to the Dolomites is via train, as the rail network throughout the region is exceptional, and trains stop regularly in Bolzano, the starting point for our Dolomites itinerary. 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. The Cinque Torri is a short, easy loop hike (2 km/1.2 miles) around the five pillars of rock that are an iconic landmark in the Dolomites. If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. TIP | There are several daily Shuttle buses to South Tyrol from the airports of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Treviso, Venice, Verona, Bergamo and Milan Malpensa. 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. If you do have more time spare, wed definitely recommend a stay overnight in the Drei Zinnen Htte / Rifugio Locatelli during the summer months, as sunrise over the three peaks is an insanely beautiful experience. The Puez Odle Altopiano is our favorite hike in the Dolomites and highly recommend it, whether you day hike it or stay in the Puez Rifugio. I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in the summer. If you return the car to the same city, you will avoid the drop fee which can help keep your rental car cost low. 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. In this article, we list five sample itineraries for Switzerland. I would suggest staying the overnight of day 2 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the luxury ski town of the Dolomites. DO | Explore parts of Bolzano, including via Argentieri and the local markets, STAY | We enjoyed a comfortable stay at Hotel Stella-Stern, Nova Levante. 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 are of great help in our travels. During this time, you can walk, bike, or take the bus. Any insight or recommendations are greatly appreciated. From the upper station, you have more 360 views of the Dolomites and over Passo Pordoi. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike | Dolomites Itinerary. Learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to Alpe di Siusi. Follow the path to the right, up a small incline through the forest, before the path again flattens out towards Fanes Htte. So, we recommend renting a car for your time in the Dolomites. But if you want to visit Val di Funes and hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano, stay in Val Gardena. After Alpe di Siusi, its time to finish your road trip by driving back to the beautiful and bustling Bolzano. We recommend the burrata plate and the alpine mushroom risotto. Moreover, it is an artsy neighborhood and a modern cultural hub. 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. Thanks, Good spots to go with a toddler are Lago di Braies, the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, the cable car to Lagazuoi (but Im not sure the walk down is toddler friendly), the cable car and short walks at Seceda, and a visit to Lago di Misurina would all be very nice. Its also one of the most popular places to visit and there are now cut-off times for when you can drive to the lake. This walk is 3 km/2 miles, takes about an hour, and you can get the full details here. Once finished the hike, if you still have energy left, add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. 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. This can get a little tricky when navigating around. Im glad you like our itinerary! In many ways, Switzerland feels like three different countries at once - depending on the regions you pick for your adventure. 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. Rifugio tia de Bioch also has a ridiculously well-stocked cellar, so prepare to sample some regional wines, too. The views overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. ), start the 4-hour return hike towards Fanes Htte, following the path up a steep incline, before it flattens out in the upper valley. If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. "Breathtaking views" says "Switzerland," although there are plenty of same in the Italian and Austrian Alps and the Dolomites (which have an Austrian cultural influence.)

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