Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast. 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). 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. Afternoon with Kayak adventure. We want to simplify that for you. 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). Wed recommend hiring a small all-wheel-drive / SUV in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures. 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. Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet! Alternatively, you could do a short segment of the Alta Via 2, which runs through Val Gardena. On the drive to Cortina dAmpezzo, visit Lago di Misurina. Day Three: Choose another day near your hotel. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the Dolomites surrounding you, including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and the Monte Antelao and Pelmo. Im planning a trip in June with the whole family. If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. Drive to Val Gardena . We recommend getting to the lake by 9 am. First things first; if youre doing a road trip to the Dolomites, youre probably going to need a car! Look up on the web. Surrounded on all sides by sleeping mountain giants, its impossible not to feel moved by the sheer beauty. Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever: DOLOMITES | Our Dolomites Travel Guide, Top things to do in the Dolomites, Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites, How to get to the Dolomites. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint | Dolomites Itinerary. If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. You can pick out your favorite daily itineraries and then put them together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary. ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for five different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. We have a toddler and a new born. 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. We will be doing the following hikes: Mannlichen to Klein Scheidegg and the Eiger Trail: Eigergletscher to Alpiglen, Schynige PLatte to Faulhorn to first, Murrent Via Feretta. the Fashion Hub of Milan. Which is better, staying in Cortina dAmpezzo or Val Gardena? 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!). If youre arriving from further abroad, flying may be the best option. Expect to pay anywhere between 80 - 200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type). 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. I agree with Nigel. Moreover, it is an artsy neighborhood and a modern cultural hub. 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. We rode the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon because the weather was perfect. The time spent there is up to you. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. This article has a long list of things to do that dont require hiking. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Here you can see an example of the old-town architecture, and enjoy an espresso at one of the many cafes. From here, theres a mix of hiking, scrambling and rock climbing to get to the Gran Cir peak just in time for sunrise. A day is a lot in a short, eat-all-you-can itinerary. 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. Day 3 - Explore the Canyon Rio Sass. This Northern Italy road trip itinerary works either way! But if you are a hiker, this is one of top hiking destinations in the world. If youre planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes as well as the main sights, 10 nights might be a better option. From Marmolada, drive over Passo Fedaia and past the lovely Lago di Fedaia. Seceda | Dolomites Itinerary Passo Pordoi | Dolomites Itinerary Day #2: Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Location: Eastern Dolomites For the full list, and more information about each activity, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. 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. First, we give a brief overview of the Dolomites and a list of the top experiences. 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. Highlights of our 7-day Dolomites Itinerary. PLACES TO GO: For ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. 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. Where are the Dolomites? 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. I would suggest staying the overnight of day 2 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the luxury ski town of the Dolomites. DO | Hike to Gran Cir peak, enjoy South Tyrolean cuisine at Rifugio tia de Bioch, STAY | Continue your stay at the beautiful timber interior of Mountain Hotel Mezdi, Colfosco/Corvara. Great, thanks KBK. 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. Additionally, the train ride through the South Tyrolean alps is one of the most incredible in Europe, winding through alpine passes and verdant valleys while overlooking the towering Dolomiti peaks above. However, Lagazuoi is beautiful and there is a hut here. Once finished the hike, if you still have energy left, add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. 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. I would stay no less than 4 nights. Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites and you can get to the top by riding a series of cable cars. Returning down, drop into JimmiHtte for an incredible and well-deserved breakfast. If possible, wed avoid visiting during the summer months of July - August as the Dolomites become extremely busy with Italian and German holidaymakers, as well as foreign tourists. STAY | Continue enjoying the amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 2 weeks in Italy & Switzerland - Rick Steves Travel Forum At this point, we recommend heading back in the direction you came, slowly making your way towards the carpark. The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. 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. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. 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. August/September 2022 trip to Switzerland & Dolomites 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. Explore three of Scandinavia's great cities on this Europe itinerary. This has lead to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, as well as the dreaded impacts of over-tourism. But if you want to visit Val di Funes and hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano, stay in Val Gardena. . 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Best road trip for rural Switzerland. 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. Gorner Gorge. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is an 8.8 km (5.5 mile) loop, but you can add on detours to viewpoints and alpine lakes. Its one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and it will be a short detour on your drive. We stayed in Selva di Cadore. Learn more here. Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary Ideas for the - MultiCityTrips Yes, you should be able to rent a car in Milan and return it in Vienna. The picturesque old town is worth a quick stroll, but we recommend continuing on to the famed three peaks of Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen to start your afternoon hike. This is another place where there are morning cut-off times for driving to the parking lot. The recently opened Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography is a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to mountain photography (Adults: 17, open 10 am - 4 pm, Monday - Sunday). The Cinque Torri is a short hike but you have to ride a chairlift to get to the start of the hike. The view from Cima Tofana (get here by riding the Freccia nel Cielo cable car from Cortina dAmpezzo). 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. I like what response # 5 says. So, we recommend renting a car for your time in the Dolomites. Thinking of staying in Wengen or Murren as base for couple days. 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 spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. 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. For 11 km, The Dolomites are one of those places that you could visit at any time of the year and still have a memorable experience. Tour Detail. On this most recent trip to the Dolomites we rented in Venice and returned it in Chamonix, France. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo has several short detours, where you can visit alpine lakes or viewpoints of the nearby mountains and valleys. After lunch, continue the drive south on SS51. 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 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. Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. The Dolomites are north of Venice and southeast of Innsbruck. 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. 10-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Florence - Turin - Lausanne 2. Either nap and enjoy the wellness at your accommodation, or head into town and enjoy lunch (and espresso) and one of Corvaras cafes. The parking lot for Marmolada is located on SP641 at Malga Ciapela. Across the Alps by train: a feast of scenery from Switzerland to But if you must have an automatic, make sure you reserve it in advance or speak with the rental car company before your trip. 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). The Cortina dAmpezzo from the Freccia nel Cielo cable car. Or, drive from one area to the other, following Day #7 (Driving from Cortina dAmpezzo to Val Gardena), so you get to see more of the Dolomites. However, were very much of the opinion that you could spend forever in the Dolomites and still find places to visit and things to see, so how long you stay here is completely up to you. Cheers, Julie. Whatever you do, dont travel through Italy without travel insurance, even if youre the most experienced traveller. The Ultimate Switzerland Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers 13 Days 20 Meals. 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. If youre unsure, its possible to hire a guide in Corvara to take you to the summit safely. 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. 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. 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. Switzerland, Lake Como and the Dolomites Itinerary All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina. The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy - We Are Global Travellers Not only will you be able to park here but crowds are still relatively light. Weve written a detailed guide to hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, including some alternative ways to access the park and avoid the 30 fee for car entry - so we recommend checking that out here. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to try a short hike from town or enjoy wellness at your hotel. 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. If you plan to spend more than three days in the Dolomites, we recommend that you stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo (or somewhere near here) and Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). From Obereggen we recommend hiking up to the next stop on our Dolomites itinerary, Oberholz (its also possible to take a cable car!). If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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). Train from Pontresina to Varenna and spend a few nights and explore Lake Como. one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Day Two: If you will be staying in Cortina dAmpezzo, take your pick from days 2 through 6. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities. Breakdown of your Dolomites itinerary Day 1: Visiting Lago di Carezza and arriving to Ortisei Day 2: Visiting the Santa Maddalena church and the church of Saint John in Val di Funes, seeing the sunset in Alpe di Siusi Day 3: Hiking at the Seceda ridgeline, driving through Passo Gardena, and arriving at La Villa or Cortina d'Ampezzo 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. Day One: Day # 1 Arrive from Venice, Milan, or Verona. Then its a lot of twists and turns as you drive to Passo Pordoi, the highest paved pass in the Dolomites. Your site has been very helpful in picking hikes for our family. From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. To get to the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot (the starting point for this hike), it is a 22 km drive that takes about 40 minutes. My 7 Day Switzerland itinerary starting from Geneva includes where to stay, things to do, where to eat, getting around and costs broken down into a day-by-day guide for: DAY 1: Geneva DAY 2: Bern DAY 3: Zermatt DAY 4: Jungfraujoch & Interlaken Day 5: Lucerne DAY 6: Mt Pilatus DAY 7: Zurich After all, nothing tastes sweeter than a good feed after an early morning hike and beautiful sunrise. We ate a very late lunch at Pizzeria Edelweiss. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels. 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. There are public buses but these arent always reliable and you wont have the freedom to explore the Dolomites at your own pace. In this guide, we share with you the top experiences in the Dolomites, how to organize them day-by-day, and then how to put this all together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary, whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or more. You can also drive to the Falzarego Pass and ride the Lagazuoi cable car for another great view. Im glad you like our itinerary! From Cortina dAmpezzo, it takes one hour to drive to Lago di Braies. I think yours is THE best one I read (read a ton). It showcases some of the best views, roads, lakes, mountains and more! This beautiful hike is also one of quietest trails that we hiked in the Dolomites. 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. This walk is 3 km/2 miles, takes about an hour, and you can get the full details here. Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. 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. Book here. The Dolomites? Or on to Switzerland? - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor 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. From Cortina dAmpezzo, head west towards Marmolada. Book here. As far as museums go, this is one of the best weve ever visited. I recommend five days at a minimum. The hike is steep but easy and should take around 2 - 3 hours to complete. Spend the afternoon by hiking one of the nearby trails. If you are planning your Dolomites itinerary, there is an overwhelming amount of information to processboth on the internet and in guidebooks. Tour Rating: : from $3,149 pp. Rothorn or Sunegga for more views & hikes. To help you explore the best of the Italian Dolomites, weve put together our 7-day Dolomites itinerary. Varenna is beautiful (especially when viewed from the water) and is a good base for also visiting Bellagio and Menaggio. I hope this helps and I hope you have a wonderful time on your upcoming trip! 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. THE COMMON WANDERER LTD 2015-2023All rights reserved. If you love hiking, spend as much time here as you can. Is that ok? Cable cars transport visitors to the highest peaks, so you dont have to be a big hiker to get to the panoramic viewpoints. 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. Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina. MORE INFORMATION: For all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. Ascend an excellent but sometimes steep trail through the trees. On your second day, go east. 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). "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.) So, if you have the time in your schedule, you could easily spend 7 to 10 days hiking in the Dolomites. 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. If hiking is your thing, June through September is the best time to visit the Dolomites. This hike starts at the Dantercepies gondola in Selva di Val Gardena. The reward though is waiting for you when you arrive. 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 can also visit the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park which is located southwest of Val Gardena. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Best enjoyed at sunrise, Alpe di Siusi is one of those too beautiful to be real type places. Another early morning is on the cards (sorry guys! 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)? 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. 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. You are of great help in our travels. Alternatively, jump aboard the cable car down to the town. BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads. Dolomites One Day Itinerary Route Planner Bolzano (A) to Val di Funes (F) 170km 5h 40 mins ( including stops) If you only have one day in the Dolomites, this is the itinerary I would pick. Weve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites. Our 7-day Dolomites Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide ), but pre-sunrise really is the best time to see the achingly beautiful Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee). Overlooking Passo Giau from Rifugio Nuvolau | Dolomites Itinerary. 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. In this guide, we list the top hotels, B&Bs, lodges, and wellness centers in the Dolomites, organized by location. In October, once the snow begins to fall, the trails close. Here, the unique mountainscapes become more rugged and imposing, with the jagged peaks towering high above. We believe the absolute best time of year to visit the Dolomites is during September and early October. Its a slightly longer walk (2 mins), but worth it. 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. Thoughts? The views overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Day 4 - E-Bike to 2K. 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. 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. It is a popular destination for locals and used as a gateway to the Dolomite Mountains.

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