So, you need to go to the Dolomites however solely have just a few days. You want a quick Dolomites itinerary for a day journey, weekend or go to as much as 5 days which supplies you ALL the very best locations in probably the most wise order. You should know what’s value your time, what you may neglect and the place it is best to keep.
And right here it is- the proper Dolomites Itinerary for brief street journeys.
Our Dolomites journey weblog posts cowl most of our favorite locations in additional element, however that is an outline of the routes and itinerary we took, together with driving distances and stops.
Seize a espresso and let’s get began.
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Why go to the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are not like anyplace else we now have been. We’ve road-tripped round Europe for years- and this place took our breath away.
We’d all the time hurried previous Northern Italy earlier than, eager to discover the Italian lakes, the Alps, or Slovenia- all of that are lovely and completely value a visit- however we REALLY want we’d stopped on the Dolomites earlier.
It’s arduous to clarify the great thing about these mountains, or how they differ from the Alps or different European mountains we’ve seen. The mixture of HUGE inexperienced meadows, jagged peaks, mountaineering trails and a number of the most lovely locations we’ve ever seen- the entire package deal is charming.
Dare we are saying it, however after 4 quick days, we had utterly fallen in love with this region- each nook is one other ‘wow’ second. And after Norway, our ‘wow’ meter is about fairly excessive.
The Dolomites at the moment are firmly in our prime 3 favorite locations to street journey in Europe- they are surely THAT spectacular.
Satisfied it’s someplace you need to go to? Even for those who solely have a brief break? Good- let’s plan your excellent Dolomites itinerary.
What’s there to do within the Dolomites?
There are SO MANY THINGS to do within the Dolomites.
It’s a spot for outside explorations, particularly mountaineering, images, canine walks, star-gazing, street journeys, picnics and simply feeling awe-struck at the great thing about nature. Critically, it’s a kind of locations the place you simply need to be outdoor ALL. THE. TIME. Even when the climate isn’t at its greatest.
In winter, lots of the cities change into ski resorts, which might be an exquisite option to benefit from the views.
We didn’t have a lot time to spend within the space, so we didn’t add any of the massive or greatest hikes into our Dolomites itinerary. When you’d wish to know extra about mountaineering to a glacial lake or which mountains are best/ most enjoyable to hike, this book will let you know every thing it is advisable know.
Additionally, be sure to know what to wear while hiking and gown for regardless of the climate might have in store- these are huge mountains and it’s straightforward to get sucked in by their magnificence and neglect the risks of mountaineering if unprepared.
As an alternative, we targeted on a number of the most lovely lakes which have been only a quick stroll or quick hike away, so we may see as a lot as potential within the quick time we had.
After all, you are able to do an all day hike if you want, however which may not be the best choice for those who’re quick on time.
Should-Know Ideas on your Dolomites Itinerary
The place are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are in northeastern Italy and some of the lovely mountain ranges I’ve ever skilled. In addition to mountains, there are many quaint cities and implausible driving roads- making it probably the greatest street journeys in Italy.
The world is protected as a Unesco World Heritage web site as a result of ‘collection of extremely distinctive mountain landscapes which can be of outstanding pure magnificence. Their dramatic vertical and pale colored peaks in a wide range of distinctive sculptural types are extraordinary in a worldwide context.’ (taken from the UNESCO website)
Why Is It Referred to as ‘the Dolomites’?
The 250-million-year-old formation also referred to as the “Pale Mountains” took its identify from the French geologist Dieudonné Dolomieu, who studied the area’s geology and dolomitic limestone formations within the 18th century.
When is the very best time to go to the Dolomites?
I visited the Dolomites in early October and in my view that’s a good time to visit- a lot better than in excessive season (which is July and August).
What’s one of the best ways to discover the Dolomites?
Ideally, you need to discover the Dolomites in your individual automobile or car. We visited as a part of our motorhome tour in Italy. Foolishly, as a result of we have been heading to Croatia, we didn’t take our bikes with us, nevertheless it’s a implausible place to go motorbike touring in Italy.
When you’ve got a rental automobile, be sure to take time so as to add the Dolomites to your itinerary. When you’re solely utilizing public transportation, you may nonetheless discover the Dolomites, however providers may not be as common as you’re used to, so it’s possible you’ll want to spend greater than someday within the space.
The city of Ortisei or Cortina D’Ampezzo are the principle cities to intention for, particularly from Venice – it’s a good looking drive at any time of yr though the route has many hairpin turns and isn’t suggested for these susceptible to movement illness.
You’ll be able to take the practice to Bolzano and Val Gardena from Venice, Milan, or Verona.
The place is the closest airport to the Dolomites?
The closest airports to the Dolomites area are in Venice – Marco Polo and Treviso. You’ll be able to attain Venice from most main hubs throughout Europe and the US.
Are the Dolomites Italian or German?
The Dolomites are a little bit of each. The language is bilingual – and even trilingual in some locations – so anticipate finding cities and villages sharing Austrian and Italian names, and typically even Ladin, the traditional Roman language handed down by the primary valley inhabitants.
Virtually everybody speaks Italian, German, Italian and English, however don’t be shocked for those who discover most Dolomites talking the native Ladin.
What’s the Forex within the Dolomites?
The foreign money within the Dolomites is the Euro, identical to in most elements of Italy. All main debit and bank cards are extensively accepted, however be ready for these $5 withdrawal charges if it is advisable use an ATM for money and plan for these bills upfront.
What are the opening hours within the Dolomites?
Opening hours for the lifts, cable vehicles, and accommodations within the Dolomites fluctuate, however you may anticipate a normal 8:00 am to 7:00 pm timetable for many providers. Eating places hours lengthen till 10:00 pm or later.
A phrase of warning: be sure to test your resort’s test in time rigorously as some don’t supply reception service after 5 p.m. in chosen areas.
How Good is the Web within the Dolomites?
The 4 main cell networks in Italy are Vodafone, Windtre, TIM, and Iliad.
Some city present free WiFi in the principle squares and elevate services, but when your smartphone helps it, you may have web on the street with a regional Eurolink e-sim (costs begin from $5).
Mountaineering within the Dolomites
The Dolomites and South Tyrol are an awesome place for many who like to hike in mountainous areas. The preferred hikes can get busy in summer season, so that you may want to begin within the early morning for longer day hikes with a view to get the path to your self as a lot as potential.
For even longer hikes, there are mountain huts (rifugio) in every single place which will be booked upfront and are an awesome choice for multi-day hikes. One of the vital well-liked of those is Rifugio Auronzo on Tre Cime, one of many favourite hikes for a lot of guests.
Dolomites for non-hikers
What we actually preferred was that you simply don’t HAVE to go for lengthy hikes for those who don’t need to; lots of the hottest places and many the best lakes in the Dolomites are fairly near the street and simply accessible. So you may decide and select precisely what you do or don’t need to see.
Driving within the Dolomites
Within the Dolomites, you may get pleasure from just a few of probably the most scenic routes Europe has to supply. Driving throughout the mountains may appear to be an intimidating choice, particularly if it’s your first time in Italy, however driving within the Dolomites is definitely manner simpler than you assume!
Is it Secure to Drive within the Dolomites?
The roads are nicely maintained with street indicators in each German, Italian and typically English. All passages by way of the mountains are pretty straightforward to cross, aside from cases of heavy snowfall when you will discover them normally closed.
Within the Dolomites, folks drive on the proper aspect of the street identical to in most different locations in Europe. The velocity restrict is 50 km/h in cities and 90 km/h on nation roads. So long as you retain an eye fixed out for gasoline indicators and toll roads, you’re positive to have a secure journey within the Dolomites.
NOTE: Make sure to be careful for cattle! They have a tendency to cross the roads ceaselessly in lots of farmed areas, typically with out warning indicators.
Driver’s License & Autostrade (Toll Roads)
Toll Roads, or Autostrade are the frequent Italian highways, motorways, and freeways marked by easy-to-spot inexperienced indicators. You’ll want a full driving license or worldwide driving allow to journey on these by automobile, campervan, or trailer.
If you’re touring on a price range, you may keep away from these by taking different, longer routes–simply make sure your map is updated.
How Many Days Do You Want within the Dolomites?
As many as you can- and it nonetheless gained’t be lengthy sufficient! On this information, you’ll uncover varied choices for experiencing the great thing about the Dolomites, whether or not it’s for a length of a someday go to, a weekend/ two days or 3-5 days. Intention to spend at the least 5 days for those who get pleasure from mountaineering and plan to go on Alpine hikes or strive a biking journey.
plan YOUR excellent Dolomites Itinerary
Under, I’ll share our 3-day Dolomites itinerary, however earlier than I do, I need to share a few fast suggestions that will help you plan your individual journey.
- Resolve on what’s essential to you. With solely 3 or 4 days within the Dolomites, you won’t be able to see all of it. Heck, you couldn’t see all of it in a whole week! There are simply too many issues to do. So decide just a few issues which you REALLY need to see, and revel in these.
- HIRE/ TAKE a car. The Dolomites are MADE for street journeys. They’re excellent for picnics up mountains with unbelievable views, mountaineering, late-night images and getting up early to see the dawn. This itinerary is designed for street trips- taking public transport will take you for much longer, however there are alternatives for bus, practice, and shuttle service.
- When you can, journey the Dolomites in a motorhome or campervan. That manner, you may keep in some INCREDIBLE places for a lot much less cash than the worth of a Dolomites resort. It’s positively a cheaper choice and campervanning in Italy is superior anyway.
- Exit of season. Both Might/ June or September/ October. We went in the beginning of October, and it was the PERFECT time- clear days, cool nights with shiny stars and unbelievable foliage. The Dolomites in Autumn are breathtaking.
- Use Google Maps. We plotted all of the issues we wished to do and see on Google Maps, after which drove between them. It’s positively one of the best ways to plan a visit. Discover ways to use Google Maps to create an epic itinerary.
Our 3-4 day Dolomites street journey itinerary & highlights
We didn’t imply to go to the Dolomites in any respect; we detoured on the way in which to Slovenia with none plan in any respect.
Due to this fact, we didn’t actually have a Dolomites itinerary deliberate and as an alternative simply crammed as a lot as we may into 3 days (technically, we have been there for 4 days however we spent one full day camped on the prime of Tre Cime- we’ll get to that shortly!)
One of the vital iconic pictures within the Dolomites- however is it REALLY value your time?
Italian Dolomites Itinerary Highway map
Map of our Dolomites street journey itinerary
Right here’s the route planner for our Dolomites itinerary. You’ll be able to see the roads we took. Under, I’ll break it down into day-by-day and mileage/ cease factors/ issues to see within the Dolomites on the way in which.
Our start line was Bolzano (A) and completed in Tre Cime (J). After all, you may add and amend this itinerary or do it in reverse order if you want.
NOTE- Not each level we stopped at is listed on the map above- Google Maps solely means that you can plot as much as 10 factors at one time for a route map. Nevertheless it reveals all of the roads we drove over the three days so you need to use it as a Dolomites route planner on your personal street journey.
Dolomites Route Planner
Sooner or later within the Dolomites itinerary- what to see, what to keep away from and how one can plan your route!
Day One (or One Day within the Dolomites Itinerary!)
When you solely have someday within the Dolomites, that is the route we might take- except you go to Tre Cime!
Dolomites One Day Itinerary & Route Planner
Bolzano (A) to Val di Funes (F) • 170km • 5h 40 minutes (together with stops)
When you solely have someday within the Dolomites, that is the itinerary I might decide. It showcases a number of the greatest views, roads, lakes, mountains and extra!
It’s a loop which is definitely driveable in daylight (each in summer season or winter) and is a implausible introduction to those lovely mountains. As a primary day introduction to the world, it was unbelievable.
Day One Route & Highlights
- Driving the Nice Dolomite Highway (SS241) from Bolzano to Canazei- 2 hours • 76km (Level A- Level C) READ: 9 important tricks to drive the Nice Dolomites street
- Cease at Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza) en-route (Level B)- that is the place we had a late breakfast (TOP TIP: get there early- even in October there have been plenty of tour buses arriving.)
- Sella Go in direction of Ortisei (SS48, changing into SS242) – 3 hours • 76km (Level D)- stopped for lunch close to the highest the place you may see Alpe di Siusi- the biggest alpine meadow in Europe
- Ortisei to Val di Funes, to see Santa Maddalena church (precisely referred to as St Johanns Church)- the little chapel within the discipline and some of the photographed church buildings on the earth. Solely a brief drive at 40 minutes and arrived late afternoon • 32 km (D to E)
- Stayed in a single day close to Santa Maddalena (see precisely the place right here)
Day Two- Dolomites Journey weblog
Map and route planner for Dolomites roadtrip planning for 2 days
Weekend/ Two Day Dolomites Highway Journey Itinerary
When you’re visiting the Dolomites for a weekend or two days, I might do Day 1 and Day 2 to showcase a number of the greatest spots within the area. It’s greatest to have an early begin and get as a lot completed as possible- it additionally means you may benefit from areas within the free parking heaps.
Val di Funes (A) to Lago di Braies (Lake Braies) (D) on the map above • 130km • 2h 30 minutes (NOT together with stops)
- Val di Funes to Ortisel (Col Rainer or Seceda Cable Automotive) – 31 minutes • 39km
- Gardena Go (B/C) – 49 minutes • 32km
- Lago di Braies for night – 1h10 minutes • 59km
This hotel at Lago di Braies is RIGHT ON THE SHORE of the lake and could be excellent to remain in for those who don’t have a campervan.
When you keep close by and it’s a transparent evening, getting as much as {photograph} the celebs over the lake is a superb idea- it’s significantly lovely.
Day Two – Highlights for the place to go to within the Dolomites
- Val di Funes- St Johann’s Church/ Santa Maddalena- READ : Val di Funes excellent itinerary.
- Col Raiser/ Seceda/ Alpe di Siusi Cable automobile–go to the highest of Seceda for those who can, however motorhome parking on the cable automobile station is a NIGHTMARE, so Col Raiser is simpler for vans to go to.
- An alternate choice is to go to Alpe di Suisi (referred to as Seiser Alm in German) on the alternative side- it’s the biggest high-alpine pasture in Europe.
- Gardena Go – this was breathtaking–nicely value going this fashion as an alternative of the faster autoroute to Lake Braies.
- Lago di Braies – we arrived the evening earlier than and stayed in a single day. When you’re not staying on web site, get right here REALLY early or you can be overrun by Instagram photograph hunters… many in marriage ceremony attire… #notevenkidding.
Day Three- Dolomites Journey weblog
Tre Cime within the Dolomites- our absolute FAVOURITE place! 
Day Three Dolomites Highway Journey Itinerary
Lake Braies (A) to Tre Cime (D) • 73km • 2 hours
A shorter street journey route immediately, with loads of fairly lakes and beautiful views. Don’t miss Tre Cime di Lavaredo– regardless of the expense it was our favorite a part of the Dolomites.
When you can, keep up there for the evening, both in a camper or a tent or at a hostel. You gained’t remorse it!
Day Three Dolomites – Issues to do and issues to overlook
- Subsequent morning, rise up EARLY to see Lago di Braies at dawn for the very best expertise of this lovely lake. The excellent news is you’ll see the dawn and keep away from the lots of of Instagrammers!
- Lake Braies to Lake Misurina – 43 minutes • 35km (you move Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Landro on the way- each fairly and price a cease)
- Lake Misurina to Cortina d’Ampezzo – 23 minutes • 15km (missable- we solely went for gasoline and purchasing)
- Cortina to Tre Cime – 42 minutes • 23km
- Keep up Tre Cime for the night so you may see sundown and dawn. Each are beautiful. We selected to spend two nights up right here, however you don’t must for those who’re quick on time.
When you can’t keep up Tre Cime itself (an additional price, however value it), this is one of the closest hotels to Tre Cime– the views are SPECTACULAR!!
Some frequent questions in regards to the Dolomites:
Dolomites Itinerary for non-hikers- do I HAVE to stroll or hike?
We didn’t do many BIG hikes in our 3-day Dolomites itinerary. On the 4th day, we spent it mountaineering and exploring Tre Cime. However you may simply spend three or 4 days within the Dolomites and never hike in any respect for those who don’t need to.
When Ought to I go to the Dolomites?
In our opinion, Autumn is ideal. It’s really one in all our favorite locations to expertise Autumn in Europe. The timber are a good looking backdrop to the views, the climate remains to be heat sufficient to go outdoors and but the customer numbers are a lot fewer than in summer season, which makes the entire expertise a lot better.
September/ October is gorgeous. Don’t come any later than mid-October as lots of the cable vehicles/ mountain passes within the Dolomites might be closed and never re-opened till April-ish. Snow and ice could cause difficulties reaching lots of the greatest issues to do within the Dolomites throughout winter, so whereas it may be fairly, it’s possible you’ll not see every thing you need to. (Listed below are some extra unbelievable locations to get pleasure from in Europe in October)
If Autumn isn’t an choice, try to go to Might or June, which is an ideal time to benefit from the spring flowers on the alpine meadows. The climate will simply be warming up, snow might be principally melted, and it is best to get many alternatives to benefit from the spectacular views!
The place can I go to the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are in Northern Italy, about an hour north of Lake Garda.
How do you get to the Dolomites from Venice/ from Milan?
When you’re doing a Dolomites Highway Journey Itinerary (which we extremely advocate), you may simply get to the Dolomites from Venice or Milan.
Venice to Bolzano (the beginning of our Dolomites itinerary) will take you about 3 hours (267km)
Milan to Bolzano is about 3 and a half hours (278km)
How a lot does it price to go to the Dolomites?
One of many benefits to visiting an space with plenty of mountaineering and images spots is that it may be visited fairly cheaply, particularly out of season.
Our 4-day Dolomites itinerary didn’t price us a lot in any respect:
Day One
- 4€ parking at Lake Carrezza, plus items and memento postcard (we accumulate them)= 25€
- Gas = 70€
Day Two
- Breakfast and bread for lunch from bakery = 6€
- Col Raiser Cable Automotive- 40€ for two adults and a canine (canine free)
- Cake and low at prime of Col Raiser = 17€
- In a single day parking at Lake Braies = 8€ (15€ as of 2022)
Day Three
- Reward store at Lake Misurina = 35€ (purchased wonderful woolly slipper socks – value it!)
- Tre Cime for two nights with a motorhome = 70€
- Gas and LPG = 80€
Day 4
- Not a thing- we have been up Tre Cime! Though there’s a restaurant and a store there, we didn’t use it.
TOTAL prices for Dolomites street journey = 351€
This doesn’t embrace journey to or from the Dolomites, or meals which we already had in our motorhome, however ought to provide you with an thought on what you may anticipate to spend by yourself street journey.
The place to remain if you go to the Dolomites?
I’ve talked about it a few occasions already, however we extremely advocate visiting the Dolomites with a motorhome or campervan. That manner, you may keep in campsites or use aires (referred to as Sostas in Italy.)
You’ll be able to both convey your individual van, or rent one close by.
If that’s not an choice, rent a automobile and be ready to maneuver accommodations every evening, so that you’re not losing time returning to a resort again the place you began.
The accommodations we advocate are:
Journey Necessities on your Dolomites Itinerary
Whether or not it’s a shock hailstorm in the midst of summer season or a spontaneous hike, it doesn’t harm to be able to face the surprising within the Dolomites. Learn on and make an inventory of the necessities that may permit you to relish within the Alpine expertise, rain or shine!
What to Put on within the Dolomites
A rain jacket – ideally light-weight and insulated to accompany you in each exploration.
Solar hat & Sunscreen – relying on if you go to. Dolomite summers are delicate with common most temperatures in July and August hardly ever spiking over 25°C – however, let’s face it, an surprising sunburn can actually smash a vacation so it’s greatest to be ready.
Sturdy sneakers or sandals – capable of stand up to spontaneous hikes and the tough cobblestone streets of the scenic cities alongside your journey.
What to Pack for the Dolomites
An influence financial institution, journey adaptor, mountaineering sneakers, and your trusty reusable water bottle go a good distance in any trip and can show important in your outdoor adventures within the Dolomites. Visiting in Might or through the summer season months? You may need to pack your swimsuit, however provided that you’re courageous sufficient to strive the chilly waters in Lake Braies.
What Subsequent?
If you wish to see extra pictures of the gorgeous Dolomites, check out our Instagram.
There’s a lot to see within the space, it may be overwhelming making an attempt to slender all of it down. Listed below are a few of our favorite guides to assist:
We hope you discovered these itinerary concepts for the Dolomites helpful. You may discover these posts useful too:
