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 perfect locations in probably the most wise order. You have to know what’s price your time, what you possibly can overlook and the place it is best to keep.
And right here it is- the right Dolomites Itinerary for brief highway 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.
Grab a espresso and let’s get began.
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Why go to the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are not like wherever else we have now been. We’ve road-tripped round Europe for years- and this place took our breath away.
We’d at all times hurried previous Northern Italy earlier than, desirous to discover the Italian lakes, the Alps, or Slovenia- all of that are lovely and completely price a visit- however we REALLY want we’d stopped on the Dolomites earlier.
It’s arduous to elucidate the fantastic 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, mountain climbing trails and among 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 fully fallen in love with this region- each nook is one other ‘wow’ second. And after Norway, our ‘wow’ meter is ready fairly excessive.
The Dolomites at the moment are firmly in our high 3 favorite locations to highway journey in Europe- they are surely THAT spectacular.
Convinced it’s someplace you need to go to? Even if you happen to solely have a brief break? Good- let’s plan your excellent Dolomites itinerary.
What is there to do within the Dolomites?
There are SO MANY THINGS to do within the Dolomites.
It’s a spot for outside explorations, particularly mountain climbing, pictures, canine walks, star-gazing, highway journeys, picnics and simply feeling awe-struck at the fantastic thing about nature. Seriously, it’s a type of locations the place you simply need to be open air ALL. THE. TIME. Even when the climate isn’t at its finest.
In winter, lots of the cities change into ski resorts, which might be a beautiful solution 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 finest hikes into our Dolomites itinerary. If you’d prefer to know extra about mountain climbing to a glacial lake or which mountains are best/ most enjoyable to hike, this e book will inform you the whole lot you should know.
Also, be sure you know what to put on whereas mountain climbing and gown for regardless of the climate might have in store- these are massive mountains and it’s simple to get sucked in by their magnificence and overlook the hazards of mountain climbing if unprepared.
Instead, we targeted on among the most lovely lakes which had been only a quick stroll or quick hike away, so we may see as a lot as attainable within the quick time we had.
Of course, you are able to do an all day hike if you want, however which may not be the best choice if you happen to’re quick on time.
Must-Know Tips on your Dolomites Itinerary
Where are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are in northeastern Italy and one of the vital lovely mountain ranges I’ve ever skilled. As nicely as mountains, there are many quaint cities and incredible driving roads- making it among the finest highway journeys in Italy.
The space is protected as a Unesco World Heritage website as a result of ‘series of highly distinctive mountain landscapes that are of exceptional natural beauty. Their dramatic vertical and pale coloured peaks in a variety of distinctive sculptural forms are extraordinary in a global context.’ (taken from the UNESCO web site)
Why Is It Called ‘the Dolomites’?
The 250-million-year-old formation also referred to as the “Pale Mountains” took its title from the French geologist Dieudonné Dolomieu, who studied the area’s geology and dolomitic limestone formations within the 18th century.
When is the perfect time to go to the Dolomites?
I visited the Dolomites in early October and for my part that’s a good time to visit- a lot better than in excessive season (which is July and August).
What is one of the simplest ways to discover the Dolomites?
Ideally, you need to discover the Dolomites in your personal automotive or automobile. We visited as a part of our motorhome tour in Italy. Foolishly, as a result of we had been heading to Croatia, we didn’t take our bikes with us, but it surely’s a incredible place to go motorbike touring in Italy.
If you’ve got a rental automotive, be sure you take time so as to add the Dolomites to your itinerary. If you’re solely utilizing public transportation, you possibly can nonetheless discover the Dolomites, however companies won’t be as common as you’re used to, so chances are you’ll want to spend greater than sooner or later within the space.
The city of Ortisei or Cortina D’Ampezzo are the primary cities to purpose for, particularly from Venice – it’s an exquisite drive at any time of 12 months though the route has many hairpin turns and isn’t suggested for these liable to movement illness.
You can take the prepare to Bolzano and Val Gardena from Venice, Milan, or Verona.
Where is the closest airport to the Dolomites?
The closest airports to the Dolomites area are in Venice – Marco Polo and Treviso. You can 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.
Almost everybody speaks Italian, German, Italian and English, however don’t be shocked if you happen to discover most Dolomites talking the native Ladin.
What is the Currency within the Dolomites?
The forex within the Dolomites is the Euro, similar to in most elements of Italy. All main debit and bank cards are extensively accepted, however be ready for these $5 withdrawal charges if you should 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 automobiles, and lodges within the Dolomites range, however you possibly can count on a normal 8:00 am to 7:00 pm timetable for many companies. Restaurants hours lengthen till 10:00 pm or later.
A phrase of warning: be certain that to verify your resort’s verify in time rigorously as some don’t provide reception service after 5 p.m. in chosen areas.
How Good is the Internet within the Dolomites?
The 4 main cell networks in Italy are Vodafone, Windtre, TIM, and Iliad.
Some city present free WiFi in the primary squares and raise services, but when your smartphone helps it, you possibly can have web on the highway with a regional Eurolink e-sim (costs begin from $5).
Hiking within the Dolomites
The Dolomites and South Tyrol are a fantastic place for individuals who like to hike in mountainous areas. The hottest hikes can get busy in summer time, so that you may want to begin within the early morning for longer day hikes in an effort to get the path to your self as a lot as attainable.
For even longer hikes, there are mountain huts (rifugio) in all places which may be booked upfront and are a fantastic choice for multi-day hikes. One of the most 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 appreciated was that you just don’t HAVE to go for lengthy hikes if you happen to don’t need to; lots of the hottest areas and many the finest lakes within the Dolomites are fairly near the highway and simply accessible. So you possibly can choose and select precisely what you do or don’t need to see.
Driving within the Dolomites
In the Dolomites, you possibly can get pleasure from just a few of probably the most scenic routes Europe has to supply. Driving throughout the mountains may look like an intimidating choice, particularly if it’s your first time in Italy, however driving within the Dolomites is definitely method simpler than you suppose!
Is it Safe to Drive within the Dolomites?
The roads are nicely maintained with highway indicators in each German, Italian and typically English. All passages by means of the mountains are pretty simple to cross, apart from situations of heavy snowfall when you will see that them normally closed.
In the Dolomites, individuals drive on the proper aspect of the highway similar to in most different locations in Europe. The pace restrict is 50 km/h in cities and 90 km/h on nation roads. As lengthy as you retain a watch out for gas indicators and toll roads, you’re positive to have a protected journey within the Dolomites.
NOTE: Be positive to be careful for cattle! They are likely to cross the roads often 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 automotive, campervan, or trailer.
If you’re touring on a price range, you possibly can keep away from these by taking different, longer routes–simply make sure your map is updated.
How Many Days Do You Need within the Dolomites?
As many as you can- and it nonetheless gained’t be lengthy sufficient! In this information, you’ll uncover numerous choices for experiencing the fantastic thing about the Dolomites, whether or not it’s for a length of a sooner or later go to, a weekend/ two days or 3-5 days. Aim to spend not less than 5 days if you happen to get pleasure from mountain climbing and plan to go on Alpine hikes or attempt a biking journey.
How to plan YOUR excellent Dolomites Itinerary
Below, I’ll share our 3-day Dolomites itinerary, however earlier than I do, I need to share a few fast suggestions that can assist you plan your personal journey.
- Decide on what’s necessary to you. With solely 3 or 4 days within the Dolomites, you will be unable to see all of it. Heck, you couldn’t see all of it in a complete week! There are simply too many issues to do. So choose just a few issues which you REALLY need to see, and luxuriate in these.
- HIRE/ TAKE a automobile. The Dolomites are MADE for highway journeys. They are excellent for picnics up mountains with unbelievable views, mountain climbing, late-night pictures and getting up early to see the dawn. This itinerary is designed for highway trips- taking public transport will take you for much longer, however there are alternatives for bus, prepare, and shuttle service.
- If you possibly can, journey the Dolomites in a motorhome or campervan. That method, you possibly can keep in some INCREDIBLE areas for a lot much less cash than the value of a Dolomites resort. It’s positively a less expensive choice and campervanning in Italy is superior anyway.
- Go out of season. Either May/ June or September/ October. We went at the start 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 simplest ways to plan a visit. Learn how one can use Google Maps to create an epic itinerary.
Our 3-4 day Dolomites highway 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.
Therefore, we didn’t actually have a Dolomites itinerary deliberate and as a substitute simply crammed as a lot as we may into 3 days (technically, we had been there for 4 days however we spent one full day camped on the high of Tre Cime- we’ll get to that shortly!)
One of probably the most iconic photographs within the Dolomites- however is it REALLY price your time?
Italian Dolomites Itinerary Road map
Map of our Dolomites highway journey itinerary
Here’s the route planner for our Dolomites itinerary. You can see the roads we took. Below, 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 place to begin was Bolzano (A) and completed in Tre Cime (J). Of course, you possibly can 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 permits you to plot as much as 10 factors at one time for a route map. But 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 highway journey.
Dolomites Route Planner
One day 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!)
If you solely have sooner or later within the Dolomites, that is the route we’d take- until 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)
If you solely have sooner or later within the Dolomites, that is the itinerary I’d choose. It showcases among the finest views, roads, lakes, mountains and extra!
It’s a loop which is well driveable in daytime (each in summer time or winter) and is a incredible introduction to those lovely mountains. As a primary day introduction to the realm, it was unbelievable.
Day One Route & Highlights
- Driving the Great Dolomite Road (SS241) from Bolzano to Canazei- 2 hours • 76km (Point A- Point C) READ: 9 important tricks to drive the Great Dolomites highway
- Stop at Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza) en-route (Point B)- that is the place we had a late breakfast (TOP TIP: get there early- even in October there have been a whole lot of tour buses arriving.)
- Sella Pass in the direction of Ortisei (SS48, changing into SS242) – 3 hours • 76km (Point D)- stopped for lunch close to the highest the place you possibly can 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 subject and one of the vital photographed church buildings on the planet. Only 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 Travel weblog
Map and route planner for Dolomites roadtrip planning for 2 days
Weekend/ Two Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re visiting the Dolomites for a weekend or two days, I’d do Day 1 and Day 2 to showcase among the finest spots within the area. It’s finest to have an early begin and get as a lot finished as possible- it additionally means you possibly can reap the benefits of 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 Car) – 31 minutes • 39km
- Gardena Pass (B/C) – 49 minutes • 32km
- Lago di Braies for night – 1h10 minutes • 59km
This resort at Lago di Braies is RIGHT ON THE SHORE of the lake and can be excellent to remain in if you happen to don’t have a campervan.
If you keep close by and it’s a transparent evening, getting as much as {photograph} the celebrities over the lake is a superb idea- it’s severely 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 automotive–go to the highest of Seceda if you happen to can, however motorhome parking on the cable automotive station is a NIGHTMARE, so Col Raiser is simpler for vans to go to.
- An different 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 Pass – this was breathtaking–nicely price going this fashion as a substitute of the faster autoroute to Lake Braies.
- Lago di Braies – we arrived the evening earlier than and stayed in a single day. If you’re not staying on website, get right here REALLY early or you’ll be overrun by Instagram photograph hunters… many in wedding ceremony attire… #notevenkidding.
Day Three- Dolomites Travel weblog
Tre Cime within the Dolomites- our absolute FAVOURITE place! 
Day Three Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
Lake Braies (A) to Tre Cime (D) • 73km • 2 hours
A shorter highway journey route in the present day, with loads of fairly lakes and gorgeous views. Don’t miss Tre Cime di Lavaredo– regardless of the expense it was our favorite a part of the Dolomites.
If you possibly 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 – Things to do and issues to overlook
- Next morning, rise up EARLY to see Lago di Braies at dawn for the perfect 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 go 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 gas and purchasing)
- Cortina to Tre Cime – 42 minutes • 23km
- Stay up Tre Cime for the night so you possibly can see sundown and dawn. Both are gorgeous. We selected to spend two nights up right here, however you don’t have to if you happen to’re quick on time.
If you possibly can’t keep up Tre Cime itself (an additional value, however price it), this is without doubt one of the closest lodges to Tre Cime– the views are SPECTACULAR!!
Some frequent questions concerning 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 mountain climbing and exploring Tre Cime. But you possibly can simply spend three or 4 days within the Dolomites and never hike in any respect if you happen to don’t need to.
When Should 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 bushes are an exquisite backdrop to the views, the climate remains to be heat sufficient to go exterior and but the customer numbers are a lot fewer than in summer time, 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 automobiles/ mountain passes within the Dolomites will likely be closed and never re-opened till April-ish. Snow and ice could cause difficulties reaching lots of the finest issues to do within the Dolomites throughout winter, so whereas it may be fairly, chances are you’ll not see the whole lot you need to. (Here are some extra unbelievable locations to get pleasure from in Europe in October)
If Autumn isn’t an choice, attempt to go to May 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 will likely be largely melted, and it is best to get many alternatives to benefit from the spectacular views!
Where 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?
If you’re doing a Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary (which we extremely suggest), you possibly can 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 value to go to the Dolomites?
One of the benefits to visiting an space with a whole lot of mountain climbing and pictures spots is that it may be visited fairly cheaply, particularly out of season.
Our 4-day Dolomites itinerary didn’t value us a lot in any respect:
Day One
- 4€ parking at Lake Carrezza, plus items and memento postcard (we gather them)= 25€
- Fuel = 70€
Day Two
- Breakfast and bread for lunch from bakery = 6€
- Col Raiser Cable Car- 40€ for two adults and a canine (canine free)
- Cake and occasional at high of Col Raiser = 17€
- Overnight parking at Lake Braies = 8€ (15€ as of 2022)
Day Three
- Gift store at Lake Misurina = 35€ (purchased superb woolly slipper socks – price it!)
- Tre Cime for two nights with a motorhome = 70€
- Fuel and LPG = 80€
Day Four
- Not a thing- we had been up Tre Cime! Although there’s a restaurant and a store there, we didn’t use it.
TOTAL prices for Dolomites highway journey = 351€
This doesn’t embrace journey to or from the Dolomites, or meals which we already had in our motorhome, however ought to offer you an thought on what you would count on to spend by yourself highway journey.
Where to remain whenever you go to the Dolomites?
I’ve talked about it a few instances already, however we extremely suggest visiting the Dolomites with a motorhome or campervan. That method, you possibly can keep in campsites or use aires (referred to as Sostas in Italy.)
You can both carry your personal van, or rent one close by.
If that’s not an choice, rent a automotive and be ready to maneuver lodges every evening, so that you’re not losing time returning to a resort again the place you began.
The lodges we suggest are:
Travel Essentials on your Dolomites Itinerary
Whether it’s a shock hailstorm in the course of summer time or a spontaneous hike, it doesn’t damage to be able to face the surprising within the Dolomites. Read on and make an inventory of the necessities that may mean you can relish within the Alpine expertise, rain or shine!
What to Wear within the Dolomites
A rain jacket – ideally light-weight and insulated to accompany you in each exploration.
Sun hat & Sunscreen – relying on whenever you go to. Dolomite summers are gentle with common most temperatures in July and August not often spiking over 25°C – however, let’s face it, an surprising sunburn can actually damage a vacation so it’s finest to be ready.
Sturdy footwear or sandals – in a position to face 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, mountain climbing footwear, and your trusty reusable water bottle go a great distance in any trip and can show important in your open air adventures within the Dolomites. Visiting in May or throughout the summer time months? You may need to pack your swimsuit, however provided that you’re courageous sufficient to attempt the chilly waters in Lake Braies.
What Next?
If you need to see extra photographs of the attractive Dolomites, take a look at our Instagram.
There is a lot to see within the space, it may be overwhelming attempting to slender all of it down. Here 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:
