Looking for a different Dolomites road trip itinerary that covers the best sights and some out-of-the-way places? We’ve got you covered. Our 1-week itinerary visits the most impressive scenery, the best hikes, and an under-visited corner of the Dolomites.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
The Dolomites would have to be one of our favourite places in the world.
Soaring spires of rock rise above swaying alpine meadows with mountain top rifugios providing sweeping views of dramatic landscapes.
World-class wineries serve up Italian classics with hearty German influences.
However, the true magnetism of this UNESCO World Heritage site is its hiking and outdoor opportunities.
You can enjoy a meander around an idyllic lake or climb a rocky outcrop to a mountain-top lagoon. Walk through forested paths or cycle on the highest alpine meadow in the world.
We’ve put this Dolomites itinerary together to capture the area’s highlights, but also see some of the more remote corners that few visitors visit. This is an excellent opportunity to get off the beaten track in a well-visited destination.
ABOUT OUR ITINERARY
This is a road trip itinerary, so a rental car is required to follow it. We have kept the driving to under 2 hours most days (some much less) except the first day, as you need to get to Cortina from the airport.
It’s also an itinerary for keen hikers. We spend 4 days hiking over the week, allowing for rest days in between. We’ve put the accommodation near the hikes, in most cases, there isn’t too much travelling to get to the trailheads.
This itinerary is also slightly different in that we visit the Brenta Dolomites. This more remote region is much less visited than other Dolomites locations. We think it’s well worth it for the incredibly diverse scenery and to get off the beaten track a little.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
We have put a quick summary of the itinerary we followed in the table below so you can see where we stayed each night.
| DAY | ITINERARY | STAY |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Great Dolomite Road & Passo Pordoi | Cortina |
| Day 2 | Tre Cime di Lavaredo | Cortina |
| Day 3 | Lago di Braies, Val di Funes | Val di Funes |
| Day 4 | Seceda & Alpe di Siusi | Ortisei |
| Day 5 | Sassolungo | Ortisei |
| Day 6 | Trento Valley | Trento |
| Day 7 | Brenta Dolomites | Madonna di Campiglio |
MAP
Maps.me can be very useful when hiking. It has a more extensive set of maps than Google and works offline for when you are deep in the valleys. All the main sights listed in this Dolomites itinerary are included on the map below.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
HOW TO GET THERE?
There are no international airports in the Dolomites, but there are several airports within 2 hours of Cortina d’Ampezzo, where this itinerary begins.
We flew into Venice, but here are the other airports with their proximity to Cortina:
- Canova di Treviso (Italy) – 136 kilometres (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Venice Marco Polo (Italy) – 148 kilometres (1 hour 50 minutes)
- Innsbruck (Austria) – 164 kilometres (2 hours 10 minutes)
- Verona (Italy) – 265 kilometres (2 hours 55 minutes)
We have more information on getting to the Dolomites and tips on getting around in our guide to visiting the Dolomites for the first time.
OUR DOLOMITES ITINERARY
DAY 1: GREAT DOLOMITE ROAD & PASSO PORDOI
We started our Dolomites road trip by flying into Venice and renting a car from the airport. The total driving time today was around 4 hours and 15 minutes with our final stop at Cortina d’Ampezzo.
There was no hiking today.
GREAT DOLOMITE ROAD & LAGO DI CAREZZA
We started this road trip by exploring the stunning Great Dolomite Road, which runs between Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo and includes some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Dolomites.
From Bolzano, we took the SS241 towards Nova Levante, which has magnificent views of the Catinaccio. Soon after, we hopped out of the car to visit the shimmering turquoise waters of Lago di Carezza, which mirror the spiky Latemar mountains in the background.
Back in the car, we followed the SS241 as it crossed the Costalungo Pass and dropped into Val di Fassa. We turned left onto the SS48 to Canazei.
PASSO PORDOI
Just through Canazei, the road winds to Passo Pordoi. It takes 22 hairpin bends to reach the top of the pass. Here, we took the cable car to the 2,950m Sass Pordoi viewing terrace.
To the west, are sensational views of the massive limestone blocks of the Sella and Sassolungo massifs. To the east lies the barren moonscape of Piz Boe. The rifugio on the viewing terrace is an excellent spot for lunch.
RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI
Back in the car, we took the 33 hairpins descending into the valley beneath Marmolada and its glacier. The road follows the valley through Arabba and Andraz before heading north to Passo Falzarego.
We took the cable car to the 2,835m high Rifugio Lagazuoi. The views are excellent; you can also explore the trenches and tunnels from the First World War.
Returning to the car, we travel east to finish the day in Cortina dʼAmpezzo.
WHERE TO STAY IN CORTINA DʼAMPEZZO
We have a detailed guide on what to do around Cortina, including accommodation options, but here are a few suggestions for this itinerary:
- Hotel Villa Gaia (€) – A 10-minute walk from the centre of town with a traditional alpine feel.
- Al Larin Hotel (€€) – A Simple but clean budget hotel just one mile north of Cortina.
- Hotel de Len (€€€) – Rural contemporary hotel with a minimalist design and strong sustainability credentials. There’s a wellness centre and excellent restaurants.
DAY 2: TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
On the second day, we hiked Tre Cime di Lavaredo, easily one of the best things to do in the Dolomites.
The most famous view is just north of Drezinnenhütte: a magnificent rifugio tucked into the rock and scree.
To start the hike, we drove from Cortina to the trailhead at Rifugio Auronzo (45 minutes). On the way, we stopped at Lago Misurina and Lago Antorno. Both are beautiful lakes with views up to the Tre Cime and Cadini massifs.
The trail is just over 10 kilometres with 400 metres of ascent and descent and takes just under 3 hours and 30 minutes. You can find all the details and more information on our guide to hiking Tre Cime.
After the hike, we returned to Cortina via Lago di Landro for some late afternoon views back to Tre Cime from the Zinnenblick car park.
DAY 3: LAGO DI BRAIES & VAL DI FUNES
Lago di Braies and Val di Funes are two of the most beautiful destinations we saw on our road trip. Tucked into the northern valleys, they are only a short drive apart, making for an excellent, relaxing way to spend day 3 of our itinerary.
LAGO DI BRAIES
We started the day by driving 1 hour to Lago di Braies. The turquoise waters of this picture-perfect lake sit beneath the dramatic craggy buttresses of Croda del Becco.
It’s a remarkable sight and worth savouring from the shoreline. There is a 1-hour walk around the lake, or you can hire a boat.
Back in the car, we explored more of the Braies Valley, which we highly recommend doing because Lago di Braies is very popular with tourists, so it’s good to get away from that for a bit.
Only a few kilometres from the lake, it is strangely quiet. In particular, the huts and flower-filled meadows that surround the ruined hotel in Bagni di Braies Vecchia is well worth the short detour. The full details are in our guide to Lago di Braies.
VAL DI FUNES
Next, we drove to Val di Funes. The churches of San Giovanni and Santa Maddalena, backed by the jagged peaks of the Puez-Odle massif, are a photographer’s dream.
We spend some time ambling along the Panoramaweg and Sunnenseitenweg paths that meander through the meadows. It’s a beautiful spot to stroll in the fading light. We cover more great things to do in the area in our guide to Val di Funes.
Spend the night at San Pietro in Val di Funes.
WHERE TO STAY IN VAL DI FUNES
There are several towns dotted about Val di Funes, however San Pietro is the largest with the most facilities. It’s also a lovely spot with great views.
- Fallerhof (€) – An unlikely budget option with kitchenettes, a garden, ski storage and family rooms.
- Proihof (€) – Alpine-style rooms on a farm, 5 minutes from the centre of Funes, with excellent mountain views.
- LIving Puez (€€€) – Renovated apartment with sun terrace, garden, free Wifi, fully equipped kitchenette and on-site restaurant.
DAY 4: SECEDA & ALPE DI SIUSI
The Puez-Odle massif that forms the magnificent backdrop to Val di Funes doesn’t just look good from afar. Up close, those spiky peaks appear like the teeth of a mangled saw.
And there is no better place to see this dramatic mountain scenery than from the top of the Seceda cable car.
SECEDA RIDGELINE
Today we drove to Ortisei from Val di Funes (40 minutes) and took the cable car to the Seceda ridgeline. After a short walk, the reward is a magnificent array of vertiginous alpine peaks.
We spend a bit of time exploring the ridge, then had a coffee at one of the rifugios on the way down.
ALPE DI SIUSI (SEISER ALM)
Next, we went up to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) – the 2,000-metre high alpine meadow. Many head up here to hike, but the rolling meadows are vast so we hired a e-bikes to see all the highlights.
The Bamby Bike Rental at the bottom of the lift in Ortisei rents a range of bikes (including e-bikes) for a full or half-day.
We took the bikes up on the cable car and then cycled around taking in the magnificent meadow views. Make sure to stop at Saltria; the views across the meadows and up to Sassolungo are remarkable.
We took the path that twists through the valleys back to Ortisei which took us just over an hour.
WHERE TO STAY IN ORTISEI
- Residence Larciunei (€€) – Self-catering apartments with mountain views, a garden with sun loungers and fully equipped kitchens.
- Hotel Luna Mondschein (€€) – An elegant hotel in the centre of town with an excellent restaurant and spa facilities.
- Chalet Pra Ronch (€) – Good value, renovated rooms with private bathroom in nearby Selva di Val Gardena.
DAY 5: SASSOLUNGO (LANGKOFEL) CIRCUIT
What makes the Dolomites so spectacular are the near-vertical peaks that suddenly protrude like a knife through swaying green meadows. And nowhere is this dramatic contrast more emphatic than at the Sassolungo / Langkofel massif.
So today we drove to the Passo Sella Car Park (30 minutes) to start one of the top hikes in the Dolomites.
It’s a 6-hour, 17.6-kilometre walk with 1,000 metres of ascent and descent. But if you are up for the challenge, it is a memorable day hike. Set off early, take your time and recharge at many of the rifugios along the route.
All the details are on our Sassolungo / Langkofel hiking post.
DAY 6: TRENTO & THE TRENTINO VALLEY
Trento is a beautiful town in a beautiful valley and a great place to wind down for a day. Today, we took the scenic SP64 and LS24 through Suisi and Presule towards Bolzano before entering the Trentino Valley.
The old main road (SS12) winds around the valley and through picturesque villages. Potter around the beautiful pastel-coloured buildings, little gardens, and churchyards.
We had lunch at Alois Lageder, a family vineyard run on biodynamic principles, which we highly recommend.
However, we cover plenty of other fantastic wineries in our guides to places to visit in the Dolomites.
In the afternoon, head to Trento and explore this attractive old town centre. The highlight is the Piazza Duomo, backed by the Cattedrale di San Viglio.
It took us around 2 hours and 15 minutes from Ortisei to Trento using the SS12.
WHERE TO STAY IN TRENTO
- Al Cavour 34 (€) – Great value stay with attentive hosts right near the centre of town. There’s a small fee for parking.
- Hotel Villa Madruzzo (€€) – Smart accommodation in the hills above Trento with a wellness centre, Turkish bath and outdoor hot tub.
- Grand Hotel Trento (€€€) – A grand establishment in the centre of Trento with old world elegance and spacious rooms.
DAY 7: BRENTA DOLOMITES
The imposing massif of the Brenta Dolomites is an under-visited part of the area, but it’s well worth a visit to see a different side to the mountains.
GROSTÈ GONDOLA LIFT
We drove to Madonna di Campiglio (1 hour, 30 minutes from Trento) and took the Grostè Gondola Lift to start the hike back down to Madonna.
We went southwest from the top cable car station on path 316, weaving in and out of the towering peaks before arriving at Rifugio Tuckett (1 hour, 30 minutes). This is one of the best-located huts in the Dolomites, surrounded by towering rock.
RIFUGIO TUCKETT & BRENTEI
From Rifugio Tuckett, there are two options to make your way back down.
Option 1: Firstly, you could take path 317 to Rifugio Casinei, then on to Rifugio Vallisnella and catch the bus to Madonna di Campiglio. This is a 3-hour walk.
Option 2: The second option is to take path 328 and follow the contour around the massif, joining path 318, which travels deep into an amphitheatre of towering peaks. Right in the centre of this wonderland of rock sits Rifugio Brentei – an excellent place to stop. From here, take the steep descent via Rifugio Casinei to Rifugio Vallisnella. This option is a 5-hour walk, and this is what we did.
Bus to Madonna di Campiglio // The bus from Rifugio Vallisnella to Madonna di Campiglio runs every 20 to 30 minutes. If you’re up for it, you can just keep walking into Madonna di Campiglio, which is an additional 4.5 kilometres.
WHERE TO STAY IN MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO
- Hotel Alpina (€) – A well-equipped, cost-effective hotel in an excellent location close to the cable car station.
- Bio Hotel Hermitage (€€) – Excellent facilities with spectacular views. They have a free shuttle to the ski lifts.
- DV Chalet Boutique Hotel & Spa (€€€) – Designer hotel with luxurious accommodation, a high-end spa and a modern Alpine design.
WHAT’S IT LIKE DRIVING IN THE DOLOMITES?
For this one-week itinerary, you will need to hire a car. Unfortunately, public transport is not available for this particular itinerary.
We had no problem driving in the Dolomites, the roads are good quality and well signed.
We have more detailed information in our guide to the Italian Dolomites, but here are the most important things you need to know about driving in the Dolomites.
- A 4×4 is not required in the Dolomites – all the roads on this road trip are paved.
- Most car rental companies do not charge extra to cross the Italian border, so Innsbruck is a good option to fly into. (Read our guide: what to do in Innsbruck). However, keep in mind that you’ll be dealing with Austrian roadside assistance if something goes wrong.
- The Tornate sign indicates the number of hairpins remaining on the mountain passes.
- International Driving Permits are not required for most travellers, but check with your local authority.
- There are some toll roads in the Dolomites, called Autostrade.
- The distances may appear short, but allow plenty of time, as some of the roads are very twisty.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time for this itinerary is from mid-June to late September. The first few weeks of July is ideal when flowers carpet the upper meadows, and the snow should have cleared from the higher trails.
The hiking season in the Dolomites is relatively short. Snow can hang around on higher ground well into summer, making some of the paths impassable.
The cold weather and snow can return as early as October.
The cable cars close at the end of the ski season, and while some of the larger ones reopen in late May, many others don’t return to service until mid-June. Most rifugios also shut after winter, with some not reopening until mid to late June. We cover the cable car opening times in our general Dolomites guide.
If possible, try to avoid August when the school holidays bring large crowds.
ALTERNATIVE DOLOMITES ITINERARIES
This itinerary moves around quickly in order to capture the best sights and the best hikes the Dolomites has to offer. If you have less time, or you would prefer to move less, here are some alternative itineraries to consider.
5-DAY DOLOMITES ITINERARY
To reduce this itinerary to 5 days, remove the Brenta Dolomites by following from Day 1 to Day 5, then spend the final day in Trento before flying out. This will still capture some of the best destinations in the dolomites but skips the more remote hiking.
ALTERNATIVE 1-WEEK DOLOMITES ITINERARY
If you have a week to spend in the Dolomites but would like to slow it down a little, skip the Brenta Dolomites and Trento, and add one more night at Val di Funes, and one more night in Ortisei.
There are plenty of ways to spend time in Val di Funes and the extra time in Ortisei can be spent in the charming town or exploring Alpe di Siusi in more depth. More details re in our guide to Val di Funes.
2-CENTRE ITINERARY
Finally, if you want to move less, make this a two-centre visit by staying 4 nights in Ortisei and 3 nights in Cortina.
These are two popular places in the Dolomites that will allow you to do some great hiking, explore the stunning scenery around Ortisei and Val Gardena, and relax in some of the nicest towns in the Dolomites.
For more information read: things to do in Cortina and our guide on Val Gardena.
MORE READING FOR YOUR DOLOMITES TRIP
- See the best of the Italian Dolomites on our one-week Road Trip Itinerary
- Demystify the area with our guide to where to stay in the Dolomites.
- Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo with our comprehensive guide.
- One of our favourite hikes with fewer visitors is Lago di Sorapis.
- Discover other incredible places in the Italian Alps.
- Pick from our favourite hikes in the Dolomites.
- Val di Funes (Villnöss) is an Instagram favourite, but there’s plenty of other great things to do.
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Thanks for your support. Paul & Mark
The pictures are a complete treat to eyes. Few hours ago, I came across the Val di Funes blog and was totally stoked. Now this one has completely blew my mind off. I am surely going to consider this road trip. I am sure places like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake Braies, Sassolungo-Langkofel will leave me spellbound. Looking forward to it, soon!
Thanks, Shreya – glad you liked it. All those places are well worth the trip.
I am spending two nights at Hotel lago di braies and want to create an itinerary around this. Looking at 3-4 days before driving from venice and maybe one day after. What would you recommend? Ortesei for 3 nights? Ideally I prefer to stay at one place longer and do day trips. I really want to do a lot of hiking taking in all the beautiful sights.
I will be there from 16 Jun to approx 21/22 Jun 23.
I think Ortesei is perfect. Great destination for 3 nights. Easy to take the cable car up to Seceda or Alpe di Siusi and its a quick bus ride or drive to the cable cars at Selva. Sounds like its going to be a fun trip.
This sounds like a dream road trip! For one, I do love a good road trip, it’s in the mountains, and I live in Austria anyway so I just need to cross the border. Furthermore, I always wanted to visit Italy and its mountain roads. Your article is very informative and the area looks stunning. It helps so much in motivating me and trying to organise a route. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
How lucky you live in Austria, you’re right next door to the Dolomites! Thanks for your kind words, Susanne.
Your blog is mesmerizing and reading this story is truly breathtaking. You’ve been to dolomites and I guess not many travelers can do what you can.
Thanks, Blair. I think lots of people could walk in the Dolomites, there are lots of different walks with different levels of difficulty.
How have I never heard of these towering and gorgeous mountains! You have me convinced to head back to Italy and enjoy more than just the food and wine!
Thanks, Shane. Yes, there is more to Italy than food and wine!
Hi,
Could you tell me what time of the year is prime time to take this road trip? I’m guessing your blog was written for a summer visit.
I’m hoping to follow in your tracks and don’t know if I dare hook on a Dolomite trop after being in Venice end of October. This means my road trip & hikes would be scheduled for the first week of November …. Any suggestions? Recommendations?
Hi Claire,
The first week of November will be too late for this particularly itinerary I’m afraid. The cable cars close around late September to early October plus some of the passes in this itinerary will be covered in snow by then. We’d recommend doing the Dolomites first if possible, the best time to visit is from July to late September.
Paul.
This looks like such an epic road trip! Like most other people who have had the pleasure of visiting Italy, I’m just dying to return. Tento found itself on my radar after reading about the Traverse travel blogging conference there this past month, I was unbelievably jealous I could not attend but will be driving through northern Italy next March on a road trip from Spain. I’m really hoping to get up into the Dolomites area and the trip you took really looks incredible. Let’s hope I’m lucky enough to follow in your footsteps!
A road trip from Spain to Italy! WOW, that sounds like quite an adventure. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
This Italian region is a true gem and I think your itinerary perfectly covers all the main sights. I particularly like Val di Funes, I find it truly enchanting, and I would like to do some trekking around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Pure poetry for the eyes and the soul!
It certainly is a gem. Thanks for your kind words Val, glad you liked it.
What a comprehensive guide to exploring the Dolomites! Your pictures are just breathtaking and look like an experience of a lifetime.
Thanks so much, really appreciate it.
This is one hell of a guide, my friend! Thanks so much for taking the time to put this all together, it’s much appreciated, and will be very helpful!
Cheers Christopher.
What a wonderful blog – a mine of information!! have bookmarked so many hikes 🙂 and am already planning my trip there !!! Thanks so much ! Cheers 🙂
Thanks, Norman. Glad you found it useful. You’ll love hiking in the Dolomites, it’s incredible.
Thank you for this itinerary! I’ve not found many good sources for a road trip around the Dolomites, but your post has been a standout. Lots of useful and practical information and the layout is beautiful, which always helps 🙂 Thank you, you have probably saved me hours of research. Now also following you on Instagram to make sure I’m updated on all your travels 🙂
Thanks so much for letting us know. We love this part of the world, so it was a pleasure to be put all the information together. Have a great time in the Dolomites, you’ll love it.
Hi Paul & Mark,
Love your blog! very useful and beautiful.
I have one specific question which is hard to gather information for. I want to go Hiking in the Dolomites in September 2020, from your 7 day hiking itinerary, which of those hikes are dog friendly?. We really would love to go hiking with our active dog, hikes like tri cime and lago di braies are easy ones which we can bring our dog. However are the other ones too challenging/dangerous to bring a dog with you ?.
I would really appreciate your feedback :).
Many thanks in advance.
Cheers! Sharon
Hi Sharon, We don’t have a dog so not quite sure what surfaces you would need. But I would think that you should be ok on the Tre Cime, Sassolungo and Val di Funes walks. I would avoid the Lago di Sorapis and Vajolet Towers, as the first has narrow ledges with railings and some steep sections and the second is very steep in places and requires handholds. Thanks a lot for your kind comments about the blog. Hope you have a great trip and let us know how it goes.
Hi Paul and Mark,
Amazing blog!
I am also planning the trip with same itinerary but during first week of December. Do you guys think, this would be a good itinerary for winter season. I will appreciate your response. Thanks!
Hi Megha, I think you are going to struggle in December. Most of the cable cars will be closed and many paths and roads covered in snow. Sorry Mark.
great info thanks . getting there next week 08/2021
Excellent, have a great time.
We followed your itinerary fairly closely, took in lots of the recommendations.
I must say it was so reassuring to go places and know they will be amazing.
Thank you for the information and advice
Hi Josh – Thanks for letting us know, so glad you had a good time in the Dolomites. It’s one of our favourite corners of the world, can’t wait to go back.
Hello,
Do you know if there are any limits concerning dogs in the cable cars?
Do you know if there is anywhere we can find general info on this subject?
Hi Sonja,
We don’t have a dog so we’re not exactly sure of all the requirements, however, we did see dogs on the cable cars when we were there. This article says they need to be on a leash and have a muzzle. In some cases, you may need to buy a ticket for the dog depending on how big it is. I hope that helps.
Regards,
Paul.