So, you wish to go to the Dolomites however solely have a number of 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 most effective locations in probably the most wise order. That you must know what’s value your time, what you possibly can 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 summary 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 in contrast to anyplace else now we have 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, 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 elucidate the great thing about these mountains, or how they differ from the Alps or different European mountains we’ve seen. The mix of HUGE inexperienced meadows, jagged peaks, mountaineering trails and a few of the most lovely locations we’ve ever seen- the entire bundle is fascinating.
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 about fairly excessive.
The Dolomites are actually firmly in our prime 3 favorite locations to street journey in Europe- they are surely THAT spectacular.
Satisfied it’s someplace you wish to go to? Even should you 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, pictures, canine walks, star-gazing, street journeys, picnics and simply feeling awe-struck at the great thing about nature. Severely, it’s a type of locations the place you simply wish to be outside ALL. THE. TIME. Even when the climate isn’t at its greatest.
In winter, lots of the cities turn out to be ski resorts, which might be a beautiful method 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 large or greatest hikes into our Dolomites itinerary. In case you’d wish to know extra about mountaineering to a glacial lake or which mountains are best/ most enjoyable to hike, this ebook will inform you all the pieces you might want to know.
Additionally, ensure you know what to put on whereas mountaineering and costume for regardless of the climate might have in store- these are large mountains and it’s simple to get sucked in by their magnificence and neglect the risks of mountaineering if unprepared.
As an alternative, we centered on a few of the most lovely lakes which had 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 that may not be the best choice should you’re quick on time.
Should-Know Suggestions to your Dolomites Itinerary
The place are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are in northeastern Italy and one of the vital lovely mountain ranges I’ve ever skilled. In addition to mountains, there are many quaint cities and improbable driving roads- making it the most effective street journeys in Italy.
The realm is protected as a Unesco World Heritage web site because of the ‘sequence of extremely distinctive mountain landscapes which might be of remarkable pure magnificence. Their dramatic vertical and pale colored peaks in quite a lot of distinctive sculptural types are extraordinary in a world context.’ (taken from the UNESCO web site)
Why Is It Known as ‘the Dolomites’?
The 250-million-year-old formation also called 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 most effective time to go to the Dolomites?
I visited the Dolomites in early October and for my part that’s a good time to visit- significantly better than in excessive season (which is July and August).
What’s the easiest way to discover the Dolomites?
Ideally, you wish to discover the Dolomites in your individual automotive or car. 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 improbable place to go bike touring in Italy.
If in case you have a rental automotive, ensure you take time so as to add the Dolomites to your itinerary. In case you’re solely utilizing public transportation, you possibly can nonetheless discover the Dolomites, however companies won’t be as common as you might be used to, so you might want to spend greater than sooner or later within the space.
The city of Ortisei or Cortina D’Ampezzo are the principle cities to goal for, particularly from Venice – it’s an exquisite drive at any time of yr though the route has many hairpin turns and isn’t suggested for these susceptible to movement illness.
You possibly can take the prepare 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 possibly 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.
Nearly everybody speaks Italian, German, Italian and English, however don’t be shocked should you discover most Dolomites talking the native Ladin.
What’s the Forex within the Dolomites?
The foreign money within the Dolomites is the Euro, similar to in most elements of Italy. All main debit and bank cards are broadly accepted, however be ready for these $5 withdrawal charges if you might want to 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 resorts within the Dolomites differ, however you possibly can anticipate a regular 8:00 am to 7:00 pm timetable for many companies. Eating places hours lengthen till 10:00 pm or later.
A phrase of warning: be certain that to test your resort’s test in time rigorously as some don’t provide reception service after 5 p.m. in chosen areas.
How Good is the Web within the Dolomites?
The 4 main cellular networks in Italy are Vodafone, Windtre, TIM, and Iliad.
Some city present free WiFi in the principle squares and raise services, but when your smartphone helps it, you possibly can 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 amazing place for individuals who like to hike in mountainous areas. The most well-liked hikes can get busy in summer season, so that you would possibly want to begin within the early morning for longer day hikes to be able 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 may be booked upfront and are an amazing possibility for multi-day hikes. One of the crucial in style 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 should you don’t wish to; lots of the hottest areas and many the greatest lakes within the Dolomites are fairly near the street and simply accessible. So you possibly can choose and select precisely what you do or don’t wish to see.
Driving within the Dolomites
Within the Dolomites, you possibly can take pleasure in a number of of probably the most scenic routes Europe has to supply. Driving throughout the mountains would possibly seem to be an intimidating possibility, particularly if it’s your first time in Italy, however driving within the Dolomites is definitely manner simpler than you assume!
Is it Protected 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 simple to cross, aside from situations of heavy snowfall when you’ll find them often closed.
Within the Dolomites, individuals drive on the fitting facet of the street similar 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 a watch out for gasoline indicators and toll roads, you might be positive to have a secure journey within the Dolomites.
NOTE: You’ll want to be careful for cattle! They have an inclination 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 widespread 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 funds, you possibly can keep away from these by taking different, longer routes–simply ensure your map is updated.
How Many Days Do You Want within the Dolomites?
As many as you can- and it nonetheless received’t be lengthy sufficient! On this information, you’ll uncover numerous choices for experiencing the great 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. Goal to spend at the very least 5 days should you take pleasure in mountaineering and plan to go on Alpine hikes or attempt a biking journey.
Learn how to plan YOUR excellent Dolomites Itinerary
Under, I’ll share our 3-day Dolomites itinerary, however earlier than I do, I wish to share a few fast ideas that can assist you plan your individual journey.
- Determine on what’s vital 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 whole week! There are simply too many issues to do. So choose a number of issues which you REALLY wish 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 pictures 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, prepare, and shuttle service.
- In case you can, journey the Dolomites in a motorhome or campervan. That manner, you possibly can keep in some INCREDIBLE areas for a lot much less cash than the value of a Dolomites resort. It’s undoubtedly a more cost effective possibility and campervanning in Italy is superior anyway.
- Exit of season. Both Could/ June or September/ October. We went in the beginning of October, and it was the PERFECT time- clear days, cool nights with vibrant 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 undoubtedly the easiest way 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.
Subsequently, 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 prime of Tre Cime- we’ll get to that shortly!)
One of the crucial 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 possibly can 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 place to begin was Bolzano (A) and completed in Tre Cime (J). After all, 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 lets you plot as much as 10 factors at one time for a route map. But it surely exhibits all of the roads we drove over the three days so you should use it as a Dolomites route planner to your personal street journey.
Dolomites Route Planner
In the future within the Dolomites itinerary- what to see, what to keep away from and how you can plan your route!
Day One (or One Day within the Dolomites Itinerary!)
In case you solely have sooner or later within the Dolomites, that is the route we might 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)
In case you solely have sooner or later within the Dolomites, that is the itinerary I might choose. It showcases a few of the greatest views, roads, lakes, mountains and extra!
It’s a loop which is definitely driveable in daytime (each in summer season or winter) and is a improbable introduction to those lovely mountains. As a primary day introduction to the realm, 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 Cross in direction of Ortisei (SS48, turning into SS242) – 3 hours • 76km (Level D)- stopped for lunch close to the highest the place you possibly can see Alpe di Siusi- the most important alpine meadow in Europe
- Ortisei to Val di Funes, to see Santa Maddalena church (precisely known as St Johanns Church)- the little chapel within the subject and one of the vital photographed church buildings on this planet. 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
In case you’re visiting the Dolomites for a weekend or two days, I might do Day 1 and Day 2 to showcase a few of the greatest spots within the area. It’s greatest to have an early begin and get as a lot accomplished as possible- it additionally means you possibly can 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 Cross (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 should you don’t have a campervan.
In case you keep close by and it’s a transparent night time, 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 automotive–go to the highest of Seceda should you can, however motorhome parking on the cable automotive station is a NIGHTMARE, so Col Raiser is simpler for vans to go to.
- Another possibility is to go to Alpe di Suisi (known as Seiser Alm in German) on the other side- it’s the most important high-alpine pasture in Europe.
- Gardena Cross – this was breathtaking–nicely value going this fashion as a substitute of the faster autoroute to Lake Braies.
- Lago di Braies – we arrived the night time earlier than and stayed in a single day. In case you’re not staying on web site, get right here REALLY early or you’ll be overrun by Instagram photograph hunters… many in wedding 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 as we speak, 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.
In case you can, keep up there for the night time, both in a camper or a tent or at a hostel. You received’t remorse it!
Day Three Dolomites – Issues to do and issues to overlook
- Subsequent morning, stand up EARLY to see Lago di Braies at dawn for the most effective expertise of this lovely lake. The excellent news is you’ll see the dawn and keep away from the a whole lot of Instagrammers!
- Lake Braies to Lake Misurina – 43 minutes • 35km (you go Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Landro on the way- each fairly and value a cease)
- Lake Misurina to Cortina d’Ampezzo – 23 minutes • 15km (missable- we solely went for gasoline and buying)
- Cortina to Tre Cime – 42 minutes • 23km
- Keep up Tre Cime for the night so you possibly can see sundown and dawn. Each are beautiful. We selected to spend two nights up right here, however you don’t must should you’re quick on time.
In case you can’t keep up Tre Cime itself (an additional price, however value it), this is without doubt one of the closest resorts to Tre Cime– the views are SPECTACULAR!!
Some widespread 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 mountaineering and exploring Tre Cime. However you possibly can simply spend three or 4 days within the Dolomites and never hike in any respect should you don’t wish to.
When Ought to I go to the Dolomites?
In our opinion, Autumn is ideal. It’s really one in every of our favorite locations to expertise Autumn in Europe. The timber 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 season, which makes the entire expertise significantly better.
September/ October is gorgeous. Don’t come any later than mid-October as lots of the cable automobiles/ mountain passes within the Dolomites can 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, you might not see all the pieces you wish to. (Listed here are some extra unbelievable locations to take pleasure in in Europe in October)
If Autumn isn’t an possibility, try to go to Could 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 can 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?
In case you’re doing a Dolomites Highway Journey Itinerary (which we extremely advocate), 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 price to go to the Dolomites?
One of many benefits to visiting an space with plenty of mountaineering and pictures 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 gather them)= 25€
- Gasoline = 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 occasional 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€
- Gasoline and LPG = 80€
Day 4
- Not a thing- we had 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 embody journey to or from the Dolomites, or meals which we already had in our motorhome, however ought to provide you with an concept on what you would anticipate to spend by yourself street journey.
The place to remain while you go to the Dolomites?
I’ve talked about it a few instances already, however we extremely advocate visiting the Dolomites with a motorhome or campervan. That manner, you possibly can keep in campsites or use aires (known as Sostas in Italy.)
You possibly can both convey your individual van, or rent one close by.
If that’s not an possibility, rent a automotive and be ready to maneuver resorts every night time, so that you’re not losing time returning to a resort again the place you began.
The resorts we advocate are:
Journey Necessities to your Dolomites Itinerary
Whether or not it’s a shock hailstorm in the course of summer season or a spontaneous hike, it doesn’t damage to be able to face the sudden within the Dolomites. Learn on and make an inventory of the necessities that can 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 while you go to. Dolomite summers are gentle with common most temperatures in July and August hardly ever spiking over 25°C – however, let’s face it, an sudden sunburn can actually destroy a vacation so it’s greatest to be ready.
Sturdy footwear or sandals – in a position to 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 footwear, and your trusty reusable water bottle go a good distance in any trip and can show important in your outside adventures within the Dolomites. Visiting in Could or through the summer season months? You would possibly wish to pack your swimsuit, however provided that you’re courageous sufficient to attempt the chilly waters in Lake Braies.
What Subsequent?
If you wish to see extra pictures of the attractive Dolomites, take a look at our Instagram.
There may be a lot to see within the space, it may be overwhelming attempting to slender all of it down. Listed here are a few of our favorite guides to assist:
We hope you discovered these itinerary concepts for the Dolomites helpful. You would possibly discover these posts useful too:
