So, you wish 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 provides you ALL the very best locations in essentially the most smart order. That you must know what’s value your time, what you possibly can overlook 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 not like anyplace 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, eager to discover the Italian lakes, the Alps, or Slovenia- all of that are stunning and completely value a visit- however we REALLY want we’d stopped on the Dolomites earlier.
It’s arduous to clarify the fantastic 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, climbing trails and a number of the most stunning 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 at the moment are firmly in our high 3 favorite locations to street journey in Europe- they are surely THAT spectacular.
Satisfied it’s someplace you wish to go to? Even in the event 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 climbing, pictures, canine walks, star-gazing, street journeys, picnics and simply feeling awe-struck at the fantastic thing about nature. Critically, 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, most of the cities grow 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 massive or greatest hikes into our Dolomites itinerary. In case you’d prefer to know extra about climbing to a glacial lake or which mountains are best/ most enjoyable to hike, this ebook will let you know every thing it’s essential to know.
Additionally, be sure you know what to put on whereas climbing and gown for regardless of the climate might have in store- these are large mountains and it’s straightforward to get sucked in by their magnificence and overlook the risks of climbing if unprepared.
As an alternative, we targeted on a number of the most stunning 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.
In fact, you are able to do an all day hike if you want, however that may not be the most suitable choice in the event you’re quick on time.
Should-Know Ideas on your Dolomites Itinerary
The place are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are in northeastern Italy and one of the stunning mountain ranges I’ve ever skilled. In addition to mountains, there are many quaint cities and improbable driving roads- making it probably the greatest street journeys in Italy.
The realm is protected as a Unesco World Heritage website 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 kinds are extraordinary in a world context.’ (taken from the UNESCO web site)
Why Is It Referred to as ‘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 very best 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’s one of the simplest ways to discover the Dolomites?
Ideally, you wish to discover the Dolomites in your personal automobile 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, nevertheless it’s a improbable place to go motorbike touring in Italy.
In case you have a rental automobile, be sure 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 providers won’t be as common as you might be used to, so it’s possible you’ll want to spend greater than at some point within the space.
The city of Ortisei or Cortina D’Ampezzo are the primary cities to intention 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 liable 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 generally 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 stunned in the event you discover most Dolomites talking the native Ladin.
What’s the Forex within the Dolomites?
The forex 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’s essential 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 lodges within the Dolomites fluctuate, however you possibly can count on a regular 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: make certain to verify your resort’s verify 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 cellular networks in Italy are Vodafone, Windtre, TIM, and Iliad.
Some city present free WiFi in the primary squares and elevate amenities, but when your smartphone helps it, you possibly can have web on the street with a regional Eurolink e-sim (costs begin from $5).
Climbing within the Dolomites
The Dolomites and South Tyrol are a terrific place for many who like to hike in mountainous areas. The preferred hikes can get busy in summer time, 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 might be booked upfront and are a terrific choice for multi-day hikes. One of the crucial fashionable 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 in the event you don’t wish to; most of the hottest places and many the greatest lakes within the Dolomites are fairly near the street and simply accessible. So you possibly can decide and select precisely what you do or don’t wish to see.
Driving within the Dolomites
Within the Dolomites, you possibly can get pleasure from just a few of essentially the most scenic routes Europe has to supply. Driving throughout the mountains would possibly seem 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 suppose!
Is it Secure to Drive within the Dolomites?
The roads are effectively maintained with street indicators in each German, Italian and generally English. All passages by way of the mountains are pretty straightforward to cross, apart from situations of heavy snowfall when you will discover them often closed.
Within the Dolomites, folks drive on the best 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 gas indicators and toll roads, you might be certain to have a protected journey within the Dolomites.
NOTE: Make sure to be careful for cattle! They have an inclination 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 automobile, 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 Want within the Dolomites?
As many as you can- and it nonetheless received’t be lengthy sufficient! On this information, you’ll uncover varied choices for experiencing the fantastic thing about the Dolomites, whether or not it’s for a length of a at some point go to, a weekend/ two days or 3-5 days. Purpose to spend a minimum of 5 days in the event you get pleasure from climbing and plan to go on Alpine hikes or strive a biking journey.
The right way to plan YOUR excellent Dolomites Itinerary
Beneath, I’ll share our 3-day Dolomites itinerary, however earlier than I do, I wish to share a few fast suggestions that will help you plan your personal journey.
- Determine 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 decide just a few issues which you REALLY wish to see, and luxuriate in these.
- HIRE/ TAKE a automobile. The Dolomites are MADE for street journeys. They’re excellent for picnics up mountains with unimaginable views, climbing, 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, practice, and shuttle service.
- In case you can, journey the Dolomites in a motorhome or campervan. That manner, you possibly can keep in some INCREDIBLE places for a lot much less cash than the value of a Dolomites resort. It’s positively a more cost effective choice and campervanning in Italy is superior anyway.
- Exit of season. Both Might/ June or September/ October. We went at first of October, and it was the PERFECT time- clear days, cool nights with brilliant stars and unimaginable 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. 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 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 the crucial iconic photographs within the Dolomites- however is it REALLY value your time?
Italian Dolomites Itinerary Street 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. Beneath, 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). In fact, 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 means that you can 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 on your personal street journey.
Dolomites Route Planner
At some point within the Dolomites itinerary- what to see, what to keep away from and plan your route!
Day One (or One Day within the Dolomites Itinerary!)
In case you solely have at some point 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)
In case you solely have at some point within the Dolomites, that is the itinerary I’d decide. It showcases a number of the greatest views, roads, lakes, mountains and extra!
It’s a loop which is definitely driveable in daytime (each in summer time or winter) and is a improbable introduction to those stunning mountains. As a primary day introduction to the world, it was unimaginable.
Day One Route & Highlights
- Driving the Nice Dolomite Street (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 loads of tour buses arriving.)
- Sella Move in direction of Ortisei (SS48, changing into SS242) – 3 hours • 76km (Level 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 area and one of the 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 Street Journey Itinerary
In case you’re visiting the Dolomites for a weekend or two days, I’d 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 finished as possible- it additionally means you possibly can benefit from areas within the free parking tons.
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 Automobile) – 31 minutes • 39km
- Gardena Move (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 could be excellent to remain in in the event 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 critically stunning.
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 in the event you can, however motorhome parking on the cable automobile station is a NIGHTMARE, so Col Raiser is less complicated for vans to go to.
- An alternate choice is to go to Alpe di Suisi (referred to as Seiser Alm in German) on the other side- it’s the biggest high-alpine pasture in Europe.
- Gardena Move – this was breathtaking–effectively value going this manner 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 website, get right here REALLY early or you’ll be overrun by Instagram picture hunters… many in wedding ceremony attire… #notevenkidding.
Day Three- Dolomites Journey weblog
Tre Cime within the Dolomites- our absolute FAVOURITE place! 
Day Three Dolomites Street Journey Itinerary
Lake Braies (A) to Tre Cime (D) • 73km • 2 hours
A shorter street journey route right now, 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 very best expertise of this stunning lake. The excellent news is you’ll see the dawn and keep away from the tons of 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 gas and procuring)
- 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 have to in the event you’re quick on time.
In case you can’t keep up Tre Cime itself (an additional price, however value it), this is likely 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 climbing and exploring Tre Cime. However you possibly can simply spend three or 4 days within the Dolomites and never hike in any respect in the event you don’t wish to.
When Ought to I go to the Dolomites?
In our opinion, Autumn is ideal. It’s really certainly one 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 time, which makes the entire expertise a lot better.
September/ October is gorgeous. Don’t come any later than mid-October as most of the cable automobiles/ mountain passes within the Dolomites will probably be closed and never re-opened till April-ish. Snow and ice could cause difficulties reaching most 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 wish to. (Listed below are some extra unimaginable 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 will probably be largely 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 Street 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 loads of climbing 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 accumulate them)= 25€
- Gas = 70€
Day Two
- Breakfast and bread for lunch from bakery = 6€
- Col Raiser Cable Automobile- 40€ for two adults and a canine (canine free)
- Cake and occasional at high of Col Raiser = 17€
- In a single day parking at Lake Braies = 8€ (15€ as of 2022)
Day Three
- Present 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 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 thought on what you may count on to spend by yourself street journey.
The place to remain whenever 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 possibly can keep in campsites or use aires (referred to as Sostas in Italy.)
You’ll be able to both convey your personal van, or rent one close by.
If that’s not an choice, rent a automobile and be ready to maneuver lodges every night time, so that you’re not losing time returning to a resort again the place you began.
The lodges we advocate are:
Journey Necessities on your Dolomites Itinerary
Whether or not it’s a shock hailstorm in the midst of summer time 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 may will let you 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 whenever 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 sudden sunburn can actually wreck a vacation so it’s greatest to be ready.
Sturdy footwear or sandals – in a position to stand up to spontaneous hikes and the difficult cobblestone streets of the scenic cities alongside your journey.
What to Pack for the Dolomites
An influence financial institution, journey adaptor, climbing footwear, and your trusty reusable water bottle go a great distance in any trip and can show important in your outside adventures within the Dolomites. Visiting in Might or in the course of the summer time months? You would possibly wish 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, try our Instagram.
There may be 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 would possibly discover these posts useful too:
