The Dolomites are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty and exceptional hiking opportunities. As one of the most stunning mountain regions in the world, the Italian Alps offer a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, charming towns, and world-class trails. This stunning mountain region quickly became one of my favourites, and from the moment we arrived, I knew I’d want to come back.
This Dolomites Summer Roadtrip Itinerary will provide the perfect guide to spending five full days in the Dolomites, including the best hikes and must-see sights. While we managed to explore a lot in five days, I’d recommend allowing a few extra days if possible. The mountainous weather can be unpredictable, even in the summertime. Having some flexibility in your plans will ensure you make the most of your trip.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to the Dolomites is to fly to a nearby airport, then hire a car. This way, you’ll have the freedom to explore these beautiful places at your own pace. We rented a car in Florence and spent a couple of days exploring Val d’Orcia before driving to the Dolomites.
To find the best travel route for you, check out Omio for convenient options and deals on trains, buses, and flights.
Where to stay
As we were visiting multiple areas of the Dolomites, we chose to stay at two different accomodations. We spent the first three nights at Locanada Montana, located 13 minutes out of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Then we stayed at Apartments Boè, which is located in Val Gardena. I highly recommend doing the same, especially if you plan to explore different regions, as some destinations are hours apart.
Half Day
Lake Misurina
We arrived at Locanda Montana, checked in, and admired the mountain view from our room before heading into town for pizza. Afterward, we made our way to the stunning Lake Misurina for a beautiful sunset. If you feel like stretching your legs after spending the day in the car, there is a 2.5km walking trail around the lake.
Technically this could be day one of the itinerary, but seeing as we arrived late in the afternoon, I’m not counting it! If you are exhausted after a big day of travelling and would prefer to relax at your accomodation, you could spend the evening at Lake Misurina on day two of your trip instead.
Day One
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
We started the day early with breakfast at our hotel before heading to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Parking here is limited, when we arrived the toll road was closed, as the top parking lot was full. We parked and took the shuttle up the winding road to Refugio Auronzo, which cost €15 each for a round trip.
We hiked the popular Three Peaks loop, which, apart from a few steep sections, was a relatively easy hike. The trail is about 10km and took us around 4 hours to complete. Throughout the hike, you are rewarded with panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and rugged valleys, make sure to stop at one of the rifugi along the way for food and a drink!
After hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo, we took a break for lunch at Refugio Auronzo before heading out to hike Cardini di Misurina.
Check out Alltrails for more incredible hikes in Tre Cime di Lavaredo Nature Park.
Cardini di Misurina
Next up was my favorite hike to date! We had planned to hike Cardini di Misurina for sunset, but with an afternoon storm approaching, we decided to go earlier to avoid the weather.
This 3km out-and-back hike took us about 30 minutes to reach the main viewpoint, where you will be met with the best view in the Dolomites. The trail starts at Rifugio Auronzo, but instead of heading towards Tre Cime, you’ll walk in the opposite direction towards the rugged peaks of Cardini di Misurina.
As you keep following the trail, it will start to lead up the ridgeline towards Cardini di Misurina. You’ll arrive at a junction; we decided to go left and walk along the narrow ridgeline. It’s worth noting that some sections of this hike are quite exposed, so keep this in mind if it’s been raining or if you have a fear of heights. If you take the trail to the right, you will still get the same incredible view. However, this trail will take you up and over a hill, away from the ridge, a much more relaxed option.
Lago Antorno
After a full day of hiking, we headed to Lago Antorno restaurant and arrived just in time to see the peaks of Cardini di Misurina glowing. We took a quick walk around the lake to admire the view before dining at the restaurant.
Lago Antorno is located along the toll road leading to Rifugio Auronzo, just before the toll booth, so you can visit here anytime without paying the fee. If you’re up for an early start, this would be a beautiful spot to visit for sunrise before heading up the mountains for a day of hiking.
Day Two
Lago di Braies
Also known as Pragser Wildsee, Lago di Braies is the crown jewel of the Dolomites. With its crystal-blue waters framed by majestic mountain peaks, this stunning lake should be at the top of your list, no matter how many days you have in the area.
We visited Lago di Braies early in the morning to catch the lake at sunrise and to avoid the crowds. It’s best to arrive early, especially during peak season, as the lake can get extremely busy. After taking some photos of the lake, we headed to Bar Chalet to escape the surprisingly cold 3-degree summer morning. There, we enjoyed a coffee to warm up while waiting for the boat house to open.
The boat house opens at 8:30 am during July and August, where you can rent a beautiful wooden rowboat. This is also where you’ll find the iconic pier featured in countless Instagram photos. If you’re interested in a private photo session, you can book the pier through La Palafitta, allowing you to access the boat house outside of regular hours.
While most people visit the lake and only head to the boat house, there’s more to explore in this stunning area. You can walk the 3.5km trail around the lake for a full view of its beauty. Lago di Braies is also the starting point for many incredible hikes in the region.
NOTE: From July to September, access to Lago di Braies by car is restricted between 9:30 am and 4 pm. During these hours, you can only reach the lake by public transport, on foot, by bicycle, or with a valid reservation or transit permit. Be sure to make reservations in advance at prags.bz to secure your spot.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
After spending the morning exploring Lago di Braies, we headed to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Referred to as “the Queen of the Dolomites,” this small town is surrounded by some of the most scenic peaks of the Dolomite mountains and is renowned for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1956.
We grabbed a coffee and some lunch, then spent the afternoon wandering around the cobblestone streets and taking in the views from this charming town.
Day Three
Lake Sorapis
Today, we set out to explore Lago di Sorapis, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters. The hike to the lake is a bit demanding but incredibly rewarding. This 11.4 km trek will take you along steep sections of the cliffside without railings, up and down ladders, and narrow passages with metal cables for support. Park your car at Passo Tre Coci and walk down the road, following the signs for trailhead #215. We stopped for coffee and croissant at B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci before making our way to the trailhead.
It took us just over two hours to reach Rifugio Vandelli, mainly due to the busy trail. We stopped for lunch and a caffeine fix before heading just 150 meters further to the lake. The water is some of the bluest I have ever seen! However, swimming in the lake is prohibited.
Since this is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites, I recommend starting early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the crowds. We chose the morning to avoid hiking back along the exposed cliff faces after dark. Another option is spending the night at the Vandelli Hut, but be sure to book in advance.
It took us a little over 5 hours to complete the hike, including stopping for lunch and to enjoy the views of the lake. We then drove across Gardena Pass to Val Gardena, where we checked into our next hotel.
Gardena Pass, known for its stunning mountain views and winding roads, offers incredible scenery. I’d planned to stop along the way for photos, but there was a lot of traffic and we were exhausted from the hike. Instead, we enjoyed the beautiful vistas from the car.
After settling in, we decided to relax before heading out for dinner and a few cocktails at Turonda Restaurant.
Day Four
Alpe di Suisi
We started the day with sunrise at the most beautiful alpine meadows I have ever seen, Alpe di Siusi. Also known as Seiser Alm, it is the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe. The meadows, dotted with rustic wooden huts and framed by the towering Dolomite peaks, are incredibly picture-perfect.
You can only drive through here if you are staying in one of the hotels. If you are not, you’ll need to park in Compatsch and pay for parking. From here, walk on the road towards the Adler Lodge. It took around 45 minutes to reach the spot pictured below. Whilst this is not the ‘insta famous spot’ you see everywhere, the views throughout the meadows are just as incredible.
Seceda
After spending the morning exploring Alpe di Siusi, we drove into Ortisei for lunch before taking the cable car up to Seceda. You will need to pay for parking, and then purchase your cableway tickets. We paid €45 each for tickets up and back.
We had planned to spend the day hiking, watching the sunset, and then hiking down the mountain as the last car leaves at 4 pm. However, with an afternoon storm forecasted, we decided to hike along the ridgeline instead. We admired the views of the mountains and the fields of wildflowers.
As we started to make our way down the mountain, our cable car descended through a cloud of fog and we were met with rain. We decided to make the most of the rainy afternoon relaxing at our hotel and catching up on some much-needed rest.
Day Five
Val di Funes
We woke up to a cloudy, overcast day but decided to make the most of it by exploring Val di Funes. This picturesque valley is known for its charming villages, rolling green hills, and the iconic Church of St. Johann in Ranui.
When we first arrived, I couldn’t see a single mountain due to the thick cloud cover. However, not long after I started taking pictures, the clouds began to clear, revealing the stunning peaks.
After capturing the beautiful scenery, we drove through the quaint town of Santa Maddalena, taking in its rustic charm and picturesque views of the traditional alpine houses and towering mountains.
Lago di Carezza
Our road trip through the Dolomites concluded with a visit to Lago di Carezza. Also known as Karersee, a stunning lake known for its emerald green waters, which reflect the surrounding mountain peaks.
We walked around the lake, before heading to Carezza Snack for an early lunch. The walk around the lake is leisurely and easy, taking you through beautiful forested paths and offering several viewpoints to capture the lake’s beauty.
Lago di Carezza is located next to the main road and involves no hiking, therefore it tends to get extremely busy. To ensure you have the best experience, I highly recommend visiting early in the morning. You’ll enjoy the lake in the best light and avoid the crowds that gather later in the day.
My time in the Dolomites was truly unforgettable, offering a perfect blend of stunning landscapes and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re drawn by the trails or the views, this region promises experiences that will linger long after you leave.
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