The Dolomites are north of Venice and southeast of Innsbruck. Cheers, Julie. Spend the afternoon by hiking one of the nearby trails. Once at Lago di Braies, rent a rowboat and/or walk the loop trail around the lake (3.7 km/2.3 miles). I would probably add a night there rather than make the effort to go to Zermatt for a night - or skip the Berner Oberland altogether and spend all your mountain time in Zermatt. That way you will get to see different parts of the Dolomites. If you will be staying in Val Gardena, take your pick from days 8, 9, or 10. First things first; if youre doing a road trip to the Dolomites, youre probably going to need a car! If you havent driven over one of these passes yet, then choose the route that is new to you. Note, it can also be done in the opposite direction, if traveling from Val Gardena to Cortina dAmpezzo. We believe the absolute best time of year to visit the Dolomites is during September and early October. This has lead to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, as well as the dreaded impacts of over-tourism. Not only will you be able to park here but crowds are still relatively light. You can get here by riding the cable car to the rifugio and from here, hike the Cinque Torri and/or to Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau. From the summit, the sunset is truly spectacular. To plan your Dolomites itinerary, take your pick from the daily itineraries listed above. The Appenzell rural route. Just be aware that you will have an additional fee to park it in a parking garage during your time in Venice. If you plan to spend more than three days in the Dolomites, we recommend that you stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo (or somewhere near here) and Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). Alternatively, check prices and availability in San Candido here. If you hike the Adolf Munkel Weg and walk the shortened trail to the Santa Maddalena viewpoint, the visit to Val di Funes will take most of the day. Whether you just have a few days, or an entire week, we have some great options to share with you. STAY | Continue enjoying the amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. Here are the driving distances and times for Milan, Verona, and other nearby destinations to Selva di Val Gardena: PRO TRAVEL TIP: Visit Lago di Carezza on the drive into the Dolomites. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. This mountain range spans three regions of Italy (Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol, and Friuli Venezia Giulia). From Passo Pordoi, take SS242 north towards Selva di Val Gardena, driving over the Sella Pass, pass #4 for the day. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels. There are two ways to go, either taking SR48 over the Falzarego Pass (46 km, 1.25 hours) or SP638 over Passo Giau (43 km, 1.25 hours). The view from Lagazuoi | Dolomites Itinerary. Best explored by car, our Dolomites road trip itinerary takes in all the major sights and attractions, best day hikes, as well as some hidden gems youre yet to read about (thank us later!). If youre planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights. We will also share with you different ways to put this all together, to simplify your travel planning process. It showcases some of the best views, roads, lakes, mountains and more! Location: Western Dolomites Where to Stay: Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei). In many ways, Switzerland feels like three different countries at once - depending on the regions you pick for your adventure. But if you want to visit Val di Funes and hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano, stay in Val Gardena. While in the town of Santa Maddalena, we also recommend visiting the viewpoint of the Church of St. John GPS coordinates: 463812.3N 114319.6E. Best enjoyed at sunrise, Alpe di Siusi is one of those too beautiful to be real type places. This is a great place to bike from restaurant to restaurant, trying new foods and dining with a view of the magnificent Sassolungo. Most popular tours in the Dolomites 1. The hike is 13 km (8 miles), moderately strenuous, and takes 4.5 to 6 hours. Both are beautiful drives. So much to do. If you dont want to go hiking on your first day, and the skies are clear, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana. For those based on the European continent, train travel is the most convenient, stress-free and environmentally friendly way to get to the Dolomites. Each of the itineraries below is a one day itinerary. Featuring underground galleries and a cantilevered viewing platform over the valley, the building itself is enough to visit. If you come across rubbish on your travels here, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later. Weve also included our personal recommendations on where to stay and eat, handy tips for driving in the Dolomites, a location map and more. How was your experience with rental car? Day Two: If you will be staying in Cortina dAmpezzo, take your pick from days 2 through 6. Use our Dolomites road trip guide as your bible, and youre sure to have the best week of your life. We use Rentalcars.com to book our rental cars, which is an aggregator of all the major car hire companies. Via Ferrata Guided Walk Duration: 7 days The Dolomites are known across the world as the home of great climbing adventures, and this 7-day tour is the place where dreams are fulfilled, and both experienced and beginner climbers will overcome new challenges. Youre not actually allowed to drive into Alpe di Siusi unless youre staying at one of the hotels in there (theres a pretty hefty 150+ fine if you do), so we suggest parking at Compatsch and walking into the meadow at your own pace. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. We dont have any personal experience staying in any of the huts in the Dolomites. If skiing is your thing, visit the Dolomites from December through March, although some ski resorts will open sooner than this or close later than this. Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Day 1 - Milan Milan Duomo Choose accommodation in the vibrant Brera district: it is close to the city center but way cheaper than the luxurious accommodations you'll find in the Duomo area. Respect the local environment and culture | This part of Italy, which stretches across the South Tyrol and Verona communes, has a unique and rich culture, steeped in religious and historical significance. This is one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. We've outlined our Dolomites road trip route and itinerary in the map below. Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Italy, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues! The cover photo for this guide was taken in Val di Funes. A gondola eliminates the first big climb, making this an overall downhill walk. Weve lost count of the number of times weve stopped, jaw firmly on the floor, and drooled over the views in front of us. This hike starts at the Dantercepies gondola in Selva di Val Gardena. ), but one you wont regret, as the hike/via ferrata too summit of Gran Cir is one of the best things weve done in the Dolomites. Any insight or recommendations are greatly appreciated. But if you must have an automatic, make sure you reserve it in advance or speak with the rental car company before your trip. 2. After lunch, continue the drive south on SS51. In summer, rest the legs and enjoy a beer or wine on the sun terrace overlooking the ridiculous view, before hiking (or taking the cable car) back down. 7. Your website has been soooo helpful as we plan our trip for early September! We recommend the burrata plate and the alpine mushroom risotto. Passo dello Stelvio is another place to see close to the Swiss border. From early July through early September, between the hours of 9:30 am and 4 pm, you are not permitted to drive through the Pragser Tal Valley and park at Lago di Braies (see our Lago di Braies guide for more details). Save up to $200. Have a great time in the Dolomites! Therefore, its important to remember a few key rules: The Dolomites arent your Instagram playground | The Dolomites are an incredible natural phenomenon perfect for photography and Instagram, but that doesnt mean you have free reign to break rules, ruin natural environments and use it as your playground (read our responsible travel tips here). Bolzano is full of things to do, and even a short walk through the old town will have you see most of the main attractions. We suggest sampling the deliciously simple Schlutzkrapfen, a ravioli-esque dumpling filled with spinach and ricotta, served with parmesan and chives, and Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake served with applesauce and cream. In October, once the snow begins to fall, the trails close. From here, if you still have energy, walk the downhill trail back to the Falzarego Pass (4 km/2.5 miles). We want to simplify that for you. You also have the option to add on the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon, which is another one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. Returning down, drop into JimmiHtte for an incredible and well-deserved breakfast. Both of these are located along the Alta Via 1 route. Therefore, all towns and destinations have two names. I like what response # 5 says. Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy. Once in Val Gardena, check into your hotel and have dinner. Basically, hiking shoes are almost mandatory. across four floors. To simplify where things are in the Dolomites, the Dolomites are sometimes split into the Eastern Dolomites and Western Dolomites. Appenzell-St Moritz; 200km (124 miles) Switzerland's rural, folksy heart beats loudest in the Appenzell region, snuggling up to Liechtenstein in the country's northeast. Once finished the hike, if you still have energy left, add on the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Gorner Gorge. Its essentially a more thorough version of the dream itinerary wed send our friends or family with the caveat of you HAVE to visit these places. The stunning emerald waters of Lago di Carezza are just a 10-minute drive from Hotel Stella Stern in Nova Levante, and are best witnessed in the early morning just prior to sunrise. Along the way, you have awesome views of the Sella group, Sella pass, and the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Spring is also a wonderful time to visit (mid-June - July), as the wildflowers cover the meadows with bright bursts of colour, and the snow still covers the upper mountains, providing the most picturesque of backdrops to your explorations. Cheers, Julie, This is a great find thank you so much for taking the time to share Cant wait for my Dolomites trip! For the full list, and more information about each activity, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites. 3 of the Best Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary Ideas for an Amazing 10-14 Day Trip Table of Contents 1. HELPFUL TIPS: We cover important things to know before you go and travel tips in our article How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites. Rothorn or Sunegga for more views & hikes. Cheers, Julie. TIP | There are several daily Shuttle buses to South Tyrol from the airports of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Treviso, Venice, Verona, Bergamo and Milan Malpensa. Drivers can be a little pushy | Dont be alarmed if youre sticking to the speed limit and a car flies past you at lightning speed (generally on a tight bend or narrow road!). Here is a list of the best things to do in the Dolomites. Oberholz Alpine hut is a recently-opened contemporary restaurant with incredible panoramic views of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Dolomites. The drive is extremely picturesque, with a backdrop of vine-covered hills and soaring peaks, and fast-flowing alpine rivers leading you towards Nova Levante. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet! You can pick out your favorite daily itineraries and then put them together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary. ), start the 4-hour return hike towards Fanes Htte, following the path up a steep incline, before it flattens out in the upper valley. Rather than listing one 3, 5, or 7-day Dolomites itinerary, we list multiple daily itineraries. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. On our first visit, we had three days in the Dolomites. It's another trip. The Dolomites are in the region of South Tyrol in Northern Italy, but as it's wedged in-between Italy and Austria, their influence can also be felt. Enjoyed reading it! After enjoying the museums, take the cable car back down to Riscone/Brunico and head to your accommodation for some wellness and relaxation. I appreciate your, Thats very exciting that you will are planning a trip to the Dolomites. From Obereggen we recommend hiking up to the next stop on our Dolomites itinerary, Oberholz (its also possible to take a cable car!). You can also get here by bus or by cable car (get the details in our Alpe di Siusi guide, (coming soon)). In this guide, we share with you the top experiences in the Dolomites, how to organize them day-by-day, and then how to put this all together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary, whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or more. Get recommendations for the best places to stay in the eastern and western Dolomites for your budget, including Cortina dAmpezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Ortisei, Alta Badia, and more. We also have guides about How to Visit St. Marks Basilica, where to get the Best Views of Venice, and how to spend Two Days in Venice. Dolomites One Day Itinerary Route Planner Bolzano (A) to Val di Funes (F) 170km 5h 40 mins ( including stops) If you only have one day in the Dolomites, this is the itinerary I would pick. WHERE TO STAY: For recommendations on where to stay, check out our guide Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites. Again, if you have a few more days, wed recommend spending the night in the Fanes Htte, which was one of the more comfortable mountain huts weve ever had the pleasure of sleeping in! Hi all and thanks in advance for the recommendations My wife and I will be traveling to Europe in September, we are looking to fly into Zurich from London and work our way to the Lauterbrunnen area to stay for a couple of days, explore the region, do some hikes/ walks/ etc. Enjoy the views from the upper cable car station and on the journey back down the mountain, stop off at Serauta, visit the Museum of the Great War, and do the short, optional hike to the Sacred Monumental Area. This doesnt mean you cant visit the Dolomites during this period; it's just that you may struggle to find an array of accommodation options. ITALY ITINERARY WITH THE DOLOMITES: In our 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary, visit the Dolomites, Venice, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como. The Cinque Torri is a short, easy loop hike (2 km/1.2 miles) around the five pillars of rock that are an iconic landmark in the Dolomites. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Unfortunately we only have 2 full days (staying in Cortina) What would you suggest is a must see in the area? Optional: Add on the hike to Piz Bo, one of the easiest 3,000+ meter peaks in the Dolomites to summit (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours). With four days, stay in both Cortina dAmpezzo and Val Gardena and spend some time visiting both areas of the Dolomites: Or, stay in Cortina dAmpezzo for your entire visit: Viewpoint next to Rifugio Scoiattoli. Related | Our favourite things to do in the Dolomites. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. On your second day, go east. These range from 7 to 21 days, with suggestions on how to use the Swiss Travel Pass and public transportation. Pro tip: take them slow and enjoy the view, Distances are fairly short, but take a long time | Due to the mountain ranges, driving around the Dolomites can be quite slow. Switzerland and Italy Road Trip Itinerary The breakdown for the itinerary goes like this, with more details below: 4 days: Tyrol / Val di Funes / Ortisei (Italian Dolomites) 4 days: Lake Como / Lake Garda (Italy) 6 days: Lauterbrunnen / Lucern / Stoos (Swiss Alps) Day 1: Tyrol Mountains We recommend getting to the lake by 9 am. Book here. Then CInque Tori and Refugio Averau and Rifugio NuvolvaTRe Cime di Lavaredo Circuit and Cadina di Misurina viewpoint, Croda del lago circuit, Pues-Oddle Altopiano, and bikign the Alpe di Suisi Meadow. Fortunately, Lago di Braies is a short 30-minute drive away from San Candido (follow the SS49, turn off just after Niederdorf/Villabassa and follow the signs). Weve written a detailed guide to hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, including some alternative ways to access the park and avoid the 30 fee for car entry - so we recommend checking that out here. However, were very much of the opinion that you could spend forever in the Dolomites and still find places to visit and things to see, so how long you stay here is completely up to you. DOLOMITES DESTINATION GUIDES | A guide to Val di Funes, A complete guide to Alpe di Siusi, How to visit Lago di Carezza, our guide to Lago di Braies, HIKES TO REMEMBER | 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Violet Towers hiking guide, Hiking to Lago di Sorapis, Cadini di Misurina, SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, plus everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region, PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Did you book automatic car? Schlern, as well as the insta-famous Alpe di Siusi meadow. Passo Gardena is a high mountain pass connecting the valleys of Gardena and Badia. Lago di Braies is one of the prettiest lakes in the Dolomites. If you have any questions about planning your Dolomites itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. If you dont want to do a big hike, do Lago di Braies in the morning, followed by lunch at Lago di Misurina or Lago Dobbiaco. Val di Funes is a picturesque part of the Dolomites. This is also the best route to go if you are heading next or back to the Venice area. Hello Emily. Once in Alpe di Siusi, spend the day hiking or mountain biking. Surrounded on all sides by sleeping mountain giants, its impossible not to feel moved by the sheer beauty. At the very least, we recommend walking down and through the connected passageways off via Argentieri. Ride the cable car from Passo Pordoi for panoramic views of the Dolomites. Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever: DOLOMITES | Our Dolomites Travel Guide, Top things to do in the Dolomites, Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites, How to get to the Dolomites. I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in the summer. Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina. Weve now, happily, visited the Dolomites five times (read our detailed Dolomites travel guide here), spending over two weeks exploring all the region has to offer (hint: a lot!). Great, thanks KBK. Looking for "must see areas" not very interested in the larger cities, prefer off the beaten path, From there we would like to travel down to Lake Como area (Varenna Maybe) to stay and explore this region for a couple of days. Pick up a rental car in Milan, Verona, or Bolzano and drive to Val Gardena. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint | Dolomites Itinerary. This afternoon, you can relax at your hotel or ride the cable car to Cima Tofana, if you havent done that yet, and the skies are clear. Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. This can get a little tricky when navigating around. Starting at 4 am (depending on the time of year, it could be earlier or later depending on sunrise times), the hike starts from Passo Gardena (Refugio Frara) before snaking its way up a scree gully towards the summit. You are of great help in our travels. Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina. Stay the evening in the picturesque market town of San Candido/Innichen, just a short 30 minute drive north in the Puster valley. Use Google Maps to accurately plan your journey, trying either Italian or German names, Use a GPS | Honestly, a GPS/Google Maps is a godsend in the region. The surrounding peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Dolomites are just as impressive, while the hike takes in beautiful turquoise mountain lakes, verdant alpine plains and endless valleys. Post lunch, continue the hike up towards Lago di Limo alpine lake, 30 minutes beyond Fanes Htte for some more impressive views of the unique landscape. Have a great time in the Dolomites. HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES: And if you want to go hiking, in our article Best Hikes in the Dolomites, we cover 15 epic trails in the Dolomites. Although its not possible to fly directly to the Dolomites, three airports exist within a three-hour drive to the main attractions, while three major international airports exist between 4-6 hours away. Full Itinerary. For 11 km, The hike is steep but easy and should take around 2 - 3 hours to complete. Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links. From the rifugio, you can also experience some of the best views of over the Dolomites, including views to the tallest in the region, Marmolada. Through thoughtful storytelling, practical guides, and beautiful photography, we inspire and empower curious travellers to explore the world, sustainably and responsibly. From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. We rode the Freccia nel Cielo cable car in the afternoon because the weather was perfect. DO | Enjoy the views from Seceda, explore parts of Cortina dAmpezzo, hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for three different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. The Puez Odle Altopiano is our favorite hike in the Dolomites and highly recommend it, whether you day hike it or stay in the Puez Rifugio. You can start this 5 Dolomites itinerary from any nearby airport, or destination. Start your road trip in Bolzano, the surprisingly charming provincial capital of South Tyrol (we very much recommend spending a few days here prior, its wonderful). 8. REALLY IMPORTANT. The Common Wanderer is a responsible travel and adventure blog by Mark & Mim. You can also visit the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park which is located southwest of Val Gardena. After you plan your flight to Amsterdam you'll have a better idea of where to rent/drop your car. 12-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich - Geneva - Bologna - Florence Im glad you like our itinerary! The picturesque old town is worth a quick stroll, but we recommend continuing on to the famed three peaks of Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen to start your afternoon hike. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe, ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Dont leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials. Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. Thanks, Good spots to go with a toddler are Lago di Braies, the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, the cable car to Lagazuoi (but Im not sure the walk down is toddler friendly), the cable car and short walks at Seceda, and a visit to Lago di Misurina would all be very nice. Get Travel Insurance | Obviously! You can arrive in Zurich and head to Murren or Wengen. Here you can see an example of the old-town architecture, and enjoy an espresso at one of the many cafes. As far as museums go, this is one of the best weve ever visited. With its green rolling hills, view of the Odle/Geisler group, iconic view of the Santa Maddalena church, and hiking trails, this is another great spot to add onto your Dolomites itinerary. This hike is 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip and takes 1 to 2 hours. Everything you need to know on how to get to the Dolomites is available in our guide, which you can read here. Most hire cars should have a GPS built-in, Tolls | Around Bolzano and the surrounding valleys, tollways are prevalent. Location: Eastern Dolomites Where to Stay: Cortina dAmpezzo. I don't know how often you travel in Europe and how many days you will be there in Sept. Which is better, staying in Cortina dAmpezzo or Val Gardena? Learn more about things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Marmolada. Your site has been very helpful in picking hikes for our family. This gives you the freedom to explore the towns, drive the passes, and get to the lakes and trailheads on your own schedule. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Note: This post contains affiliate links. ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for five different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. Trying to decide where to stay in the Dolomites might seem like a daunting task but it doesnt have to be. Get started at 8 am and if you do both hikes, you will be finished by early afternoon. This drive connects these two areas. In the afternoon, ride the cable car to Cima Tofana and make a reservation for a nice dinner in Cortina that night. The drive lasts around 2 hours, so we recommend stopping on the way into the famous alpine resort of Cortina dAmpezzo, famous for hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, and of course for James Bonds visit during For Your Eyes Only". In the afternoon, spend some time at Lago di Misurina, spend a leisurely afternoon in Cortina dAmpezzo, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, or drive to Val Gardena and check into your hotel. Read How to Get to the Dolomites for info on the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.. Val Gardena (Gherdina in Ladin, Grden in German) is a valley in South Tyrol, which stretches between Valle Isarco (Eisacktal in German) and Sella Pass and Gardena Pass. This walk is 3 km/2 miles, takes about an hour, and you can get the full details here. Cheers, Julie. If hiking is your thing, June through September is the best time to visit the Dolomites.

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switzerland and dolomites itinerary

switzerland and dolomites itinerary

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