Dolomites itinerary – How to spend 5, 3 or 2 days in the Dolomites

If the Dolomites are on your travel list, you’re in for a treat and I’m here to guide you through it!

I’ve lived here my whole life and trust me, there’s a reason everyone raves about this place; it’s as mesmerizing as they say!

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Piecing together the best Dolomites itinerary can be a challenge, especially when you’re trying to squeeze in all the breathtaking spots, hikes and navigating the local scene.

That’s where I come in! Drawing from my own experiences, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to 5 days in the Dolomites and also adaptations for 3 and 2 days if you are short on time.

What are the Dolomites and why visit

The Dolomites are a breathtaking mountain range in North-Eastern Italy, stretching between three regions: Veneto, Trentino and Alto Adige. This UNESCO-listed destination is known for its distinctive jagged peaks, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, including the world-famous Lago di Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Think countless hiking trails, breathtaking views, fresh mountain air and crystal clear alpine lakes, as well as skiing opportunities. Every twist and turn leads to views so incredible, you’ll be convinced they can’t be real.

In addition, the Dolomites also offer quaint alpine villages and charming towns to explore, as well as beautiful valleys and passes. 

How many days in the Dolomites?

Five days in the Dolomites is just the right amount of time to see the region’s highlights and also enjoy your stay. This will give you enough time to explore, hike and even enjoy local food and spots.

Of course, the more time you have, the better and you can do some of these incredible Dolomites hikes.

If your time is limited though, you can still visit the main spots in 3 or even 2 days. You can find these versions of the itinerary towards the end of the article. 

If your time is very limited you can also still visit the Dolomites on a day trip from Venice.

Typical day tours will take you to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Misurina and Lago di Braies or even Seceda or Alpe di Siusi giving you a taste of the Dolomites main highlights. 

This day tour from Cortina d’Ampezzo for example will take you to some amazing local spots around the Dolomites, while this one is best if you want to see Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the main alpine lakes in one day.

Where to stay in the Dolomites

For this 5 days Dolomites trip itinerary, you’ll be based in 2 locations. The first half of the trip will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, while the second half will be in Ortisei. Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in each town:

Related: Where to stay in the Dolomites

Dolomites itinerary –  5 days

Day 1 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina

This itinerary starts in Cortina, the perfect base for the first half of your trip. It is easily accessible from both Venice and Milan airports via private transfers and the abundance of day tours that start from Cortina make it a very convenient choice. 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike

From Cortina, drive up to Rifugio Auronzo and jump right in the Tre Cime loop hike and let your feet lead the way. This hike is so scenic and you’ll have the chance to circle the very famous 3 peaks! 

You can also opt for a Tre Cime guided tour if you want to learn more about the place from a passionate local guide!

Lunch at Rifugio Locatelli

Grab lunch along the hike at Rifugio Locatelli, the best hut on the loop. My all time favorite dish here is Canederli allo speck della Pusteria but depending on availability, you must grab the Pappardelle al ragù di cervo if they are on the menu.

Cadini di Misurina

Once you have finished the loop make sure to also walk an extra 20 minutes to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint (ideally for sunset) for the most amazing view in the Dolomites.

Related: Best hikes in the Dolomites

Dinner at Vizietto

End your day with dinner at Il Vizietto in the town center. All of the dishes are a great introduction to traditional northern Italian cuisine, but the meat dishes such as brasato di cervo (braised deer) and maialino (pork steak) are to die for.

Day 2 – Mountain Lakes 

Spend your entire second day among stunning alpine lakes! But keep in mind that these alpine lakes can get crowded in summer and parking can be an issue. I recommend you book this day tour with pick up in Cortina to enjoy a stress-free day.

Lago di Misurina

Misurina Lake is just a short drive from Cortina. It has a nice vibe and it’s very scenic, especially at sunrise. The little cafe there makes a cute spot for a morning coffee.

Lago di Dobbiaco 

Val di Landro (Höhlensteintal), is the valley between the Braies/Prags Dolomites and the Sesto/Sexten Dolomites, to Val Pusteria (Pustertal).

Here you’ll find two mountain lakes located just off the road: Lago di Landro (Dürrensee) and Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See). Dobbiaco lake is my favorite because it’s quiet yet scenic and you can go for a walk to take in the views. 

Lunch at Ristorante al Lago

I highly recommend having lunch lakeside at Ristorante al Lago, the grilled meat mixed plate is the best!

Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies is one of the main attractions in the Dolomites and it’s easy to see why, the view is just jaw dropping! 

However, overtourism at this lake is no joke. If you want to avoid the crowds just go for a walk around the lake, there are some cute spots to sunbathe and access the lake to swim. I recommend doing it anticlockwise.

Dinner in Cortina

Wrap up your day going back to Cortina for the night and if you’d like to watch the sunset stop at Passo Tre Croci closeby. For dinner I highly recommend paying a visit to either Tivoli or San Brite restaurants.

Top tip: if you are more the adventurous type and would like to squeeze more into this day, start by driving to Passo Tre Croci in the morning to hike to Lake Sorapis first! This hike is lovely and the lake is extremely beautiful especially in the morning! Then make your way back and go on with the itinerary for the day.

Day 3 – Seceda Ridgeline

Ortisei

First, move from Cortina to Ortisei. The two towns are very well connected and make sure to look out of your window for the stunning views of Passo Gardena!

Seceda

Seceda, an extremely stunning ridgeline in Val Gardena, is one of the best Dolomites things to do. From Ortisei take the Col Raiser cable car which will take you to the start of the hike (or for the most brave, you can walk straight up from town making it a challenging but rewarding hike).

You’ll have the chance to walk through some stunning meadows with breathtaking views until you make it to the ridgeline itself. This is my personal favorite spot in the Dolomites in every season and trust me, it is for a reason.

Dinner at Snetonstube

After the hike, go back to Ortisei and go for a delicious typical South Tyrol dinner at Snetonstube before calling it a night. This restaurant is in my opinion one of the best of the region in terms of typical dishes such as Risotto al Lagrein (a regional red wine), deer meat, polenta and cheeses and a wide selection of red meats.

Day 4 – Alpe di Siusi

On day 4 you’ll explore Alpe di Siusi, the most beautiful plateau in the Dolomites. There are so many walks you can do and nice little restaurants where to eat. I recommend you just wander around to make the most out of the day.

From Ortisei take the cable car and once on the plateau make sure to stop at Belvedere dell’Alpe di Siusi. This place is very famous and crowded but it offers some of the best views!

For lunch I highly recommend the Furschermühle Restaurant.

You can easily spend the full day in Alpe di Siusi, but I highly recommend driving to Santa Magdalena for sunset and seeing St John’s church while you are on the way. By doing so you’ll be seeing a bit of Val di Funes, a very overlooked area which I find so beautiful.

Day 5 – Karersee and Passo Rolle

For your last day in the Dolomites it’s time to move a bit away from the most touristy spots and get the taste of a more authentic part of the region.

Karersee

Karersee is a breathtaking crystal clear alpine lake in Val di Fassa. It makes the perfect spot for an easy stroll while enjoying some of the best views ever!

Passo Rolle

Make your way to Passo Rolle where you’ll be welcomed by the stunning Pale di San Martino Peaks.

Choose between two fantastic options to wrap up your itinerary: an easy scenic hike or a stroll through a wildlife reserve.

If you are up for an outdoor adventure the Thinking Christ scenic hike will take you to Baita G. Segantini starting from Passo Rolle via Cima Castellaz and then back. This is fairly easy, yet one of the most scenic hikes in the Dolomites! 

Alternatively, if you feel like having a more relaxed experience you can take a stroll through Paneveggio Nature Park where you’ll see beautiful trees and a deer reserve.

Whichever option you choose, spending your final day here allows you to leave the Dolomites with a genuine sense of connection to this beautiful region!

San Martino di Castrozza

The nearby town of San Martino di Castrozza is also the perfect spot to take a stroll, have a bite or a drink. Whenever I go I love stopping at Da Anita for delicious local and km0 food and at La Mia Enoteca wine bar for, needless to say, some good wine and aperitivo.

Dolomites 3 day itinerary

If you don’t have 5 days or more to spend around the Dolomites, worry not! Here’s a 3 day version of the itinerary above that will allow you to enjoy the main Dolomites highlights in less time.

For the best experience and most comfort make sure to take advantage of the organized trips suggested below!

Day 1 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina e lago di Misurina

Day one stays the same in terms of views and hikes but you could squeeze in Lago di Misurina for sunset. Make Cortina your base for the night.

Consider joining this Misurina, Braies & Tre Cime tour from Cortina to make the most of your day.

Day 2 – Lago di Braies and Seceda

On day two visit Lago di Braies in the morning and then drive through Passo Gardena to reach Ortisei. Check in at your accommodation and then go see the stunning Seceda! 

This day tour from Bolzano, is the best way to experience Seceda and Val di Funes in the same day.

Day 3 – Alpe di Siusi 

Day 3 is for Alpe di Siusi! It’s definitely an unmissable spot and you have to at least make it to the Belvedere viewpoint. 

TOP TIP: If you feel like doing more during this last day I suggest either driving to the closeby Val di Funes and exploring a bit of Santa Magdalena, or drive to Karersee for an epic alpine lake. Both are great!

Dolomites 2 day itinerary

If you only have 2 days in the Dolomites, I’ve got you covered! These are the things you can do in only 2 days to make the most out of them.

You can do the driving on your own, but keep in mind that you’ll be able to make the most of your experience if you join the tours recommended below.

Day 1 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Lago di Braies

Day tours are the most effective way to spend your limited time in the Dolomites.

This day tour from Venice is the best choice if you come straight from the airport and want to visit Tre Cime and Lago di Braies along with some other good spots in the area.

Day 2 – Seceda in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon

This day tour from Bolzano, is the best way to experience Seceda and Val di Funes in the same day.

Last but not least, If you want to explore more locally, this private day tour from Bolzano is your go to! 

Getting to the Dolomites

By air: There is no Dolomites airport, rather the closest international airport to the region is Venice (both VCE and TFS) which is about 150 km, or a 1 hour and 50 minute drive away from Cortina d’Ampezzo. 

The other alternatives are Milan (MPS) and Verona (VRN). From the airport, you will need to take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to get to the Dolomites.

Arranging a private transfer from Venice Airport to the Dolomites is the best option for convenience and peace of mind. You can also book transfers from Milan to Cortina d’Ampezzo 

By bus: Buses are the cheapest option for getting to and around the Dolomites, but can also be the most time-consuming. The direct shuttle bus from Venice airport to Cortina is your best bet if you land in Venice.

By train: There are regular train services from all major Italian cities to  Bolzano and Belluno which are the biggest cities closest to the Dolomites. From those cities you’ll have take a bus to reach the main towns in the Dolomites such as Cortina or Ortisei.

By car: Renting a car is the best way to explore the Dolomites because it saves time and offers flexibility. However, be aware that roads are narrow and winding, which may be challenging if you’re not used to it. Parking can also be tough, especially in busy times. Check with your accommodation in advance for parking options.

Getting Around the Dolomites

The Dolomites are very large and many of the main attractions are best reached by rental car. Getting around will require a bit of planning. Here are your travel options:

• Bus: Taking the local buses is the most wallet-friendly option to get from one town to the next in the Dolomites. Keep in mind that tickets and buses change from region to region (as the Dolomites spread over 3 different ones) so you’ll want to look for Dolomiti Bus in Veneto (Cortina and surroundings), Trentino Trasporti in Trentino (San Martino, Val di Fassa, Val di Funes and surroundings) and SudtirolMobil for South Tyrol (Val Gardena, Braies and surroundings)
• Taxi: While taxis offer a quick and straightforward way to your destination, be prepared for a pricier journey.
• Car/Van Rental: If you crave the freedom to explore at your own pace renting a car might sound appealing. However, this adventure is only suited for skilled and confident drivers. The roads in the mountains are winding and sometimes narrow so navigation can be challenging. Additionally, during the tourist season, restrictions and heavy traffic can turn driving into a challenge.

Best time to visit the Dolomites

The best time to visit the Dolomites is very hard to define. The official season starts in May and ends halfway through September.

Before and after that it is still possible to visit the Dolomites and to enjoy some of the hikes and sights but many trails will most likely be covered in snow and/or turned into ski areas. 

My 3 favorite times of the year to visit the Dolomites are as follows:

• Very beginning of June when the temperature is gently rising, wild flowers are blooming, places are less crowded and all trails and most huts are open.
• Mid September when temperatures are similar to June, the crowds are almost gone and sunsets are epic! You also might witness the first snowfall in the higher peaks and have amazing views while hiking.
• October is my all time fav. This is the ideal month if you want to photograph the fall colors, avoid crowds and still have amazing and moody views. Then again you can already encounter snow on some of your hikes so it can be tricky.

Overtoursim is real in the Dolomites and I would avoid August at all costs as it gets awfully busy and it’s neither enjoyable nor sustainable.

Related: The Dolomites in winter

Are the Dolomites worth visiting?

Considered to be one of the most spectacular spots in Italy and the whole world, the Dolomites are undeniably worth a visit! 

This UNESCO-listed destination is known for its distinctive jagged peaks, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes and it must be on your bucket list.

Whether you are a thrill-seeker looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or a nature lover seeking peace and tranquility, the Dolomites have something for everyone. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore this stunning place.