Dolomites Itinerary: How to Plan 5-7 Epic Days in Italy

Our Dolomites Itinerary

Located in northeastern Italy, the incredible Dolomites are a mountain range worth exploring on a 5 to 7-day itinerary. Bordering Austria, they form part of the southern Alps and are one of the most stunning natural places we’ve seen in Europe. We couldn’t stop taking photos!

Tip: Exploring the Dolomites on a 5 to 7-day itinerary? Stay in two different areas to cut down on driving. We stayed half of our trip in Ortisei (at Casa al Sole) and the other half in the small town of Innichen at Naturhotel Leitlhof.

Day 1: Arrival in Venice

On day 1 of your Dolomites itinerary, it’s all about getting to the mountain range, with a few stops along the way. Fly into Venice in the morning, pick up your rental car, and start driving towards Lago di Carezza (Karersee). Driving time: 3 hours.

Did you know? Place names in the Dolomites have both German and Italian names. You’ll see this on road signs and hear locals speak both languages! 

Afternoon: Lago di Carezza (Karersee)

Lago di Carezza is one of the brightest emerald-colored waters we’ve ever seen. This dreamy lake, surrounded by lush green pines, was the first stop on our 7-day Dolomites itinerary. We walked around the lake (1.3 KM), which was the perfect beginning to the trip. 

Lunch tip: En route, stop in Belluno or a nearby mountain town for a quick restaurant pit stop. You can also pick up some groceries to enjoy later outdoors.  

Parking: Park your car here (3 EUR per hour) and access the lake via an underground walkway. After 6 PM, park at P2 and cross a suspension bridge to the lake.

Where to Stay in Ortisei

We split our time on this Dolomites itinerary between the western Dolomites and the eastern. In the west, we stayed in Ortisei at Casa al Sole, a boutique stay in the middle of town run by a lovely couple. Driving time from Karersee: 1 hour.

Alternatively, you can look for an accommodation elsewhere in Val Gardena or just outside the valley, such as in Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein) or Canazei (Val di Fassa). 

Our favorite hotels in Ortisei 😴

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Casa al Sole

Ortisei

Residence Villa Stella

Ortisei

B&B Villa Angelino

Ortisei

Cësa Marmolada 1318

Ortisei

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Tip: Visiting in summer? Book your accommodation well in advance. It’s a very popular place! When we visited in mid-July, pretty much all the hotels were fully booked. 

Day 2: Seceda – Must on a Dolomites Itinerary

Wake up early to catch one of the first cable car rides up to the iconic Seceda ridgeline, one of the most photographed sights in the Dolomites. With its steep vertical cliffs pointing up towards the sky, often shrouded in clouds, it’s easy to see why. 

We spent the morning having coffee at the main refugio and walking across the plateau beneath the impressive peaks. Note: These fields are private property; follow the designated trails where you can also take beautiful photos.

Tip: The weather can change very quickly in the Dolomites, so make sure to pack layers and a waterproof jacket for your itinerary. We even had snow at Seceda, in the middle of July!

Afternoon: Geisler Alm Hike

Take the cable car back down and drive towards the Adolf Munkel Trailhead to start one of our favorite hikes in the Dolomites.

• Total kilometers: 9-10 KM round-trip
• Time: 3-5 hours
• Elevation gain: 440 meters
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Route type: Loop
• Starting point: Zanser Alm (follow trail number 35)
• Parking: Zans Parking Lot (10 EUR, cash only)
• Tip: We hiked clockwise for the best flow. Once you get to the hut, have the famous Kaiserschmarrn and hot chocolate – yum!

Alternative: Hikes near Seceda

Another great way to get your hiking in is to explore more of the Seceda plateau, with a pit stop (or two) at the many rifugi (mountain huts). Two popular options are:

• Seceda Pieralongia Hut → Firenze Hut → Daniel Hut. This is a 3-4-hour loop, making it a favorite half-day adventure. (Here are all the details)
• Seceda Ridge → Ortisei (via Monte Pic). 4-5 hour trail with challenging sections and rewarding views. 

Gear Tip: No expert gear needed, but definitely wear shoes with good grip, especially for the gravel sections on trails. Poles are helpful as much of these hikes are downhill. 

Day 3: Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi)

On the opposite side of Ortisei lies Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow, Seiser Alm, which you easily access by cable car. We went early in the morning (8:30 AM) to be met with the best views of the green hills, wooden huts, and jagged mountains in the background.

There are lots of trails you can do up here; we did this 4.4-KM loop from the cable car and back. 

Note: In recent years, areas have been fenced off (private property). Don’t walk or sit here. There are plenty of beautiful photo spots in the area, so there’s no need to trespass.

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Afternoon: Ortisei (Urtijëi)

Afterward, we headed back into town for some lunch and a spritz. Ortisei is full of colorful streets, lively cafe terraces, and some of the best (outdoor) clothing stores in the region.

Restaurants in Ortisei

Ortisei is also a great place to try some of the best food on your 5- to 7-day Dolomites itinerary. Here were some of our favorites: 

• Turonda: Grab a pizza and a cold beverage!
• Vedl Mulin Srl: Local Italian restaurant serving fine cuisine of South Tyrol. Reserve a table here. 
• Sanybon: Looking for something fruity or veg-heavy? This poké bar is fantastic, located here.
• Ristorante Sotriffer: One of the highest-rated restaurants here—definitely try the pistachio pesto pasta! Find the location on maps here. 

Day 4: Drive Part of the Sella Ronda Loop

On day 4 of our Dolomites itinerary, we hopped back in the car to explore two of the region’s renowned mountain passes.

Morning: Sella Pass

We started at Sella Pass, between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, which has the most incredible alpine views. Park your car here, and walk 20 minutes to Rifugio Friedrich August to savor a bomboloni (custard donut) and coffee. 

This was one of our favorite moments on our Dolomites itinerary—they’re delicious! The donuts are 3 EUR each, and they sell quickly, so get there early! We were there at 9:45 AM, and there were still plenty. 

Coffin Cable Car

From the hut, we walked back the same road and hopped on the ‘Coffin’ cable car. These narrow, upright gondolas take you up Sassolungo mountain. Fun fact: We were literally “shoved” into these gondolas by the staff, who quickly coordinate entry while the gondolas continue moving. 

It’s a great way to take in the dramatic views, but it’s only worth it if you’re hiking down (Sassolungo circuit). Otherwise, there are lots of other stunning hikes in the area. We opted for an easier route, from the foot of the mountain to the Emilio Comini Hütte (1.5 hours return).

Afternoon: Drive to Gardena

Drive back slightly north towards Gardena Pass, one of the best sights on your 5-day Dolomites itinerary. Driving time: 25 minutes. Both mountain passes are part of the Sella Ronda Loop, one of the most famous drives in the Dolomites.

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Park your car at the (free) parking lot and choose to do one of the following hikes: 

• Colfosco Panorama Trail: a 1-hour, easy walk (2.5-3 km) to this viewpoint through meadows. It has sweeping views into Val Badia and across the Sella Massif. 
• Gran Cir Hike: 5-kilometer steep loop trail (2-2.5 hours) with stunning summit views over the Sella Massif. There’s a section with wire/rope, but you don’t need climbing gear.

Sunset: Gardena Pass

Finish the day at Gardena Pass, snapping pictures and enjoying a sunset picnic. We’d planned on doing one of the hikes here, but arrived just before sunset and were so blown away by the scenery that we stayed near the parking instead. 

We found this even more impressive than Alpe di Siusi, plus it has fewer crowds!

Tip: Use the evening to drive to your second accommodation in the Eastern Dolomites (~1.5-hour drive). We recommend staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo to quickly access the best sights on this Dolomites itinerary. However, any small town in this area works, too. 

Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo has that classic Alpine vibe—think dramatic mountain views, lively café-lined streets, and a great blend of outdoorsy energy. It lies perfectly central for the next day(s) of this 5-7-day Dolomites itinerary and offers lots of hotel options.

Our favorite hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo 😴

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Hotel Bellaria

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Hotel Natale

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Baita Fraina

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Dolomiti Lodge Alverà

Cortina d'Ampezzo

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We based ourselves in the small town of San Candido (Innichen) at Naturhotel Leitlhof, which has incredible views, three pools, and a sauna. Driving time: 1.5 hours from Gardena. 

Day 5: Lago di Sorapis Hike (Highlight of any Dolomites Itinerary)

We woke up early for one of the best hikes in the Dolomites: Lago di Sorapis. With its vivid turquoise water, it’s among the most unique places we’ve ever seen.

• Total kilometers: 11-13 KM round-trip
• Time: 5-7 hours total
• Elevation gain: 460 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
• Route type: in-and-out
• Starting point: Passo Tre Croci

We started the hike around 7 AM (in July) to beat the crowds. Keep in mind that if you start later, you’ll likely be walking in a train of hikers (it’s popular!). The route swirls along narrow mountain passes with chains to hold onto and rocky sections. 

Once at Lago di Sorapis, walk around the lake, snap some pictures, and enjoy a lunch break at Refugio Vandelli. This was one of our favorite things to do in the Dolomites.

Alternative: Cinque Torri Hike + WWI Tunnels

Cinque Torri is a stunning cluster of rock towers rising dramatically from alpine meadows, and it’s a much easier hike (2.5-3 hours) than Sorapis but with equally stunning views. Starting point: Baita Bai de Dones

What makes this hike extra special are the restored WWI tunnels and trenches, where you can walk through open-air museums among the mountains. Tip: Take the 5 Torri chairlift up, then hike the short 2-kilometer loop.

Driving time back to Venice: ~2,5 hours. If you started elsewhere, research how long the journey back takes. 

Doing a 7-day Dolomites Itinerary instead?

After ticking off one of the incredible hikes in the d’Ampezzo region, we headed back to where we were staying for dinner and to rest up.

Day 6: Relax + Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

Lago di Braies is one of the most photographed locations in the Dolomites. Therefore, with its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, it’s a must on your 7-day Dolomites itinerary.

Morning: Breakfast at your Hotel

We started the day with breakfast at our hotel (often included in Dolomites stays) and relaxing. Especially if you’ve booked a hotel with a spa, pool, or wellness area, it’s the perfect chance to unwind before heading out again. 

Afternoon: Hike Around the Lake + Boat Rental

Around 5 PM, we headed to Lago di Braies. We didn’t have high expectations initially, given its touristy vibe. However, our experience turned out lovely, with a short hike around the lake and a spontaneous boat trip on the water. 

Heading out earlier? Make sure you pre-book your parking (38 EUR). After 4 PM, no reservation is required; you simply pay for the time you spend there. We parked at P4 (the closest parking lot) around 6.30 PM.

Day 7: Tre Cime Hike (Drei Zinnen)

End your Dolomites itinerary on a high (literally), atop the trail around the region’s famous Tre Cime peaks. This 10-kilometer hike loops beneath the towering limestone mountains, passing rifugios along the way and offering some of the best views on your Dolomites trip. 

Top Tip: We think the views of Tre Cime are the best from Rifugio A. Locatelli. Another great spot is Grotta delle Tre Cime, a cave that perfectly frames the three mountains.

Afternoon: Cadini di Misurina

Combine Tre Cime with the stunning viewpoint trail of the Cadini mountain group. After completing the previous hike, this is only a short 30-minute detour to Punto Panoramico Cadini di Misurina Cadore. 

Top Tip: The viewpoint is stunning, but you’ll find plenty of similar views nearby on the trail. Make sure to wear shoes with a good grip.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

For this Dolomites itinerary of 5 or 7 days, it’s best to split between two locations. This way, we cut down on long drives and were able to time those early starts for hikes. Here are the best spots: 

• Ortisei: A charming town in Val Gardena with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and a lively vibe. It’s perfectly located for early starts to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. We stayed at Casa al Sole here, which was perfect. See all hotels in Ortisei.
• Canazei (Val di Fassa): A smaller village surrounded by beautiful mountain passes, including Sella. Find accommodation in Canazei.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: Famous for its dramatic views and buzzing mountain-town vibe. It’s a great base for hikes like Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, and Lago di Sorapis. See all hotels in Cortina. 
• Misurina: A peaceful lakeside setting with fewer options but incredible views and direct access to Tre Cime. Browse hotels in Misurina. 

Tip: Visiting in summer? Make sure you book your accommodation in advance; it’s a popular destination.

How Many Days in the Dolomites?

If you’re wondering how long you should spend in the Dolomites, we’d say there really is no wrong amount of time. However, the region spans a large part of the country’s north, so the longer you stay, the more you get to see. We’d recommend spending at least one week exploring the Dolomites.

How to Visit the Dolomites

Start your 5 to 7-day Dolomites itinerary by flying into Venice, Italy. From there, the Dolomites are only a 2-hour drive away. Another option is to fly to Innsbruck (Austria), which is only 1.5 hours away. 

Alternatively, you can also get to the Dolomites by flying into Milan or Verona. Depending on your airport of arrival, it takes approximately 1.5 to 3.5 hours to reach the first must-see sight on this itinerary. 

Getting Around

The most beautiful part of the Dolomites is its wild, mountainous nature, so the best way to get around is by rental car. We did see a few (tour) buses during our trip, but they don’t reach all the things you want to see on this Dolomites itinerary. 

Note: The region is vast and mountainous, so even short distances on the map can take much longer to drive. Be prepared for lots of winding roads and zigzagging through the passes.

Dolomites Itinerary Budget

The Dolomites are definitely a more expensive location we’ve visited in Italy, mainly due to the influx of tourists. Most of the hikes are free, though you’ll often have to pay for parking (10-20 EUR per day, 40 EUR pre-booked for Tre Cime) and cable car routes (up to 50 EUR round trip). 

To keep costs low, book your hotels well in advance and choose self-catering stays for part of the trip so you can prepare picnic lunches and dinners at home. 

Tip: While you can pay by card for almost everything here, it’s helpful to keep some cash on you. Especially remote rifugios can be cash-only. 

Best Time to Visit

We visited in July, and the weather changed constantly; clear skies would suddenly turn into fog, rain, and even snow! Make sure you come prepared with layers and good hiking shoes. Head out early for the best light for photography. 

• Summer: June-September is high season, with lots of wildflowers and busy trails.
• Winter: Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy après-ski in mountain huts.