Cortina d'Ampezzo & South Tyrol 🏔️
"Dramatic limestone spires and cozy alpine luxury."
While famous for skiing, February is incredible for winter hiking and snowshoeing on groomed mountain paths. The roads through the Great Dolomites Road offer one of the most scenic driving experiences in Europe.
A rugged yet refined alpine adventure through the jagged limestone spires of the Dolomites and the lush valleys of South Tyrol and East Tyrol. This trip blends iconic high-altitude hikes with the freedom of a scenic mountain roadtrip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival in the Queen of Dolomites
Morning — Arrive in Venice or Treviso and pick up your rental car. Drive 2 hours north into the heart of the Dolomites, watching the jagged limestone peaks emerge.
Afternoon — Drive the breathtaking Great Dolomite Road towards Cortina, stopping at Lake Misurina. Hike the flat circuit around the lake for high-altitude views and fresh air.
Evening — Check into your Cortina base. Walk through the pedestrianized Corso Italia for some window shopping and a hearty 'Canederli' (dumpling) dinner at a local osteria.
💡 Parking in Cortina center is expensive; look for hotels offering free guest parking.
Day 2 · The Iconic Tre Cime Loop
Morning — Drive to the Auronzo Hut (arrive by 8:30 AM to secure parking) to begin the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike, a 6-mile circuit with world-class views.
Afternoon — Take the trail towards the Rifugio Locatelli for the iconic postcard view of the three peaks. Enjoy a speck and cheese platter on the terrace.
Evening — Return to Cortina for a well-earned Italian pizza at Il Vizietto. Relax those muscles in a traditional Finnish sauna if your hotel offers one.
💡 The toll road to Tre Cime costs about $35 per car; it's worth every penny for the access.
Day 3 · Turquoise Waters and High Peaks
Morning — Take the Faloria cable car from Cortina for panoramic views of the Ampezzo valley. Hike a section of the Dolomieu Trail through alpine pastures.
Afternoon — Drive to Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee). Rent a wooden rowing boat or hike the 1.5-hour easy loop around the emerald waters. It is the most photographed lake in Italy.
Evening — Drive to the Val Pusteria region. Enjoy a Tyrolean dinner featuring 'Schlutzkrapfen' (spinach ravioli) and local Lagrein red wine.
💡 Lake Braies requires pre-booked parking/entry during peak summer months. Check online.
Day 4 · Pastoral Bliss in Val Fiscalina
Morning — Drive into the Sesto (Sexten) Dolomites. Hike the Val Fiscalina, often called the most beautiful valley in the world, with soaring vertical walls.
Afternoon — Explore the historic center of San Candido (Innichen). Visit the Romanesque collegiate church and enjoy a gelato in the lively town square.
Evening — Drive to a mountain hut (Rifugio) for a sunset dinner. Many are accessible by short hikes or cable cars, offering a magical 'Enrosadira' (glow) on the peaks.
💡 Try 'Kaiserschmarrn' (shredded pancakes) at an alpine hut—it's the ultimate hiker's fuel.
Day 5 · Cross-Border Alpine Roadtrip
Morning — Drive up the winding roads of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (or just the local mountain passes if staying closer). Experience glacier views and hairpin turns.
Afternoon — Cross the border into Austria and visit the town of Lienz. Take the 'Osttirodler' alpine coaster for a thrilling mountain descent. Drive back across the border.
Evening — Farewell dinner in South Tyrol. Switch from Italian flavors to Austrian-influenced dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Apple Strudel.
💡 Keep your passport handy for the Italy-Austria border, though checks are rare.
Day 6 · Valleys to the Venetian Plain
Morning — A final easy stroll along the Drava River or a visit to a local South Tyrolean dairy (Latteria) to pick up mountain cheeses as souvenirs.
Afternoon — Drive back toward Venice or Treviso for your departure. Stop in the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene if time permits for a quick toast to the trip.
Evening — Depart from the airport or drop off your rental car in Venice.
💡 Allow at least 3 hours for the return drive to Venice to account for mountain traffic.