The Dolomites (Cortina d'Ampezzo) 🇮🇹
"Dramatic limestone spires and the world's best mountain biking."
The Dolomites combine world-class sports infrastructure with incredible food. You can tackle "Via Ferrata" climbing routes or cycle the high-altitude passes used in the Giro d'Italia.
An high-octane adventure blending world-class hiking at Tre Cime with the refined alpine culture of Cortina d'Ampezzo, moving between jagged limestone peaks and serene emerald lakes.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival in the Queen of Dolomites
Morning — Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo (via Venice shuttle). Private transfer or rental car pickup. Grab an espresso at a local café to soak in the surrounding peaks.
Afternoon — Check into your alpine resort and take the Cortina-Mandres-Faloria cable car for a bird's eye view of the Ampezzo Valley. Walk the easy 'Panorama' trail at the top.
Evening — Stroll along Corso Italia, Cortina’s chic pedestrian street. Enjoy a welcome dinner of casunziei (beetroot ravioli) at Ristorante 5 Torri.
💡 Book the Cortina Express bus from Venice Marco Polo airport in advance.
Day 2 · The Iconic 5 Torri Spires
Morning — Drive to Rifugio Bai de Dones and take the chairlift to the 5 Torri (Five Towers). This is a world-class rock climbing and hiking hub.
Afternoon — Visit the Great War Open Air Museum at the base of the towers to see WWI trenches and bunkers. Hike the loop around the rock formations.
Evening — Relax your muscles at your hotel spa. Enjoy local speck and mountain cheeses for dinner.
💡 If you are an experienced climber, hire a guide for a classic 5 Torri ascent.
Day 3 · The Three Peaks Loop Challenge
Morning — Early start to beat the crowds at Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Drive to Rifugio Auronzo via the scenic toll road.
Afternoon — Embark on the 10km loop hike around the peaks. The terrain is rocky and dramatic, offering the most famous views in the Dolomites.
Evening — Drive back toward Cortina and stop at Lake Misurina for a pizza with a view of the water.
💡 Get to the Tre Cime toll gate before 8:30 AM to ensure a parking spot.
Day 4 · Alpine Lakes and Austrian Influence
Morning — Head north toward the South Tyrol region. Stop at the Nordic Center in Dobbiaco if you want to try summer roller skiing or mountain biking.
Afternoon — Drive across the border to Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee). Rent a vintage wooden rowing boat to glide across the emerald-green water.
Evening — Return to Cortina for a hearty Austrian-influenced dinner like speck-knödel (bread dumplings).
💡 Lake Braies requires a pre-booked parking ticket during peak season.
Day 5 · Passo Giau and Hidden Lakes产
Morning — Drive the winding turns of Passo Giau, one of the most stunning mountain passes in the world. Ideal for photography and high-altitude hiking.
Afternoon — Hike the trail from Passo Giau to the Croda da Lago forest. The reflection of the peaks in Lake Federa is world-renowned.
Evening — Dinner at a high-altitude 'Baita' (mountain hut) for an authentic, rustic wood-fired meal.
💡 Passo Giau is a favorite for cyclists; drive carefully around the tight hairpins.
Day 6 · Glaciers and High Peaks
Morning — Drive to Malga Ciapela and take the cable car up the Marmolada, the "Queen of the Dolomites" and its highest glacier.
Afternoon — Take the gondola to the 3,244m summit. Visit the "Great War in the Ice" museum, the highest museum in Europe. Look out over the Austrian Alps.
Evening — Farewell dinner at a Michelin-rated restaurant in Cortina, celebrating a week of active exploration.
💡 Bring layers; even in summer, the glacier summit can be below freezing.产
Day 7 · Final Morning and Departure产子}] ,summary:
Morning — Last morning in Cortina. Visit a local bakery for 'Pociànt' bread and pick up some artisanal wood carvings as souvenirs.
Afternoon — Transfer back to Venice or Innsbruck for your flight home. Take one last look at the pink-tinged 'Enrosadira' glow on the peaks.
Evening — Departure.
💡 Pick up some local honey or mountain pine schnapps for unique gifts.