day trip to dolomites from milan

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Full day Tour to Bolzano with train-ride to the Dolomites, departing from Milan

Day panoramic excursion to the Dolomites and Renon from Milan

Would you like to spend a day far from the hectic pace of the city? Then our  tour of the Dolomites  is the ideal choice for you! Departing from  Milan  you will have the opportunity to visit the lovely city of  Bolzano  and to take a panoramic train over the  Ritten upland .

Day Trip to Bolzano with train-ride to the Dolomites, departing from Milan highlights: 

• Admire the incommensurable beauty of the Dolomites’ peaks
• Enjoy a panoramic ride on a cable car along the Rittner upland
• Be enchanted by the breathtaking landscape from the top of the mountains
• Visit the historic city of Bolzano, the capital of the South Tyrol region
• Don’t miss the opportunity to take some terrific pictures

Day Trip to Bolzano with train-ride to the Dolomites, departing from Milan

Through the  tour of the Dolomites , departing from  Milan , you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful natural landscaped of the mountains in Northern Italy. You will also enjoy an exciting ride on the cable car that will take you on the  Soprabolzano  area, and you will take a panoramic train to admire the  Rittner Mountains . In the end, you will have time to visit  Bolzano  before returning to Milan in the evening.

An amazing tour through the Dolomites

The  tour  will start in the early morning from  Milan . Once you reach the meeting point you will board on a luxury bus with all comforts, and you’ll depart to reach the lovely city of  Bolzano . From there, you will reach into the heart of the  Dolomites , declared World Heritage Sites by  UNESCO . Upon arrival in  Bolzano , after a short walk into town, you will take a cable car to reach the prominent area of  Soprabolzano , as you enjoy a breathtaking view and take amazing photos.

Climb to the top of the Dolomites to admire a breathtaking view

Once arrived in the village of  Soprabolzano , located on the plateau of  Ritten , you will take an antique train to explore the most beautiful and evocative panoramic points of the  Dolomites , until reaching the highest point, from where you can take pictures of the  Alpine scenery . Always assisted by a  professional guide , you will continue the  tour to Callalbo , a typical mountain village, where you can admire the “pyramids of rock”, imposing stone columns that emerge from the soil. Here, you will have some free time to stroll around and have lunch.

Visit Bolzano, medieval old town of South Tyrol

After lunch, you will return by bus to  Bolzano , an enchanting city contaminated by the influence of different dynasties over the centuries. With its architecture and its rationalistic breweries, you will be accompanied by your expert on a walking tour through its history and its most picturesque places, such as Piazza Walther and Piazza delle Erbe.   After the  tour , you will return to Milan by bus.

• Departure from Milan by bus
• Arrival in Bolzano
• Transfer by cable car to Soprabolzano
• Panoramic train over the Ritten upland
• Guided visit to Bolzano
• Return to Milan
• Transfer by bus from Milan
• Cable car and Ritten train
• Accredited tour guide
• Return to Milan by bus
• Tips (optional)
• Pick-up at the hotel
• Lunch and beverages

Meeting point information and local telephone numbers at your destination are included on your Confirmation Voucher.

We recommend comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.   Discount for children aged 4 - 11 years (65,00 €). This tour is free for children under 3 years.

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The ULTIMATE Dolomites Itinerary for 1-5 days (with Maps!)

So, you want to visit the Dolomites but only have a few days. You need a  short Dolomites itinerary  for a day trip, weekend or visit up to 5 days which gives you ALL the best places in the most sensible order. You need to know  what’s worth your time , what you can forget and where you should stay. 

And here it is- the perfect Dolomites Itinerary for short road trips.

Our Dolomites travel blog posts cover most of our favourite places in more detail, but this is an overview of the routes and itinerary we took, along with driving distances and stops.

Grab a coffee and let’s get started.

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JUMP AHEAD TO...

Why visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are unlike anywhere else we have been. We’ve road-tripped around Europe for years- and  this place took our breath away. 

We’d always hurried past Northern Italy before, wanting to explore the Italian lakes, the Alps, or Slovenia- all of which are beautiful and totally worth a visit- but we REALLY wish we’d stopped at the Dolomites earlier.

It’s hard to explain the beauty of these mountains, or how they differ from the Alps or other European mountains we’ve seen. The combination of HUGE green meadows, jagged peaks, hiking trails and some of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen- the whole package is captivating.

Dare we say it, but after 4 short days, we had completely fallen in love with this region- every corner is another ‘wow’ moment.  And after  Norway , our ‘wow’ meter is set pretty high. 

The Dolomites are now firmly in our top 3 favourite places to road trip in Europe- they really are THAT impressive.

Convinced it’s somewhere you want to visit? Even if you only have a short break? Good- let’s plan your perfect Dolomites itinerary.

What is there to do in the Dolomites?

There are SO MANY THINGS to do in the Dolomites.

It’s a place for outdoor explorations, especially hiking, photography, dog walks, star-gazing, road trips, picnics and just feeling awe-struck at the beauty of nature. Seriously, it’s one of those places where you just want to be outdoors ALL. THE. TIME. Even when the weather isn’t at its best.

In winter, many of the towns become ski resorts, which would be a wonderful way to enjoy the views.

We didn’t have much time to spend in the area, so we didn’t add any of the big or best hikes into our Dolomites itinerary. If you’d like to know more about hiking to a glacial lake or which mountains are easiest/ most fun to hike,   this book  will tell you everything you need to know.

Also, make sure you know   what to wear while hiking  and dress for whatever the weather may have in store- these are big mountains and it’s easy to get sucked in by their beauty and forget the dangers of hiking if unprepared.

Instead, we focused on some of the most beautiful lakes which were just a short walk or short hike away, so we could see as much as possible in the short time we had.

Of course, you can do an all day hike if you wish, but that might not be the best option if you’re short on time. 

Must-Know Tips for your Dolomites Itinerary

Where are the dolomites.

The Dolomites are in northeastern Italy and one of the most beautiful mountain ranges I’ve ever experienced. As well as mountains, there are plenty of quaint towns and fantastic driving roads- making it one of the best road trips in Italy.

The area is protected as a Unesco World Heritage site due to the  ‘series of highly distinctive mountain landscapes that are of exceptional natural beauty. Their dramatic vertical and pale coloured peaks in a variety of distinctive sculptural forms are extraordinary in a global context.’ (taken from the UNESCO website )

Why Is It Called ‘the Dolomites’?

The 250-million-year-old formation also known as the “Pale Mountains” took its name from the French geologist Dieudonné Dolomieu, who studied the region’s geology and dolomitic limestone formations in the 18th century.

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

I visited the Dolomites in early October and in my opinion that’s a great time to visit- much better than in high season (which is July and August). 

What is the best way to explore the Dolomites?

Ideally, you want to explore the Dolomites in your own car or vehicle. We visited as part of our motorhome tour in Italy . Foolishly, because we were heading to Croatia, we didn’t take our motorcycles with us, but it’s a fantastic place to go motorcycle touring in Italy. 

If you have a rental car, make sure you take time to add the Dolomites to your itinerary. If you’re only using public transportation, you can still explore the Dolomites, but services might not be as regular as you are used to, so you may wish to spend more than one day in the area.

The town of Ortisei or Cortina D’Ampezzo are the main towns to aim for, especially from Venice – it’s a beautiful drive at any time of year although the route has many hairpin turns and is not advised for those prone to motion sickness.

You can take the train to Bolzano and Val Gardena from Venice, Milan, or Verona.

Where is the closest airport to the Dolomites?

The closest airports to the Dolomites region are in Venice – Marco Polo and Treviso. You can reach Venice from most major hubs across Europe and the US. 

Are the Dolomites Italian or German?

The Dolomites are a bit of both. The language is bilingual – and even trilingual in some places – so expect to find towns and villages sharing Austrian and Italian names, and sometimes even Ladin, the ancient Roman language passed down by the first valley inhabitants.

Almost everyone speaks Italian, German, Italian and English, but don’t be surprised if you find most Dolomites speaking the native Ladin.

What is the Currency in the Dolomites?

The currency in the Dolomites is the Euro, just like in most parts of Italy. All major debit and credit cards are widely accepted, but be prepared for those $5 withdrawal fees if you need to use an ATM for cash and plan for these expenses in advance.

What are the opening hours in the Dolomites?

Opening hours for the lifts, cable cars, and hotels in the Dolomites vary, but you can expect a standard 8:00 am to 7:00 pm timetable for most services. Restaurants hours extend until 10:00 pm or later.

A word of caution: make sure to check your hotel’s check in time carefully as some do not offer reception service after 5 p.m. in selected areas.

How Good is the Internet in the Dolomites?

The four major mobile networks in Italy are  Vodafone, Windtre, TIM,  and  Iliad .

Some town provide free WiFi in the main squares and lift facilities, but if your smartphone supports it, you can have internet on the road with a regional Eurolink e-sim (prices start from $5).

Hiking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites and South Tyrol are a great place for those who love to hike in mountainous areas. The most popular hikes can get busy in summer, so you might wish to start in the early morning for longer day hikes in order to get the route to yourself as much as possible.

For even longer hikes, there are mountain huts (rifugio) all over the place which can be booked in advance and are a great option for multi-day hikes. One of the most popular of these is Rifugio Auronzo on Tre Cime, one of the favorite hikes for many visitors. 

Dolomites for non-hikers

What we really liked was that you  don’t HAVE to go for long hikes if you don’t want to ; many of the most popular locations and lots of the   best lakes in the Dolomites  are quite close to the road and easily accessible. So you can pick and choose exactly what you do or don’t want to see. 

Driving in the Dolomites

In the Dolomites, you can enjoy a few of the most scenic routes Europe has to offer. Driving across the mountains might seem like an intimidating option, especially if it’s your first time in Italy, but driving in the Dolomites is actually way easier than you think!

Is it Safe to Drive in the Dolomites?

The roads are well maintained with road signs in both German, Italian and sometimes English. All passages through the mountains are fairly easy to cross, except for instances of heavy snowfall when you will find them usually closed.

In the Dolomites, people drive on the right side of the road just like in most other places in Europe. The speed limit is 50 km/h in towns and 90 km/h on country roads. As long as you keep an eye out for fuel signs and toll roads, you are sure to have a safe journey in the Dolomites.

NOTE: Be sure to watch out for cattle! They tend to cross the roads frequently in many farmed areas, often without warning signs.

Driver’s License & Autostrade (Toll Roads)

Toll Roads, or  Autostrade  are the common Italian highways, motorways, and freeways marked by easy-to-spot green signs. You’ll need a full driving license or international driving permit to travel on those by car, campervan, or trailer.

If you are traveling on a budget, you can avoid those by taking alternative, longer routes–just be sure your map is up to date.

How Many Days Do You Need in the Dolomites?

As many as you can- and it still won’t be long enough! In this guide, you will discover various options for experiencing the beauty of the Dolomites, whether it’s for a duration of a one day visit, a weekend/ two days or 3-5 days. Aim to spend at least five days if you enjoy hiking and plan to go on Alpine hikes or try a cycling trip.

How to plan YOUR perfect Dolomites Itinerary

Below, I’ll share our 3-day Dolomites itinerary, but before I do, I want to share a couple of quick tips to help you plan your own trip.

• Decide on what is important to you . With only 3 or 4 days in the Dolomites, you will not be able to see it all. Heck, you couldn’t see it all in an entire week! There are just too many things to do. So pick a few things which you REALLY want to see, and enjoy those.
• HIRE/ TAKE a vehicle.  The Dolomites are MADE for road trips. They are perfect for picnics up mountains with incredible views, hiking, late-night photography and getting up early to see the sunrise. This itinerary is designed for road trips- taking public transport will take you much longer, but there are options for bus, train, and shuttle service. 
• If you can,  travel the Dolomites in a motorhome or campervan.  That way, you can stay in some INCREDIBLE locations for much less money than the price of a Dolomites hotel. It’s definitely a more cost-effective option and   campervanning in Italy  is awesome anyway.
• Go out of season . Either May/ June or September/ October. We went at the beginning of October, and it was the PERFECT time- clear days, cool nights with bright stars and incredible foliage. The Dolomites in Autumn are breathtaking.
• Use Google Maps. We plotted all the things we wanted to do and see on Google Maps, and then drove between them. It’s definitely the best way to plan a trip.   Learn how to use Google Maps to create an epic itinerary.

Our 3-4 day Dolomites road trip itinerary & highlights

We didn’t mean to go to the Dolomites at all; we detoured on the way to Slovenia without any plan at all.

Therefore, we didn’t really have a Dolomites itinerary planned and instead just crammed as much as we could into 3 days  (technically, we were there for 4 days but we spent one full day camped at the top of Tre Cime- we’ll get to that shortly!)

One of the most iconic shots in the Dolomites- but is it REALLY worth your time?

Italian Dolomites Itinerary Road map

Map of our dolomites road trip itinerary.

Here’s the route planner for our Dolomites itinerary. You can see the roads we took. Below, I’ll break it down into day-by-day and mileage/ stop points/ things to see in the Dolomites on the way.

Our starting point was Bolzano (A) and finished in Tre Cime (J). Of course, you can add and amend this itinerary or do it in reverse order if you wish.

NOTE- Not every point we stopped at is listed on the map above- Google Maps only allows you to plot up to 10 points at one time for a route map. But it shows all the roads we drove over the three days so you can use it as a Dolomites route planner for your own road trip. 

Dolomites Route Planner

One day in the Dolomites itinerary- what to see, what to avoid and how to plan your route!

Day One (or One Day in the Dolomites Itinerary!)

If you only have one day in the Dolomites, this is the route we would take- unless you go to Tre Cime!

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. It showcases some of the best views, roads, lakes, mountains and more! 

It’s a loop which is easily driveable in daylight hours (both in summer or winter) and is a fantastic introduction to these beautiful mountains. As a first day introduction to the area, it was incredible. 

Day One Route & Highlights

• Driving the Great Dolomite Road (SS241) from Bolzano to Canazei- 2 hours • 76km (Point A- Point C)  READ: 9 essential tips to drive the Great Dolomites road
• Stop at Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza) en-route (Point B)- this is where we had a late breakfast (TOP TIP: get there early- even in October there were a lot of tour buses arriving.)
• Sella Pass towards Ortisei (SS48, becoming SS242) – 3 hours • 76km  (Point D)- stopped for lunch near the top where you can see Alpe di Siusi- the largest alpine meadow in Europe
• Ortisei to Val di Funes, to see Santa Maddalena church (accurately called St Johanns Church)- the little chapel in the field and one of the most photographed churches in the world. Only a short drive at 40 mins and arrived late afternoon • 32 km (D to E)
• Stayed overnight near Santa Maddalena (see exactly where  here )

Day Two- Dolomites Travel blog

Map and route planner for Dolomites roadtrip planning for two days

Weekend/ Two Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re visiting the Dolomites for a weekend or two days, I would do Day 1 and Day 2 to showcase some of the best spots in the region. It’s best to have an early start and get as much done as possible- it also means you can take advantage of spaces in the free parking lots.

Val di Funes (A) to Lago di Braies (Lake Braies) (D) on the map above • 130km • 2h 30 mins (NOT including stops)

• Val di Funes to Ortisel (Col Rainer or Seceda Cable Car) – 31 mins • 39km
• Gardena Pass (B/C) – 49 mins • 32km 
• Lago di Braies for evening – 1h10 mins • 59km

This hotel at Lago di Braies  is RIGHT ON THE SHORE of the lake and would be perfect to stay in if you don’t have a campervan.

If you stay nearby and it’s a clear night, getting up to photograph the stars over the lake is a great idea- it’s seriously beautiful.

Day Two – Highlights for where to visit in the Dolomites

• Val di Funes- St Johann’s Church/ Santa Maddalena-   READ : Val di Funes perfect itinerary .
• Col Raiser/ Seceda/ Alpe di Siusi Cable car–visit the top of  Seceda if you can, but motorhome parking at the cable car station is a NIGHTMARE, so Col Raiser is easier for vans to visit.
• An alternative option is to visit Alpe di Suisi (called Seiser Alm in German) on the opposite side- it’s the largest high-alpine pasture in Europe.
• Gardena Pass –  this was breathtaking–well worth going this way instead of the quicker autoroute to Lake Braies.
• Lago di Braies –  we arrived the night before and stayed overnight. If you’re not staying on site, get here REALLY early or you will be overrun by Instagram photo hunters… many in wedding dresses… #notevenkidding.

Day Three- Dolomites Travel blog

Day Three Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary

Lake Braies (A) to Tre Cime (D) • 73km • 2 hours

A shorter road trip route today, with plenty of pretty lakes and stunning views. Don’t miss  Tre Cime di Lavaredo – despite the expense it was our favourite part of the Dolomites.

If you can, stay up there for the night, either in a camper or a tent or at a hostel. You won’t regret it!  

Day Three Dolomites – Things to do and things to miss

• Next morning, get up EARLY to see Lago di Braies at sunrise for the best experience of this beautiful lake. The good news is you’ll see the sunrise and avoid the hundreds of Instagrammers!
• Lake Braies to Lake Misurina – 43 mins • 35km (you pass Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Landro on the way- both pretty and worth a stop)
• Lake Misurina to Cortina d’Ampezzo – 23 mins • 15km (missable- we only went for fuel and shopping)
• Cortina to Tre Cime – 42 mins • 23km
• Stay up Tre Cime for the evening so you can see sunset and sunrise. Both are stunning. We chose to spend two nights up here, but you don’t need to if you’re short on time. 

If you can’t stay up Tre Cime itself (an extra cost, but worth it),  this is one of the closest hotels to Tre Cime – the views are SPECTACULAR!!

Some common questions about the Dolomites:

Dolomites Itinerary for non-hikers- do I HAVE to walk or hike?

We didn’t do many BIG hikes in our 3-day Dolomites itinerary. On the 4th day, we spent it hiking and exploring Tre Cime. But you can easily spend three or four days in the Dolomites and not hike at all if you don’t want to.

When Should I visit the Dolomites?

In our opinion, Autumn is perfect. It’s actually one of our favourite   places to experience Autumn in Europe.  The trees are a beautiful backdrop to the views, the weather is still warm enough to go outside and yet the visitor numbers are much fewer than in summer, which makes the whole experience much better.

September/ October is beautiful. Don’t come any later than mid-October as many of the cable cars/ mountain passes in the Dolomites will be closed and not re-opened until April-ish. Snow and ice can cause difficulties reaching many of the best things to do in the Dolomites during winter, so while it can be pretty, you may not see everything you want to. (Here are some more   incredible places to enjoy in Europe in October )

If Autumn isn’t an option, try and visit May or June, which is a perfect time to enjoy the spring flowers on the alpine meadows. The weather will just be warming up, snow will be mostly melted, and you should get many opportunities to enjoy the spectacular views!

Where can I visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are in Northern Italy, about an hour north of Lake Garda. 

How do you get to the Dolomites from Venice/ from Milan?

If you’re doing a Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary (which we highly recommend), you can easily get to the Dolomites from Venice or Milan. 

Venice to Bolzano (the start of our Dolomites itinerary) will take you about 3 hours (267km)

Milan to Bolzano is about 3 and a half hours (278km)

How much does it cost to visit the Dolomites?

One of the advantages to visiting an area with a lot of hiking and photography spots is that it can be visited quite cheaply, especially out of season.

Our 4-day Dolomites itinerary didn’t cost us much at all:

• 4€ parking at Lake Carrezza, plus gifts and souvenir postcard (we collect them)= 25€
• Breakfast and bread for lunch from bakery = 6€
• Col Raiser Cable Car- 40€ for 2 adults and a dog (dog free)
• Cake and coffee at top of Col Raiser = 17€
• Overnight parking at Lake Braies = 8€ (15€ as of 2022)
• Gift shop at Lake Misurina = 35€  (bought amazing woolly slipper socks – worth it!)
• Tre Cime for 2 nights with a motorhome = 70€
• Fuel and LPG = 80€
• Not a thing- we were up Tre Cime! Although there is a restaurant and a shop there, we didn’t use it.

TOTAL costs for Dolomites road trip = 351€

This doesn’t include travel to or from the Dolomites, or food which we already had in our motorhome, but should give you an idea on what you could expect to spend on your own road trip.

Where to stay when you visit the Dolomites?

I’ve mentioned it a couple of times already, but we highly recommend visiting the Dolomites with a motorhome or campervan. That way, you can stay in campsites or use aires (called Sostas in Italy.)

You can either bring your own van, or hire one nearby.

If that’s not an option, hire a car and be prepared to move hotels each night, so you’re not wasting time returning to a hotel back where you started.

The hotels we recommend are:

• Val di Funes- hotel with a hot tub and views of the Dolomites?  Yes please!
• Lago di Braies- right on the shores of the lake!
• Near Tre Cime- you won’t believe these views!

Travel Essentials for your Dolomites Itinerary

Whether it’s a surprise hailstorm in the middle of summer or a spontaneous hike, it doesn’t hurt to be ready to face the unexpected in the Dolomites. Read on and make a list of the essentials that will allow you to relish in the Alpine experience, rain or shine!

What to Wear in the Dolomites

A rain jacket   – ideally lightweight and insulated to accompany you in every exploration.

Sun hat & Sunscreen  – depending on when you visit. Dolomite summers are mild with average maximum temperatures in July and August rarely spiking over 25°C –  but, let’s face it, an unexpected sunburn can really ruin a holiday so it’s best to be prepared.

Sturdy shoes or sandals  – able to withstand spontaneous hikes and the tricky cobblestone streets of the scenic towns along your trip.

What to Pack for the Dolomites

A power bank, travel adaptor, hiking shoes, and your trusty reusable water bottle go a long way in any vacation and will prove essential in your outdoors adventures in the Dolomites. Visiting in May or during the summer months? You might want to pack your swimsuit, but  only if you’re brave enough to try the cold waters in Lake Braies. 

If you want to see more photos of the beautiful Dolomites,  check out our Instagram.

There is so much to see in the area, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow it all down. Here are some of our favourite guides to help:

• Shorter walks in the Dolomites
• The best photo locations in the Dolomites
• Dolomites UNESCO tourist map

We hope you found those itinerary ideas for the Dolomites useful. You might find these posts helpful too:

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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12 comments.

Do you have any suggestions on motorhome or camper van rentals in that are?

Love this blog post! I’m planning to go September or October and am inspired by your pictures! Thank you

Love this post! We’re in Bolzano now and about to embark on your 3 day roadtrip suggestion!! VERY excited.

Awesome!!! Let me know how it goes 🙂

The Dolomites are great for your camper I agree, but if you want to see the really dramatic sceneries, a hike is required don’t you think so?

Hikes are awesome, but not everyone is capable or has enough time. But yes- the higher you go, the better the scenery. That’s why we loved Tre Cime so much 🙂

Hi! How were the roads for large (8.5m) motorhomes?

Most of them you’ll be absolutely fine- just go early to avoid buses or other vans coming the other way. And maybe sound a horn before blind bends where you might swing out into the road.

can we do this road trip in a scooter ( vespa )

Absolutely- it would be fun on a scooter. Just remember the roads can be steep, so it would need enough power to get up them and you’ll need to make sure you have fuel.

What an amazing and detailed blog, must say you have shared some really good information. The ideal Dolomites itinerary.

Thank you. Hope you make it there one day. The Dolomites are beautiful.

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Username or password is incorrect, welcome back,, dolomite express and the historical renon (ritten) train, this day-trip from milano takes you to one of the most celebrated alpine landscapes.

• Plan your visit

Come with us on a tour through the Dolomite Mountains and explore Renon Plateau and the charming mountain town of Bolzano. You will admire the "earth pyramid", a unique rock formation that populates the area, and enjoy the Tyrolean atmosphere of Bolzano on a walking tour with your local guide.

Info & Booking

• Available: all year round, on Thursdays
• Departure Time: 7:00am
• Duration: 13 hours
• Departure Meeting Point: Foro Bonaparte 76, at the corner with Via Cusani or Milan Metro stop (red line) MM1 Cairoli
• FREE admission for children under 4 years of age.
• The tour is guaranteed with at least 6 booked participants, maximum group size is 50.

Tour price includes :

• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• English Speaking tour leader
• Cable car and electric train transport

Not included : Entrance fees – personal extras (such as food) – tips. Cancellation Policy

• No penalties for bookings canceled at least 2 working days before date of tour.
• 100% penalty for cancellation within 2 working days, no-show or late arrival on departure.

Save time ordering : Add all the service tickets you want into your basket, then fill in the form and send your request. PLEASE NOTE : Immediately after submitting an order, you will receive an email with your order summary plus a second email confirming your successful payment. A confirmation email with links to the vouchers will be sent one business day after you place your order (Monday afternoon for orders submitted on Friday and during the weekend). Please make sure that your anti-spam filter does not block automatic emails from [email protected] .

• One-day trip to the Dolomites from Milan
• Take the Renon cable car from Bolzano to Soprabolzano
• Enjoy a scenic journey on the Ritten Railway train up to the Renon Plateau
• Free time in the mountain village of Collalbo and admire the Dolomites’ earth pyramids
• Walking tour of Bolzano stopping for photos in Piazza Walther and Piazza delle Erbe

Meet your guide in Milan city center and leave for a 2.5 hour bus journey to the Dolomites – Italy’s beautiful mountain range featuring 18 peaks which rise to above 3,000 meters (close to 10,000 feet) and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After you arrive in Bolzano, the capital of Italy’s South Tyrol province, and after a walk through town, take the Renon cable car to Soprabolzano – a tiny little village half-way up Renon Plateau. Traveling to an altitude of 1,221 meters (4,006 feet), the cable car will give you a stunning panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains as you rise out of the plains.

In Soprabolzano, you will get on board a 100-year-old electric train, the “Ritten Bahn,” for a picturesque ride to Collalbo on top of the Renon Plateau. Upon arrival, enjoy free time for lunch (not included) or for exploring the charming little village. From Collalbo, the unspoiled mountain scenery will offer you a view of the most celebrated natural features on the Ritten, the earth pyramids, impressive rock pillars rising out of the ground.

In the afternoon, meet your guide for your bus transfer back to Bolzano, a city proud of its Austrian roots, which only became part of Italy in 1918. Most of its citizens still speak German and middle-European influence can be seen in its Rationalistic architecture. Your guide will help you immerse yourself in the Tyrolean atmosphere, with a walking tour taking you through the history and culture of Bolzano. Don’t miss the opportunity to take some pictures in Piazza Walther and in the vibrant Piazza delle Erbe before returning to Milan on the bus.

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Italian Dolomites Itinerary (1-10 Days)+ Tips for Planning Your Trip

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 8, 2023

The Italian Dolomites is one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the world. So if you are planning a trip to Italy in the summer, we highly recommend including the Dolomites in your itinerary. Even if you have just one day, it’s worth it! But there’s so much to see and do in the Dolomites that you could easily spend weeks and even months here and still not see it all…

In this article, we share our best suggestions for Dolomites itinerary, for any (road) trip duration from 1 day to 10 days or even more . So no matter how much time you have, you can see some of the very best places in the Dolomites and make the most out of your trip.

Good to know: We visited the Dolomites in Italy several times and spent several longer vacations here hiking some of the best trails in the Dolomites , exploring the most beautiful lakes , and visiting many places in the region. For these itinerary suggestions, we selected only the top places that we think are worth your time the most if visiting Dolomites for the first time.

And while some of the best places in the Dolomites require hiking, you can also see a lot even if you do not hike. So for each of the shorter trips, we share several options, one of them with tips for those who don’t hike much and simply want to see the nicest scenery. Find out!

Dolomites Itinerary – OVERVIEW

• Planning tips

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in the Dolomites

Here are some suggested Dolomites itineraries:

One Day in the Dolomites

If you only have one day in the Dolomites, your itinerary will highly depend on where you are traveling from and whether you have a car or not.

If you don’t have a car , by far the best way to visit the Dolomites for a day is by taking an organized day tour . There are tours from Lake Garda, Venice, or Bolzano and they’ll bring you to some of the nicest places that are feasible as a day trip from these areas. There are tours that run during any time of the year, with some special winter itineraries as well. So if you only have a day and don’t feel like driving or planning much, you can still visit this beautiful region.

If you have a car , a lot will also depend on where you are coming from, so you will have to adjust your 1-day itinerary based on that. Below are some suggestions on how to spend one day in the Dolomites. We selected the VERY BEST places that you can see in a day and linked to more detailed guides for more information. Take a look at our self-drive itinerary suggestions below.

We included two options: one without much hiking and one for those who want to do one of the best hikes in the Dolomites.

This 1-day itinerary brings you to some of the must-see places in the Dolomites. You won’t have much time to explore deeper, but you’ll see some of the best scenery in the shortest time possible. If you can walk for about 30-60 minutes, you can see some jaw-dropping scenery at Tre Cime. You can also start this itinerary at any other location and just make a loop.

• Val Gardena.
• Gardena Pass.
• Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee).
• Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See).
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• Lake Misurina.

Start in Val Gardena and drive through Gardena mountain pass to Lago di Braies (2 hours drive). Visit Lago di Braies/ Pragser Wildsee (count at least 30 minutes for a quick visit). Try to be here before 10 AM (ideally before 9 AM) because in high season, they close the road and you have to take a shuttle if you come here during the day. Continue in the direction of Misurina and stop at Lago di Dobbiaco .

In the afternoon (and only if the weather is good and there are no thunderstorms), visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo . With one day in the Dolomites, don’t plan on doing the entire hike here, but you can hike the first part to Forcella Lavaredo (about 30 minutes one way and the first part is very easy). The views are amazing and well worth the 30 EUR fee in order to drive up here! Afterwards, take a quick photo stop at Lake Misurina and continue your trip.

If you are driving back to the Val Gardena area, you can take the mountain roads via Cortina d’Ampezzo and Falzarego Pass – this will take you at least 2 hours without any stops. If you take the road via Passo Pardoi, be prepared for some serious hairpin turning and count at least 3 hours. Alternatively, stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo – depending on where your trip takes you next.

This itinerary is for those who want to do one of the iconic hikes in the Dolomites and see a few of the best lakes.

• Hike to Lago di Sorapis OR Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop.

Start in the Cortina d’Ampezzo or Lake Misurina area and choose one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites – Lake Sorapis hike or Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop trail . Both these hikes are very popular and either one of them will take you about 4-5 hours in total. Ideally, you start as early in the morning as possible, so that you can beat the crowds and avoid parking issues.

Afterwards, visit Lake Misurina and continue in the direction of Lake Braies. On the way there, you can stop at Lago di Landro (Dürrensee) and/or at Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See ). These are both just short photo stops that don’t require much time.

End your day at Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) . Try to arrive here after 3-4 PM so that you can avoid having to take a shuttle and drive all the way to the lake. It’s very busy at this lake during the day but very quiet and magical in the evening. If you still have some time and energy, you can walk around the lake or rent a rowing boat and enjoy the scenery from the water.

Two Days Dolomites Itinerary

If you have two days in the Dolomites, we highly recommend that you rent a car and make a mini road trip.

If you don’t have a car , make your way to a bigger town like Cortina d’Ampezzo (there are buses to Cortina from Venice). From her – in high season – you can take buses to some of the nearby areas like the earlier mentioned Tre Cime or Lake Sorapis, or to Passo Falzarego and Cinque Torri . You really can’t go wrong with any of these places.

If you do have a car , you could split your visit between two different areas, so that you spend less time driving and more sightseeing. Or you could still stay in just one area and explore deeper. There are so many ways to plan a 2-day Dolomites road trip itinerary! Once again, we focus on some of the very best places and give you two options (one for hikers and one non-hikers) of how you could plan your time. Take a look!

This itinerary is for those who hike and want to get the absolute most out of their two days in the Dolomites.

Day 1 – Cortina d’Ampezzo area

• Hike to Lago di Sorapis OR Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop .
• Lago di Dobbiaco ( Toblacher See ).
• Lago di Braies ( Pragser Wildsee ).
• Stay in Val Gardena.

This itinerary is pretty much the same as ‘option 2’ in the 1-day itinerary. So please see above for more details. We recommend that you end your day in Val Gardena – that way, you can make the most of your second day as well. There are many hotels in Val Gardena , but for this itinerary, it’s probably best if you stay in Ortisei .

Day 2 – Val Gardena & Val di Funes

• Val Gardena: Seceda – Pieralongia hike .
• St. Magdalena church (the most iconic view of the Dolomites).
• Adolf Munkel Trail and/or Geisler Alm.

In the morning, take a cable car from Ortisei to Seceda and make a short hike there. You can find more info about this hike in our Dolomites hiking guide (see Seceda – Pieralongia). Afterwards, return to your car and drive to St. Magdalena in Val Funes (Villnöß). It’s about 40 minutes drive but can take longer if the traffic is busy.

In St. Magdalena, drive or walk up to the church and from there, follow the road even higher for stunning views of St. Magdalena church with Dolomites mountain peaks in the background. This is the most photographed view in the Dolomites!

If the weather is good and you are up for a nice hike of about 3 hours, consider hiking the Adolf Munkel Trail to Geisler Alm . Geisler Alm is a very picturesque mountain hut with great local food, a nice outdoor seating area, a playground for the kids, and the most amazing views. If a longer hike is too much for you, there’s a short trail that leads from the car parking at the parking area in Zans straight to Geisler Alm. You can find more info about these places in our Dolomites hiking guide that I linked to above – see Adolf Munkel Trail.

This itinerary is for those who want to drive around, enjoy the scenery, see some WWI sites, but rather not hike too much.

Day 1 – Val Gardena to Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo .
• Cortina d’Ampezzo.

This itinerary is pretty much the same as ‘option 1’ in the 1-day itinerary – see above for more details. We recommend that you end your day in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s a popular mountain resort with a cozy town center where you can also find a nice restaurant for dinner.

If you would make this trip starting in Cortina, then do it in the opposite direction (starting with Misurina – Tre Cime) and maybe skip driving to Val Gardena altogether. Driving in the Dolomites always takes longer than you estimate, and some roads are not for the faint-hearted.

Day 2 – Cinque Torri & Mount Lagazuoi

• Cinque Torri
• Passo Falzarego – Mount Lagazuoi

In the morning, leave Cortina d’Ampezzo in the direction of Falzarego Pass. It’s just a short ride of less than 20km, and takes about half an hour. There are two main places we recommend visiting here and since they are so close to each other, you can choose where you want to start first.

The first stop is Cinque Torri , where you can take a cable car to the top, so no hiking required. Cinque Torri (aka the Five Towers) is a beautiful area with some amazing mountain scenery and a WWI museum. There are many hiking trails here, but even if you don’t want to hike, you can just walk around this open-air museum. It’s a really interesting place to see and the scenery is some of the best in the Dolomites. Pictures don’t do justice to how beautiful it is here. Well worth it! Here you can read more about visiting Cinque Torri and the easiest nice hike you can do there.

Afterwards, head to Falzarego Pass , just a bit further. Here, you can also take a cable car and visit another beautiful area with WWI history – Lagazuoi mountain . Also here, there are lots of hiking trails, including hiking via some of the WWI tunnels. But you can simply walk around a bit, enjoy the jaw-dropping views, and take the gondola back down the mountain.

Depending on whether you hike at all, a little bit, or not at all, a visit to these two places can take you a good part of the day or just 3-4 hours. If you have some time left, you can visit the nearby Forte Tre Sassi Museum and/or take an easy short hike to a nearby mountain lake, Lago di Limides .

The rest of your itinerary depends on where you are staying. The easiest and the most relaxing option is to stay in Cortina, just as the previous night.

3 Days in the Dolomites

If you are planning to spend more time in the Dolomites, we assume that you’ll want to do at least some hiking. So all our longer itineraries include some hiking suggestions. Use these just as an indication of what can be done, and what’s worth your time the most.

Here’s how your three-day Dolomites itinerary could look like:

Day 1 – Tre Cime

• Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop.
• Lago d’Antorno.

Start your day as early as possible to beat the crowds and do the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike . This is the only major activity today, so take your time to really enjoy this beautiful area. See our detailed guide via the link above for all the details.

In the afternoon, stop at Lago d’Antorno and Lago di Misurina – both just a short drive down from Tre Cime. You don’t need much time for any of these lakes, so it can be just a quick photo stop. But if you still have some energy, you can do some short walks. At Lake Misurina, you can also rent pedal boats, get some ice cream, etc.

End your day with a relaxing walk and dinner in Cortina d’Ampezzo. There are lots of accommodations in Cortina , so this is a good place to stay the night as well.

Day 2 – Most Beautiful Lakes

• Lago Sorapis hike.

Also on this day, start as early as you can and head to Passo Tre Croci for the Lake Sorapis hike . Parking here is very limited, so if you want to start close to the trailhead, try to be here at around 8 AM at the latest. The good news is that you’ll still have a lot of time left for other places after this hike.

In the afternoon, drive to Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) . On the way there, you can also stop at Lake Dobbiaco where you can also have (late) lunch if you didn’t have the chance for it earlier.

If you are visiting in the high season (beginning of July to mid-September), the road to Lake Braies is usually closed to private vehicles until 3 PM, so it’s anyway better to visit Lake Dobbiaco instead of rushing straight here. If you get to the lake too early, you’ll have to take a shuttle.

If you come after 3 PM, you should still have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at Lake Braies and then drive to Val Gardena via the Gardena Pass towards the evening. However, please check the most up-to-date info for the Lake Braies shuttle, to be sure that the hours are still correct.

Afterwards, drive to Passo Gardena and from there to one of the Val Gardena villages for the night. If you are too tired, you can also take the main roads and highway A22 to get there quicker. The distance between Lake Braies and Ortisei is about 90 km no matter which road you take, but the drive via Gardena Pass will likely take at least 20-30 minutes longer. However, this road is incomparably nicer too and the pass isn’t very challenging, so I recommend avoiding the bigger roads. You’re here to enjoy the scenery, after all.

There are many hotels in Val Gardena . Selva town is a nice place to stay with lots of hotels and nice restaurants, or you can also stay in Ortisei which is where you’ll go first thing the next morning.

Day 3 – Val Gardena & Val di Funes

For more details, see day 2 in ‘option 1’ in the two-day itinerary above. If you want to start your day very early, you could also head to Val di Funes first and visit St Magdalena church and do the Adolf Munkel hike first before returning to Val Gardena and visiting the Seceda area.

In that case, keep in mind that you have to take a cable car for Seceda – Prolongia, so be sure to get there no later than 1 PM to still be able to enjoy it and do some hiking at the top.

4 Days Dolomites Itinerary

If you have 4 days in the Dolomites, we suggest following the 3-day itinerary above and staying in Val Gardena an extra night. So the first three days would be the same (see above for more details), and on the 4th day, you could choose to do more hiking or visit Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites. See our suggestions below.

Here’s how your Dolomites itinerary for fours days could look like:

Day 1 – Tre Cime Loop

• Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop .

Day 2 – Lake Sorapis, Lake Braies, and more

• Lago Sorapis hike .

Day 4 – Val Gardena, Passo Pordoi, or Marmolada

On this day, you have a choice to do some more hiking or visit the highest peak of the Dolomites. Below are three different options on how you could spend this day:

1. If you are looking for a nice full-day hike, check out the Selva – Rifugio Puez hike . It’s a bit challenging and long, but the scenery at the beginning and at the end of the hike makes it worth it.

2. Another – very popular – option is to take a cable car from Passo Pordoi to Terrazza Delle Dolomiti, and hike to Piz Boè mountain peak from there. Only do this on a clear day when the weather is good and be sure to get to Passo Pordoi very early to avoid parking issues.

3. The third option – ideal for those who don’t want to hike much – is to visit Marmolada , aka the Queen of the Dolomites. This is also best done on a clear day as you’ll be high above the clouds and won’t see much otherwise. Marmolada also has a WWI museum and it’s a good place to get to know the history of the region a bit better.

The drive from Val Gardena to Malga Ciapela (where you can take the cable car to Marmolada) is just 40 km, but count at least an hour for it without any stops. The roads are crazy here! On the way, you’ll pass Passo Sella and Canazei town – both could be nice stops in addition to Marmolada. But I suggest going to Marmolada first and then you can decide afterwards where you want to stop on your way back, depending on how much time you have.

If you feel like taking another detour, you could also visit Lago di Carezza on your way back. Stay in Val Gardena – same accommodation as on the previous night.

5 Days in the Dolomites

If you have five days in the Dolomites, you could simply follow our 4-day itinerary above and choose two of the three recommended options on days 4 and 5. Alternatively, add a day in the Cortina d’Ampezzo region (day 2 in the itinerary below). Here’s how this road trip itinerary could look like:

Day 1 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo

• Cinque Torri .
• Passo Falzarego – Mount Lagazuoi.
• Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

You can see more details of this itinerary under ‘option 2’ in the 2-days Dolomites itinerary above.

Day 4 – Val Gardena & Val di Funes

• Val Gardena: Seceda Pieralongia hike .

Day 5 – Val Gardena, Passo Pordoi, or Marmolada

See ‘day 4’ in the four days itinerary above.

6-10 Days in the Dolomites (or more)

If you have 6-10 days in the Dolomites or more, I recommend staying in the Cortina d’Ampezzo area and in the Val Gardena area for 3-5 days each and exploring some of the best places in those areas without having to drive too much.

Below, are some of the best places to see and things to do in each area, and you can easily plan your time around this. Or you can see our more detailed itineraries above for how you could plan each day.

Cortina d’Ampezzo area

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike and Lake Misurina.
• Lago di Sorapis.
• Cinque Torri.
• Passo Falzarego, Mt Lagazuoi and Lake Limides .
• Hike from Passo Giau to Lake Federa .
• Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies) and Toblacher See (Lake Dobbiaco).
• Cable cars in Cortina d’Ampezzo town.
• Adventure parks, swimming pools, etc.

With 3-4 days in Cortina, you could visit most of these places, but you’ll likely need at least 5-6 days if you want to do all these hikes. You can read more about all these places in our guide of the best places to see in the Dolomites and the best lakes in the Dolomites .

Val Gardena area

• Passo Gardena.
• Seceda – Pieralongia hike.
• St. Magdalena church in Val di Funes (the most iconic view of the Dolomites).
• Passo Pordoi.
• Passo Sella.
• Lago di Carezza.
• Rifugio Puez hike.

With 3-4 days in Val Gardena, you could visit a few of these places, but if you also plan to do some hiking, you can easily spend a week here and still not see it all. You can find more info about all these places here: Dolomites best places .

Tips for planning your Dolomites trip

Visit in summer. Even though it’s the peak season and it will be busy, summer months are by far the best time to explore the Dolomites to the fullest. If you want to avoid the crowds and still want to be able to do all the hikes, visit in September. At the beginning of June, some of the highest places will usually still have some snow.

Rent a car. If you want to really make the most of your Dolomites trip, be sure to rent a car. Car hire in Italy isn’t expensive and it will give you so much more flexibility! If you don’t have a car, take a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo or one of the Val Gardena towns and stay there. There’s a lot to see/do in these regions and you should be able to see some of the best places by using public transport.

Plan longer hikes in the morning. Afternoon storms are common in the Dolomites, so plan all your longer hikes as early in the morning as you can. Also, some hikes are so popular that it will be difficult to find a parking spot if you arrive after 9 AM. If the weather is really nice, you can often also do some hiking in the afternoon, so keep an eye on the weather forecast when you are there and see how you can make the best of it. Also, don’t plan two long hikes on the same day, unless the weather is exceptionally good and you are very fit.

Be flexible. The weather in the mountains is often unpredictable, so try to foresee in advance how you’ll adjust your itinerary if it’s raining or if there’s a big chance of thunderstorms. Also, don’t look at the weather forecast a week in advance; sometimes, it will not even be accurate a day or two in advance. Often, rain is very local too, so if you can’t visit one area, you can usually find plenty of alternatives nearby. In the morning, be sure to check the weather for the exact location you are planning to visit that day and adjust your plans if needed.

Every time we visited the Dolomites, the weather forecast showed rain for almost every day. But it’s only twice that we had to leave the mountains completely in order to find the sunshine. Once, we took a day trip to Venice by car (from the Cortina area), and once we visited Bolzano and Merano for a day (from the Val Gardena area). We also had to cut our hike at Tre Cime short once because of a thunderstorm.

Travel slower. If you can, plan to spend more time in the Dolomites so that you can truly explore the region a bit deeper. Having more time also allows you to easier adjust your travel plans to the weather if need be. Also, you’ll enjoy your trip more if you take your time to really look around, stop for some apple strudel at a mountain hut when you are hiking, rent a boat at one of the lakes, and enjoy some amazing Italian food at local restaurants in the evening.

Stay at two different sides of the region if you want to avoid driving. No matter how long your trip is, if you want to see a lot without spending hours and hours in the car, it’s easier to do this if you don’t have to get back to the same place every time.

We recommend staying in Val Gardena as a good base for the western side of the Dolomites and Cortina d’Ampezzo for the eastern side. Here you can find our guide on where to stay in Val Gardena , and here you can see the best deals for Cortina accommodation .

Avoid the smallest roads around Passo Pordoi, Passo Falzarego, or Marmolada if you are just passing by . The roads and the mountain passes in some parts of the Dolomites region are really narrow and winding, with countless hairpin turns, so you really can’t drive fast.

If you are planning to travel through the heart of the Dolomites region – especially the areas mentioned above – be prepared for average speeds of maximum 30-40 km/h. So only come here if you are actually visiting these places, and take bigger roads if you just need to get from one side of the region to another.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites

More tips for your trip to Northern Italy:

• Best Things to Do in Venice
• Venice 1 Day Itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice
• Tips for Gondola Ride in Venice
• How to Visit Venice by Car
• Venice with Little Kids
• Lake Como Travel Tips
• Best Things to Do in Lake Como
• Best Towns of Lake Como
• Villa del Balbianello
• Where to Stay in Lake Como
• Lake Garda Best Towns
• Lake Garda Itinerary
• How to See the Best of Milan in One Day
• Best Things to Do in Verona
• Best Things to Do in Bologna
• Bologna from Florence Train Info & Itinerary
• Emilia Romagna Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Ravenna

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More destinations all over Italy:

• Overview:   Best Cities in Italy
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• Best Things to Do in Rome
• Best Area to Stay in Rome
• 1 Day in Rome
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Wednesday 1st of May 2024

Hi, Jurga! Thanks for the great article--you have been such a lifesaver as I've been planning my solo trip to Europe this summer! I was wondering if you could elaborate more on your tip on renting a car. I'm travelling via train and sometimes bus for the vast majority of my trip, and this is the only case where I'm considering it. Most times, from what I've read, a rental car can actually slow you down. In the case of the Dolomites, however, is it a quicker, more reliable method of transpiration compared to whatever public options there are, despite potential issues with parking (although I definitely don't mind getting up earlier to secure a parking spot)? Similar to others' concerns in this thread, I'm a younger American driver and I'd like to be able to reassure my friends and family that the roads are drivable for me in the case that I get a rental car. If it's any help, I plan to go in early August, get there in the late morning or early afternoon to spend a half day, then 4 full days. Thank you so much, once again!

Friday 3rd of May 2024

@Jurga, thanks for the response! Well, it sounds like I'll stick to public transport then, if I'll be able to do everything I could normally do with a car (the one-way hikes are an added bonus)! Do you happen to know when the buses start/stop running? It sounds like I'll be making a lot of early hikes and it would be a shame if the buses only started running once peak crowds begin. Otherwise, I'll look into the public transport system and, hopefully, all of the locations you listed will be accessible--I'm so looking to it! Thank you once again!

Thursday 2nd of May 2024

Hi Tony, yes, having a car is the best way to explore Dolomites. That said, since you are visiting in high season, public transport is a very viable option as well. Val Gardena has a good bus system to bring you to the nicest hikes nearby and so does Cortina. The good thing about not having a car is that you can easily do some amazing one-way hikes without having to get back to the starting point. August is the absolute peak season everywhere in Italy, so expect the roads, car parks, and hiking trails to be very busy. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, you will probably have to be somewhere by 8 am (at the most popular hikes maybe even earlier). If you have driven in the mountains and done mountain passes before, there isn't much to worry about. However, it really depends on your experience, the car you would rent (you may want to get an automatic car if you are not used to driving 'a stick' and a rather small one because the roads are narrow), and where you would go and at what time of the day. Expect lots of campers, buses, and bikes on the narrow roads. Most likely, traffic will be slow, so patience is key. Hope this helps to get a better idea of what to expect. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time in Italy. You'll love it!

Saturday 24th of February 2024

Can you kindly let me know the best option for saving on cable car trips please.

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hi Stef, the best way to save on cable car trips is to stay in one region longer and get a regional pass for several days. If, however, you want to see the best of the Dolomites and visit many different areas in just a few days, then you'll usually have to pay the full price. Sometimes, your accommodation might have a 'guest card' which gives a small discount for cable cars in that area, so ask your hotel if there's something like that in their region. That being said, many of the top places and best hikes in the Dolomites do not involve a cable car. In some places, you can also walk to the top (if you have plenty of time and strong legs and heart). So a lot depends on the choices you make and the exact places that you decide to visit. Have a great trip!

Thursday 11th of May 2023

Hi Jurga, love your website, it has so much useful information. We would love to stay in the Dolomites for a week, but only have 1 day unfortunately during our Italy trip. We would be coming from Bardolino, so my plan was to drive straight up the A22 to Ortisei and do the Seceda cable car -then drive to Val di Funes to St Magdalena and then to the Ranui church. Then drive back to Bardolino.This way we would get a high mountain view and also the iconic churches in the valleys which I enjoy the most. I know this is weather permitting, we'll be there end of May and I believe the Seceda lift opens the 26th but we would check that as well before we go. Do you think this is doable in a day? I would love to add many other things, but know we will be pressed for time. Originally I was thinking of taking the Great Dolomite road but feel I would rather be outside in nature instead of in a car for a longer time. Hopefully someday we can return and do all that you mention that sound amazing! Thank you

Hi Lori, yes, I think it could be doable. It's about 2hr ride from Bardolino, so if you start early, you should be fine. Indeed, do check if the gondolas are open already and see how the weather is. If not, you could maybe try to do (part of) the Adolf Munkel Trail instead. It's in the same valley as the places you want to visit afterward. You don't need any gondolas there and the hike is at a lower altitude so - I think - it should be fine at the end of May. You can find some info about it in this guide with the best hikes in the Dolomites. Have a great trip.

Tuesday 7th of March 2023

Hi, this is so helpful! If we are arriving from Milan, what towns do yo suggest we pass by and stay in en route to Val Gardena and Cortina? We have 14 days and want to see all the beautiful lakes and do the most scenic easy hikes.

Thursday 9th of March 2023

@Jurga, sorry my question was incomplete with details. We're actually following your Dolomites itinerary for 14 days already. Only the leg between Milan to the Dolomites is what we're overwhelmed with given the sheer number of options. We've already been to Lake Como so I guess I'll check Lake Garda and Verona...will look into Trento and Bolzano as well...I was hoping I can overnight in just one place after our stay in Milan and use that as base...

Wednesday 8th of March 2023

Hi Jing, there are too many places in that area for me to even try to suggest an itinerary for you. Just pick what interests you the most. You could visit Milan first and then go to Lake Como for a few days and also Lake Garda. Stop in Verona and maybe also in Trento and/or Bolzano. In other words, you can fill two weeks before you even get to the Dolomites :). Or you can just drive straight there and spend two weeks in the mountains, and you'll find plenty to see and do. For the Dolomites themselves, we already have so many suggestions in this article. For the other places, click on the links to read more. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Friday 24th of February 2023

This site is great! Thank you so much for sharing all that you have learned while traveling in the Dolomites! Really appreciate your knowledge and experience!

Once my friends and I are done traveling in the dolomites, we are returning our car to Bolzano. We need to catch a train to Venice. We will be staying near the airport. Any advice on trains?/the process of transportation to Venice from Bolzano?

Many thanks, Lily

Sunday 26th of February 2023

Hi Lily, I don't have personal experience with taking public transport in the region, but a simple google search 'Bolzano to Venice' gives you all the answers you need. If you choose the little 'train' icon on Google Maps, you see all the public transport options. Have a great trip!

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The Dolomites Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through The Dolomites. We've got 47 trips going to The Dolomites, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 12 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

47 Dolomiti tours with 242 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking in the Dolomites

Great value for money. Good tour guide. Excellent travel company. Some days the hiking was a bit light. Would have given it 5 stars if the hiking was every day. Also tourradar/intrepid could also consider providing a higher cost tour where we stay at different refuges every day. This will reduce the transportation constraints and time and increase the Dolomites amazing experience.

• Mountain Hikes

A simply fantastic experience from so many perspectives. Andy was a brilliant guide… both in terms of hiking and integrating the group. The mountains were extraordinary. What an awesome landscape… and the hiking difficulties were challenging at times but not undoable. Came away with a great sense of achievement. Hoyle very comfortable. Good, solid Tyrolian food. Well organised and lovely company. Totally recommended.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

4 Days DOLOMITES TOUR - from Milan

Amazing The tour was perfect for me. I am 73 and can’t walk a lot but we went on every road, every pass, every valley. Our fabulous guide, who loves this tour, made sure we could see all of its splendor. There were only 7 of us so the size was perfect and the van was comfortable too. My only suggestion is to upgrade the hotels, if you can.. One was too basic for me and the other had no air conditioning and the staff was unorganized. All in all, it was very good. I hope to use this company again

Dolomites Adventure

Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure

Great trip , our guide Rob was brilliant hotel great.

Highlights of the Dolomites

The accommodation was excellent with superb food and service. The day trips were varied and interesting and the guides were knowledgeable and helpful. I made new friends and had a fantastic holiday.

Dolomites Guided Walk

It was a great trip. people were very friendly. Guide paid lot of attention to the safety of the walk. One of the Refugio did not have hot water (should look into it). The other Refugio had too many people in one dormitory. Never the less an excellent trip..

• Sightseeing

Alpine Adventure: Discovering the Dolomites

Amazing Dolomites Alps – ITALY

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Innsbruck - Verona

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Dolomites Explorer From Venice - 7 days

The Dolomites-Small Group Bike Tour

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Venice to Milan: 7-Days Alps & Dolomites Tour

Italian Lakes & Alps Express - 5 days

The Magic of Dolomites: Alpine Adventure

What people love about the dolomites tours.

What an excellent adventure! Our leader, Andy, was just top notch! So, knowledgeable and accessible. I highly recommend this trip!! Jan

Wonderful trip to the Dolomites. Our tour leader Didi was terrific.

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• The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days

The Italian Dolomites are not only one of the most beautiful places in Italy but they are one of the most stunning mountain destinations in the whole world.

Jagged peaks, breathtaking viewpoints, emerald alpine lakes, fairy tale towns, amazing hikes, and delicious food – you can have it all in the Dolomites!

This 5 days long Dolomites road trip itinerary will be perfect for you if you want to discover all the beauty the Italian Dolomites have to offer in a short period of time.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Useful Info for Visiting the Dolomites

How to get to the dolomites.

Although the Dolomites are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful dream destinations in the world , getting there is a little bit tricky as there is no dedicated airport in the area.

Since this Dolomites road trip itinerary will require you to have your own car, if you’re planning to arrive from a nearby country it’s best to take your own car and drive to the Dolomites from your home.

We personally arrived from Budapest and even if it was a 9-hour drive it was much better (and cheaper) to have our own car.

If this is not an option for you, there are many airports in the region to choose from. If you’re looking for a bigger international airport, the best option is to arrive at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice, from there you can reach Ortisei (the first base on this Dolomites road trip itinerary) within 3-3.5 hours.

Another great option is the Orio Al Serio Airport in Bergamo or the Malpensa Airport in Milan, it takes 3 hours to get to Ortisei from Bergamo and 4 hours from Milan. If you’re planning to go on a big Northern Italy road trip , you can easily visit all these places in one trip!

Munich Airport in Germany can be another great option, it takes around 3.5-4 hours to reach Ortisei from Munich. If you have more time you can include a few stops in Tyrol and Bavaria as well, like visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle !

The disadvantage of arriving at Munich is that you need to cross the German-Austrian and the Austrian-Italian border in order to get to the Dolomites and with a rental car it’s not the easiest thing to do.

There are a couple of other smaller airports in the area, like Treviso Airport, Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona, or Bolzano Airport so it’s worth taking a look at them as well.

No matter which airport you arrive at, you will need to rent a car for your Dolomites road trip. I recommend Discover Cars to check the best offers and availability!

Best time to visit the Dolomites

The best time to visit the Dolomites entirely depends on your personal preferences. Although each season has its own charm, for the sake of this Dolomites road trip itinerary I recommend visiting the Dolomites from the end of May until the end of September.

The simple reason is that before or after this the mountains are usually covered with snow and many hiking trails are not accessible anymore. Don’t get me wrong, visiting the Dolomites in winter is still a great idea, just not so much for a road trip!

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best is to visit either in early June or the middle of September. We personally visited in the middle of September and we had the best weather, but of course, it can change from year to year.

All the photos you can see in this article were taken in the middle of September so you can have an idea about what the area looks like around this time.

How much time to spend in the Dolomites

As much as you can! Seriously, the whole area is so gorgeous that you will not believe your own eyes.

As a first-timer, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the Dolomites. This will give you enough time to visit the must-see sights such as Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies or Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

There are countless amazing hikes in the Dolomites so if you’re an outdoor person and you love hikes, you can even spend weeks in the Dolomites without getting bored.

I’d say the perfect amount of time would be between 1 or 2 weeks but I understand that not everyone has that much time for a mountain vacation.

That’s why I created this 5 day Dolomites road trip itinerary so you could visit all the best places in the Dolomites in just a short period of time.

Overview of Your 5 Day Dolomites Itinerary

Below you can see an overview of your Dolomites itinerary with the highlights that you should visit on each day. For the first two nights, you will stay in Ortisei and you’re going to visit Lago di Carezza, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, and the Seceda ridgeline.

La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo will be your base for the second part of your Dolomites road trip, from where you can visit some amazing alpine lakes such as Lago di Braies and Lago di Limides and you can also visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Breakdown of your Dolomites itinerary

• Day 1 : Visiting Lago di Carezza and arriving to Ortisei
• Day 2 : Visiting the Santa Maddalena church and the church of Saint John in Val di Funes, seeing the sunset in Alpe di Siusi
• Day 3 : Hiking at the Seceda ridgeline, driving through Passo Gardena, and arriving at La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Day 4 : Renting a boat at Lago di Braies, hiking to Lago di Limides and visiting Lago di Valparola
• Day 5 : Hiking around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, hiking to Cadini di Misurina

Map for your Dolomites road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you will need for this Dolomites itinerary. Nearby airports, parking spots, interesting sights, viewpoints, literally everything!

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you.

Day 1 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

The first day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary is all about arriving at the Dolomites and settling in your chosen accommodation in Ortisei/St. Ulrich, which is going to be your base for the next few days.

Fun fact: Did you know that there are three official languages spoken in the Dolomites? That’s the reason why you see multiple names for one place!

Usually, every place has a name in Italian and in German (even on the road signs and maps), and sometimes in Ladin. That’s why you will see names like Ortisei/St. Ulrich, Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee and so on. But back to the main topic!

If you’re planning to arrive in Italy by plane, it can take you anywhere from 1.5 hours to 4 hours to get to the Dolomites, depending on which airport you arrive at. However, if you’re driving from another European country, such as Germany or Austria, it might take you even longer to arrive at the Dolomites.

For more details about how to get to the Dolomites, please refer back to the beginning of the article!

Since you can arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for the sake of this Dolomites itinerary we’re gonna take the first day easy and you will only have one stop before arriving at your hotel.

Of course, if you have more time, feel free to add some additional stops to the first day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary!

Lago di Carezza

Instead of heading straight to your hotel in Ortisei/St. Ulrich, first make a stop at Lago di Carezza/Karersee!

If you’re coming from either Venice or Bergamo, it’s only an extra 30 minutes (23 km) to get to the lake but if you’re coming from Innsbruck or Munich, you will need to drive an extra hour (45 km) to arrive at Lago di Carezza.

Nestled in the Val d’Ega valley, Lago di Carezza is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Lake’ thanks to its impressive colors. Legend has it that once upon a time, there was a beautiful mermaid living the lake with whom a wizard deeply fall in love but the mermaid was impossible to win over.

In order to seduce her, with the help of a local witch, the wizard came up with a plan to throw a rainbow from the mountains to the lake and disguise himself as a jewelry salesman.

The wizard indeed stretched a rainbow but he forgot to dress up so the mermaid immediately recognized him and disappeared into the water forever.

The wizard got so angry that he ended up smashing the rainbow into million pieces and throwing it into the lake, where they still continue to shine to this day. Interesting story, right?

Rainbow colors or not, the emerald green alpine lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and since it’s easily accessible, it’s a must-stop on everyone’s Dolomites itinerary.

There is a parking lot close to the lake where you can leave the car and then walk a few minutes to get to the lake. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes, then it’s €1 for 1 hour, €2 for 2 hours, and €4 for 6 hours.

There is a wooden viewing platform at the entrance of the lake where you can also learn more about the history of the lake, such as the destructive storm that struck in 2018, destroying more than 5,000 hectares of forest just in the South Tyrol region alone.

After that you can walk along the loop trail that goes around the lake, it takes around 20-25 minutes to complete it.

Although it’s undoubtedly one of the best photography spots in the Dolomites, it’s important to know that the whole lake is fenced off and it’s not possible to get close to the water.

That being said, I still keep seeing many photos on Instagram where people are standing or sitting on a rock, right by the lake.

Please be respectful and don’t break the rules just for the sake of a photo, you can take amazing photos by staying out of the fenced area as well!

Arriving to Ortisei

After visiting Lago di Carezza and taking a million photos of the beautiful scenery, it’s time to head to Ortisei/St. Ulrich that will be your base for the following days. From Lago di Carezza, it takes around 1 hour (55 km) to reach Ortisei at a normal pace.

Located right in the center of Dolomites Val Gardena, the charming little town of Ortisei is mostly famous for its hand-made wooden sculptures. The local woodcarver families kept the tradition alive to this very day!

Ortisei is one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites and hence very popular among travelers, thanks to being super close to the Seceda ridgeline and Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm. More about them later!

If you have some more time on the first day of your Dolomites road trip, it’s worth taking a stroll in the town and seeing the traditional hotels and gorgeous residential buildings.

A must-visit place is the pedestrian area between the chapel of Saint Ulrich and the Antonius Church which is often described as the most beautiful shopping street in the Dolomites.

In order to follow this Dolomites road trip itinerary, I recommend spending your first 2 nights in Ortisei. We personally stayed at Hotel Angelo Engel which is a 4-star family-run hotel with a large private garden, an indoor and outdoor pool, and an excellent SPA & beauty farm (pictured below).

We had an amazing time there and I can totally recommend this hotel for anyone! You can check the prices and availability here.

If you’re looking for something else or there is no availability at the hotel on your preferred dates, you can find some more recommendations below.

Luxury:  Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti  | Alpin Garden Luxury Maison

Mid-range: Hotel Pinei |  Apartments Villa Venezia Luxury

Budget:  Villa Moroder  | Sule Hof Agriturismo

Day 2 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Santa maddalena church.

On the second day of your Dolomites road trip head over to Val di Funes in the morning where you can visit two of the most beautiful churches in the Dolomites.

It takes around 45 minutes (35 km) to reach the town of Santa Maddalena from Ortisei and the first church of your day will be the Santa Maddalena church.

This picturesque little church with the Odle mountains in the background is the symbol of Val di Funes and it’s one of the most photographed places in the entire Dolomites.

It’s important to know that you can’t drive up to the church so you need to park your car in the center of the town. There are multiple parking spots in the city, I marked them on the map I shared at the beginning of the article so please refer back for the exact locations!

In order to get to the famous viewpoint, you need to hike for around 20 minutes but it’s a very easy hike, basically, you just need to walk up to the hill across the church.

Search for ‘ Panchina Panoramica ‘ on Google Maps and I’m sure you will find it easily! After that you can visit the church inside if you want, it’s open daily and it features a beautiful Baroque style altar and interesting wall paintings.

Church of St. John in Ranui

The second church of the day is the church of St. John in Ranui, which is another small little Baroque church with an insanely beautiful background.

It takes around 30 minutes to reach it from Santa Maddalena on foot, but if you’re feeling lazy you can go back to your car first and park in a closer parking spot from where you only need to walk 5-10 minutes to get to the church.

There is a built wooden viewing platform close to the parking lot and it’s an amazing place to take photos of the church with the mountains in the background.

The church itself can be also visited for €4 per person and it can be booked for small events and weddings as well.

Sunset at Alpe di Siusi

After visiting the two churches in Val di Funes it’s time to head over to probably the most famous place in the Dolomites: Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm!

It’s important to know that driving there is strictly prohibited and if you don’t want to get fined hundreds of euros, you need to follow the rules.

Alpe di Siusi is the largest mountain plateau in Europe and it grants amazing views over the peaks of Sasso Lungo, Sasso Piatto, and Sciliar. It’s a must-visit on every Dolomites road trip itinerary!

You have basically three options for getting there. You can book a hotel for the night, in this case, you are allowed to drive up in your car but only until you reach your hotel (no further) and you can only do it once on the day you arrive.

There are only a handful of hotels at Alpe di Siusi, these two are the closest ones to the famous viewpoint (pictured below): Hotel Icaro***S  and  Sporthotel Sonne .

From Ortisei you can take a cable car to get up to Alpe di Siusi, a one-way ticket costs €16.90 while a round-trip ticket costs €24.90.

The cable car runs from 8.30 am usually till 6 pm which is great if you want to visit during the day, but unfortunately, it’s not good for sunrise or sunset visits. The opening hours vary depending on the season, you can check the exact timetable on their official website .

If you want to visit for sunrise or sunset, the best thing you can do is to drive up to Compatsch and leave your car at the P2 parking lot (I marked it on the map that you can find at the beginning of the article).

You can’t drive up on the road between 9 am and 5 pm without getting a big fat check but if you go earlier or later it’s going to be fine.

After you left the car in the parking lot, you need to hike for around 1 hour to get to the famous viewpoint (pictured above).

I marked the coordinates on the map at the beginning of the article but if you search for ‘ Belvedere dell’ Alpe di Siusi ‘ on Google Maps you will also find it. The hike is super easy, it’s mostly flat and the views along the way are simply breathtaking.

If you have a little extra time before sunset, before reaching the viewpoint turn right and hike down to the ‘ Malga Sanon ‘ restaurant.

You will find a tiny playground in front of the restaurant with a swing, it’s so much fun to take photos there, not to mention the insanely gorgeous background!

Day 3 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Since this is already the third day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary, you will need to check out from your hotel in Ortisei and move to another one either in La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo (more about this later).

But before that, it’s time to go up to the Seceda ridgeline and do a little hiking there!

Since the cable cars run from Ortisei, it’s best to check out from your hotel in the morning, leave your luggage in the car and go up to Seceda. After you’re done with the hike, you will still have time to drive to your other hotel and check out Passo Gardena on the way.

Hiking at Seceda

As I mentioned, the cable cars going up to Seceda run from Ortisei. In case you can’t leave your car at the parking of the hotel after you’ve checked out, there is a big parking lot at the cable car station as well.

A round-trip ticket for the cable car costs €39,50 per person and it operates between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Located in the Puez Odle Nature Park, Seceda has one of the most dramatic ridgelines in the Dolomites with jagged peaks and huge drop-offs.

Once you’re up there, there are countless hiking trails and it only depends on your preference which one you take. If you have time, you can even hike all the way down to Ortisei as well!

Whichever you choose, walking along the ridgeline is a must when visiting Seceda. After you’ve arrived with the cable car, turn left and start walking uphill! There is even a sign on the road pointing to the viewpoint, you simply can’t miss it.

If you’re not much of a hiker, you can go back to the cable car station after you soaked in all the views, but if you’re up for a little exercise, you can hike down to the meadow to Baita Troier Hütte (they have amazing apple pies!).

From there you can either continue your hike to Pieralongia (twin spires – they kinda look like the rocks from Lion King) and then Rifugio Firenze, or you can just go back to the cable car station. Totally up to you!

Passo Gardena

Passo Gardena (Gardena Pass) is a super scenic mountain pass connecting Val Gardena with Val Badia.

Since you’re going to drive in the direction of La Villa/Cortina d’Ampezzo from Ortisei, you will drive through it anyway and since you’re already there, it’s worth stopping for a few minutes to soak in the views.

There is a small hütte called Rifugio Frara where you can park your car and from there you can walk up to the viewpoint (it only takes a few minutes to reach it).

Actually, this is a start of an 11.5 km long like but since it’s a very difficult hike, I wouldn’t recommend it to first-timers (we didn’t do it either).

It’s worth scheduling your arrival to Passo Gardena half an hour before sunset, this way you will be able to see the scenery during golden hour, which is super beautiful!

Arriving to La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo

For the second half of your Dolomites road trip itinerary, I recommend staying at another hotel either in La Villa, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or one of the nearby towns.

The simple reason is that the places you’re going to visit on the rest of your Dolomites trip are too far away from Ortisei and it doesn’t make sense to stay there and drive countless hours to reach these sights.

Although Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most popular choice among travelers, we decided to stay at Hotel La Majun in La Villa/Stern and absolutely loved the hotel!

It’s a 4-star family-operated hotel and what makes it even more special is that the owners actually live in the hotel and their mission is to make you feel at home too.

The hospitality was exceptional and the panoramic view from the hotel is simply breathtaking (pictured below). You can check the prices and availability here .

If you’re looking for something else or there is no availability at the hotel on your preferred dates, you can find some more recommendations below, both for La Villa and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LA VILLA

Luxury:  Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living  | Dolomites Wellness Hotel Savoy

Mid-range:  Boutique Hotel Dolomit  | Hotel Des Alpes

Budget:  Casa Nives | Garni La Ciasota

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

Luxury:  Rosapetra SPA Resort  | Dolomiti Lodge Alverà

Mid-range:  Boutique Hotel Villa Blu Cortina  | Hotel Villa Alpina ***S

Budget:  Hotel Meuble Oasi  | Ciasa Nonna Bon Bon

Day 4 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Lago di braies.

Start the fourth day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary by visiting the most famous lake in the Dolomites: Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee. It’s a very picturesque alpine-like with turquoise-green colored waters and a beautiful mountain panorama.

It’s the perfect place for nature lovers and hikers but unfortunately due to its fame it usually gets insanely crowded during the day so try to plan an early morning visit to be able to enjoy the lake by yourself.

It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes (60 km) to get to Lago di Braies from La Villa, while it’s only 50 minutes (46 km) from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

There are 3 different parking lots close to the lake and although they are big, they can fill up really quickly (especially the closest one) so I can’t stress enough how important it is to get to the lake early.

Chances are that around 9-10 am you will not be able to find a free parking spot at all!

The best things to do at Lago di Braies include renting a rowboat from the boathouse and slowly paddling across the turquoise water and then walking around the lake which takes around 1-2 hours (the distance is 4 km).

The boathouse is open between 8 am – 7 pm pm in July and August, while it’s only open from 9 am to 5 pm between the end of May and the end of June. It opens at 10 am from the beginning of September until the beginning of November. A boat rental costs €25 for 30 minutes and €35 for 60 minutes, reservation in advance is not possible.

What you need to know about photography at the lake

I’m sure you’ve already seen many photos on Instagram, mostly where people are standing on a little pier, surrounded by wooden boats and a stunning reflection on the lake.

What most people don’t disclose is that the pier belongs to a private boathouse and you can’t access it unless you rent the pier for a photoshoot or rent a boat from the boathouse when they are open.

The boat rental only starts later in the day so even if you rent a boat, you will not be able to shoot a picture with reflections and a calm lake. Not to mention that people will be already lining up behind you and you will not have the time to take many photos.

So if you desperately want to have a similar picture (you can see an example here ), your only option is to rent the pier for a morning photo shoot. It costs €150 for one hour, you can find  more information about the rental here .

That being said, I’ve heard stories that many people choose to trespass early in the morning when the boathouse is still closed. But in order to do that, you need to wade through the ice-cold water and then climb onto one of the boats, and then jump from boat to boat until you reach the pier.

Yes, I know, this sounds super crazy and it’s clearly not an example to be followed (please don’t do stupid and illegal stuff like this for a photo).

If you don’t want to rent the pier, you can still get a photo of it if you rent a boat. It won’t be so perfect like the photos you see on Instagram but it’s still beautiful! And this way you can shoot some pictures in the boat as well (see my pictures below).

Lago di Limides

In the afternoon head over to Lago di Limides, which is one of the best hidden gems in the Dolomites. It’s a super picturesque little lake with insane panoramic views and reflections of the surrounding mountains (Mount Lagazuoi and Tofana di Rozes).

I still don’t understand why is it so overlooked by visitors but it just adds to its charm and you can basically have the lake all to yourself in the middle of the day!

In order to reach Lago di Limides, you need to drive to Rifugio Col Gallina and leave your car in the parking lot across the street.

It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes (62 km) to get there from Lago di Braies and the road goes through Cortina d’Ampezzo so if you’re not staying there and want to check out the town, you can include a short stop there.

After you park your car, you need to hike for around 25-30 minutes to reach the lake. Don’t worry, it’s a fairly easy hike (the distance is around 2 km) but the trails are not the best and you basically need to hike uphill almost all the way so wear proper shoes!

It can get slippery and muddy after rain so it’s best to visit when the weather is dry and it hasn’t rained in the last couple of days.

Lago di Valparola

The last stop of the day will be Lago di Valparola, which is a tiny alpine lake located on the top of Passo Valparola (Valparola Pass), not so far away from Rifugio Col Gallina (where you parked the car before going to Lago di Limides).

It’s like a 5-minute drive (3 km) in the direction of La Villa so if you’re staying there, you’re going to drive by it anyway.

There are parking lots on both ends of the lake where you can leave your car to check out the lake and the surrounding panorama.

The lake is visible from the main road but it’s also easily accessible from the road, it takes around 5 minutes to reach it by taking path nr. 24 that goes down to the lake.

Day 5 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Hiking around tre cime di lavaredo.

The Tre Cime de Lavaredo loop hike is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites and no Dolomites itinerary is really complete without seeing the iconic three peaks.

The entire loop is around 10 km (6.5 miles) and since it’s a fairly easy hike, it’s accessible to almost everyone.

Usually, it takes around 3-4 hours to complete the loop, we personally did it in 3.5 hours with a few photo stops (half an hour break at Dreizinnenhütte is not included).

The hike starts and finishes at Rifugio Auronzo, where you can find multiple parking lots (you can even spend the night there in a camper). Unfortunately, there is only one road leading up to Rifugio Auronzo and since it’s a private road, you need to pay €30 to use it with a normal car.

Try to go early in the morning because later on when the parking lot is full they can close the road and you will have no other option to get up there (apart from a quite strenuous hike).

It takes around 1.5 hours (55 km/35 miles) to get to Rifugio Auronzo from La Villa and 40 minutes (22 km/14 miles) from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

It’s a very straightforward hike, you can’t really go in the wrong direction. The best is to do the hike counterclockwise and start by walking in the direction of Rifugio Lavaredo.

This part is the easiest one as it’s mostly flat, after that you will need to walk uphill so it gets a little more difficult.

The next checkpoint is the Dreizinnenhütte (Rifugio A. Locatelli) where you can find two lakes and a couple of caves as well.

The hardest part comes after this, as you need to descend to the valley, just to walk up on a hill again. It’s still not a hard trail but due to the elevation gain, it’s a bit more difficult.

The last checkpoint is Malga Langalm, after that the route heads uphill again, and not long after you will already see Rifugio Auronzo, from where you started the hike.

All in all, completing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is a must on every Dolomites road trip itinerary! It’s a fairly popular hike due to the insane views so it usually gets busy during the day so try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

If you want to know more about the trails, check out my step-by-step guide about the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike !

Hiking to Cadini di Misurina

If you have some energy left after completing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike, I would recommend adding an extra hike to your day.

There is an insanely beautiful viewpoint along the Cadini di Misurina hiking trail and it would be such a shame for leaving it out of this Dolomites road trip itinerary!

Hiking to Cadini di Misurina is one of the lesser-known hikes in the Dolomites and not many people know about it, therefore it’s less crowded than the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail.

They have the same starting point from Rifugio Auronzo so it makes sense to do both in one day (you’ve already paid the €30 toll fee after all) but if you want to do the Cadini di Misurina hike, you will have to hike in the opposite direction of Tre Cime.

It takes around 35-45 minutes to get to the viewpoint, depending on your fitness level. It’s only a 2 km (1.2 miles) hike from Rifugio Auronzo but it’s a bit steep (112 m/370 ft elevation gain) and it’s important to know that this hike is not suitable for people with a fear of heights.

If you want to know how to get to the viewpoint pictured above, read my step-by-step guide about the Cadini di Misurina hike !

Please only climb to the viewpoint at your own risk and don’t even think about doing it if the trail is muddy or wet. If you slip and fall from there you can hurt yourself pretty badly so please be super careful!

Planning a trip to the Dolomites?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about the Dolomites. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Areas & Hotels
• 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the Dolomites You Can’t Miss
• 13 Best Hikes in the Dolomites You Don’t Want to Miss
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: All You Need to Know Before Visiting
• Cadini di Misurina Hike: How to Find the Famous Viewpoint in the Dolomites
• Hotel Review: Chalet Al Foss Alp Resort, Italy
• Hotel Review: La Maiena Meran Resort, Italy

Other Great Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Florence | Lake Como | Lake Garda | Rome | Venice

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70 thoughts on “The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days”

Seriously beautiful! We love a good road trip. I’ve only visited the Dolomites in the winter for skiing. Looks like a trip to hike and view the lakes in early autumn is a good call.

Yes I can only recommend going to the Dolomites in late summer/early autumn, it was absolutely amazing! I would love to go back in winter to see the beautiful snowy landscape too.

great work, i love the pins, photography and the useful information here! I lived in Italy for a year and never made it to the Dolomites – now im kicking myself! I think its time to go back!

Oh wow a year in Italy sounds wonderful, I’m sure you’ve seen so many beautiful places there! But yeah next time when you go to Italy I would really recommend going on a road trip in the Dolomites ?

Absolutely love your photos! You know, the entire area of Dolomites is just so magical in any time of the year. We have visited last year in first days of November and the color palette was just incredible. Though chances of getting a day with good visibility are less. I am saving your post for the next time I am there, because I am sure it is one of those places I would want to come back to.

Thank you so much Lena! You are so right, the Dolomites are really beautiful in every season. I would love to see the autumn colors there or the snowy landscape next time I’m visiting!

It was such a great guide to read Kriszti! Loved all the detailed explanations and. your photos are stunning! I would love to visit this part of Italy, maybe next year!

Thank you so much Ophélie! I’m sure you would love a road trip in the Dolomites, the landscape is just so incredibly gorgeous!

Such a detailed ultimate guide Kriszti! And the photos are all absolutely wonderful, it only confimed how high the Dolomites are on my bucketlist! Thanks a lot for all the tips!

You are so welcome Léa! Hope you will be able to visit soon!

I can’t wait to visit the Dolomites. Hiking at Seceda is on top of my list. Apparently I’ve been to South Tyrol and the Dolomites area with my parents and grandparents a couple of times as a child but I can’t remember. I save this for later when I can travel there again ?

Haha I can totally relate, I can’t remember many things from my childhood either. I really hope you will be able to go there next year, it’s such a stunning area!

Wow what a comprehensive post! I’ve pinned this so I can return to it because there’s so much useful information

Thanks so much Kelsey!

Wow what a stunning and unique range! I had no idea you could do so much around the Dolomites!

I was quite surprised too because I didn’t think it either, but it turned out that even spending 5 days in the Dolomites was not enough! Can’t wait to go back and discover more of this amazing area.

I saw a youtube video in quarantine of the Dolomites and have moved it to the top of my bucketlist. This post confirms that! THE LAKES. Your photos are incredible, too. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Thank you so much Carley, I’m so happy you liked this guide! And I can only agree with you, the Dolomites are just simply stunning!

We’ve usually gone to the French Alps for hiking but this has convinced me that the Dolomites are next on the list. They look even more serene and your pictures are stunning!

If you love the French Alps I’m sure you will love the Dolomites as well, especially if you like hiking! There are so many amazing hiking trails in the Dolomites with stunning scenery.

Dolomites has been added to the bucket list. Alpine lake reminds me of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park – Canada. Many of my trips are decided by something bright, rainbow, or sparkly. PS – your skirts are absolutely adorable.

Thank you so much Chelsea! I would love to visit Canada and all the beautiful national parks in the country!

This is such a great guide Kriszti and I will definitely saving this for my next trip to the Dolomites! Last time I was in the Dolomites it rained the entire 4 days and there were major floods so I couldn’t actually see anything. I hope to go back soon though!

I’m so sorry you had such a bad weather in the Dolomites! Hopefully next time you’re visiting it will be sunny and clear!

WOW!!!! this doesn’t even look real….it looks like something just out of a fairy book tail. I have seen the Dolomites before, but your pictures are absolutely incredible!!! Pinned this to the top of my bucket list. Your article is super complete for anyone looking to visit this amazing place. Thank you!

Aww thank you so much Paula, you just totally made my day! I’m so so happy you liked this article!

This area looks absolutely stunning, I had never heard of this place before! Being in nature is one of the best things to do and I love being in the mountains, so I am adding this to my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome! Hope you will be able to do a road trip in the Dolomites soon, I’m sure you would love it!

Amazing! I would love to see St. John’s church. Great guide for a beautiful location!!

Thank you Erinn, I’m so glad you liked it!

The Dolomites are absolutely gorgeous and you’re photos are amazing! I’ve been to Italy 4x and have never been to this area. On my next trip to Italy I’d love to get out of the cities and take this road trip to get in some great hikes!

Thanks so much Vanessa! I can only recommend visiting the Dolomites on your next trip to Italy!

Gosh the Dolomites never get old. The photos are stunning. I need to visit ASAP!

Thank you so much Alanna! Hope you will be able to visit soon!

I loved reading your post! I visited the Dolomites once when I was a kid, but I think I was too young to fully appreciate them. Now that I’ve been seeing beautiful photos all summer long, I can’t wait to go back and explore the Dolomites all over again 🙂

I’m so glad you liked it Sara! The Dolomites are so stunning, I’m sure you will enjoy your trip there!

So. Beautiful! A friend of mine lives in Belgium currently and did a big trip out there just a month or so ago…the envy was real! Saving this one for later. Great post!

Oh I can totally imagine! I would love to go back for a longer time and explore more of the Dolomites!

The Dolomites are stunning, and your photos are amazing! Driving is definitely the best option, but there are full day tours that leave from Venice, if you don’t want to drive yourself.

Thanks for the info Shannon! Luckily we had our own car with us so we didn’t need to look for another options but it’s good to know that taking day tours is a possibility as well!

Thanks for sharing this itinary. Your photos are stunning. I cannot wait to visit the Dolomites!

Thank you so much Kelli, I’m glad you liked the article!

Great post. We are hoping to visit the Dolomites next year. This will be a helpful travel planner

Thank you, I’m so happy that you liked this post about the Dolomites! Hope you will be able to visit next year!

Thank you for your post. I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in mid-October, and noticed that most cable cars will not longer be operating. For the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, do we need to get a cable car up? Thanks!

Hi Kate! No, you don’t need any cable cars for Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can drive all the way up to Rifugio Auronzo where the hike starts. Alternatively you can use the public buses if you don’t have a car. Hope you’re gonna have an amazing trip!!

Looks amazing! Nothing better than a mountain vacation. Thank you for sharing this.

We are looking to go the first week in October 2022. Some of the hotels you recommended close October 1,2, or 3. Others are open. We are kind of stuck with these dates, due to another commitment afterwards. SO, would you recommend we continue pursuing this trip. Or postpone until another year.

Hi! I think this Dolomites road trip works best from late spring to early autumn because in the winter period, lots of roads and hiking trails are closed, and also some hotels close for the season as well. That being said, if you can only go in the first week of October, I think you can still make the best of it! Just be prepared that you’ll most likely need to modify this itinerary. Oh and also, it might already snow during that period!

Hi- I stumbled on your blog …amazing ….my family of four ( two adults and two teens ) are planning a winter ski trip to the Dolomites. The possibilities seem endless…your site mostly touches on spring/summer activities there – any places you can recommend there for the winter ski season ?

Hi Shira! Unfortunately I’ve only been to the Dolomites during summer and fall so I don’t have any personal experience in the winter season. However, I’m sure you’ll find lots of opportunities in winter as well, especially if you love skiing or snowboarding!

Hi, is it possible to go in last week of May? Nice post! Thank you so much!

Yes, I think the end of May is one of the best times to visit the Dolomites.

We a family of 5, two 55-year-olds and three in their mid-20s will be visiting the Dolomites for 5 nights in July/August and would love to follow your itinerary. A few questions we would like to ask would be: – Are all the hikes mentioned in your itinerary doable for normal physical level fitness people? We are not hikers but can walk a long distance (without climbing steep hills). We will also be renting an SUV. Is driving in the Dolomites difficult? What should we be aware of and which part of driving in your itinerary is the most difficult? Last question, How much would the hotels you mentioned and car rental cost (average)?

Hey! Yes, all the hikes are totally doable. We’re not huge hikers either but I found most of the hikes pretty easy so I think you’ll be able to do them as well. There are some winding roads you need to be careful with but other than that, driving in the Dolomites is an amazing experience. I can’t remember any parts that were difficult to drive in. Unfortunately, I can’t really tell you much about the costs – we came with our own car so we didn’t do any rentals and hotels usually use dynamic pricing so it’s hard to stay how much it will cost without checking them individually. I linked the two hotels we stayed at so I would recommend checking their availability/price during your travel dates.

Thank you very much for an informative post about the Dolomites. This unique area in Italy has been on our bucket list for very long time and your post fuels our wanderlust to explore the Dolomites this autumn. Thank you dear and safe travels. Martina x x x

Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so happy I was able to help 🙂

thanks for the detailed post and beautiful photos you had! may i check if is possible for us to drive directly in alpe di suisi area, from your map compatsch to malga sanon swing? Instead of walking for 1 hour. Thank you.

Sorry to miss out this, if I am not renting car, can I reach St. Magdalena/St. John church by bus? I checked google maps there is this option, just not sure how reliable is the public transport in Dolomites area. If not, any car rental company you are aware of that offers affordable rate? Thank you.

I’ve never tried public buses in the Dolomites so I’m afraid I don’t have any reliable information other than the one you gathered on Google. We took our own car to the Dolomites but in other cases, we always check car rental sites like RentalCars, DiscoverCars, etc. and choose the one that has the best ratings and rates in the area.

Hey! No, unfortunately, it’s not possible unless you have a hotel booked in the area. In this case, you are allowed to drive up but only to your hotel, not any further, and you also need to obtain a special permit from your hotel. This is valid on the first day of your arrival, on other days you still can’t drive up between 9 am and 5 pm.

Just wanted to thank you for all this information! Super easy to comprehend, detailed, and informative. My family and I just got back from the Dolomites where we primarily used your blog for our itinerary and it was a fantastic trip. Much appreciated.

Aww I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing it with me 🙂

Thank you, Kriszti. All helpful info as we plan our trip for March.

So happy to hear that! Hope you’ll have a great trip!

Thank you so much for this post! Do you know anyone that has been to the Dolomites in May? I would really like to spend time there in May but certain information I keep reading makes it sound like a lot is closed in the area then or hikes may not be doable.

Unfortunately not, we’ve been twice so far but both of it was in September. I think hikes should be absolutely doable in May already, the only ones I would really double-check are the ones that require a cable car ride to the trailhead but most don’t. I would love to go back in May too so let me know how it goes! 🙂

Hi Kriszti ,

Did you see Lake Misurina on your itinerary ?

On this trip we only drove by but on our second visit we spent a bit of time at the lake too, it was really beautiful!

i love your frank tips which really help put things in perspective when planning for a trip!

would you by chance have any more info re driving a german rental to the dolomites? e.g. would it be easy to find a rental firm that allows it (i’ve heard some allow with extra fees), as the major rental firms aren’t really clear on this on their websites nor their online rental contracts/selections.

i’m keen on combining a trip to bavaria with the dolomites, but have not been very confident in the planning process due to the lack of info for a multi country trip with a german rental. if logistics are too much of a hassale, i may have to split the places into separate trips or look at renting separate cars in the different countries!

Thanks so much for your nice comment, I really appreciate it! Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with rentals in the area as we always drove our own car from Hungary. Generally speaking, crossing the border with a rental is always a bit complicated but I’m pretty sure that there are some companies who allow this, maybe for an extra fee, so I think it’s best to contact them directly. Sorry that I couldn’t help more!

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15 Best Things to Do in the Dolomites — Skiing, Hiking, and Village-hopping Included

From ski mountains to scenic drives, these are the top things to do in Italy's Dolomite Mountains.

The Dolomites, a mountain range in Northern Italy, are what outdoorsy dreams are made of. The range, which is part of the Southern Limestone Alps, covers some 350,000 acres across its 18 peaks. It’s a region that’s ideal for those who want to get out and experience the freshest air in the world, look out on awe-inspiring landscapes, and challenge themselves to a few unforgettable hikes. 

“People should visit the Dolomites because it's a unique place in the world,” Stefania Vigna, who hosts a skiing, eating, and wine-tasting adventure in the Dolomites via Airbnb Experiences, shares with Travel + Leisure . “I can assure you that the Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains." 

Yes, it’s a fantastic place to go in the winter to experience the fluffy white snow blanketing the peaks, but it’s also a place where Vigna says year-round travelers can find some fun. Other activities Vigna recommends include stopping for lunch at a chalet, hiking some of the famed trails, and strolling through the quaint communities in the valleys. Need more? Here are 15 things to do in the Dolomites for your next Italian mountain getaway.

Related: How to Plan the Perfect Trip to the Italian Dolomites — Luxury Hotels and Beautiful Hiking Trails Included

Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Have an unforgettable hiking experience when you trek up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The 5.5-mile loop is rated as moderate, so be prepared to take your time and pack plenty of water. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the three towering peaks, and if you time your hike for late spring or summer, you could walk through a few spectacular flower fields, too.

Paddle around the lakes.

The Dolomites are home to more than their fair share of glittering, gin-clear lakes, but none are as famous as Lago Di Braies. The lake, which sits inside the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, stretches on for nearly 80 acres. Its azure waters can be explored via row boats, which are available to rent right from the shore. 

Pedal along a scenic path.

The Dolomites also have endless biking trails, including the 70-mile Pustertal cycle path or the 20-mile Toblach-Cortina path, that make for excellent pedal-powered adventures. There are plenty of biking tours that you can book online, including this Airbnb Experiences e-bike tour , which takes you through the forests and straight to some of the best wineries and cheese-makers in the area.

See how high you can climb.

Don’t just hike up mountains or bike around them — spend a little time climbing and rappelling down them on a canyoning adventure. Canyoning brings you up and down the sides of cliffs and through rivers and waterfalls to show you the great outdoors from every angle. Take an all-day adventure with a company like Canyon Adventures , whose excursions are all led by qualified alpine guides.

Visit Europe’s highest alpine meadow.

Experience the best of the region in spring and summer by visiting Alpe Di Siusi, Europe’s highest alpine meadow. The meadow is the very definition of bucolic, with rolling green hills that will leave you speechless. Come hike it via the Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail, grab a bite, or even spend a night here in one of the adorable boutique hotels .

Find the best powder.

Come in spring for the meadow, and stay through winter for the skiing, specifically at destinations like Cortina D’Ampezzo . The resort is part of the Dolomiti Superski area and offers skiers and riders miles of groomed terrain on this peak, which connects to hundreds of miles of terrain across the entire Superski area. Of course, you can always join Stefania for her ski tour , too.

Gaze upon gorgeous rock formations.

Sometimes, the best thing to do at a naturally beautiful destination like the Dolomites is to leave all distractions behind and gaze upon Mother Nature’s best creations. And that’s exactly what you can do during a trip to the Cinque Torri, a unique formation that includes five rock towers jutting toward the sky. For the best views, take a 4.5-mile intermediate hike starting at Baita Bai de Dones. Pack a lunch and sit for as long as you’d like before heading back.

See the Dolomites from above on a helicopter tour.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Dolomites with a glamorous helicopter ride. Like other tours in the region, there are plenty of helicopter operators that will take you soaring above the mountains. Companies like Elikos can take one to six guests for 15, 30, and 50-minute tours, and they can go over specific peaks upon request.

Or from a cable car.

Want to see the Dolomites from above without boarding a helicopter? Head to one of the cable cars that hover over the mountains. The Tofana-Cortina Cable Car makes an excellent option as it’s open all year long, taking guests on a 30-minute ride to the top of Tofana di Mezzo, the third-highest peak in the Dolomites.

Go inside the mountains via historic tunnels.

Now that you’ve thoroughly explored the peaks of the Dolomites, it’s time to see the mountains from a different perspective with a tour of the Lagazuoi Tunnels. The tunnels, built by Italian soldiers in WWII, are fully restored and go on for more than half a mile along the mountain’s edge. Find out how to take a tour of the tunnels on the Lagazuoi Tunnels' official site .

Take a scenic drive.

For those who want a more leisurely expedition, there’s always the option to drive through the gorgeous landscapes of the Dolomites. The Great Dolomites Road was built in the early 20th century, and it goes on for 90 winding miles, allowing anyone to experience the beauty of this place without ever having to leave their car.

Learn more about the region at the Messner Mountain Museum Firmian.

Get a sense of the region's history and culture with a visit to Messner Mountain Museum Firmian . The museum is housed inside the Sigmundskron Castle and explores the connection between humans and the mountains. It also includes exhibitions on the changing landscape of the planet and the history of the castle itself.

Step back in time with a visit to Welsberg Castle.

See even more of the area’s history with a tour of Welsberg Castle. Tucked inside the Casies Valley, the centuries-old castle was built by brothers Schwinkher and Otto von Welsberg, and it has remained in the von Welsberg family for nearly 800 years. It was almost destroyed by a fire in the 1700s and was left abandoned until it was lovingly restored to its former glory. The castle is open for tours during the summer months.

Spend the night at a mountain hut.

Find a peaceful night’s rest in one of the rifugi (which translates to "refuge") found across the Dolomites. Spots like Rifugio Averau offer cozy rooms with dazzling views. Wake up with coffee and head straight out the door for a hike.

Stroll through charming alpine villages.

There are dozens of charming villages punctuating the landscapes in and around the mountains, making plentiful pit stops a must on your journey through the Dolomites. Add places like Ortisei , a village loved for its wooden sculptures and the perfect place to find a souvenir, to your Dolomites itinerary.

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The 36 most beautiful places in Italy

By Caitlin Morton

Some of the most beautiful places in Italy are also some of the most beautiful in the world . In fact, few parts of the world can claim such a range of natural beauty as Italy, from craggy peaks and verdant hills to turquoise waters lined by white-sand beaches. The country is also to some of the best art and architecture you’ll ever come across: We’re talking about the astonishing cathedrals of Rome , the rainbows of houses flanking the canals in Venice , and the modern masterpieces of Milan . And while no list of the best could possibly begin to cover them all, we’ve done our best to round up 36 of the most beautiful places in Italy.

The good news? Wherever you choose to visit first, it’s sure to be a hit in this country.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

The Grand Canal, Venice

Venice’s Grand Canal is beautiful any time of day, but the early evening is our favourite time to marvel at this architectural wonder –the sun reflecting off of the water casts a glow that, coupled with the echo of the lapping waves, becomes something magical.

Chianti Country

Yes, it’s home to some of Italy’s most famous reds, but Chianti Country is also one of the best spots in the country for an afternoon drive along winding, cypress-lined roads, and past rolling green hills and golden fields dotted with sunflowers. It’s the side of Tuscany we love most – and definitely one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Alberobello, Puglia

The main draw of Alberobello, a small town near Bari in Puglia , is its characteristic trulli: cone-shaped, white-tipped houses that look as if they’ve been perpetually dusted by snow. Thanks to this distinctive feature, the town was deemed so unique that it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome

There's a good reason almost every first-time visitor to Rome dedicates a day to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica (and its statue-lined square, for that matter), one of the most famous Catholic churches in the world. With its gilded roof and world-renowned artwork, it’s easy to see why it draws 25,000 visitors every day. Get a glimpse of it at night for a sight that is truly awe-inspiring.

La Maddalena, Sardinia

Powdery sands and few English speakers within earshot are part of the appeal of this archipelago off the Costa Smeralda. Best of all, the local goat cheeses, Vermentino whites and legs of prosciutto make it feel like a microcosm of old Italy.

Trastevere, Rome

This historically working-class Roman neighbourhood has become a major food destination in recent years, with open-air markets and tiny trattorias serving up some of the best meals in town. And it’s not too tough on the eyes, either, especially as the sun sets.

Gran Paradiso National Park

As its name suggests, this national park in the Graian Alps is a true paradise. Visitors are treated to an array of scenic hiking trails, pristine glacial lakes, and the occasional wild ibex sighting.

Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Palermo

A list of Italy’s most beautiful hotels would be nearly endless, but we’d be sure to put Villa Igiea at the very top. The Sicilian hideaway’s Art Nouveau touches and sophisticated pool scene are truly second to none.

Olivia Morelli

Anna Prendergast

Sarah James

By reputation, Capri is by far Italy’s most glamorous island – and most dramatic. From the iconic Faraglioni rocks settled in the azure Mediterranean to the scent of the island’s many flowers, it’s almost sensory overload.

Piazza San Carlo, Turin

Turin is often considered to be Italy’s most elegant city, as evidenced by the baroque buildings and grand old coffee shops lining the central Piazza San Carlo. Be sure to stop by Caffè Torino to enjoy a negroni alongside painted murals and gilded mirrors. The “Paris of Italy” also landed a spot on our list of the best places to visit in Italy .

The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari has dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and incredible pumice caves. The best views of the island and its six Aeolian neighbours are from Quattrocchi, just west of the main town. The Gattopardo Park Hotel , once an 18th-century villa, has rooms overlooking the ancient acropolis and medieval Castello.

The Dolomites

The Dolomites are the cosy cousin to the Alps’ glitzy ski towns. The area’s powdery slopes can be accessed via the 86-mile Great Dolomites Road, one of the world’s loveliest alpine drives – and a perfect day trip from Venice.

Burano, Venice

A stroll through the cobblestone streets of this diminutive island off of Venice – known for making some of the loveliest lace in the world – is like stepping into a candy-coloured fairytale (with really great espresso).

Duomo di Milano, Milan

The magnificent white Gothic cathedral is home to more statues than any other in the world – around 3,500 in total, about two-thirds of which are located on its gargoyle-lined roof, alongside 135 spires. Take the audio guide tour of the interior to get the most out of your visit or climb the 150 steps to the roof to enjoy spectacular views over the city.

This 56-square-mile Lombardy jewel has been attracting summer vacationers since ancient Roman times; today, it’s as popular for its natural beauty as it is for its luxury hotels (and George Clooney sightings, of course).

Lucca, Tuscany

Filled with antique shops, almost 100 churches, and trattorias serving hearty Tuscan fare, the walled city of Lucca is missing one thing: the crush of tourists that can overwhelm some of its neighbours, which makes it not just a lovely place to visit but a welcome respite as well.

Chiaia di Luna, Ponza

Italy is full of gently rolling hills, but the tiny island of Ponza off the coast of Rome takes things in a slightly different, more dramatic direction. Case in point: Chiaia di Luna, a magnificent bay surrounded by towering cliffs that resemble a lunar landscape (hence the name).

Pantheon, Rome

One of the world’s greatest feats of pre-Christian architecture is the Pantheon , a domed, ancient church in the middle of Rome. Though the crowds can be distracting, this is a truly magnificent site, both inside and out.

Lake Orta isn’t nearly as grand as its massive, famous neighbours (Lake Como and Lake Maggiore), and therein lies its appeal. The body of water is refreshingly free of glitzy resorts and boat tours, making the lake – surrounded by green hills and the occasional stone house – feel like a real natural treasure.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Great fashion, great architecture, great food and some of the very best people-watching on the planet – it's pretty much impossible to argue with the all-around beauty of Milan. Even its shopping malls, like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, epitomise elegance.

Manarola, Liguria

Manarola is one of the oldest towns in the Cinque Terre and arguably one of the most beautiful. It’s known primarily for its fishing, wine-making and excellent hiking in the hills and vineyards above the town. Don’t miss the famous walking trail called Via dell’Amore, or Love’s Trail.

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Manicured gardens, rows of marble statues, and dramatic views of the Amalfi Coast (especially from the aptly named Terrace of Infinity) make the 5-star hotel Villa Cimbrone in Ravello one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Even if you don’t book a room, you can still check out the gardens, which are open to the public.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Botticelli's The Birth of Venus may symbolise true beauty inside the Uffizi, but the museum is exquisite on the outside as well, with its symmetrical columns and stately windows. We like to stroll the perimeter after the museum closes, when Florentine couples and families come out to do the same.

Castello di Miramare, Trieste

Just a 30-minute drive north of Trieste – the photogenic heart of Friuli Venezia-Giulia – Castello di Miramare owed much of its appeal to its scenic surroundings. Formerly home to Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the 10th-century structure sits above the blue Adriatic on a lush, 54-acre park. It’s certainly not your average road trip pit stop.

Stelvio Pass

At more than 9,000 feet high, the Stelvio Pass is the eastern Alps’ highest paved road – a 15-mile-long ribbon of 48 hairpin turns with spectacular mountain views. The road is thrilling no matter your vehicle of choice, but if you can do the drive in a Ferrari? Even better.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Bologna

Bologna is a small but mighty Italian city, with quintessentially lovely churches, covered sidewalks and wine bars throughout. But our favourite spot lies just outside of town: The Sanctuary of San Luca, a hilltop basilica with a famous arched portico and incredible views of Bologna below.

Fonte Gaia, Siena

This impressive fountain is one of the Tuscan town's best, and easiest to spot – it’s in the centre of Piazza del Campo, the main square and home to Siena’s famous horse race, il Palio. Siena itself is filled with architecture-as-art, earning it a UNESCO designation as the “ embodiment of a medieval city. ”

San Fruttuoso, Liguria

Located about halfway between Portofino and the small town of Camogli, San Fruttuoso is as picture-perfect as Italian beaches get. The small cove’s appeal lies in its hidden location (you can only reach it by hiking from Portofino or catching a ferry), gorgeous blue water and backdrop of a medieval abbey surrounded by mountains.

Atrani, Campania

Tucked between two cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the village of Atrani is the Amalfi Coast ’s best-kept secret. It’s often bypassed en route to the larger and more famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento, and this is a good thing – you’ll almost always have its beautiful churches, piazzas and charming trattorias all to yourself.

Bosco Verticale, Milan

In 2017, Milan blossomed with a new beauty, complementing the city's centuries-old ones. The “vertical forest,” which envelopes two high-rise apartment blocks. The work of architect Stefano Boeri, the Porta Nuova buildings are covered with more than 20,000 trees and plants, turning the otherwise unremarkable business district into something of a tourist attraction.

Santuario Madonna della Corona, Mount Baldo

The Santuario Madonna della Corona (Sanctuary of the Lady of the Crown) is not typically listed among Italy’s most beautiful churches, but that’s probably because most people don’t know where to find it. The 16th-century church is built right into a vertical cliff on Mount Baldo, where visitors must hike up pedestrian paths to reach it.

Terme di Saturnia

The Cascate del Mulino waterfalls and Terme di Saturnia thermal spa are a popular attraction in southern Tuscany. The spring water – which sits at about 99 degrees Fahrenheit – has formed small pools on the travertine rocks over the centuries and is said to cure everything from acne to tonsillitis.

The Duomo, Florence

Brunelleschi’s Duomo is a feat of architecture, sure, but it’s also an ideal observation deck. If you can make your way up the 463 steps (no elevator, and some passages that would make the claustrophobic run screaming), you’ll be rewarded with pristine, 365-degree views of the city and all of Tuscany stretched beyond. For a view of the Duomo, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower next door instead.

The Duomo of Siena

Built in 1263, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful and ambitious Gothic churches in Italy, characterised by its extravagant zebra-striped bands of marble. Inside, you’ll see works by Michelangelo, Pisano, Donatello, and Pinturicchio and stunning floors paved with inlaid mosaics depicting Biblical stories and historical events.

San Gimignano, Tuscany

Its impressive medieval skyline, which is visible for miles as you approach, charms from a distance. But once you’re seated at a café in this tiny Tuscan town, sipping a glass of Vernaccia and snacking on salumi – that’s when the real love affair begins.

Villa Borghese, Rome

Leafy, genteel Villa Borghese is Rome’s biggest and most beautiful public garden – and with a lake, a petting zoo and rowboats, it’s also home to a ton of kid-friendly activities.

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2025 is Jubilee year - should we skip Rome/Italy? - Italy Forum

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2025 is Jubilee year - should we skip Rome/Italy?

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It’s our first time to Italy and we really want to go so I have to ask: would you still go to Italy and miss out on Rome or just…go?

For more perspective, we don’t really love the big cities. We more so love the smaller cities/villages type things. But I’d hate to come to Italy and not see Rome but things like the Amalfi Coast , Tuscany , and the Dolomites are VERY high on our list of things to do.

Do you guys feel like Italy as a whole will be just that much more crowded next year? We’re planning on coming late May, early June.

3 replies to this topic

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187791-i22-k14764410-2025_Jubilee-Rome_Lazio.html#120779730

The specific Rome Forum with informative links:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g187791-i22-Rome_Lazio.html

If you don't have particular in what Rome offers - then maybe save it until a next trip.

Rome will be swamped regardless of which year - less so in January and February but even by March these past years, it is very busy already.

Jubilee is expected to be very popular so, if going, try to book accommodations sooner than later for whenever you are going.

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• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Italy

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Italian hotels in 2024.

Hotels MICHELIN Keys Rome Florence Italy

On May 7, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Italy. This announcement comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in Italy includes 8 Three Key hotels, 31 Two Key hotels, and 107 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to see all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

See the palazzo in Basilicata that just earned Francis Ford Coppola his latest accolade.

Or take a look at all of Italys 3-Key hotels, in photos.

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Highlights of the Italy 2024 Key Hotel List

Under 10 Rooms: The Tiny Keys Reign Across Italy

Expect: Bold, proprietor-driven design themes, special experiences, and hyper-personal service. The tiny hotels that pepper the cities and countryside might get lost on lists full of castles and palazzos, but these little boutiques with ten rooms or less are some the most creative and satisfying accommodations in all of Italy. It’s a given that you’ll find places like these in the Tuscan countryside ( Siena House and Follonico Suite B&B — both with just six bedrooms), but don’t miss the gems in the cities. Vico Milano is a seven room space filled with dazzling design furniture and contemporary art. Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites is a pocket-sized jungle-themed luxury boutique full of animal-print upholstery and peacock-feather prints. Both are independently owned and marvelously compact.

A Closer Look: 10 Key Hotels with 10 Rooms or Less in Italy

Pick One: A Castle or a Farmhouse Hotel in Tuscany

Two iconic options in Tuscany earned a bevy of Keys: the castle hotel and the classic farmhouse. The former speaks for itself — ancient fortifications that were once private residences, built to house the handsomely titled, and fortified against attack. Towers, turrets, and crenellations give way to handsome wine cellars and vineyard views. Look to Castello di Casole for a masterclass in how to convert a thousand-year-old estate into a historically preserved, contemporarily luxurious hotel. Meanwhile, the motif of the Tuscan farmhouse has been emulated throughout the world — but there’s nothing like the real thing. Hotels like Lupaia and Conti di San Bonifacio make farmhouse charm into nothing less than a work of art.

Make Your Choice: The Key Decision in Italy

High Drama: Hotels on the Seaside of the Amalfi Coast

It’s profoundly satisfying to us that one of the most impressive places in the world has among the world’s most impressive hotels. On the Amalfi Coast, where natural cliffsides tumble down into an endless Italian sea, hotels like Palazzo Pascal and Le Sirenuse host guests in miraculous buildings that served for centuries as aristocratic homes over the water. Casa Angelina and Borgo Santandrea sport more modern builds. In either case, the views are perennially spectacular. Also read: High Drama in the Seaside Hotels of the Amalfi Coast

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

Capri: JK Place Capri Civita di Bagnoregio: Corte della Maestà Lisciano Niccone: Castello di Reschio Modena: Casa Maria Luigia Montalcino: Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco Positano: Il San Pietro di Positano Venice: Aman Venice Venice: Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

New York by The MICHELIN Guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and explore

The two key hotels.

Amalfi: Borgo Santandrea Amalfi: Hotel Santa Caterina Capri: Jumeirah Capri Palace Castelnuovo Berardenga: Hotel Borgo San Felice Cogne: Bellevue Hotel & Spa Florence: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Florence: Palazzo Portinari Salviati Residenza D'Epoca Florence: Villa Cora Florence: Villa La Massa Limone sul Garda: EALA My Lakeside Dream Lipari ME: Therasia Resort Menaggio: Grand Hotel Victoria Merano: Castel Fragsburg Merano: Villa Eden The Leading Park Retreat Milan: Bulgari Hotel Milano Milan: Grand Hotel et de Milan Milan: Portrait Milano Montaione FI: Castelfalfi Piegaro: I Borghi dell'Eremo Pinzolo: Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti Plose: Forestis Dolomites Rome: Hotel Vilòn Rome: JK Place Roma Siena: Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany Sorrento: Bellevue Syrene 1820 Sorrento: La Minervetta Taormina: Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Taormina: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel Torno: Il Sereno Tremezzo: Grand Hotel Tremezzo Venice: Hotel Gritti Palace

The One Key Hotels

Arco: Vivere Suites and Rooms Arenella: Donna Coraly Country Boutique Hotel Arezzo: Villa Fontelunga Arzachena: Cascioni Eco Retreat Bernalda: Palazzo Margherita Cagliari: Casa Clàt Caldaro: Lake Spa Hotel SEELEITEN Camaiore: Locanda al Colle Capalbio: Locanda Rossa Capri: Capri Tiberio Palace Castelrotto: COMO Alpina Dolomites Castiglione della Pescaia: L’Andana Cernobbio: Villa d'Este Chiusdino: Borgo Santo Pietro Cinigiano: Castello di Vicarello Como CO: Palazzo Albricci Peregrini - Como Cremolino: Nordelaia Cutrofiano: Critabianca Fiesole: Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence Florence: Ad Astra Florence: Brunelleschi Hotel Florence: Hotel Calimala Florence: Hotel Lungarno Florence: Riva Lofts Florence Florence: Torre di Bellosguardo Florence: Velona's Jungle Luxury Suites Forio di Ischia: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa Forio NA: Botania Relais & Spa Forte dei Marmi: Principe Forte dei Marmi Gargnano: Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda Gavorrano GR: Conti di San Bonifacio Lake Orta Novara: Villa Crespi Lana: Vigilius Mountain Resort Lecce: La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso Lecce: Palazzo de Noha Locorotondo: Ottolire Resort Madonna di Campiglio: Biohotel Hermitage Maranza: Milla Montis Massa Lubrense: Art Hotel Villa Fiorella Massa Lubrense: Relais Blu Matera: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita Menfi: La Foresteria Planeta Estate Milan: Hotel Principe di Savoia, Dorchester Collection Milan: Mandarin Oriental Milan Milan: Vico Milano Moltrasio: Passalacqua Montalcino: Castello Banfi - Il Borgo Relais & Chateaux Montalcino: Villa le Prata - Residenza del Vescovo Montepulciano: Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala Noto: Country House Villadorata Noto: Seven Rooms Villadorata Ortisei: Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa Ostuni: Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA Otranto: Baglioni Masseria Muzza Perugia: Hotel Castello di Monterone Pettenasco: Laqua by the Lake Pognana Làrio: Villa Làrio Lake Como Polizzi Generosa: Susafa Porto Ercole: Il Pellicano Positano: Le Sirenuse Praiano: Casa Angelina Ravello: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Riva del Garda: Lido Palace Rome: Hassler Roma Roma: Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection Rome: Bulgari Hotel Roma Rome: Hotel Locarno Rome: Maalot Roma Rome: Portrait Roma Rome: Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville Rome: Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie Rome: Singer Palace Hotel Rome: Six Senses Rome Rome: The Hoxton, Rome Rome: The Inn at the Roman Forum Rome: The St. Regis Rome Rome: Umiltà 36 San Cassiano: Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence San Pietro In Cariano: Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista Sant'Agnello: Mediterraneo Sorrento Santa Margherita Ligure: Grand Hotel Miramare Santo Stefano di Sessanio: Sextantio Sarentino: Terra - The Magic Place Savelletri di Fasano: Borgo Egnazia Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Calderisi Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Torre Coccaro Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Torre Maizza Scala: Palazzo Pascal Schnals: Goldene Rose Karthaus Sirmione BS: Villa Cortine Sorrento: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Tavarnelle Val di Pesa: COMO Castello del Nero Torre Canne di Fasano: Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel Torri del Benaco: Cape of Senses Torrita di Siena: Follonico Suite B&B Torrita di Siena: Lupaia Torrita di Siena: Siena House Umbertide: Vocabolo Moscatelli Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Venice: Ca’ di Dio Venice: Corte di Gabriela Venice: Hotel Londra Palace Venice: Il Palazzo Experimental Venice: Nolinski Venezia Venice: Palazzo Maria Formosa Venice: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel Vicenza: La Barchessa di Villa Pisani Zafferana Etnea: Monaci delle Terre Nere

Hero Image: Castello di Reschio — Lisciano Niccone

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AC Milan, Julen Lopetegui and the quandary of finding a new coach

Stefano Pioli’s voice trembled. It had broken during AC Milan ’s goalless stalemate with Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. He put it down to shouting too many tactical instructions at his players and felt the need to interject when DAZN’s Stefano Borghi suggested his tone was down and one of resignation.

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It has been a rough 10 days for Pioli. Knocked out of Europe by another Italian side for a second year in a row, Milan then lost a sixth straight derby and were reduced to playing deafening techno music to drown out Inter’s title celebrations.

Pioli says he stopped reading the newspapers a long time ago, but friends have messaged him about a few of Gazzetta dello Sport’s recent front pages. One claimed his four and a half year stint as Milan coach is over. Another, printed on the day of the Juventus game, presented Julen Lopetegui as the frontrunner to replace him.

Milan’s ultras did not make the short trip from Lombardy to Piedmont on Saturday, in protest at the ticket prices charged by Juventus. It wasn’t the only stand they took. A communique issued by the inhabitants of San Siro’s Curva Sud declared their patience with those running the club exhausted:

“The season is coming to an end and the mediocrity that has characterised it for almost the entire duration has given way to a woeful and disastrous end that, as if it weren’t already enough, has been amplified even more by the atrocious comments made by some executives, and the rumours regarding the name of the future coach that make us understand once again how the ambition to relive the past is not the primary prerogative of the club.”

Finishing second in Serie A isn’t enough, particularly when Milan’s likely placement as its 2023-24 runners-up comes without them ever mounting a title challenge. Leaving aside the allusion to president Paolo Scaroni’s spat with club legend and former technical director Paolo Maldini, who was sacked from that job a year ago, the whole episode lays bare the difficulty and delicacy a club of Milan’s history and tradition face when choosing a new coach in the current climate.

It is frankly surprising that Lopetegui’s candidacy became so advanced. Not on a technical level — nobody is disputing his coaching ability. However, it did show a loss of context and a lack of cultural awareness.

Italy remains a very insular football country. The way some pundits there talk about the game it is as if football on the other side of the Alps, the Dolomites and the Adriatic is still dramatically different; almost another sport. They call it “calcio europeo” as if Italy were not part of the European Union. Eighteen of Serie A’s 20 clubs are led by coaches with Italian passports. The exceptions — Torino’s Ivan Juric and Igor Tudor at Lazio — have been adopted as two of their own after spending a decade of their respective playing careers in Italy.

So to make it in Italy as a foreign manager, you either have to be familiar to the locals or an undisputed superstar.

Since the Second World War, only 13 coaches from outside Italy have won Serie A. Only two have done so since the turn of the century. The first was Sven-Goran Eriksson at Lazio, in 2000. And the Swede, by then, was a known quantity in Italy after stints at Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria. Later came prime Jose Mourinho, who made history by winning an unprecedented treble with Inter in 2010. But that’s about it.

Juventus have not had a foreign coach in Serie A since Zdenek Zeman’s uncle Cestmir Vycpalek was in the dugout in the early 1970s. Inter have thought better of it ever since Frank de Boer’s team were beaten by Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva at San Siro in 2016. As for Lopetegui, he would have been Milan’s first foreign coach since the late Sinisa Mihajlovic who, like Tudor and Juric, had made Italy his second home.

None of which is to say club owners, particularly U.S. investors, should limit their search to within Italy’s borders unless the chance to appoint a Pep Guardiola emerges; though even then, as Mourinho discovered in 2008, the cultural resistance would still be strong. Mourinho had to battle against what he called the “intellectual prostitution” of the media as reporters defended ‘their’ coaches, their contacts, their football movement against the interloper.

Such is the pride in the Italian coaching school at Coverciano, near Florence, the prevailing attitude has tended to be less, ‘What can we learn from the likes of Guardiola?’, and more, ‘Let’s teach people like him a lesson’.

Foreign coaches have to work doubly hard to prove themselves and, if they cannot counter the narrative, they are soon chewed up and spat out. A coach as good as Luis Enrique quit Roma after a year, citing exhaustion. The press was merciless with De Boer, in particular. The Dutchman’s tendency to speak a mix of English and Spanish while he learned Italian led to ridicule. “What is this? Esperanto?”

Enduring pride in Italian coaching isn’t misplaced. After all, no nationality has had more different winners of the Premier League than Italy (four). Carlo Ancelotti is the most successful coach in Champions League history, also winning all five of Europe’s top five domestic leagues , and this summer’s European Championship will have four Italian coaches, in charge of Italy, obviously, as well as Hungary , Slovakia and Turkey.

So what do Milan do? Cave in and hire an Italian?

Historically, the club, at their best, have chosen three kinds of coach. First is the ideologue-innovator. Imagine, for a moment, if social media had been around in 1987 when Silvio Berlusconi decided to make a former shoe salesman, who had never managed outside the second division, his first new coach. Would he have changed his mind amid the backlash and picked a safer, more established name than the ‘Alien’, Arrigo Sacchi, whose ideas changed football?

Second, is a coach with ‘physique du role’, a trait Berlusconi’s former chief executive Adriano Galliani felt was imperative. It means someone with broad shoulders and gravitas, a figure able to command authority with star players and stay unflappable in front of the Curva and the media. That was Max Allegri in 2010. It feels like a long time ago now, but Galliani hired Allegri after his peers voted for him to win the Panchina d’Oro, the country’s coach of the year award, after his first top-flight season with Cagliari.

That Allegri has that award on his mantlepiece at home instead of Mourinho, who won the league with Inter that year, was, in part, another example of the aforementioned cultural resistance to the outsider.

Domestically, Allegri became the most dominant Italian coach of his generation. What his critics today fail to realise as they focus exclusively on his football is precisely his physique du role. When the Juventus board resigned last season amid the Prisma investigation and points deductions were applied, suspended, then reinstated, he still led his players to a top-four finish and gave them a chance of European football if appeals were won and UEFA decided not to impose a ban from its competitions. Other coaches would have been overwhelmed and their team would have spiralled.

Juventus’ gratitude for the job Allegri did in those extreme circumstances helps explain why he remained in-office this season.

To coach a top club you have to be built differently and it’s something for Milan to bear in mind, even if the investigation into their change of ownership in 2022 is not on the same scale as everything Juventus went through last season.

The third kind isn’t too dissimilar to the last one, as the former player also tends to possess the physique du role for the job. Not to fall into the cliche of ‘someone who knows the club’, some of the greatest titles in Milan’s history were won by coaches who had once pulled on the red and black shirt.

Nils Liedholm was the manager when Milan won their first star. He introduced the zonal marking system that laid the foundation for Sacchi’s work. People forget Fabio Capello went away and worked in Berlusconi’s business empire before returning to make Milan Invincible.

Then came Ancelotti, who made Milan a force in Europe again after the ill-fated dabbles with Uruguay’s Oscar Washington Tabarez and the Turk Fatih Terim on either side of Alberto Zaccheroni’s Scudetto in 1999. Ancelotti combined innovation with physique du role. He followed Carlo Mazzone’s intuition in playing Andrea Pirlo in front of the defence and went to three Champions League finals with Milan playing a Christmas-tree formation.

Now don’t get it twisted. Nobody is suggesting Milan’s owner RedBird follow the Capello model and turn Zlatan Ibrahimovic from executive to coach. A twilight Berlusconi tried to repeat that trick with Leonardo and it did not work. Neither did giving rookie coaches Filippo Inzaghi and Clarence Seedorf the keys to a declining, stripped-back Milan with which to start their coaching careers.

Not so long ago, perhaps Pirlo would have appealed to Milan’s owners, a la Ancelotti, particularly as the data from his one season at Juventus is actually pretty good and he seems to have got a grip on now second-division Sampdoria after a rough start.

The blinky Basque, Lopetegui, did not fall into any of these three categories.

What is equally interesting amid the clamour for Milan to hire a name commensurate with the club’s stature as seven-time Champions League winners is the small matter that, in nearly 125 years of history, they have never done such a thing. Berlusconi, for instance, did not try to hire Johan Cruyff to replace Sacchi in 1991 or Vicente del Bosque instead of Terim 10 years later. What has distinguished Milan is the club’s vision, and their ability to identify the next big thing.

Fans understandably did not see that in the grey Lopetegui. Nor did they discern the physique du role in him after an old clip of the now 57-year-old fainting on live TV went viral on social media. No surprise, then, that #Nopetegui has been trending.

Io leggendo la notizia di Bianchin Si quello è Lopetegui pic.twitter.com/NRFFETsIRU — Rafatar🐅 (@Anteriano) April 26, 2024

The Milan supporters vox-popped outside the stadium on Saturday afternoon named two coaches, and two only. Both, of course, happen to be Italians: Antonio Conte and Roberto De Zerbi.

The former is a serial winner and, irrespective of his past with Juventus, a self-proclaimed Sacchi disciple keen, no doubt, to become the first coach to win the league with each of Italy’s big three clubs. The latter is the former Milan youth-team player, the innovator, the Italian coach Guardiola most sees himself in, which is perhaps a problem for his candidacy when Ibrahimovic is among the evaluators.

Both, however, are considered expensive either in salary or, in De Zerbi’s case, to extricate from Brighton & Hove Albion of the Premier League. Both expect to be listened to over transfer strategy. Both are not shy in letting their feelings known in press conferences. The same can be said of a Champions League winner such as Thomas Tuchel.

And what of Maurizio Sarri? It wasn’t so long ago that he made Napoli play a style of football so avant-garde the term ‘Sarrismo’ even entered the dictionary . He made tactics stans send a flurry of eggplant emojis to each other and went for dinner with Sacchi and Guardiola as the ultimate meeting of football minds. But Sarri has not been mentioned in relation to Milan since the time Berlusconi reportedly overlooked him because he a) always wore a tracksuit and b) apparently voted communist.

Looking at Serie A this season, Milan should perhaps have acted with more urgency to hire Thiago Motta; a young, naturalised Italian familiar to the league with cutting-edge ideas on the game.

Football's best up-and-coming managers: Thiago Motta, a fascinating tactician

The notion he is ‘too Interista’ as a member of Mourinho’s treble-winning team in 2010 is a weak one given Trapattoni, a legendary player at Milan, dominated as a coach with Juventus and Inter, a club who, many years later, would hire Conte, a former Juventus captain, to knock down the house he built.

Motta, by the same token, is now expected to join Inter’s most bitter rivals, Juventus, in the summer.

The shine has also been taken off Francesco Farioli’s remarkable season at Nice , after their totally unexpected title challenge faded . Nice are now down to fifth in France’s Ligue 1, but are still six points better off than they were on April 29 last year, when they eventually finished ninth. Perhaps they would have sustained their form from the first half of this season if owner INEOS had invested in the team over the winter when its attention was instead taken up by the purchase of a minority stake in Manchester United .

Milan’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, has a big decision to make. He inherited Pioli, so this is his first appointment. It will not define his ownership, but it is one he will not be able to take back, either.

Conte would no doubt get the Curva Sud and the media on board. De Zerbi has a cult following in Italy and would capture the imagination. But Milan are run on the same basis as Liverpool , and Liverpool did not consider either of them when finding a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.

While his name will not generate the same hype and enthusiasm as a Conte or a De Zerbi, Lille coach Paulo Fonseca is the most compelling compromise.

Fonseca speaks Italian, has managed in the most scrutinised media market in the country (as Roma coach from 2019-21) and conducted himself with class during the COVID-19 pandemic despite an injury crisis and a change of ownership, and with a team terribly assorted by sporting director Monchi, who wasted the money earned from a run to the Champions League semi-finals, not to mention the sales of Mohamed Salah and Alisson to Liverpool in successive summer windows.

His style of play and work with young players match up well with the club’s search criteria, probably more than that of the Curva.

When asked whom he would recommend if Milan were to miss out on Motta, none other than Capello, an Invincible and the mastermind of that famous night in Athens 30 years ago, was unequivocal when it came to his endorsement.

“A coach who knows Italy. Someone like Fonseca.”

Football's best up-and-coming managers: Paulo Fonseca

(Top photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images))

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James Horncastle covers Serie A for The Athletic. He joins from ESPN and is working on a book about Roberto Baggio.