The Dolomites mountains in Northern Italy belong on any adventure lover’s bucket list. Not only are the Dolomites one of the most beautiful ranges I’ve ever encountered, but the huts that are scattered throughout the mountains make for a fun and unique hiking experience. With this itinerary, I’ll guide you through your incredible 5-Day Dolomites road trip to help you make the most of your time in this picturesque region. This guide will take you West to East through all of the best spots in the Dolomites. Although train and bus travel in the Dolomites is possible, it’s best to rent a car to get around in this area.
Closest Airport to Dolomites:
The Dolomites cover a huge area (about 2 hours driving from east to west). Venice is the closest airport to the Eastern parts of the Dolomites such as Cortina d’Ampezzo; however, because this guide is moving West to East I’ll give you the distances to Alpe di Siusi, the first stop on this itinerary, which is at the Western end:
- Innsbruck: 1hr45min
- Venice: 3hr15min
- Milan: 3hr30min
We actually road tripped through Switzerland for several days before coming to the Dolomites. We drove into Alpe di Siusi by way of Bolzano after driving about 6 hours from Stoos, Switzerland. Not at all the easiest way to get to the Dolomites, but it sure was beautiful!
Days 1-2: Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi, also known as Seiser Alm, boasts the distinction of being Europe’s largest high-altitude Alpine meadow. Cars are not allowed in the meadow unless you are staying at one of the few (and very expensive) hotels within the meadow. Thankfully, there is a bus that runs every day from 9am-7pm and leaves from right outside the hotel we stayed at. The bus route is simple: one line from Compatsch to Saltria with 2 stops in between, and back. Roundtrip bus tickets are just 6 Euro per person.
Day 1: Travel
On day 1, you’ll likely spend some time travelling to Alpe di Siusi. When you arrive, check in at Piccolo Hotel Sciliar. Then have dinner in town or at the hotel. We chose to stay at Piccolo Hotel Sciliar because it is right next to the bus station at Compatsch, there is free parking, and it was one of the most affordable options at only about $130/night.
Day 2: Alpe di Siusi
If you want to catch sunrise, wake up early and check out of the hotel (but leave your car in their lot). You’ll have to walk since the buses will not be running yet. Put “Viewpoint Bench Panoroma” into google maps. You’ll have about an hour walk to your destination. Look for a bench on the left side of the road where you’ll sit for one of the best views in the valley.
If you’d rather wait for the bus, have breakfast at the hotel then hop on the bus around 9am and get off at the “Ritsch” station. You’ll then walk just about a mile to this viewpoint. Then hike back to Saltria (through trails in the meadow) and take the bus back to Compatsch.
When you get back to Compatsch, you can either:
- Rent bikes (from the hotel or a shop in town) and ride through the meadow or
- Take the Panorama cable car up and have lunch at Alpenhotel Panorama then hike back down or take the cable car down (About 12 Euro for a roundtrip cable car ticket)
After a full day in the meadow, hop in your car and drive to your next destination: Passo Gardena. Check in at your hotel: Rifugio Frara and have dinner at the rifugio.
Why we chose Rifugio Frara: Only about $130 per night, beautiful mountain views from the hotel, the hotel is the trailhead for “Passo Gardena to Rifugio Pisciadu” hike, and it’s only about 30 minutes drive to Ortisei which is where the Seceda lift is.
Day 3: Geisleralm Hütte and Seceda
Geisleralm:
On day 3, wake up early and drive to Rifugio Zannes in Parco Naturale Puez Odle. (Zanserhutte on google maps). You will have to pay to enter the park and the parking lot fills up quickly so arrive before 8am. Hike 3 miles out following signs to Rifugio dell’Odle, also known as Geisleralm Hütte. The mountain hut sits at 6,680 feet above sea level and is situated in the heart of the Odle Group, a striking mountain range within the Dolomites. When you finally arrive, you’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the place. Relax a while with a cappuccino or a beer. When you’ve had your fill of mountain views and relaxation, head back to your car either the way you came or on one of the various other routes. Just follow the signs for “zannes”.
Seceda:
Next, drive to Ortisei and park in the parking lot for the “Funivie Seceda” which is the cable car. You’ll have to pay for parking. Then buy a roundtrip cable car ticket. After two steep cable car rides, you’re at the top of one of the most gorgeous mountains in the Dolomites. Walk around and take in the views. Then, eat an early dinner at Sofie before taking the cable car down at the end of the day. The last cable car comes down at 5:30pm.
Day 4: Passo Gardena
On day 4, wake up and eat breakfast at the hotel. Then check out of the hotel but leave your car in the parking lot. Embark on the challenging hike from Passo Gardena to Rifugio Pisciadu. The trail starts from Rifugio Frara. The hike is only 3.3 miles total but quite challenging due to the elevation gain of almost 2000 feet. There is a Via Ferrata towards the end of the ascent, but no special equipment is needed. A via ferrata is a climbing route in the mountains that employs steel cables, rungs, or ladders fixed to the rock to assist climbers. Equipment and “clipping in” is necessary on some via ferrata routes that are extremely exposed; however, that is not the case on this hike. With a good pair of hiking shoes, you will easily be able to scramble up the route and use the cables for extra support.
When you get to the top, admire the beautiful lake and have lunch at Rifugio Pisciadu before heading back down.
Then drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo and check in at Hotel Aquila. Grab dinner in town, walk around, and shop.
Why we chose Hotel Aquila: free parking on site, located in the center of town so walking to dinner and shopping is possible, $160/night, and close to Tre Cime.
Day 5: Tre Cime di Lavaredo
On day 5, wake up early and drive to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (“The Three Peaks of Lavaredo”). The earlier you can arrive, the better. This is a busy one. You will need pay 30 Euro to park. Then hike the beautiful 6 mile loop around the 3 peaks stopping midway to get lunch at any one of the 3 Rifugios along the way.
If you’d like to add on another hike before you go, you can do the 2 mile hike to Cadini di Missurina. The trailhead is right next to that of the Tre Cime and the views are breathtaking.
Then drive back to Cortina d’Ampezzo for dinner in town and your last night at Hotel Aquila. Conclude your Dolomites adventure with a final dinner, toasting to the unforgettable experiences and memories you’ve created.
As you bid farewell to the Dolomites, you’ll carry with you a sense of awe for the natural beauty you’ve witnessed and the adventures you’ve undertaken. This 5-day itinerary provides just a glimpse into the wonders of this alpine paradise, leaving you eager to return and explore even more of its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.
If you want more Dolomites adventures, check out:
- Lago di Braies
- Lago di Sorapis
Where we went after the Dolomites:
- Verona (2 nights at Hotel Indigo)
- We stopped in Prosecco region at L’Antica Quercia for a winery tour and tasting (book ahead of time)
- Venice (we took the Frecciarossa train into Venice for the day from Verona) book at: www.italiarail.com
- Lake Como (2 nights at Hotel Bellagio)
Explore and be happy.
-Alanna