4 day itinerary for Dolomites

Itinerary

The Dolomites are a stunning mountain range in northern Italy, and with your fast-paced travel style, we can pack in a lot of adventure and breathtaking scenery. Here’s an ideal 4-day itinerary that will keep you on the move while allowing you to soak in the beauty of this incredible region.

## Day 1: Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Morning:

• Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the jewel of the Dolomites. Grab a quick breakfast at a local café—try a cappuccino and a cornetto (Italian croissant).
• Head to the Faloria Cable Car for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. The ride is quick, and the views are absolutely worth it!

Afternoon:

• After descending, take a hike on the Sentiero dei Piani trail. It’s a relatively easy hike that offers stunning views of the Tofane mountains. You can do a loop that takes about 2-3 hours.
• Enjoy a packed lunch or grab a bite at a mountain hut along the way.

Evening:

• Return to Cortina and explore the charming town. Stroll through the main street, Corso Italia, and check out the local shops.
• Dinner at a traditional restaurant—try some speck and polenta!

## Day 2: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Morning:

• Early breakfast and then drive to the Auronzo di Cadore area (about 1 hour).
• Start your hike to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This iconic hike is about 10 km (6 miles) and takes around 3-4 hours. The views of the three peaks are simply breathtaking!

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at the Rifugio Auronzo or pack a picnic to enjoy with a view.
• After lunch, consider taking the loop trail around the peaks for more stunning vistas. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even explore some of the via ferrata routes.

Evening:

• Head back to Cortina for a well-deserved dinner. Try some local pasta dishes, like casunziei (stuffed pasta) or gnocchi.

## Day 3: Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi

Morning:

• Depart early for Val Gardena (about 1.5 hours drive). Grab breakfast on the go or at a café in Ortisei.
• Take the Seceda cable car up to the plateau. The views of the Sassolungo and the surrounding peaks are phenomenal!

Afternoon:

• Hike around the Alpe di Siusi area. There are various trails, but a popular one is the loop from Seceda to the Furnes and back, which takes about 3 hours.
• Enjoy lunch at a mountain hut, soaking in the scenery.

Evening:

• Drive to Selva di Val Gardena for dinner. Try some hearty Tyrolean cuisine, like speck platter or strudel for dessert.
• If you have energy left, take a stroll through the charming village.

## Day 4: Lago di Braies and Departure

Morning:

• Early breakfast and then head to Lago di Braies (about 1 hour drive). This lake is famous for its emerald waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
• Rent a kayak or take a leisurely walk around the lake (about 1-2 hours). The scenery is postcard-perfect!

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at the lakeside restaurant or pack a picnic to enjoy by the water.
• If time allows, take a short hike to the Pragser Wildsee or explore the nearby trails.

Evening:

• Depending on your departure time, you can either head back to Cortina or directly to your next destination. If you have time, stop by a local winery or shop for some souvenirs.

Tips:

• Make sure to check the weather and trail conditions before heading out each day.
• Wear good hiking shoes and bring layers, as mountain weather can change quickly.
• Stay hydrated and fuel up with snacks during your hikes!

This itinerary is packed with adventure, stunning views, and delicious food. Enjoy your whirlwind tour of the Dolomites! 🌄🥾🍝