7 day itinerary for Dolomites

Itinerary

The Dolomites are a stunning destination, perfect for a family-friendly adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and short hikes. Here’s a relaxed 7-day itinerary that balances exploration with downtime, ensuring everyone has a great time!

## Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano

Morning: Arrive in Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites. Check into your family-friendly hotel.

Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Bolzano. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman, a fascinating mummified man from 3300 BC.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Tyrolean specialties like speck and dumplings!

## Day 2: Bolzano to Val Gardena

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Val Gardena (about 40 minutes).

Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation and then head to Ortisei. Take the Alpe di Siusi cable car for stunning views.

Short Hike: Enjoy a gentle hike on the Alpe di Siusi plateau. The “Compatsch to Saltria” trail is perfect for families and offers beautiful meadows and mountain views.

Evening: Have dinner in Ortisei and stroll through the charming streets.

## Day 3: Val Gardena Exploration

Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to Selva di Val Gardena.

Short Hike: Hike the “Pana” trail, which is an easy loop that’s great for families. It’s about 1.5 hours and offers fantastic views of the Sassolungo mountain.

Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery.

Evening: Return to Ortisei for dinner. Consider trying a local pizzeria for a family-friendly meal.

## Day 4: Day Trip to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Morning: Drive to Cortina d'Ampezzo (about 1.5 hours).

Afternoon: Explore the town and visit the Olympic Ice Stadium.

Short Hike: Take the cable car to the Tofana di Mezzo and enjoy a short hike around the area. The views are absolutely breathtaking!

Evening: Have dinner in Cortina, perhaps at a cozy mountain hut.

## Day 5: Lago di Braies

Morning: Head to Lago di Braies (about 1 hour from Cortina).

Short Hike: Walk the easy 4 km loop around the lake. It’s a flat, family-friendly trail with stunning views of the turquoise water and surrounding mountains.

Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic by the lake or grab lunch at the lakeside restaurant.

Evening: Drive back to Val Gardena and relax at your accommodation.

## Day 6: Sella Pass and Puez-Odle Nature Park

Morning: Drive to Sella Pass (about 30 minutes).

Short Hike: Hike the “Sella Pass to Rifugio Friedrich August” trail. It’s a short, easy hike with incredible views of the Sella Group.

Afternoon: Have lunch at the rifugio (mountain hut) and soak in the scenery.

Evening: Return to your accommodation in Val Gardena for a relaxed evening.

## Day 7: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping in Ortisei.

Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you might have a chance for one last short hike or a visit to a local market.

Evening: Depart from Bolzano, taking with you wonderful memories of the Dolomites!

Tips for a Relaxed Pace:

• Start your days with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.
• Don’t hesitate to take breaks during hikes; enjoy the views and take photos!
• Consider using cable cars to access higher trails without too much exertion.
• Always check the weather and trail conditions before heading out.

I hope this itinerary helps you create unforgettable family memories in the Dolomites! Enjoy your trip! 🌄✨