📍 Italy

DOLOMITES: EMERALD LAKES, ALPINE PASTURES AND LEGENDARY PEAKS

Emerald lakes reflecting granite peaks, alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers. The Dolomites, mountain drama and unspoiled majesty.

≈ 6
Days
428
Km
4
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Breathe Merano's spa atmosphere in the heart of South Tyrol, then gain altitude at Ortisei and in Val Gardena's alpine pastures. Contemplate Cortina d'Ampezzo's mythic silhouettes, cross Dobbiaco's alpine stillness and let turquoise lakes reflect limestone cliffs. The Dolomites unfold a powerful luminous mineral stage.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Merano

spa town glows south tyrolean charm

Merano - Photo 1Merano - Photo 2Merano - Photo 3Merano - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Tappeinerweg promenade (viewpoints above Merano)
2
Banks of the Passer (Passirio) and historic center of Merano
3
Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens (panoramic trails)
4
Schloss Lebenberg / Castel Monteleone — exterior viewpoints
🎯

Activities

→
Easy urban loop (center—Tappeinerweg—Passer)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 52.8 km
Travel time: 53min
2
Day

Ortisei

mountain resort anchors val gardena

Ortisei - Photo 1Ortisei - Photo 2Ortisei - Photo 3Ortisei - Photo 4Ortisei - Photo 5Ortisei - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Lago di Carezza (Karersee) — lake loop and roadside viewpoint
2
Santa Maddalena / San Giovanni in Ranui — panorama from the platform
3
Alpe di Siusi (Compatsch) — pastures and late afternoon viewpoints
🎯

Activities

→
Short panoramic walk around Karersee
→
Photo viewpoint of San Giovanni in Ranui church
→
Gentle walk at Alpe di Siusi from Compatsch
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 135 km
Travel time: 3h20
3
Day

Cortina Dampezzo

Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 1Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 2Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 3Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 4Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 5Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 6Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 7Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 8Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 9Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Seceda — cable car ascent from Ortisei and panoramic ridge
2
Village of Ortisei — pedestrian zone and wood sculptures
3
Passo Sella — viewpoints over the Torri del Sella
4
Passo Pordoi — view over the Sella massif
🎯

Activities

→
Ridge walk at Seceda (from the cable car arrival)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h40
4
Day

Cortina Dampezzo

Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 1Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 2Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 3Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 4Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 5Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 6Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 7Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 8Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 9Cortina Dampezzo - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Cinque Torri — Scoiattoli area and Giro delle Torri circuit
2
Passo Tre Croci — starting point for the Lago di Sorapis trail
3
Lago di Sorapis — turquoise lake and Vandelli refuge (round trip)
🎯

Activities

→
Cinque Torri hike (short loop)
→
Lago di Sorapis hike (≈10.4 km, ±200 m elevation gain)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 1h10
5
Day

Dobbiaco

alpine gateway guards serene silence

Dobbiaco - Photo 1Dobbiaco - Photo 2Dobbiaco - Photo 3Dobbiaco - Photo 4Dobbiaco - Photo 5Dobbiaco - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Tre Cime di Lavaredo — round trip to Locatelli refuge from Rifugio Auronzo
2
Lake Landro (Dürrensee) — photo stop and northern sandy shore
3
Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) — lake circuit and boat jetty
🎯

Activities

→
Easy Tre Cime hike (±230 m elevation gain)
→
Walk around Lake Braies (marked trail)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 2h20

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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

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