Dolomites Itinerary: 5 Unforgettable Days In The Italian Alps [2026]

Welcome to my Dolomites series! If you’ve been here with me for a while, you know how much I love this place. I came here one summer to hike the Alta Via and explore the rest of the Dolomites for over 2 weeks.

It was the first place in the world where I truly felt at home. So, 6 months later, I moved in – and now, I’m writing this article for you from my little apartment on the edge of the Dolomites. Ever since, I get to call them my backyard and have explored so many amazing spots here.

Based on my experience and love, I’ve created this Dolomites itinerary for 5 days, so you can explore the highlights and have an amazing time, without having to plan much!

You can be sure this is going to be a trip of your lifetime!

Epic Dolomites Itinerary: 5 Days Overview & Map

Here is your ultimate 5-day itinerary through the Dolomites, so you can experience the highlights and bits of everything these mountains offer.

You’ll get to drive through the most scenic mountain passes, do some epic hikes, stay in unique locations, and enjoy spectacular views in a calm and relaxed way.

Have fun!

👉 LET ME GUIDE YOU IN THE DOLOMITES: Are you visiting the Dolomites and would like me to accompany you? Hire me as your personal guide – I can take you to the most beautiful mountain excursions, places and mountain huts, e-biking in Alpe di Siusi, without you having to hustle and figure out the logistics. Contact me: [email protected] Or book this 1-on-1 travel chat (consultation) with me and I’ll help you plan.

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Cortina & Tre Cime di Lavadero Hike
2.	Lakes – Lagazuoi – 5 Torri
3.	5 Torri – Corvara – Passo Pordoi – Passo Sella
4.	Sassolungo & Hiking
5.	Val Gardena: Alpe di Siusi & E-Bikes/Seceda

0.DAY: Arrive In Cortina

This itinerary starts in Cortina d’Ampezzo, on the east side of the Dolomites. The closest international airport is in Venice. So, I suggest flying to Venice, renting a car in Venice, and driving for about 2 hours to Cortina.

If you’re driving from anywhere else, you can also drive from Austria or Munich (but Munich is a bit further).

Take your time, enjoy the first moments in Cortina, and prepare for an epic 5-day exploration of the Dolomites ahead with stunning mountain passes, excursions, hiking, and relaxing in nature.

Where To Stay In Cortina d’Ampezzo

Here are my favorite hotels I recommend for you stay in Cortina. I’ve also written a full article about where to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo, so check it out for more hotels and details:

🏰 Hotel de Len
🏰 Dolomiti Lodge Alverà
🏰 Faloria Mountain Spa Resort
🏰 Parkhotel Ladinia

1.DAY: Cortina & Tre Cime Di Lavaredo

We’ll start our itinerary with 1 day in Cortina. Hear me out – I’m the person who always tries to avoid crowds as much as possible. So, for me, hiking around the famous 3 Cime (3 peaks) – that you see all over Instagram and Google pics, didn’t seem like the best idea. But I went to check it out and really see whether it’s worth it.

I was a bit skeptical, as I thought I wouldn’t even enjoy it due to the crowds… But let me tell you – it’s 100% worth it!

Yes, it’s crowded, but the crowds disperse, and the views are breathtaking. So, I still think you should go – it’s a place unlike any other. This is going to be the busiest spot on our itinerary.

Then, I’ll be taking you to hidden gems for the next 3 days, to compensate for some calm and relaxation.

So, equip yourself with a bit of patience for today, and enjoy it despite the tourists!

How To Get To 3 Cime Di Lavaredo From Cortina

You’ll need to drive via Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo. Just after Misurina, you’ll need to pay about 40EUR to enter the last road section leading to Rifugio Auronzo. This is a fee to pay to drive through the National Park and to keep its roads well-maintained, especially since it’s so popular.

Then, park your car at Rifugio Auronzo, and start hiking.

How To Hike The 3 Cime Di Lavaredo Loop

From Rifugio Auronzo, it’s quite easy to follow the hiking path – just follow the 3 Cime signs. You’ll hike for about 30 minutes until you reach Rifugio Lavaredo. For me, it took an hour as I was so fascinated by the views and had to be taking photos all the time, lol :D.

From Rifugio Lavaredo, you’ll start ascending to Forcella Lavaredo, which is the closest you’ll be to the 3 peaks. Until now, you won’t see much from the peaks, but from here on, as you keep hiking, the views will be super beautiful. Keep hiking to Drei Zinnen Hütte (3 Peaks’ mountain hut) for about 45 minutes.

You did it! Take a rest, have a delicious lunch at the rifugio, or a picnic on the rocks overlooking 3 Cime. After, I also recommend you walk up to the caves ‘Grotta delle Tre Cime‘ for even more amazing pictures.

Whenever you’re ready, hike back to the parking at Rifugio Auronzo.

Overall, count on about 5 hours for the entire loop, 1.5 – 2 hours of hiking (1 way) + some relaxation time.

Cadini Di Misurina Viewing Point

After, I also highly recommend you hike to the viewing point ‘Cadini Di Misurina‘. It only takes about an hour from the parking of Rifugio Auronzo. I did both of these hikes in 1 day, and it was honestly so perfect.

This one wasn’t crowded at all (I did it in the late afternoon). And if you have a car, even better – I suggest doing it for the sunrise – it’s such a vibe!

Whenever you’re ready, drive back to Cortina and enjoy the evening. On the way back, stop at Lake Misurina for some pictures and more views!

2. DAY: Lakes – Lagazuoi – 5 Torri

Good morning to Cortina. I hope you enjoyed yesterday with your first hike and got some rest!

Today, in the morning, you can drive to some more lakes in the area. It’s optional – I personally think Lake Misurina is the most beautiful and accessible by car in this region, so you can keep driving to the next stops (Passo Falzarego – Lagazuoi)

But, if you really want to, you can make a detour and drive to Lake Dobbiacco and enjoy a swim. Or even further to the famous Lake Braies. However, Lake Braies really is crowded and is losing its charm due to the crowds (in my opinion), so I’d skip Lake Braies, honestly.

Whatever you want to do, visit these lakes in the morning and then drive back to Cortina and start driving towards Passo Falzarego, or skip the lakes, enjoy a morning in Cortina, and then start driving to Passo Falzarego.

Drive From Cortina To Passo Falzarego

Today, we’ve got your first scenic mountain pass scheduled on the itinerary – wow!

The drive from Cortina to Passo Falzarego takes about half an hour. Park your car in Passo Falzarego, and let’s explore the area.

Distance Cortina ⇒ Passo Falzarego: 26 minutes by car (17 km/10 miles)

Passo Falzarego – Lagazuoi

This area is famous for battles from World War I. It was the frontline between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. They were hiding inside trenches and fighting with each other.

Especially Lagazuoi, the main battlefield, that’s where one of the major bomb explosions happened back in 1917 (33 tons of explosives) and destroyed much of the area.

Today, you can walk through the tunnels and learn more about the history.
Take a cable car to the top of Lagazuoi, walk around, and see the trenches. Then go to Rifugio Lagazuoi and enjoy a local lunch there.

NOTE: You can also hike to the top of Lagazuoi (takes about 2 hours), or just walk from the top back to Passo Falzarego following the trenches. Or do both ways with the cable car (without hiking).

Passo Falzarego – 5 Torri

After you’ve explored Lagazuoi and you’re back in Passo Falzarego, drive backwards, for just about 5-10 minutes, to the Seggovia 5 Torri Parking. Leave your car there for the night, and take a chairlift up to 5 Torri.

Distance Passo Falzarego ⇒ Seggovia 5 Torri Parking: 10 minutes by car (4 km/2.5 miles)

5 Torri & Rifugio Scoiattoli

Welcome to one of my favorite places in the Dolomites – 5 Torri. Similar to Lagazuoi, this is where the battles from WWI. were held, too. So, you can keep exploring.

But, first things first – today, you’ll sleep in an epic rifugio in the mountains and experience the authentic Dolomites.

I suggest staying at Rifugio Scoiattoli for this night. So, when you take the chairlift from the parking place, it will take you directly to Rifugio Scoiattoli. Check in and settle. After, you can make a 40-minute walk around the 5 Torri rock formations, explore more trenches, and learn more about the history here.

Then, enjoy a delicious dinner at the rifugio, and relax. Go out and watch the stars at night – it’s truly unforgettable.

NOTE: The rifugios sell out fast in the summer, so if Scoiattoli isn’t available, you can stay in 3 more rifugios in the area. Write me an email at [email protected], and I can help you navigate the area and book the rifugios.

👉 Book your stay at Rifugio Scoiattoli here.

3. DAY: 5 Torri – Corvara – Passo Pordoi – Passo Sella

Good morning, 5 Torri. Wake up a bit early to catch the sunrise from the east side – I loved the sunrise here! It’s so peaceful!

After, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the rifugio, and start the day!

Today, you’ve got some time, so if you want to do more hiking in the morning, go for it. You can hike to Rifugio Averau (about 40 minutes) or even further up to Rifugio Nuvolau (an extra 40 minutes & insane views) – these are some of my favorite hikes in the Dolomites. Or do the 5 Torri walk around the trenches, if you missed it yesterday evening.

Whenever you’re ready, take the chairlift from Rifugio Scoiattoli back to the parking place.
Reunite with your car, and get ready for a spectacular drive through the Dolomites!

Today, it’s going to be more driving, and you’ll enjoy epic views as you drive through some of the famous mountain passes in the Dolomites. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Drive 5 Torri – Passo Falzarego – Corvara – Passo Pordoi

Once you’re back in Passo Falzarego, keep driving to Corvara. You’ve now made it to another region in the Dolomites called ‘Alta Badia’. This is just a quick stop – you can stretch your legs for a bit and have lunch in the town.

After, keep driving from Corvara via Arraba town until you reach Passo Pordoi.

Distance Passo Falzarego ⇒ Passo Pordoi: 58 minutes by car (39 km/24 miles)

Sass Pordoi & Piz Boe

Welcome to Passo Pordoi! Leave your car at the parking place, and get ready for more stunning views.

Now, you’ll take a cable car to Sass Pordoi. This is a hidden gem that still not many people know about. And it’s one of the best things to do in the Dolomites. The cable car ride is crazy – watch out as you’re being taken to one of the highest points of your entire trip.

At Sass Pordoi, there is a restaurant, so you can enjoy some delicious afternoon Italian desserts with coffee, such as tiramisu, apple strudel, or panna cotta. But the main point of this excursion is the views – honestly, I’ve barely seen more insane rock formations anywhere else. It almost feels like walking on the moon here.

So, soak it all in, take some time, and stare. You’ll probably see many paragliders that enhance the experience, if the weather is good.

NOTE: If time allows and you feel like it, you can make one of my favorite hikes in the Dolomites to the top of Piz Boe. It takes about 1.5 hours from Sass Pordoi, but there is some Via Ferrata at the last section.

So, it might not be for you if you’re scared of heights – but I’m a bit, and I did it! So, you can hike up to the rifugio on top, and then back. However, watch timing – allow about 4 hours for a round-trip hike – and you still need to make it back to Passo Pordoi.

Drive Passo Pordoi – Passo Sella

Whenever you’re ready, head back to the Passo Pordoi parking. Again, you can either take the cable car or hike down (about 1.5 hours).

After, you’ll have the last section in front of you – drive through more spectacular roads until you reach your destination for today – Passo Sella!

Distance Passo Pordoi ⇒ Passo Sella: 23 minutes by car (13 km/28 miles)

Stay At Passo Sella Mountain Resort

Today, you can treat yourself and stay at one of my favorite hotels in the Dolomites, at the top of the Passo Sella mountain pass. It’s so quiet and peaceful here. I’ve stayed at the hotel twice, and I’m still dreaming about it.

There is a wellness center, and as the day trippers disappear, you’ll get to enjoy it all to yourself, while again, watching the stars at night. The hotel offers a delicious dinner and breakfast, included in the rate. So, I suggest staying here.

👉 Book your stay at Passo Sella Mountain Resort Here.

4. DAY: Sassolungo & Hiking

Hello from Passo Sella! I hope you had a lovely night under the stars yesterday!

Today, you’ve got many options to choose from. If you feel like more hiking, I’ve got a great one for you. If you feel like enjoying the cable car, it can be on the list. Or if you feel like driving, go for it.

The main program here is going to be a cable car and an easy, but longer hike. But you can switch it around and do anything else.

In the morning, I suggest taking the cute cable car to Sassolungo – Rifugio Toni Demenz. This cable car is so much fun, I’ve never taken anything else like this! 😀

You can just take the cable car up and down for the experience and visit the rifugio. Or make one of these hikes:

From Rifugio Toni Demetz, hike down to Rifugio Firenze. From there, you have 2 options. You can either hike to the left via Rifugio Sasso Piatto around the mountains back to Passo Sella (takes about 4 hours – the longer hike).

Or you can hike to the right, via Rifugio Comici, back to Passo Sella (takes about 3 hours – shorter hike). Both hikes are equally beautiful and easy.

NOTE: If you feel like exploring more mountain passes, you can drive towards Canazei and see the beautiful Lake Carezza. Then return to Canazei, and keep driving via the dramatic Passo Fedaia. From there, you can even take cable cars to Marmolada, which is the highest mountain in the Dolomites!

Where To Stay In Val Gardena: Selva Or Ortisei

In the late afternoon, drive from Passo Sella to Val Gardena, where you’ll stay for the next 2 nights.

Distance Passo Sella ⇒ Ortisei: 23 minutes by car (17 km/10.5 miles)

I suggest staying either in Selva town or Ortisei. Selva is more authentic and less crowded, but a bit further away from the activities I suggest for tomorrow. Ortisei town is more colorful and beautiful, more crowded, but it’s the center of your excursions for tomorrow.

So choose wherever you want to stay and enjoy the night. I’d recommend Ortisei.

Here are the hotels I recommend for you:

🏰 Hotel Garni Walter – in Ortisei
🏰 Hotel Ronce – in Ortisei
🏰 Gardena Grodnerhof Hotel & Spa – in Ortisei
🏰 Boutique Hotel Nives – in Selva
🏰 Hotel COSMEA – in Ortisei

5. DAY: Val Gardena: Alpe di Siusi & E-Bikes

Hello again! Today, you’ve got to enjoy another region in the Dolomites – welcome to Val Gardena! As the name suggests, this is one of the most picturesque places here, truly!

You have a few options again for today, so I’ll recommend them all, and then you can decide what to do.

Alpe Di Siusi & E-Biking

The Alpe di Siusi is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. I kept tearing up from the beauty around. It’s another very popular spot, but it did not destroy the experience.

You can take the red cable car from Ortisei town to Alpe di Siusi. Choose to either walk around and explore on foot, or rent e-bikes in Ortisei, take them on the cable car, and ride around.
I recommend doing it on the bikes, as you’ll be more flexible and get to see more places in a day.

Ride the bike through the winding roads of Alpe di Siusi. From the cable car station, ride down towards ICARO Hotel, then keep driving via Compatsch up to Edelweiss mountain hut and even further up to Rifugio Molignon. Then ride down to Saltria and back up towards the cable car station. On the way, you can stop in one of these rifugios for lunch.

Seceda

Another excursion you can do is to Seceda. Again, it’s very popular, but the views are truly amazing. You’ll take 2 cable cars up and enjoy an easy walk following the Seceda loop and seeing the breathtaking Odle Peaks in front of you.

Stop at Baita Sofia hut for some treats (like apple strudel with vanilla sauce), and just soak it all up!

NOTE: You could do both of the places in 1 day if you wake up earlier – do Seceda in the morning, then at around lunch time, rent the e-bikes, and ride around Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon.

End Of Your 5-Day Itinerary In The Dolomites

I hope you’ll enjoy this itinerary and get the most out of your time in the Dolomites. As you end in Val Gardena, you can drive to Bolzano and return your rental car there.

From Bolzano, you can either catch a train to Munich Airport or Milan Airport and head back home. Or keep exploring more of Italy with this Northern Italy itinerary for 10 days.

Or, keep the rental car, and drive from Bolzano via Lake Garda to Milan and return it at the airport in Milan.

On the way, you can also make a detour and visit Merano – such a charming town full of mountains and palm trees, I bet you’ve never seen such a unique and magical town in your life!

Dolomites Itinerary: 3, 4, Or 6 Days To Explore These Mountains

If you have fewer or more days, you can keep the same route as the 5-day itinerary I’ve suggested, and play around with it.

Here is what I recommend you do if you only have 3 or 4 days. And if you have 6 days!

Dolomites Itinerary For 3 Days

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Cortina – Lagazuoi – 5 Torri
2.	5 Torri – Passo Pordoi – Passo Sella
3.	Val Gardena (Alpe di Siusi or Seceda)

Dolomites Itinerary For 4 Days

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Cortina – Lagazuoi – 5 Torri
2.	5 Torri – Passo Pordoi – Passo Sella
3.	Sassolungo & Hiking
4.	Val Gardena (Alpe di Siusi or Seceda)

Dolomites Itinerary For 6 Days

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Cortina – 3 Cime di Lavaredo Hike
2.	Cortina – Lagazuoi – 5 Torri
3.	5 Torri – Passo Pordoi – Passo Sella
4.	Sassolungo & Hiking
5.	Val Gardena – Vallunga Hike
6.	Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi

Practical Tips For Visiting The Dolomites

I also have many more tips to help you plan your trip to the Dolomites. Check out some of the logistical questions that will help you put the itinerary together:

Getting To The Dolomites

For this itinerary, I recommend flying to Venice and renting a car there. Then drive for about 2 hours to Cortina d’Ampezzo, where you can start your trip.

You can also take a bus from Venice Mestre station to Cortina (takes about 2.5 hours), and rent a car in Cortina. But I feel like it’s easier and more affordable to rent one in Venice.

Alternatively, you could also fly to Milan and head to the Dolomites (Val Gardena) via Bolzano, or fly to Munich, and drive via Val Pusteria (Bruneck) to Cortina. But Venice is the closest airport to Cortina.

I suggest renting a car with Discovercars, which I always use when I travel. They offer a wide range of cars and prices, so you can choose your perfect fit:

Getting Around The Dolomites

The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. You can have your own schedule, don’t have to be tied to the buses, and you can explore everything freely. So, if you can, don’t even hesitate and drive around.

That’s why I’ve also designed this itinerary as a road trip.

It’s also possible to do it on local buses – I did it, too, and it was amazing. But you do need to watch the bus schedules, as there are limited buses, especially between Passo Falzarego – Corvara and Passo Pordoi. Yet, it’s possible if you plan a bit more.

NOTE: If you want to explore on the bus and you stay anywhere within the Sudtirol area (mainly Val Gardena), you can use the guest card issued by your hotel as a transportation ticket anywhere within the South Tyrol area of the Dolomites, which is amazing! It will cover almost all the buses on this itinerary.

➡ Check out rental cars for the Dolomites here.

➡ Check out local bus schedules here.

Where To Stay In The Dolomites

The Dolomites consist of 8 different areas, and each of them has truly unique and amazing hotels. I love the hospitality here, and the personal touches locals put into their facilities and businesses.

Check out each day of the itinerary to see the hotels I recommend you stay at in each place. However, if you want to explore more of the Dolomites and unique locations, I’ve also written a separate article about where to stay in the Dolomites, where I recommend more hotels. So check it out, too.

Best Time To Visit The Dolomites & Make This Itinerary

Late June and early July are the best times to visit the Dolomites and follow this itinerary. Generally speaking, summer is great, but these 4 weeks are the most beautiful – everything is super green, meadows are full of flowers, rivers and lakes are crystal-clear, and the weather is very pleasant.

Another great month is September, even though it’s not so green anymore, it’s a unique time to visit, too. However, I found it super crowded, a lot more than Lake June/early July.

What To Pack For Your Dolomites Trip?

I recommend packing into a 50L backpack. Pack a couple of T-Shirts, 1x shorts, leggings, 1 pair of hiking pants, 2 light sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. Then a pair of hiking boots and a pair of sneakers + 1 set of nicer clothes, if you’re staying in a nicer hotel for dinner. That’s it, you don’t need much!

This is what I packed, and it was the perfect amount. Plus, don’t forget your swimsuit for wellness and outdoor lakes.

How Many Days Are Enough To Explore The Dolomites?

7 days are the bare minimum, 10 days are optimal, and if you want to take your time, build in extra days (in case the weather isn’t nice on some days), and want to truly experience the Dolomites, 14 days are perfect!

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about visiting the Dolomites and this itinerary. So, check my answers below:

Do I Need To Be Fit To Complete This Itinerary?

No, you don’t need to be fit. I’ve built this itinerary, so you can enjoy bits of everything, and the hiking is optional. There are cable cars almost everywhere, so if you don’t feel fit enough, you can enjoy the mountains and even stay at the rifugios by taking chairlifts and cable cars.

Can I Make This Itinerary As A Solo Traveler?

Yes, you can make this itinerary as a solo traveler. I did it all by myself, and it was the time of my life. Let me know if you have any questions. Oftentimes, exploring solo gives you such freedom, and being with your own thoughts, you come up with so many ideas for your life and future! It’s an amazing experience, and I encourage you to do it solo.

How To Spend 5 Days In The Dolomites, Italy, Road Trip Travel Itinerary?

In short, start in Cortina, explore 3 Cime di Lavaredo, move to 5 Torri with Lagazuoi, then keep driving via Arraba towards Passo Pordoi, make an excursion to Sass Pordoi, stay in Passo Sella, go hiking around Rifugio Toni Demetz and Firenze and Rifugio Comici, and finally explore Val Gardena with Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.

Where Should I Stay In The Dolomites For The First Time?

Val Gardena (Ortisei or Selva towns) are the best places to stay if you’re visiting the Dolomites for the first time. There is so much to do around, and it has the most beautiful spots.

WRAP-UP: Dolomites Itinerary 5 Days

This is my 5-day itinerary through the Dolomites for you. I hope you enjoy it fully! It will truly take you to the highlights and hidden gems I explored on my own when I visited for the first time. If you have any questions, contact me at [email protected].

I also design customized travel itineraries, so if you need one for the Dolomites, send me an email. Or, book this 1-on-1 travel chat (consultation) with me if you want to plan in real time and ask many questions. I’ll be happy to connect with you.

Happy Dolomites Road Tripping!

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