Rough Draft: 1 Week Itinerary for the Dolomites

August 2020

Rough Draft: The Dolomites, Italy

Due to the COVID quarantine, I am creating rough draft, “off the shelf” travel itineraries for when travel resumes normal operations so we do not waste any time getting out and exploring!

It was only recently I was exposed to the incredible mountain range hiding in Northern Italy – the Dolomites. The landscape is completely different than 1) you would expect in Itlay and 2) you would expect in European mountain range. When I started looking into how to incorparte a visit last year, the Dolomites seemed difficult to get to. As someone that needs to fly there, The Dolomites are away from any major cities. Suddenly, this characteristic seems to be a more desirable aspect of a trip in a post-quarantine world – the less people, the better. Dolomites here we come! In doing this research, it is even more stunning than I knew in my brief exposure and I cannot wait to visit. 

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Getting there will definitely require a car so hook yourself up with an international drivers license (easy process through AAA). While you will have a several hour drive from the airport, there are a number of airports to chose from which means you have more flexibility on ticket prices to get the best deal and flight times. It is a 3 hours drive from Munich, a 4 hour drive from Milan, a 3 hour drive from Venice, and a 2 hour drive from Verona. 

If you are looking to go for a non-winter trip, visit the Dolomites from June through September. This itinerary will be reflecting a trip during this time frame. In reading other bloggers, September seems to be ideal since it can be rainy in the summer and some things start to close as early as October.

What is there to do?

There are so many ways to mix and match all that the Dolomites offer to create the itinerary that works for you. From easy trails to rock climbing, from spring flowers and fall foliage to a winter wonderland, this can really be a different trip a number of times over.

Trails

There is no way I can name every hike as there are countless trails and iterations that can be done. You can hike some of these trails for days with overnights in huts or can do day hikes. It depends on how much time you have and what you want to do.

• Tre Cime di Lavardeo Circuit
• Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park
• Puez – Geisler Nature Park
• Seceda
• Alpe di Siusi or the longer Sassolungo – Langkofel Circuit
• Adolf Munkel Trail
• Grand Cir

Lakes

The lakes here are absolutely stunning! From what I read they get crowded for “instagram” pictures… I will leave that there but definitely worth visiting.

• Lago di Baies
• Lago di Landro
• Lago di Sorapiss
• Lago di Carezza

There are a number of towns you can base yourself out of if you are not staying in the mountain huts. Based on where the major trails are, I split the trip between the towns of Cortina and Ortisei.

Where to eat?

While you may be far from any major city, that does not stop the caliber of food in this region! There are tons of options both one hikes and in the towns. You will notice huts or “Rifugio” on trails that have overnight accomodations as well as dining establishments ranging from quick refreshments to fine dining. 

Additionally, in the towns of Cortina and Ortisei there are many places that look quite delicious!

Based on all of the above, here is how I would plan a week in the Dolomites!

If you have been to the Dolomites, let me know what I missed and what your favorites are!

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