Alps by Design
Itinerary

5-Day Dolomites Road Trip

A tight, scenic loop through the heart of the Dolomites — two well-chosen bases, the range's most famous hikes, and South Tyrol's outrageous mountain food.

Length

5 days

Style

Road trip

Getting around

Car

Pace

Balanced

Best season

Mid-June to late September

Budget

$$$

Best for

Confident drivers and couples who want drama, flavor, and golden light over polish.

Your bases

OrtiseiCortina d'Ampezzo

Day by day

  1. Day1

    Arrive in Val Gardena

    Ortisei

    Pick up the car near Verona or Innsbruck and drive into Ortisei. Settle in, walk the pedestrian center, dinner of canederli and speck.

  2. Day2

    Seceda and the tilted ridge

    Ortisei

    Up the lifts to Seceda for the iconic ridgeline, then a meadow hike with rifugio lunch. Sunrise photographers: this is the morning.

  3. Day3

    Alpe di Siusi

    Ortisei

    Europe's largest alpine meadow — easy, jaw-dropping walking. Go early before the road access window closes to day traffic.

  4. Day4

    Drive the great passes

    Cortina d'Ampezzo

    The scenic transfer over Passo Gardena and Passo Falzarego to Cortina, stopping at the Cinque Torri for sunset.

  5. Day5

    Tre Cime finale

    Cortina d'Ampezzo

    Early start for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop — the most famous hike in the Dolomites — then begin the drive out. Arrive at the trailhead by 8am or take the shuttle.

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