The perfect Dolomites road trip itinerary (+ practical travel tips)
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Why the Dolomites are so special
If you love breathtaking hikes, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and delicious Italian (and Austrian!) cuisine, then a road trip through the Dolomites should definitely be on your bucket list.Located in northern Italy, mainly in the South Tyrol region, the Dolomites have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. The mountain range is famous for its dramatic limestone peaks, rugged cliffs, and spectacular alpine scenery—making it one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
A large part of the Dolomites lies within South Tyrol, which was part of Austria until 1919. As a result, you'll notice that German is still widely spoken, and many towns have both an Italian and a German name. It can be a little confusing at first, but it's also part of what makes this region so unique.
The Dolomites cover a vast area and can easily be explored by car. We drove to South Tyrol ourselves and started our road trip in Bolzano, which we found to be the perfect base for exploring the western Dolomites. After a few days, we continued our journey to Cortina d'Ampezzo.
If you're flying to Italy, I recommend arriving in Bolzano and starting your road trip there. Renting a car is essential, as the distances between the main attractions are too great to walk or cycle, and public transport doesn't reach every hiking trail. Having your own car also gives you the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints along the way—and trust me, there are plenty of them.
The perfect Dolomites road trip itinerary
Days 1–3: Bolzano
Bolzano is a wonderful city to spend a few nights in.Besides its cosy restaurants and charming shopping streets, it's also home to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, where you can see the famous Ötzi the Iceman. This remarkably well-preserved mummy was discovered in the Alps in 1991 after spending more than 5,000 years frozen in the ice.
Bolzano also makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding mountains.
From here, you can easily visit some of the Dolomites' most famous locations on day trips. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) and Seceda are both around 45 minutes away by car, while the beautiful Lago di Carezza can be reached in approximately 30 minutes. If you prefer, you can also stay in one of the smaller mountain villages closer to nature instead of Bolzano itself.
Days 4–7: Cortina d'Ampezzo
After a few days around Bolzano, continue your road trip to Cortina d'Ampezzo. We stayed just outside the town in a lovely apartment with a kitchen, which was perfect for preparing dinner after enjoying long lunches during our hikes.
Once again, this region offers countless opportunities for unforgettable day trips. One of the most famous destinations is Lago di Braies, a stunning mountain lake surrounded by dramatic peaks where you can rent one of the iconic wooden rowing boats.
Another absolute highlight is Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Plan to spend a full day here, especially if you combine the famous Tre Cime loop with the shorter hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Since both trails start from the same area, they're easy to combine into one incredible hiking day.
Our personal favourite, however, is Lago di Sorapis. The trailhead is located just 20 minutes from Cortina d'Ampezzo, and although the hike itself is already spectacular, the reward at the end is unforgettable: a striking turquoise-blue lake surrounded by towering mountain peaks. It's easily one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited.
How many days do you need in the Dolomites?
We recommend spending at least three nights in both the Bolzano and Cortina regions.
This gives you enough time to visit the area's most famous hikes, viewpoints, and lakes without feeling rushed. If you enjoy taking things a little slower—or simply want some extra time to relax at your accommodation, enjoy a long lunch, or soak up the mountain views—you could easily extend your stay.
Overall, one week is enough to see the main highlights of the Dolomites, but spending longer here certainly won't disappoint.
Can you combine the Dolomites with other destinations in Italy?
Absolutely! After our stay in the Dolomites, we continued our trip to Venice, which is only about two hours' drive from Cortina d'Ampezzo. If you're staying in Bolzano, you can also take a day trip to Verona, located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away by car.
Another great option is to combine your Dolomites road trip with a visit to Milan or Lake Como, both of which are around three hours from Bolzano.
The Dolomites are not only an incredible destination in their own right, they're also the perfect starting point for exploring even more of northern Italy.
