The ultimate 7-day Dolomites Itinerary | Road Trip Guide

This is the best itinerary across the Trentino Dolomites. An incredible list of experiences through a 7-day Dolomites Itinerary starting in Trento, the Region Capital of Trentino.

We have explored the Dolomites ourselves, enjoying the fresh air of the high peaks, hiking terrain paths to cabins and alpine lakes. Once we sat before sunrise to swim in the fresh water of a glacier lake at 2,000 metres.

The Dolomites are a vast area located in Northern East Italy, within this Itinerary will cover part of it, the most scenic route through the mountains and villages. You will pass by breathtaking landscapes and green valleys, to give the best experience in Italy. The 7 days itinerary of the Dolomites, is perfect for winter, summer and spring. In fact, the Dolomites are a fantastic destination for summer hikes and lakes exploration, but also to skii in the winter or sip a mulled wine in a traditional chalet.

Enjoy the Brenta Dolomites

As said before the Dolomites area it’s huge, including paths in different Regions. This itinerary it’s crafted around some of the best landscapes in the Brenta Dolomites, in Trentino.

The massive Brenta Dolomites it’s often overshadowed by the most iconic locations not that far. However organizing a road trip in the Dolomites in this part of the Region can assure you less touristic location, but no less suggestive.

Get wild in a unique location, awarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site, a wonderland for hikers and wild addicts.

FOR MORE | Check out the best 30 experiences to do in Trentino

When to visit the Dolomites?

We will say, Always! This is a trip that you can’t say no to, if it’s summer or winter doesn’t matter. The Dolomites are the kind of place you could visit at any time of the year and still have life experiences. 

According to locals, the best time of the year to visit the Dolomites peaks is around summer, if your main reason it’s just to relax and enjoy the alpine atmosphere. However, consider visiting this area from May to early October. From May to June you can enjoy some trails without crowds like July and August, when locals mainly have their annual leave planned.

Also Springtime it’s wonderful with the meadows covered by wildflowers and animals grazing, enjoying the energy of water through waterfalls and hidden streams.

We crafted our Dolomites Itinerary around Summer but below you can find useful information for other times of the year.

How long should you spend in the Dolomites?

Another good question, but essential to plan a perfect trip to the Dolomites. Depending on the kind of trip you want, the time spent on the Dolomites might vary. We have crafted a one-week itinerary in the Dolomites, mixing activities, hikes and simple sightseeing.

However, you can personalize this trip to make it shorter or longer. On the way to the location mentioned, there are many other activities you can add. Also, you can shorten your trip as a 5-day Dolomites Itinerary, cutting down activities like rafting on the river Noce, which alone will take half a day on your itinerary.

We suggest you don’t plan less than 5 days in the Dolomites. If you don’t have enough time, you might just base yourself in Trento and take short day trips from there. Alternatively, keep your trip around two locations where you want to be based and move from there.

Remember a Dolomites Itinerary it’s not an easy trip like in other Italian places. This needs to be treated as a slow travel itinerary to enjoy better the atmosphere and the infinite activities that trails have to offer. So if you have time enough, plan a 10-day Dolomites Itinerary, to go around the breathtaking landscapes enjoying it fully.

Our Dolomites Road trip Itinerary Map

Highlights of our  7-day Dolomites Itinerary

• Day 1 – Lake Tovel and naturalistic gems of the Adamello – Brenta Nature Park
• Day 2 – Sunrise hike to Tret Alpine Lake. An afternoon with Kayak adventure
• Day 3 – Explore the Canyon Rio Sass. Afternoon Rafting on the River Noce
• Day 4 – E-Bike to 2K
• Day 5 – Hiking into the National Park Adamello Brenta, barefoot and tree-hugging
• Day 6 – Lake of Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Day 7 – Enjoy Trento

Day 1 | Reach and Walk along Lake Tovel

The first day of our Dolomite Itinerary will introduce you to the stunning dramatic mountain scenery. Driving through the great Dolomite Roads, surrounded by those giants and green meadows will be fantastic. In today’s itinerary, you will reach the first stop on our Itinerary through the Dolomites, exploring Lake Tovel.

Once upon a time, this basin was turning red in summer because of a unique alga that was giving this strange colour to the water. This has not happened since 1964 because of the low concentration of the alga. The frame of the Dolomites depict in the water, the peaks still covered with snow even in summer, create a memorable mirror effect on the water.

You are enjoying your first bite of the Dolomites, exploring the area of the Dolomites of Adamello-Brenta Nature Park. Today it’s easy, no hike but just a stroll around the Lake, if the temperatures are high enough you might go for a refreshing swim in the lake. The afternoon will be spent around the little towns in the Val di Non. One of the most interesting places is Cles, with the incredible castle overlooking the valley and the Lake of Santa Giustina. You can also visit the Castle if you have enough time.

You are driving across a particular area of Italy. The Val di Non it’s famous for its production of premium apples. Enjoy fresh products from local sellers. If you are looking for places to stay in the Dolomites, check out some Agriturismo. We have been at the Agriturismo Maso San Bartolomeo, 20 minutes away from the lake at Romeno, a small town in the earth of the Apple Valley.

Day 2 | Sunrise hike to Tret alpine Lake. Afternoon Kayak adventure at Santa Giustina Lake

There is no better way to start your Dolomites Itineraries. After a good breakfast, prepare your bag and your swimsuit. The Tret Alpine Lake it’s artificial, located in the Val di Non. The lake’s at 1600 metres, and it’s reachable by leaving the car at the parking lot, hiking the path no. 512. The Lake of Tret it’s often referred as the Lago di Santa Maria or Felixer Weiher.

The drop it’s just about 350 metres, which will take about 1 hour. The path is steep with few flat areas, sounding like you are just meadows and animal grazing. Enjoy a picnic around the lake, take a dive into the fresh water and reach the middle little island swimming.

It might sound hard, but the sunrise hike will reward you with a fresh swim in the lake and an incredible dive in the springs of the Dolomites.

Kayaking in the Dolomites

After the early morning hiking, the afternoon will be dedicated to the visit to another amazing lake. However, the visit to Santa Giustina Lake will be Kayaking. Surrounded by incredible vineyards and green meadows, the lake will surprise you. Santa Giustina Lake it’s an artificial and authentic gem in the Val di Non. The area is often referred to as the Valley of Canyons.

The Lake has got a truly beautiful area, the Canyons. These rock formations, forged by the natural agents and years of erosion, will leave you speechless. Kayaking in the Dolomites, it’s a unique experience that you might not find in other guides. The Canyons are not well known, and we were lucky to be on a trip with locals.

Day 3 | Waterfall and Canyons at Rio Sass and Rafting on the River Noce

As you might understand, we are not all hiking and high peaks views; we aim more for unique experiences in our Dolomites Itinerary.

Your Day three will take you in the narrow passages of a Canyon, many say like Indiana Jones. The Canyon Rio Sass it’s a secure trail, also suitable for children. The platforms and staircases will drop you down 145 metres for about 348 steps, surrounded by ages of erosion, Stalagmites, stalactites and fossils.

After lunch at a local restaurant or agriturismo, there are many around the Canyon Rio Sass, you will drive toward Val di Sole. This is one of the most popular locations in the Dolomites, especially for Summer Experiences. Usually, the professional football teams in Italy use to do the pre-league training here, attracting people during July and August.

Rafting in the Dolomites

The afternoon will be spent, taking another thrilling experience in the Dolomites. Go rafting on the River Noce. This moderate rafting it’s ideal also for first-timers, like us. It was fun and exciting.

National Geographic has listed this area as one of the World’s Top 10 places for river sport. The River Noce it’s the only one listed in Europe in that special ranking.

The river Noce in summer tends to be overflowing, so it’s not possible every day to do this activity. A 15 Kilometre long descent, which it’s an unforgettable experience with a continuous succession of breathtaking rapids, thanks to the confluence of many other streams.

Day 4 | E-Bike to the top of the Dolomites

Still staying in Val di Sole, in the beautiful area of Dimaro and Val di Rabbi, you have to experience another great activity. E-bike to the top of the Dolomites.

Reach 2.080 metres above sea level to enjoy the unique scenery of the peaks of the Dolomites. The experience we are proposing to you it’s to an e-bike so still a bit of sport, but efficiently. In winter, this path it’s impossible because the snow doesn’t permit easy access to reach the top easily through an e-bike; however, you can still reach the top by 4×4 car adapter for the weather condition.

The summit it’s the Malga Monte Sole, a chalet that will offer you refreshments. You can also spend the night here, enjoying the landscape away from the lights of the city. This is a great alternative with fair prices to spend a unique night in the Dolomites. What paid off was a fresh spring water stream from the top, which I refilled my bottle. It was the best water I have ever tried in my life, so pure, so fresh.

Day 5 | Hiking into the National Park Adamello Brenta, barefoot and tree hugging

Continuing our trip, through experiences in the Italian Dolomites, it’s time for a proper hike in a wide National Park. Today we are taking you through the Stelvio National Park, accessing from the Val di Rabbi path. A Natural Reserve which features many hike trails, surrounded by the white peaks of Dolomites all year round and green meadows.

While hiking, you should enjoy the surroundings, leaving the stress behind. Give to yourself a moment of freedom, barefoot in the meadow, relaxing in the cold stream. We enjoyed this activity a lot, because it’s not mere hiking, which is hard for first-timers.

With slow peace, the hiking was enjoyable, leaving us time also to take some photos and appreciate every little moment.

While passing the streams, from one bridge to another, hiking through the forest of the National Park, you can stop by for a unique experience, tree-hugging. A sensorial experience in nature that will reconnect you with primordial senses.

Along hiking paths, the Dolomites area offers incredible trekking routes.

Cross the Tibetan Suspended Bridge | Ragaiolo Suspension Bridge

While exploring the routes in the Stelvio National Park, you will cross a beautiful Tibetan Bridge suspended above the Rio Ragaiolo waterfalls.

The Tibetan Bridge of Val di Rabbi it’s at 1366 meters, a 100 meters long bridge suspended 60 meters above the ground. The view from the top it’s insane, overlooking the valley surrounded by the Dolomites. A charming itinerary in the Stelvio National Park, suitable for everyone, kids as well.

More about the Stelvio National Park

Stelvio National Park it’s one of the largest and oldest parks in Italy. This park features some of the highest peaks in the region, with the lowest point of 700 meters above sea level. The highest mountain it’s Ortles peak at 3904 meters a.s.l.

The park has a great variety of flora and fauna, well preserved and protected. The landscape, it’s dominated by the peaks covered by snow all year round. This creates a magical atmosphere difficult to forget. Not far away from the hiking paths, there is also a climber rock, a popular one among those passionate about this extreme sport, the Forni Glacier. This is just one of the over 250 Km market routes suitable for all types of hikers.

Day 6 | Lake of Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo

You might have seen this on Instagram, the photos of the reflection of the dolomites in the water of Lake of Bries are memorable. We couldn’t miss this in our Dolomites Itinerary, taking you to one of the most breathtaking locations in the Italian Dolomites.

This lake’s often referred to as Pragser Wildsee. To reach this from the Val di Rabbi, you should wake up early. Driving through the infinite scenery of the Dolomites it’s a lifetime opportunity. 2 hour and a half drive divide the two locations, taking you passing by Bolzano, a mixed language far-north city in Italy, to the nearest border with Austria.

We know that 2 hours and a half drive seems a lot, but you can go fast, with insane scenery and many interesting stopovers along the way. From Lake Braies, you can go trekking on the Alta Via A1, a spectacular trek on the Alpine peaks of South Tyrol.

Visit Lake of Braies

This lake’s a must-visit in the Dolomites. However, we suggest you plan ahead your trip here. Visiting this early in the morning will be the best idea to skip the crowds. The place tends to be busy, and so it affects your emotions and the vibes of the atmosphere.

If you have time to travel the day before to Lake Braies, get accommodation nearby, letting you wake up early in the morning, on time to enjoy the sunrise over the Dolomites. The colour of the lakes and the orange shadows of the sun on the mountains make this scenery unique in the world.

Just to give you a few information about visiting Lake Braies, it’s that it’s just one hour of parking free of charge, and then every hour it’s €8. You can stroll around the lake for a 5 Km walk surrounded by wilderness. Most of the Instagram photos are taken on a boat which can be rented at the nearby dock.

The price of renting a boat it’s €18 for 30 minutes or €28 for one hour. However, it’s possible to rent the boat just from May to early October. From 10:00 to 18:00 in May, September and October and from 9:00 to 19:00 in July and August.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo | 360 view of the Italian Dolomites

After exploring the Lago di Braies in the morning, you can’t miss the unique sightseeing of the Dolomites. About a 1-hour drive from the stunning lake, there is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the three high peaks symbol of the Dolomites.

This is a hard 6-mile trail, passing by the chalets and alpine refugios across the peaks. Despite the hard hike and the high fee (€30 to start the trail and reach the top), it’s a lifetime opportunity to see the world from a different perspective.

At the very top, you will be surrounded by 360-degree views of the Dolomites. Check the official Tre Cime Loop Trail.

The nearest point to rest after a long day it’s Cortina d’Ampezzo, a ski resort location very appreciated by tourists and locals. This day will be the best on our Dolomites Itinerary, don’t skip it. The tre cime di Lavaredo are definitely one of the most popular landmarks in Italy. Check out also our guide to the best landmarks in Europe.

Day 7 – Enjoy Trento

It’s always regrettable when a beautiful trip ends. During many years of exploring the world, we understood how to make it less bitter. On your last day in the Italian Dolomites, you will explore Trento, the Region Capital of Trentino.

The beautiful town centre it’s folkloristic and rich in history and culture. You can enjoy many activities, staying for a bit more in town. However, you can concentrate your energies just walking around the old town.

For a better view of the Dolomites and the town, you can take the Cable Car up to the Sardagna. The peak overlooking the town has got an incredible view over Trento, the Dolomites and the river Adige which it’s passing right in the middle.

If you want to know more about Trento, you should read our post about the most beautiful cities in Italy.

More time for our itinerary?

That’s a good idea, you might understand that we have spent a lot of time going around the beautiful Dolomites. We just love it, and we didn’t expect to fall in love so easily with this landscape.

We spent a lot of time around Trento and the surrounding area, visiting incredible places in the Italian Mountains, which will be great to include in a longer guide about the Dolomites.
 

Lake Toblino – It’s a beautiful lake, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Enhancing the mirroring of the Dolomites in the turquoise water. The Castle right in the middle of the water it’s just the perfect composition. A scenery that will remain in your mind forever. Lake Toblino it’s easy to reach from Trento in about 30 minutes.

Lago di Sorapis Trek Rail – This is for experts, the lake it’s so beautiful with glaciers all around, which tends to change the colour to the entire surrounding, like with a blue filter on top. About 14 Km trail up to the mountains.

Lago di Carezza –  Another lake on our list of places to visit, if you have more time to spend on a Dolomites Itinerary. Driving along the gorgeous Great Dolomite Road, about half-an-hour away from Bolzano, passing by Nova Levante you can reach the Lake of Carrezza. The lake of Carezza it’s famous because of the reflection of the mountains in the emerald green water.

Lago di Resia – This is an off the beaten path destination in the Dolomites, but not less suggestive. The Lake of Resia, or Der Reschensee in German, it’s an artificial lake of 6,6 KM. The attraction of this place it’s a tower bell of an old underwater church. The whole valley it’s today an underwater village. The scenery’s unique with the Dolomites all around.

How to get to the Dolomites

There are many ways to reach the Dolomites, depending on which area you want to visit. We reached the Dolomites by train accessing from Trento. For us, this is still the best way to reach the Dolomites.

Depending on the starting of your Dolomites Itinerary you might choose your way to reach the Dolomites. However, you can fly to Venice, Milan, Bergamo or Verona.

All those locations are good access points to the Dolomites. We will take into consideration all those airports below and explain the best way. According to that, we suggest you plan your trip around two base locations as a starting point, Trento or Bolzano, both reachable by train.

By Air

We wish it was possible to fly directly to the Dolomites, however, it’s possible just to admire it from above while landing in a nearby city. Not many know that you can get access to the Dolomites, also landing outside of Italy. In less than two hours driving, you can reach Bolzano from Innsbruck airport.

The nearest airports for our One-week Dolomites Itinerary it’s Verona Villafranca International Airport, but you can also land at Venice Marco Polo International Airport. Verona, it’s 1 hour from Trento, Venice it’s 1 hour and a half.

Verona Airport – 1 hour away
Venice Marco Polo – 1 hour and a half away (Flixbus network available)
Milan Bergamo – 2 hours (reachable by Flixbus)

By Train

We have reached the Dolomites by Train, travelling from Southern Italy, however, it is possible also from the north, travelling from Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

While travelling through Italy you can check the train timetable on the official website of Trenitalia. However we suggest you book your ticket in advance, the ticketing in Italy can be quite difficult to understand at first.

Getting around the Dolomites

Travelling through the Dolomites by public transport it’s impossible. The links exist, however it will make travelling time to your entire trip, which makes it impossible to be followed promptly. In the South-Tyrol Area, you can check the Public transport network website or using a Trentino Guest Card. This allows you to take public transport and access to activities and places.

You have to rent a car to do a proper itinerary. It’s possible to reach Bolzano or Trento by train or bus, but you have to hire a car from there. Book your car in advance checking the best deals online.

Hiring a car in the Dolomites

Was indeed an entire paragraph regarding hiring a car, and driving it through the Dolomites. Typically those are just one-lane roads, often snowy and full of mountain bends. So you need a Compact SUV or an all-wheel-drive car, which will safely take you all around.

You might understand that depending on when you are travelling to the Dolomites, the demand for car hire can be high or low. However talking with a local, this it’s never low. Expect to pay a fee between £60 to £200 for a week car hire, this excluding insurance, which will raise the price.

We suggest you compare some car hire and match the best price, depending on your needs. Remember always to request the policy on the road assistance, just in case, you never know.

Driving in the Dolomites

It’s not easy, believe us! Often talking with our friends, in general, about driving in Italy, it comes up as one of the hardest things to get used to while visiting Italy. Driving in the Dolomites it’s difficult because there are often just one-lane roads, steep and full of curves and hairpin bends.

Visiting the Dolomites in winter it’s more challenging, and requires a good dose of driving skills while snowing or facing paths that are often unpaved, covered with snow.

The Closer you are to the north of the Dolomites, the more you will find the signs in Italian and German. Visiting the area of South Tyrol is common, same as the name for the locations, towns and places. It’s required to use the GPS, you might find this useful especially driving at night.

Practice at home, before travelling to the Dolomites. However it is not the same, try to familiarize yourself with narrow roads. The mountains passes are beautiful but full of pitfalls, drive slowly, maintain the distance from your next car. The distance is short, but because of up and downs, it is a slow pace driving, which will prove your driving endurance. Don’t care about locals driving fast on those roads or pushing you to go faster, take your time and enjoy the view.

Where to stay in the Dolomites

Depending on your Dolomites Itinerary you can choose the best location where to stay. In this Itinerary we cover the best of the ranges of the Italian Dolomites, taking you from the Trento Province to the Autonomous Bolzano Province, almost to the border with Austria.

For us the best way to enjoy a trip to the Dolomites in one week, it’s to find the perfect spot where to travel from. Renting a car will take you easily from your base to the location designed for daily activity. Below we have sorted a few locations we stayed in and some alternatives to consider. Bear in mind that the Dolomites hosts some of the best ski resorts in Italy.

Where to stay in Val di Fassa

WHERE TO STAY IN TRENTO

VAL D’EGA | SOUTH TYROL

Val d’Ega is a beautiful valley in the Dolomites that is known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Among the best hikes we must include the Latemar massif. Visiting Val D’Ega you will see that the valley is home to several charming villages like Nova Levante, Carezza, and Nova Ponente, each offering a unique atmosphere and plenty of amenities for visitors.

One of the best things to do in Val d’Ega is to explore the nearby lakes, such as Lake Carezza and Lake Costalunga. These stunning alpine lakes are known for their crystal-clear waters and are a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and other water sports.

The Val D’Ega is well-connected to other destinations in the Dolomites, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.

WHERE TO STAY IN VAL D’EGA

Respect the nature | Responsible Travel in the Dolomites

Often we are so enthusiastic about discovering new places that we forget how fragile the small ecosystem that surrounds us is. To preserve the area of the Dolomites, this became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The purpose’s to preserve the natural environment and to sensitize visitors not to contaminate and destroy this fantastic landscape. However, in recent years, over-tourism has put these places to a difficult test. Locations like the Lago di Braies, are becoming the instagrammable location in Trentino.

Which it’s good because it attracts tourism, however not all the travellers are responsible. A few handfuls of unruly tourists can destroy an ecosystem that took ages to become perfect as it is right now. The challenge to which we are called is to keep the territory pristine and make this beauty available for the next generations as well.

Just a few simple precautions can make the difference. Don’t litter and disperse plastic bottles or whatsoever, use instead of a reusable bottle with you. Organize a trip with friends, so you will use just one car to move around, and also split the costs. Avoid the crowds arriving on the spot early in the morning. Respect the local communities, be mindful of local rules and culture.

Travel Insurance

Nowadays booking travel insurance it’s becoming part of the travelling plan. It’s just a precaution and you should consider it even if you are an experienced traveller.

Planning an Itinerary through the Dolomites which includes activities like hiking and some other sports, it’s essential to have travel insurance. However, this is not just indicated because medical problems might occur, but also if your luggage gets lost, the connection between train and flight. Many Rental Cars agencies will lower the cost of car insurance if you have your Travel insurance, or this might cover entirely the costs of car accidents or damage to the car.

For us, having Travel Insurance it’s the way to enjoy our vacation with peace of mind.

Compare your next travel insurance

A 1-week full Dolomites Itinerary

We know how it’s difficult to plan an itinerary of 7-day including flight and commuting from one destination to another. If you have an entire week to spend in the Dolomites, you can live this experience at a slow pace. We love it!

You might add a few locations we suggested to you and have a great time in the Dolomites. Often the itineraries in the Dolomites are split in the South Tyrol area and the Brenta Dolomites, leaving also Trento a bit behind the schedule. However, all these areas are charming and beautiful to visit.

Alternative 5-day Dolomites Itinerary

If you have a relatively short time to spend in Italy, and want to reduce this itinerary to just a 5-day Dolomites Itinerary, you should consider what you want to see at the most. Divide this trip through the South Tyrol area, visiting Lake Braies and the hike to the Tre Cime di Lavarone with a few lakes in between. Alternatively, you can base your trip entirely in Val di Sole and Val di Non with more sports activities.

Check the best lakes in the Dolomites worth a visit

2 weeks itineraries of Dolomites

This is what we call a slow pace travelling. The best way to enjoy the Dolomites fully it’s taking a 2 weeks itinerary. Having more time it’s not mean only visiting more places, but also spending more time in a single place.

Instead of travelling from place to place, and just have a look around, you might plan a few activities more in a single place and enjoy the scenery at different times of the day. You can easily organize your trip through a week spent in Val di Sole and Val di Non, and the week after through Val di Funes and South Tyrol, spending a few days in Trento at the end of your trip.

FAQ | Dolomites Travel Guide