5 days. Two bases. A few summits. At least one speck-fuelled meltdown over how beautiful it all is. This curated itinerary is for adventurous travellers who want a punch of alpine glory without the burnout.

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The Dolomites aren’t the kind of place you just wing. With jagged peaks in every direction, a maze of scenic drives, and enough cable cars to make your head spin, it helps to show up with a plan — or at least a very good outline that leaves space for spontaneity and strudel.

This 5-day Dolomites itinerary is the sweet spot: not too short, not too long, just the right amount of time to fall head over boots in love with northern Italy’s most photogenic mountains.

Whether you’re hiking Seceda at sunrise, sipping Pinot Bianco in a mountain hut, or finally figuring out how to pronounce “rifugio,” you’ll get a taste of both the wild east and the gentle west — without feeling like you’re sprinting through the Alps with a GoPro strapped to your soul.

I’ve split the trip between two bases: one in the east (Cortina d’Ampezzo) and one in the west (Val Gardena), keeping your logistics clean and your experience rich. You’ll get mountains, lakes, hikes, views, strudel, and options. Lots of options. It’s scenic, it’s sensible, and yes — there’s aperitivo involved.

The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way – Cat.

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Who this itinerary is for

This 5-day Dolomites itinerary is made for curious, confident travellers who don’t need to summit every peak to feel like they’ve done the mountains — but still want a little grit with their glamour. You’ll love this route if you’re into hiking, photography, or just staring at mountains until they rearrange your brain chemistry.

It’s ideal for first-timers, solo women who like a plan, and anyone with a low tolerance for logistics chaos and a high tolerance for speck, strudel, and spontaneous roadside photo stops.

✔️ You want to see the Dolomites’ greatest hits without hopping towns every night
✔️ You’ve got a moderate fitness level and a sense of direction (and/or Google Maps)
✔️ You want a blend of hiking, scenery, and downtime — not a rush job
✔️ You like your mountain views with a side of tagliatelle and chilled local white wine
✔️ You’ve looked at a map of the Dolomites and thought, “…what if I just didn’t figure it out alone?”

This trip isn’t for the full-send via ferrata thrill-seekers or the one-base-all-week chillers. It’s for those in between — wild at heart, sensible at their core, camera in hand.

You will need to hire a car for this adventure!
⤷ MY PICK | Find the best deal with Discover Cars

How to use this itinerary

This Dolomites itinerary is a 5-day framework, not a prison sentence. You can follow it exactly or mix it up to suit your energy, weather, and whims. Most days include optional hikes or scenic detours, and you’ve got built-in breathing space if your legs (or camera batteries) need a break. Use the base towns as anchors, trust your gut, and remember: the goal isn’t to “see it all” — it’s to experience this mountain magic.

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5-Day Dolomites Itinerary Overview

This itinerary moves east to west, with two home bases:

→ Cortina d’Ampezzo (Days 1–2)
→ Val Gardena (Ortisei is the best base) (Days 3–5)

You’ll start in the rugged drama of the eastern Dolomites — think jagged peaks, surreal turquoise lakes, and hikes that feel like walking into a high-res screensaver. Then, you’ll curve through the mountains into the softer, larch-strewn landscapes of the west, where ridgeline walks, scenic cable cars, and secret speck sandwiches await.

Whether you’ve finally committed to that Italian summer trip, or you’re tacking on a mountain escape between Venice and Tuscany, this 5-day Dolomites itinerary gives you the best of both worlds — rugged hikes and strudel breaks.

Expect epic views, a few thigh-burning climbs, and plenty of time for speck platters, rifugio lunches, and doing absolutely nothing with a Hugo (or vino) in hand.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
➤ Tre Cime + Cadini di Misurina
➤ Lago di Sorapis
➤ Passo Giau
➤ Croda da Lago + Lago Federa
➤ Seceda
➤ Alpe di Siusi
➤ Optional overnight rifugio stay

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
⤷ Hotel Ambra in Cortina — woman-owned and full of character
⤷ Hotel Angelo Engel in Ortisei — central with a stunning spa, sauna and pool

Maps for this 5-Day Dolomites Itinerary

Feeling geographically confused? You’re not alone — the Dolomites are more of a delicious sprawl than a tidy loop. I’ve created two Google Maps to help:

➤ Eastern Dolomites: Tre Cime, Cadini, Sorapis, Cortina eats and sleeps

➤ Val Gardena + Val di Funes: Hikes, huts, viewpoints, and vino stops from Days 3–5

Use them to plan your routes, pick your hotels, or just zoom in and whisper “soon” like I do when I’m procrastinating real life.

Day-by-Day Dolomites Itinerary for 5 Days

A Quick Note on Day 1

This 5-day itinerary kicks off with a bang — an early start at Cadini di Misurina, followed by a full loop around Tre Cime. I’m assuming you’ve arrived in the Dolomites the night before (Cortina, Dobbiaco, or Misurina all work) and are ready to hit the trail early.

➔ Flying in that morning? No worries — if your flight gets you to Venice, Innsbruck or Verona early enough, you can still reach Tre Cime by lunchtime and squeeze in the main loop. Save Cadini for later in the afternoon as a short add-on, or just head to Misurina for a lakeside walk and a speck platter instead.

If you need more ideas for a chill half-day while settling in, check out my Build Your Own Dolomites Road Trip — it has short scenic stops perfect for a shorter day zero!

Day 1: Cadini di Misurina and Tre Cime Loop Hike

Base: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Vibe: Jagged peaks, insane views, and hikes that double as therapy sessions
Overnight: Cortina

Welcome to the mountains!

Morning: Start at Cadini di Misurina
→ Make your way up the toll road to the parking area beside Rifugio Auronzo, aiming to hit the road no later than 8 am
→ Hike out to the Cadini viewpoint first — it’s a short hike, absolutely iconic, and will take about 60-90 minutes return
→ Pack snacks or grab a quick coffee at Rifugio Auronzo before starting your Tre Cime hike at about 10 am

Late Morning: Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop Hike
→ The full 10km loop will take you 3.5–5 hrs, depending on pace, photo stops and how much time you linger over lunch!
→ Great lunch options are Rifugio Locatelli (about 90 minutes from the parking area) or Malga Langalm (around 2.5 hrs from the parking area)
→ Don’t skip the detour to the caves above Rifugio Locatelli — the views are incredible

Keen to organise your morning logistics?
⤷ How to Get to Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina
⤷ The Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike
⤷ Hiking at Tre Cime di Lavaredo

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Afternoon: Descend + Detour
→ Stop at Lago Antorno or Lago di Misurina for a post-hike drink or photo op
→ Drive to Cortina (about 40 mins, allow longer with scenic/photo stops)
→ Take the Cable Car up to Cima Tofana — Check times in advance since alpine cable cars have a habit of clocking off before cocktail hour

Evening: Settle into Cortina d’Ampezzo
→ Check into your hotel or apartment
→ Aperitivo and dinner in town — Il Vizietto di Cortina or Al Camin are great picks

☾ HOTEL PICK | My top overnight choice for Cortina is Hotel Ambra — woman-owned and full of character

Want some more hotel inspo?
⤷ Here’s my full guide for Where to Stay in the Dolomites

Day 2: Choose your adventure — Lago di Sorapis or Croda da Lago (Optional Rifugio Stay)

Base: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Vibe: One lake, two wildly different trails — pick your path, lace your boots, and let the Dolomites do their thing
Overnight: Cortina again — unless you’re up for a dreamy rifugio stay at Croda da Lago

Option 1: Lago di Sorapis (For confident hikers and high-summer glory)

→ Grab a quick breakfast and coffee — this one’s best tackled early
→ Drive 20 minutes to the trailhead at Passo Tre Croci
→ You can do the 11km return hike or a 13.5km loop (harder)
→ The trail includes rocky sections and narrow ledges — not for the faint of foot, but manageable with good shoes and steady nerves
→ Allow 4–6 hours total depending on pace and photo stops (you’ll make a lot of them)
→ Bring snacks or eat at the lake if Rifugio Vandelli is open
→ Best from July to early October once the snow has cleared
→ Expect fewer crowds if you go early — parking fills up fast

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Why choose this one?
✔️ You’re confident on uneven trails
✔️ You’ve seen photos and thought “is that even real?”
✔️ You want a wow-moment lake in a high alpine bowl that looks like a glacier licked it into shape

Want all the Sorapis scoop?
⤷ Here’s my full guide to Hiking at Lago di Sorapis

Option 2: Croda da Lago + Lago Federa (Easier hike, big autumn energy)

→ Park at Ponte de Ru Curto (15 mins from Cortina) and follow the trail up to the rifugio and lake
→ The out-and-back 8km route takes 3-4 hours; the full 13.5km loop is 5–6 hours with a bit more effort but serious payoff
→ Grab lunch or coffee and cake at Rifugio Croda da Lago — rustic, hearty, delicious
→ Best from June to October but especially magical in late September to mid-October when the larches turn gold

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Why choose this one?
✔️ You want something scenic but less strenuous
✔️ You’re visiting in autumn and want THOSE larch views
✔️ You’re a sucker for a mirror lake with dramatic peaks

Late in the season or think this one’s for you?
⤷ All the info you need for the Croda da Lago Hike

Bonus: Overnight at Rifugio Croda da Lago

→ Want golden hour, stars, AND sunrise on a mountain lake? Stay at Rifugio Croda da Lago.
→ If you’re doing this, you don’t need to hike in until after 3 pm — perfect for pairing with a morning adventure like Lago di Sorapis or a scenic drive
→ Pack your overnight kit and book well ahead — this place is popular for a reason
→ Hike out the next morning and continue west to Val Gardena

Why choose this bonus?
✔️ You want that “woke up in a postcard” feeling
✔️ You want the full ‘Dolomites mountain life’ experience
✔️ You’re down for simplicity: no fancy showers, maybe a snoring stranger in the next bunk, but all the vibes

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Evening: Back to Cortina

→ If you’re not overnighting at the rifugio, I would recommend a drive to Passo Giau for golden hour – the light on Ra Gusela is dreamy, and it’s only 30 minutes from Cortina
→ Head back to Cortina to rinse off the mountain dust and treat yourself to an unhurried dinner
→ For something different: try Ristorante Tivoli (fancy but worth it) or keep it cosy with Baita Fraina
→ Still loving that stay at Hotel Ambra? Same. You’re welcome.

CAT’S TIP | If you desperately want to hit up both Lago di Sorapis and Croda da Lago in a day, it can be done — rather than doing the loop options, just take the out-and-back choice for both. It’ll be a full-on day with 19km of hiking, but at least half of it will be downhill!

Day 3: Drive the Passes, Stop for the Views, Settle into Val Gardena

Base: Val Gardena (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva)
Vibe: Hairpin passes, larch forests, and your next alpine chapter
Overnight: Val Gardena (you’ll stay here for the rest of the trip) — Ortisei is the best base for Seceda access

Morning: Scenic Drive from Cortina to Val Gardena – Pick Your Route

Start your day with a lazy breakfast and espresso in Cortina — no need to rush! You can choose your route today depending on where you hiked yesterday (or just pick by vibes!).

If you did Lago di Sorapis or overnighted at Croda da Lago:
→ Take the scenic route via Passo Giau, one of the most photogenic drives in the region.
→ Wind your way up past grassy meadows and limestone peaks, stopping at Ra Gusela for a photo op if you missed it yesterday.
→ Continue west via Passo Fedaia with an optional stop to take the Marmolada cable car up to the highest peak in the Dolomites — there’s a WWI museum at Punta Serauta and glacier views for days
→ Stop at Lago di Fedaia beneath the Marmolada glacier or in Canazai for lunch
→ Then loop up through Passo Sella into Val Gardena.

If you did Croda da Lago:
→ Head northwest via Passo Falzarego where you can take the cable car up to Cinque Torri for panoramic views and WWI history
→ Back on the road, take Passo Valparola towards Alta Badia
→ Take a scenic lunch stop in San Cassiano or La Villa — charming villages with excellent food options (think tagliatelle with mushrooms and chilled Alto Adige whites)
→ Continue over Passo Gardena, dipping through Colfosco and Corvara, then cruise into Val Gardena from the east.

A NOTE ON OPTIONS | All the passes are spectacular, and there’s no such thing as a ‘wrong’ route! Driving from Cortina to Val Gardena direct takes about 2 hours. Add at least another 90 minutes for scenic stops, photo detours, and “I NEED TO PULL OVER FOR THIS VIEW” moments. You’re not just relocating. You’re meandering gloriously through the mountains.

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Afternoon: Arrive in Val Gardena + Optional Seceda Preview

→ Check into your hotel or apartment in Ortisei or Santa Cristina
→ Take a slow wander through Ortisei’s town centre — pop into artisan woodcarving shops or grab a gelato
→ If you’ve got energy to burn and arrived early enough, grab a return cable car to the Seceda ridgeline for golden hour views (worth every cent)
→ Otherwise, wander the town, visit a spa, or sip an Aperol in your hotel bathrobe — no wrong choices

TIP | Seceda cable cars typically run until 5:30–6:30pm depending on season. If you’re cutting it close, save it for tomorrow’s big day. The views aren’t going anywhere. Go sip a Hugo in a flower-filled garden instead. You earned it.

Evening: Dinner + Downtime in the Valley

→ For casual but lovely: Restaurant Tubladel in Ortisei
→ For Michelin vibes: Suinsom
→ For low-key and cozy: Baita Pauli Hütte or Turonda
→ If you’re staying at a hotel with half board, tonight might be a good night to enjoy it — you’ve earned a chill one

☾ HOTEL PICK | My top overnight choice for Val Gardena is Hotel Angelo Engel in Ortisei — central, walking distance to the cable car and an epic wellness centre for all your spa needs

Day 4: Seceda Ridgeline Hike + Alpe di Siusi Stroll

Base: Val Gardena (stay in Ortisei — you’ll thank yourself later)
Vibe: Postcard views, wildflower fields, and enough fresh air to rewire your entire nervous system
Overnight: Ortisei or Santa Cristina again — sleep deeply, you’ve earned it

Morning: Cable Car to Seceda + Ridgeline Hike

→ Catch the first cable car from Ortisei — it won’t get you up for actual sunrise, but the light is still magical early in the day
→ Hike along the Ridgeline Trail (2B) toward Furcela Pana for wide-open alpine drama
→ Fancy a longer loop? Head past the Perialongia spires to Rifugio Firenze and back — allow 3–4 hours for a decent circuit
→ Grab a coffee or strudel at Rifugio Fermeda or Rifugio Troier along the way
→ Head back down via cable car
→ Grab a lazy brunch or early lunch — Mauriz Keller in Ortisei is an excellent shout for strudel and scenery

Want to plan this properly?
⤷ Check out my full guide to Hiking Seceda
⤷ And if you’re up for a challenge, Hiking Seceda without the cable cars

☾ SUNRISE HACK | Want the golden glow? Read this first
You can catch sunrise at Seceda, but it takes planning. Your options:
→ Hike up from Santa Cristina before dawn — about 2–2.5 hours on a good trail, but it’s a pre-cable car mission, so bring a head torch and your brave girl boots
→ Book an overnight at a rifugio on the ridgeline — rare but epic (try Rifugio Fermeda or Rifugio Firenze, both usually open only in high summer)

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Afternoon: Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm Stroll

→ Take the Mont Sëuc cable car from Ortisei up to Alpe di Siusi — Europe’s highest alpine meadow
→ Once up top, walk one of the panoramic trails — wander along the Meadow Loop (13km) past Malga Sanon, or hike to Rifugio Molignon for a longer route with fewer crowds
→ Expect sweeping valley views, gentle trails, and wildflowers that would make Heidi cry
→ Don’t miss a Hugo or glass of white wine at Malga Sanon on your way back — they’ve got deck chairs and views for days

Need the details?
⤷ I’ve written a full breakdown of trails and tips here: Alpe di Siusi Hiking Guide

Evening: Dinner in Ortisei or Santa Cristina

→ If you didn’t do a big lunch, treat yourself to a long dinner tonight
→ Fancier mood? Try Anna Stuben (Michelin-starred and super seasonal)
→ More casual but delish? Cërcia Enoteca or Snetonstube
→ Finish with a stroll — or just collapse into your wellness hotel bed like the alpine queen you are

☾ Still haven’t booked? You already know I love Hotel Angelo Engel — walking distance to everything, spa included.

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Day 5: Val di Funes – Iconic Odle Peaks + That One Church You’ve Seen on Instagram

Base: Val Gardena (Ortisei – stay the night or head on after)
Vibe: Storybook villages, cathedral spires of stone, and a final flirtation with freedom
Overnight: Either one last night in Ortisei or move on (Bolzano? Venice? Tuscany? The moon?)

Morning: Drive to Val di Funes + Church Viewpoints

→ It’s about 45–60 minutes to Val di Funes from Ortisei — time it right and you’ll catch the morning light pouring into the valley
→ Head to the Church of San Giovanni in Ranui (iconic, tiny, backdropped by the Odle peaks — like a Wes Anderson set had a baby with a cathedral) and get snap happy
→ Back in the car and head to Zans car park (Parcheggio Malga Zannes)
→ Begin the hike to Geisleralm via Trail 6/36 — the Adolf Munkel Weg, about 9km (3h) return
→ Book lunch at Geisleralm — order the dumplings and something fizzy (Hugo Spritz 11/10 recommended), sit on the terrace, and prepare to cry a little over how stupidly beautiful life can be

This is an easy-moderate hike with a banging lunch destination!
⤷ How to get to Geisleralm

CAT’S VIBE | I’m very much ‘go big or go home’ when planning a quick trip, but if you’re after more relaxation then here’s a quick option:
→ Take the Resciesa funicular from Ortisei, walk to the Resciesa cross and the Resciesa Hut, looping back via the tiny mountaintop chapel
→ Spend the afternoon wandering the pretty Ortisei streets and chilling in the spa

Afternoon: Santa Maddalena + Church Viewpoints

→ Park up in the village and take a walk to the Santa Maddalena Viewpoint — some of the best views in the Dolomites
→ On the way back to Ortisei, take a detour to Seis for St Valentin’s Church — park in the town and walk back for the best angles
→ If you’ve still got time, drive up to the Church of St. Jakob in San Pietro for quiet views and cute alpine vibes
→ Drive back to Ortisei or continue on to your next destination
→ Raise one last glass to the trip you planned, the mountains you walked through, and the version of you who said “fuck it” and booked the trip

☾ STAYING ONE MORE NIGHT? | You already know I love Hotel Angelo Engel, but if you’re heading south, Parkhotel Laurin in Bolzano is an absolute vibe — historic, stylish, and 5 mins from the train.

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Tips for Planning Your 5-Day Dolomites Trip

➤ Don’t trust Google Maps’ optimism. A “45-minute drive” can turn into 90 if you stop every time the light hits the valley just right (you will). Pad your schedule.

➤ Cash is queen. Many mountain huts and smaller car parks don’t take cards. Stash some euros so your Hugo spritz dreams don’t end in heartbreak.

➤ Weather is a drama queen. Check forecasts, but also expect her to change her mind. Pack layers, and don’t be shocked if it goes from sun to sideways hail in ten minutes.

➤ Book restaurants + rifugi early. Especially in July–August. You’re not the only one who saw that Seceda photo and thought “I must go there immediately.”

➤ Slow down. The Dolomites aren’t a checklist. If you miss a hike, it’s not failure — it’s an excuse to come back.

FAQ: 5 Day Dolomites Itinerary

Final thoughts on your 5-day Dolomites itinerary

Five days. Two regions. A few thousand vertical metres and several speck platters later — you’ve officially had a taste of the Dolomites. And not just the postcard version. You’ve wandered ridgelines. You’ve hiked to hidden lakes. You’ve stood in valleys that made you whisper “holy shit” under your breath.

Whether you followed this itinerary to the letter or used it as a launchpad for your own alpine escapades, I hope it gave you the tools to plan boldly, travel wisely, and let the mountains do what they do best: remind you just how big, wild, and worth it the world can be.

And if you’re now furiously Googling how to come back for longer? Yeah, that tracks.

Loved this guide? Save it, share it, or send it to the friend you trust with snacks and Spotify playlists.
Already planning your next trip? Scream your mountain dreams at me in the comments or come find me on Instagram @catsninelives — I love a good spritz-fuelled manifesting session.