Italy · Alpine drama
The Dolomites
Field guide Planning edition 2026
Five mountain days with time for a high trail, a hut lunch, and the view that makes you stop walking.
The Dolomites cover several valleys. Choose one base for a shorter stay, or split a longer trip between Val Gardena and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Trails, lifts, and roads change with the season, so plan the day's route with local information before setting out.
- Best for
- Hiking, mountain food, scenery
- Go
- Jun-Sep for hiking
- Stay
- 5-7 days
- Pace
- One valley or trail each day
01 A trip with breathing room
A strong first route.
- Day 01
Settle into Val Gardena
Arrive in Ortisei or Selva, take a short valley walk, and leave the afternoon free to learn the local lift and bus connections.
- Day 02
A Seceda mountain day
Choose a trail that matches your ability, allow time for a mountain hut meal, and check the day's lift and weather information before leaving.
- Day 03
Alpe di Siusi at your own pace
Spend a slower day among open meadows and smaller paths; return to the valley early if mountain weather turns.
- Day 04
Move toward Cortina
Treat the cross-valley transfer as part of the trip. Stop only where parking and time permit, then explore Cortina on foot.
- Day 05
Tre Cime or a weather alternative
Make a full day of the Three Peaks area if access and conditions allow; keep a lower-elevation walk in reserve.
02 Choose your base
Where to stay.
Val Gardena without constant driving
Ortisei
A walkable village base with access to mountain lifts and a broad choice of lodging.Trail-focused travelers
Selva di Val Gardena
A higher village close to several hiking areas and mountain routes.Eastern Dolomites
Cortina d'Ampezzo
A practical base for the eastern peaks, including day trips toward Tre Cime.03 Worth booking
Experiences with context.
A guided mountain walk
A local guide can match a route to your fitness and explain the landscape beyond the viewpoint.
A hut lunch
Give a mountain rifugio time in the itinerary rather than treating it as a quick fuel stop.
An unhurried sunrise or evening
Choose a safe, accessible viewpoint and check transport and last lift times before committing.
Free planning workbook