My husband and I are planning a trip to the Dolomites next May. We will have a car and will probably be there five days. I am having a hard time with my itinerary and figuring out where to stay and what to do. I was thinking we would stay in Cortina two nights and stay somewhere else the other two nights, maybe Cavalese? I guess I am confused on which driving route to take for the most scenic views, which passes to take, etc, etc. We'd like to see Cortina, Trento, Bolzano, the Alpe di Suisi cable car, Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Gardena Pass, Cavalese, and maybe Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, and Lago Di braies. Are there any things on my itinerary that are better than others? Anything I am missing? I have bad knees so I can't really do the long hikes, but I wouldn't mind a few shorter walks if anyone has any suggestions. Also, does anyone know where I can find a map of the Great Dolomite Road? Does Rick Steves have a drive in his guide book? I would love a map so I can see which villages the towns go through and make sure I am on the right track. Thanks so much for any help you can give me. I really appreciate it!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16338 posts
You can find a touring map on Amazon:
Note that the reviews say it is in Italian only, not English.
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
I did something similar in 2010 and loved it so much, we are returning in june.
Lago di Braies is a very easy walk, 1 hour, around the lake and the scenery is simply amazing.
Tre Cime Di Lavaredo is absolutly spectacular.
we did a walk that took us about 3 hours, from the parking to refugio Lavaredo(not very long), to refugio Locatelli and back.
Spectacular is an understatement. One of the best memories of my life.
Not that when your knees have enough, simply go back. You don't have to do it all but if you can, go up to refugio lacatelli. You are "behind" the 3 rocks. On the other side of the refugio, 2 small lakes. I call this heaven. :-)
So we stayed 2 nights in Cortina and then head on to Canazei for 1 night and did the Passo Pordoi cable car.
The great dolomite road is this:
http://www.thegreatdolomiteroad.co.uk/styled-39/index.html
And you will want to stop every 2 miles for pictures.
Have a wonderful trip
Claude