We are planning a 10 day visit to the Dolomites with a base in the East and one in the West. We want to avoid touristy Instagram box-checking photo traps and lean into peaceful immersion, natural beauty, local rhythms: refugio-based hikes, watching cows graze and clouds shift, forest walks or chapel trails where few people go, markets and cafés where locals actually go, maybe a farm stay.
How should we split our days between our east base and our west base?
The Dolomites by definition is very touristy, in the sense that there is no other real economic force to support the population. However, because it's not easy to reach, it is not the "Disneyland" of the Alps. It has escaped mass tourism.
What sites do you want to see and experience? When are you going?
How young are you? How physically fit are you? How experienced are you in extensive outdoor activities? Some hikes are considered easy/moderate for Europeans, but challenging for Americans.
Do you have kids? If so, how old are they?
Will you rent a car or use public transit?
What is your budget? The Dolomites is one of the more expensive parts of Italy.
We are an active 65 year old couple and we will have a car and want to see a variety of things while we are there. Which part of the dolomites would you say has the most variety?
