Unforgettable 4-Day Dolomites Itinerary: Mountains, Lakes, and Stunning Views
The Dolomites are arguably one of the most beautiful areas in Italy, and they are the perfect destination for outdoor lovers. They have breathtaking mountains, bright blue lakes, adorable mountain towns, and stunning views that will leave you feeling small in the best way. Whether you want to hike your way through the Dolomites or enjoy gondola rides to beautiful viewpoints, you will quickly fall in love with the area!
We spent a week in Italy, with most of our time in the Dolomites, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The Dolomites were a bucket list destination for me, and the views exceeded my expectations. We spent the week hiking, riding gondolas, enjoying scenic drives, and exploring everything we could fit into our itinerary.
If you want to visit the Dolomites, you are in the right place! Although you could spend months exploring everything it offers, you can see most of the must-see attractions in 4 days. This guide has everything you need to know to create the best 4-day Dolomites itinerary!
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Tips for Spending 4 Days in the Dolomites
Check Gondola schedules. Most gondolas are only open from May to October, and opening times change depending on the month. If you are visiting a popular area, like Seceda, I recommend getting the first gondola of the day to avoid lines and enjoy the trails with fewer people.
Have some cash for toilets and rifugios. Although some restrooms are free and some rifugios accept cards, we ran into a few instances where both required cash. For example, the rifugios near the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina hikes are cash-only for food and use of their toilets. You can usually find which ones are cash-only by a quick Google search to make sure you are prepared!
Pack layers and a rain jacket. The Dolomites have unpredictable weather that can change unexpectedly, making it crucial to pack gear just in case. The top of gondolas may also have cooler weather than the nearby towns, especially in the morning, and we always carried at least a light jacket to help.
Wear sunscreen. I know this may sound obvious, but it is crucial to wear sunscreen, especially when you are hiking. Many hikes are at higher elevations, and you can get sunburned pretty quickly. Trust me, we made that mistake on our first day because we did not think the sun would be that strong when we visited in September.
If you are celiac, download the AIC app. My husband is celiac, and I have a gluten allergy, so we were a bit nervous traveling to Italy. Luckily, Italy has a great program for celiacs, and restaurants can become AIC-accredited, which means they take precautions to create a safe environment for celiacs to eat. Tourists can download the app for 14 days for under $5, which we used throughout our trip, and it was incredibly helpful!
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can throw your trash away once you reach a trash bin.
Airports Near the Dolomites
The Dolomites are near a few airports, which gives you options to find the best flights. We flew into Venice, and honestly, I think that was the best choice. I also recommend renting a car because it will make your life a lot easier and give you the flexibility to be on your own schedule.
Venice is about a 3.5-hour drive to Val Gardena, the first place on your Dolomites itinerary. If you plan to spend a few extra days in Italy, Venice is the best city to visit in the area. We spent our last two days in the city, and it was fun exploring its hidden alleyways and historic buildings.
Milan is another great airport to fly into and is about a 3.5-hour drive to Val Gardena. We decided against flying into Milan because we wanted to end our trip in a city, and from what we had heard, Venice had more things to do.
The Dolomites have a few other small airports nearby, but those tend to have limited options and potential delays. Venice and Milan will be your best options for flight availability and reliability.
What to Pack for the Dolomites
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
The Best 4-Day Dolomites Itinerary
The Dolomites have many things to do, and this itinerary fits as much as possible into four days. The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to swap around days or swap out attractions. You could even start in Cortina d'Ampezzo and end in Val Gardena if that works better for you!
No matter how you decide to spend your 4 days in the Dolomites, you will quickly fall in love with these mountains. Get your hiking boots and cameras ready for an incredible trip!
Day 1: Val Gardena’s Iconic Hikes and Viewpoints
Your first full day in the Dolomites will be spent frolicking through Val Gardena. Val Gardena is a valley in the western side of the Dolomites and home to some of the most iconic hikes and viewpoints. Your day here will be filled with breathtaking views, good food, and fun hikes.
We spent two days in Val Gardena and hiked the iconic trails. We got up early to get on the first gondolas and give ourselves more time to explore. I highly recommend that you do the same! Trust me, you will appreciate the fewer crowds at some of these iconic places.
Where to Stay:
Val Gardena has many nearby towns with accommodations, with the most popular being Ortisei. It is the hub for most of the must-see attractions, making it a great place to stay during your trip. But Ortisei is a bit expensive because it is the best place to stay.
Other great options are Santa Cristina, Castelrotto, or Chiusa. These towns offer many accommodations and a quieter experience than being in Ortisei.
Things to Do:
Seceda
You will start your first day riding the first gondola to Seceda! Seceda is one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites and will quickly become one of your favorite places.
To reach the iconic viewpoint, you have to take two gondolas from Ortisei, which are open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm throughout the summer. I recommend getting the first gondola to avoid long wait lines and crowded trails.
Once you are at the top, you can hike only to see the iconic views along the 1.5-mile loop or hike a longer 6-mile loop to see more of the area. Note: If you want to hike the entire 1.5-mile loop, you have to pay an additional fee to access some of the trail. We skipped that portion because, honestly, the best views are before the fee gate.
We decided to hike the 6-mile loop, and it was so worth it! The views along the entire hike are stunning, and we enjoyed crowdless trails, which was nice.
If you have the time and want to explore more of the area besides Seceda, I highly recommend the 6-mile loop! We loved hiking the loop because the views were breathtaking! The end of the loop to get back to the gondola is steep, but we took our time hiking it, which helped.
Seceda also has a few huts where you can grab food or drinks and relax with a view. We saw many people hanging out at the Baita Sofie Hütte, and we would have done the same if it were not so crowded. But it makes the perfect place to take a break and eat lunch before heading back down on the gondolas.
Alpe di Siusi
Once you are finished exploring Seceda, you can head across town to take another gondola to the largest high alpine pasture. Alpe di Siusi is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Although a few gondolas bring you to Alpe di Siusi, the easiest way is to ride the gondola from Orteisei, which is open in the summer from 8:30 am to either 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm, depending on the month.
Once at the top, you can enjoy walking along the many trails, including the 2.7-mile loop near Alder Lodge Alpe, where the iconic viewpoints are.
If you have an extra day, you can explore more of Alpe di Siusi towards Compatsch, where you can rent bikes, hike more trails, or simply enjoy the beautiful views. If you only have a few hours, I recommend hiking the loop to see the iconic viewpoints. Trust me, they are beautiful!
Ortisei
It is time to grab dinner in Ortisei before heading out on your sunset mission! Ortisei is a cute mountain town with shops and a variety of restaurants. No matter what type of food you are craving, you will be able to find something in Ortisei.
Val di Funes
Now it is time to head out for sunset! Val di Funes is a stunning town with beautiful mountain views and churches. You could honestly spend an entire day hiking along trails near here, but since this is a shorter itinerary, you can spend your evening visiting a few beautiful viewpoints.
The two iconic viewpoints in Val di Funes are San Giovanni Church and Santa Maddalena Church. If you only have time to see one, you honestly cannot go wrong with either, but I would recommend Santa Maddalena Church.
To see San Giovanni Church, you can walk to a viewpoint right at the beginning of St. Johann Road. A large fence was put around the property due to disrespectful visitors, but you can see the church over it. If you want to get up close and personal with the church, you can go to Ranuihof Farm and purchase an entry ticket to explore its grounds. We did not go onto the grounds because we got there late, and the main viewpoint had a lot of people there, so we quickly took a look at the church before heading to Santa Maddalena.
To see Santa Maddalena Church, you have to hike a 3-mile round trip trail to the iconic viewpoint. The trail follows easy-to-follow paths and paved roads, and the views along the entire trail are stunning! The trail first leads you to the church grounds before traveling to a higher viewpoint overlooking the town, church, and surrounding mountains. The view is stunning and perfect for sunset!
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the final viewpoint before sunset. We arrived about 60 minutes before sunset, and it gave us just enough time to capture some beautiful photos.
Note: Both of these churches are in residential neighborhoods, so as always, be respectful and only hike along designated paths.
Day 2: Drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Your second day in the Dolomites consists of driving from Val Gardena to Cortina d’Ampezzo. If you were to drive straight through, it would take about two hours, but this itinerary stops at a few places along the way.
A few different roads lead to Cortina d’Ampezzo, but the two most scenic are Gardena Pass and Pordoi Pass. Although both are beautiful, I recommend driving towards Gardena Pass. The views along the road are stunning, with many viewpoints you can stop at.
No matter which way you choose to drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo, you will end up in the same area to enjoy gondola rides and hiking trails.
Where to Stay:
The rest of your trip will be at the same hotel near Cortina d’Ampezzo. Similar to Ortisei, the accommodations in Cortina d’Ampezzo are on the more expensive side, but it is a great basecamp to explore the area.
Things to Do:
Gardena Pass
One of the first viewpoints along the drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Gardena Pass, and let me tell you, this quickly became one of my favorite areas.
I recommend parking near Rifugio Frara and walking up to the trail behind it. Although you could hike the steep trail to another rifugio, you can enjoy the stunning views just from hiking a short way along the trail. The best views are at the beginning!
We stayed here for quite some time, enjoying the views and a snack. I absolutely loved this viewpoint, and we were lucky to arrive when we did because the clouds were moving in fast!
Cinque Torri
Once you are almost at Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can take another break to explore Cinque Torri. This area is absolutely stunning! Not only do you get five cool rock formations, but you get 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. The trail also brings you through an open-air museum with historic bunkers and trenches from World War I. It is really cool!
To reach the top, you can either hike the 1.6-mile one-way trail or ride the gondola. We rode the gondola because it was easier, and the views along it were stunning!
Once at the top, you can enjoy an easy 1.3-mile loop around Cinque Torri. The views of the 5 rock formations and surrounding mountains are stunning, and it was cool to get up close and personal with them. We also saw many rock climbers.
If you want a longer hike, you can add Rifugio Averau onto the hike for a total of 2.3 miles round trip. Our original plan was to hike to the rifugio, but the weather quickly changed, bringing in rain, so we were only able to hike the Cinque Torri Loop. But the hike was still stunning!
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Once you arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo and check into your accommodation, I recommend walking around the town. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a stunning mountain town with cute shops and delicious food.
We spent a few hours exploring the little shops and eating dinner. The entire town also has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, so you will quickly fall in love with it!
Day 3: Iconic Hikes Near Cortina d’Ampezzo
Are you ready to hike some iconic trails?! This day was my favorite in our entire Dolomites itinerary because the views were breathtaking.
The first two hikes start in the same parking lot, so you can choose which one you want to hike first to avoid crowds. Get your cameras and hiking boots ready for an epic day!
Note: Most rifugios near Tre Cime Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina only take cash for food, beverages, and toilets.
Where to Stay:
I recommend staying in the same accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is a great base camp for the rest of your 4-day Dolomites itinerary!
Things to Do:
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Note: Starting in 2025, you must reserve your parking space in advance at Rifugio Auronzo. I recommend reserving it as far in advance as possible because they book up quickly, especially in July and August. The parking reservation allows you to stay in the parking lot for up to 12 hours, which is perfect if you want to hike to both Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina. I also recommend booking an early timeslot to enjoy the trails with fewer crowds.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites for good reason! The views of the three peaks and surrounding mountains are breathtaking, and you do not have to hike far to take in the stunning views.
You can experience Tre Cime di Lavaredo in a few ways. If you only want to hike to the iconic view of the three peaks, you can hike an out-and-back 3-mile round trip trail to the Forcella Lavaredo viewpoint. We, unfortunately, had food poisoning this day, so we only made it to this viewpoint, but it was STUNNING! I also recommend hiking to the monument near the chapel on the way back for more spectacular views.
If you want to hike a longer loop to experience everything this area offers, the 6.2-mile loop around the three peaks is perfect. This entire hike offers incredible views and is worth every ounce of effort. You can even extend the hike in a few areas to get additional viewpoints, including a few lakes near Rifugio Locatelli.
No matter how much you hike to experience Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you will fall in love with this hike!
Cadini di Misurina
If the Dolomites are on your bucket list, it is safe to say Cadini di Misurina is as well. Cadini di Misurina is the iconic hike that you see everywhere because it has become famous for its views of the surrounding mountains.
And the best part? It starts near Rifugio Auronzo, and you can hike it before or after you finish the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike.
Cadini di Misurina begins across the parking lot from Tre Cime di Lavaredo and immediately descends before ascending steeply to the ridge. Although the hike is only 2 miles round trip, it is steep, making you work for the views.
Now, if you want a photo from the iconic viewpoint, you likely will have to wait in line. Sunrise and sunset tend to have fewer people, but even then, you will have to wait in a short line to get to the viewpoint.
I passed someone on the trail who said they waited over an hour to get a photo at the iconic viewpoint because everyone took about 15-20 minutes once it was their turn. I did not wait in line because the entire trail has stunning views of the mountains, and you do not need to go to the iconic viewpoint to experience them.
I recommend exploring the trails around the iconic viewpoint because they will have fewer crowds and the same breathtaking views. I shared these viewpoints with a handful of people, and they were large enough that we all could take photos without waiting in line.
After you finish exploring these trails, you can head back to Cortina d'Ampezzo to relax for the rest of the evening! Trust me, after hiking these two trails, it will feel amazing to rest.
Day 4: Dolomites Bright Blue Lakes
The final day of your 4-day Dolomites itinerary explores stunning lakes. The two lakes will take you most of the day to visit, so if you do not have enough time, I recommend visiting Lago di Braies before heading to your next destination. The trail is short and easy, making it the perfect way to end your Dolomites itinerary!
Things to Do:
Lago di Braies
Note: Between July and September, access to Lago di Braies is restricted between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm. You can either take a bus between those times or visit outside of the timeframe.
Lago di Braies is an iconic lake in the Dolomites known for its turquoise water, so I am sure you have seen it before. And let me tell you, it is stunning!
Since access is restricted most of the day, I recommend visiting Lago di Braies before 9:30 am. It is a wonderful sunrise spot, and there will likely be fewer crowds.
If you do not want to hike, you can take a quick walk to the lake shore to enjoy the views. You could also rent a boat, but it is expensive. When we went, it was 55€ for 45 minutes, so we decided to skip that.
If you want to explore the lake from a different perspective, I recommend hiking the 2.3-mile loop around Lago di Braies. It is a peaceful hike, taking you away from the crowds while providing beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
We arrived here late, so we only explored Lago di Braies from its shores, but it did not disappoint! Some of the mountains were in the clouds when we visited, but it was still beautiful.
Lago di Sorapis
Lago di Sorapis is another iconic hike in the Dolomites that leads to a stunning, bright blue lake. It is one of the most popular hikes, so I recommend arriving early to enjoy the area before the crowds come in.
The hike to Lago di Sorapis is not easy and will make you work for the views. The trail is 8 miles round trip with 2,000 feet of elevation and a few exposed sections. If you do not have time for both this hike and Lago di Braies, I recommend picking one to enjoy on your last day in the Dolomites.
The first half of the trail leads you through a beautiful forest before bringing you out on an exposed trail as you begin to ascend. The second half is exposed and steep, but once you arrive at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Lago di Sorapis.
You can enjoy the views from the beginning of the lake or continue hiking around the lake for unique views and fewer crowds.
Lago di Sorapis is a strenuous hike, but it is worth it for the views of the lake and surrounding mountains!
If you want to spend 4 days in the Dolomites, this guide is the perfect place to start planning! It has everything you need to know to create the best itinerary with must-see attractions and must-do hikes!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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