DESTINATION ITINERARIES

VENICE and the DOLOMITES, ITALY 8 days

This itinerary visits enchanting Venice and the Dolomites, which are part of the majestic Italian Alps.

Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces.

The Dolomites are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy. They form a part of the Southern Alps.
It features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere on the planet, with vertical walls, cliffs, and narrow, deep, and long valleys.

The Photo Gallery can be found at the bottom of this page.

🇮🇹 Essential Tips:

If you want to avoid the crowds and high rates, skip the summer months. (June to August)
Buy the Skip-the-line tickets online to avoid long queues or book guided tours.
Priority fast-track tickets are available for most top Venice sights, including the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
Visit the most popular sights early in the morning, late afternoon, or book a guided tour if available.
Italians generally eat late; lunch is around 1.30 pm and dinner at 8 pm to 9 pm.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in tourist crowds. Gypsies are real; some of them are thieves and can be confrontational.
Travel Adaptors for Italy: Type C and Type F
Travel Guides: DK Eyewitness Venice and Fodor’s Essential Italy

PUBLIC TRANSPORT 🔗

Arrival Guide Map <Enlarge>

DAY 1

⚠️ Venice is a "water city," so your arrival is all about getting to the Piazzale Roma,
—the only place where cars and buses can go.

Arrival to Venice is usually by four (4) options:

Option 1: By air at Venice Marco Polo airport and transfer to your hotel near the Piazzale Roma.
- ⚠️ Piazzale Roma is the main entrance where most visitors arrive in Venice.
  - It is where the main Bus and Santa Lucia Railway Station are located.
    From here you can walk to nearby hotels, neighborhoods or sights.
  - ATVO or ACTV - offer express buses from the airport. The ATVO Express is widely
    considered the best bus option if you have luggage.
    📍Venice Airport is 14 km (9 mi) from Piazzale Roma.
    - Tickets are sold at airport machines and ground transportation booths.
    - <Read more about the bus transfer>
- Summary for Option 1: The Piazzale Roma Connection:
- Step 1: Buy Your Ticket
  As you exit the baggage claim area and enter the Arrivals Hall, look for the
  ATVO ticket office or the blue ATVO automatic ticket machines.
  - What to select: Venice Airport Bus Express to Piazzale Roma.
- Step 2: Find the Bus Platform
  Walk out of the airport's main exit doors and cross the first lane
  (where taxis are parked) to the second sidewalk.
  - Platform: Look for Platform 3 (or the blue ATVO signs).
  - The Bus: Board the blue coach labeled Venezia / Piazzale Roma.
- Step 3:Arrival and Walking
  The bus will drive directly across the bridge and pull into its final stop at Piazzale Roma.
  - Action: Step off the bus and collect your bags from the side compartment.
- Next Move: From here, you are at the main gateway to Venice. You can simply walk to your nearby hotel or
  head to the vaporetto (water bus) docks if your hotel is further into the city.
  ⚠️ Essential Arrival Notes:
  - Travel Time: The drive takes approximately 20 minutes.
  - One Stop Only: The ATVO Express is a non-stop service; Piazzale Roma is the only stop it makes.
  - Proximity: Staying near Piazzale Roma is a tactical advantage because it is the only part of Venice reachable by land vehicles, saving you from navigating the city's many bridges with heavy luggage.
- Another way is by Water transfer is by ferry: Aliloguna.
  - This is the most expensive option from the airport to your final destination. Prices vary by service. Private transfers
    start at €120 (does not include meet-and-greet or luggage help).

Option 2: Arriving by car from the mainland.
- The historical center of Venice is on the water and NOT reachable by car.
  - You must park your car in the mainland area of Venice.
- The three (3) parking garages are Tronchetto (popular), Piazzale Roma (closest), and Autorimessa Comunale.
  —From the garages, you proceed to Venice historical area by either bus, on foot, or by boat. <Learn more>
- In peak season, to avoid high parking fees and traffic at the three garages, park in Mestre and take the train to Piazzale Roma.
Option 3:
Arriving by train - Venezia Mestre (mainland): This is the first stop. Stay on the train. “Do not get off” unless your hotel is on the mainland. The train continues to cross the water to Venezia Santa Lucia station.
- Venezia Santa Lucia: It’s the final stop. This is the "real" Venice, where you walk out of the train directly onto the Grand Canal,
  and it's where the vast majority of tourists stay.
- The Golden Rule: Stay on the train until the tracks literally end at the water!
- ATVO bus service does provide transport from the airport to Mestre railway station.
Option 4: Stay at the airport. If time is limited, you can see Venice in one day.
- Stay at a hotel near the airport and take the bus to Piazza Roma for the day. It's especially convenient if you plan to leave for other places in Italy.

‍ ‍Best way to get around in Venice:

Walking: Venice is great for walking. Take advantage of a walking tour if you want to see historic sites with the help of a guide.
- “Walks“ is a very popular day tour operator.
The vaporetto is the ferry that takes you from stop to stop on the water.
- The most scenic boat ride in Venice is aboard the Linea Uno (No. 1) vaporetto. <route>
Use a traghetto (small ferry) to cross the Grand Canal. It takes about one (1) minute to cross.

Learn more about Gondolas

What you need to know about gondolas:

Take a gondola on the quiet back canals, not the crowded Grand Canal. The quieter canals
show a different side of Venice and how canals take the place of streets.
Most gondoliers will speak some English and little German or French.
The cost for a 40-minute ride is around 80-100 USD.
- Higher rates apply in the evening.
Overnight: Venice (3 nights)

DAYS 2 and 3

Saint Mark's Square: Piazza San Marco is Venice’s main square, lined with elegant cafés and shops. It’s ideal for watching the sights and people. In the evening, you can hear live music. Walking around the piazza is perfect for photos.
Saint Mark's Basilica: Basilica di San Marco, consecrated in 832 AD, is a beautiful church.
Doge's Palace: Palazzo Ducale on St. Mark’s Square is Venice’s grandest building and worth a visit. The palace was linked to its prisons by the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Grand Canal (Canal Grande): This is Venice’s main canal, full of boats and flanked by beautiful buildings.
Rialto Bridge: This is the main bridge over the Grand Canal in central Venice, over 400 years old. Visit early or after sunset to avoid midday crowds. Nearby is the lively Rialto Market with many small food stalls.
Galleria del Accademia: This impressive institution is one of Italy's most important art museums, with 24 rooms in three historic buildings. Get there early to avoid the crowds.
Venice's Islands: Visit one or more of the 118 islands in a day. Popular choices: Murano for handmade glass and Burano for
lace and colorful houses.
Overnight: Venice

DAY 4

Depart Venice and travel to “The Dolomites“ Alpine Majesty.
The Dolomites are part of the Italian Alps in northeastern Italy. They run about 200 km (125 miles) east to west and have
18 peaks over 3,000 m (10,000 ft).
This part of Italy is perfect for outdoor lovers. You can ski, hike, bike, and take photos.
It is essential to bring hiking poles, sturdy shoes, and a waterproof jacket.
Where to stay: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ortisei, Selva, and Corvara in Badia all make for a great base.
Lots of information can be found at dolomites.org
Distance: Venice ---> Cortina d’Ampezzo, 3 hrs. (300 km, 180 miles)

Make sure you have hiking gear

- Compared to city trips you need to pack more functional clothes due to the weather conditions which can change very quick in this region. You should invest into some good outdoor clothes which are comfortable but also easy to handle. Plan for only a few days, after or in between wash your clothes – this ensures to pack lightweight.
- T-Shirts (mid layer) – We recommend using breathable sport shirts
- Hiking Pants, with the option to turn into a short pant
- Rain Pants strongly recommended
- It is essential to bring sturdy shoes and a wind proof jacket
- Fleece Jacket (mid layer) – highly recommended for colder parts and the evenings!
- Breathable, waterproof Jacket as shell layer or a light Rain jacket
- Scarf – for cold and windy parts
- Warm Hat
- Sun glasses very important not to forget
- Hiking Poles are a huge asset when trekking the trails.
- Poles do help decrease the forces placed on the body.
  - This is good news for those individuals who have previously injured hips or knees and for those who hike with a heavy pack.
- Trekking Backpack – e.g. 50l internal frame backpacks are great for multiple day hikes,
- Hiking Daypack, if you plan short hikes
- Drybag – keeps your technical equipment dry
- ZipLocs, helps you organizing
- Energy Bars
- Great app for mapping your hike is AllTrails

DAYS 5 - 8

Visit the Dolomites National Park.
Cortina d’Ampezzo region - on Day 5 and 6:
- Cortina d'Ampezzo is an Italian Alps mountain town known for its stunning scenery and wide range of outdoor sports.
- The town has boutiques and local shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. Cortina d'Ampezzo also has excellent dining.
Visit The Three Peaks Nature Park - one of the most beautiful parks in the Dolomites.
- Hike Lake Sorapiss.
  - Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi. RT, Duration: 4 hrs. Elevation gain: 460 m
  - Moderate hike with some ladders, narrow passages, and metal cables.
  - Getting there: from Cortina, take state road SR 48 towards Passo Tre Croci-Misurina and, when you have reached the Pass,
    park the car. <Starting point> <GPS coordinates: 46.5578° N 12.2036° E>
- Hike Tre Cime-di Lavaredo - extremely popular and the region’s best hike. This trek begins at Rifugio Auronzo and heads north, circling back around and forming a loop that passes Col Forcellina on the way back.
  —Getting to: Tre Cime di Lavaredo –
  - By car, take state road SR 48 to Misurina and continue until paying a toll to enter the park. The scenic road brings you to the foot of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
  - Open from late May to the end of October. Get there before 8 am to avoid long lines at the toll booth.
  - The Tre Cime is 22 km (13 miles) from Cortina d’Ampezzo. <route> <GPS coordinates: 46°37'07.3" N 12°18'10.1"E>
Hiking Cinque Torre.
- A 4.0-mile loop trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route.
- <Getting there> From Baita Bai de Dones, the 5 Torri chairlift reaches the striking rock towers in 6 minutes, rising to 2,000 meters, where you can enjoy a unique mountain view. <GPS coordinates: 46.5184806”N 12.0363771”E>
Trek the Rifugio Città di Flume - Col della Puina.
- A 7 km (4.4-mile) out-and-back trail near Borca di Cadore. <route>
- GPS coordinates: 46.42869 12.11472
The Fanes-Sennes-Braies-Prags Nature Park. Enjoy breathtaking 360°-views.
- Stroll around Lago di Braies, arguably the most beautiful lake in Italy. Its blue-green color and stunning backdrop are breathtaking. The hike itself is easy. <route>
- Best hike: Alta via 1 - one of the most thrilling walking paths. The Alta via 1 goes from Lake Braies to Belluno.
  - It’s a 120 km (42-mile) trail, but you can jump at many points and hike in small stages. <Learn more > <map>
Val Gardenau region - on Days 7 and 8:
Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva Gardena are great bases for day trips in the western Dolomites. These lively, pretty villages offer shops, restaurants, and top hiking.
The Puez-Odle / Puez-Geisler Nature Park.
- Best hike: Seceda to Col Raiser - a short 7 km (4.1 mile) trek located near Ortisei. Difficulty: moderate. <route>
  - In Ortisei, ride the Seceda chairlift to the top to begin the hike. The lift usually runs from early June to late October.
    You can find the exact dates on the Seceda Cableways website.
- Best hike with children: Passa Sella-Rifugio Emilio Comici - a 6 km (3.3-mile) loop trail near Selva di Val Gardena.
  Generally considered an easy hike. <Directions>
The Sciliar-Catinaccio / Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park.
- About an hour’s drive from Ortisei, the park includes the pretty villages of Castelrotto and Siusi.
- The best trail is the Schlern-Tierser Alp Loop.
- Val Gardena Loop (Alpe di Suisi) - this is a very easy 7 km (4 mi.) hike through a large, high alpine meadow.
  - Alpe di Siusi has many easy trails and amazing family-friendly views.
  - Getting there- drive to Castelrotto and then take Seiser Alm Bahn - Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi cableway to Compatsch to begin your hike. <GPS coordinates: 46.5403° N, 11.5640° E>
Hike the Santa Maddalena Val di Funes Panorama Trail Loop.
- <How to find the famous picture> Trailhead: Santa Maddalena Village. <GPS coordinates 46.64127 11.71525>
- Distance: 9.5 km, Duration: 3.5 hrs. Elevation Gain/Loss: 380 meters. Difficulty: Easy
Overnight: Dolomites (5 nights, Day 4 - Day 8)
- Cortina d’ Ampezzo is a good base for the western part of the Dolomites, and Ortisei works well for the eastern region.
- Where to stay in <Cortina d’Ampezzo> and <Ortisei>
- The driving time between Cortina d’ Ampezzo and Ortisei without stops is 2 hours.

HIKING SUMMARY - ENLARGE 🔗

🌤️ Climate

Historical Weather data for the Dolomites:
During June through September, you are likely to experience good weather with pleasant temperatures between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F).
The coldest season/winter is the months of December through early March.
Historical Weather data for Venice, Italy:
Venice has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and fairly mild winters.
Between November and March, there is occasional flooding in Venice (an average of 50 times).
This should be a consideration when visiting at this time of year.
Sunrise/Sunset time.