The Best 20-Day Dolomites Itinerary
The itinerary for a 20-day trip in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, allows you to fully explore the most iconic valleys, tackle some of the most spectacular hikes and via ferratas, and immerse yourself completely in the alpine culture.
Considering the duration, the best approach is to divide the trip into four strategic base areas (around 5 days per area) to minimize travel time and maximize time on the trails.
Here is a suggested itinerary that combines must-see locations with options for serious hikers and photographers.
PHASE 1: Sesto and Ampezzo Dolomites (Cortina d’Ampezzo / Dobbiaco) – Days 1-5
This area is famous for its iconic peaks and alpine lakes. Base: Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco/Misurina.
| Day | Main Activity | Location and Description |
| 1 | Arrival and Acclimatization | Arrive and settle into your chosen base. Take a short walk around Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See) or Lago di Misurina. |
| 2 | Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) | Loop hike starting from Rifugio Auronzo. The most famous route in the Dolomites, with breathtaking views of the Three Peaks. (Approx. 3-4 hours, easy/moderate). |
| 3 | Lago di Braies and Croda del Becco | Walk around Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), the emerald-colored lake, with an option to rent a boat. Hike towards Rifugio Biella or Sora Forno Pass for a full view. |
| 4 | Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi | Hike to Cinque Torri (Five Towers), an area of historical interest (WWI open-air museum) and stunning scenery. Take the cable car up to Rifugio Lagazuoi for incredible panoramic views and to visit the WWI tunnels. |
| 5 | Lago di Sorapis | Challenging (moderate/difficult) hike to Lago di Sorapis, famous for its incredible turquoise color. |
PHASE 2: Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi (Ortisei / Selva di Val Gardena) – Days 6-10
Focus on the vast alpine landscapes, wide meadows, and the stunning Odle peaks. Base: Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, or Castelrotto.
| Day | Main Activity | Location and Description |
| 6 | Transfer and Alpe di Siusi | Transfer (with a possible stop at Lago di Landro or Falzarego Pass). In the afternoon, take a cable car (from Ortisei or Siusi) up to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), Europe’s largest high-altitude meadow. |
| 7 | Seceda: The Val Gardena Icon | Take the cable car up to Seceda. Hike along the ridge to admire the famous sharp peaks of the Odle/Geisler Group. Lunch at Rifugio Odles/Malga Geisler. |
| 8 | Sassolungo and Sassopiatto Circuit | Loop hike around these imposing peaks, starting from Sella Pass (Passo Sella). The route can be partially completed using lifts and is suitable for most fitness levels. |
| 9 | Val di Funes and the Odle | Day trip to Val di Funes to photograph the two iconic churches: Santa Maddalena and San Giovanni in Ranui, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Odle Group. Hike the Adolf Munkel Trail. |
| 10 | Via Ferrata or Panoramic Trail | Option A (Via Ferrata): Via Ferrata Sass Rigais (challenging) or Sentiero Attrezzato delle Cime (Odle). Option B (Hike): Hike to Rifugio Puez or Sassongher (Alta Badia, starting from Gardena Pass). |
PHASE 3: Val di Fassa, Catinaccio, and Marmolada (Canazei / Moena) – Days 11-15
This area offers reddish peaks and the largest glacier, with a strong connection to Ladin culture. Base: Canazei, Moena, or Vigo di Fassa.
| Day | Main Activity | Location and Description |
| 11 | Lago di Carezza and Arrival | Transfer. Stop at Lago di Carezza (Karersee) (the rainbow lake). Settle into your Val di Fassa base in the afternoon. |
| 12 | Catinaccio and Vajolet | Ascend to Catinaccio (Rosengarten). Take a moderate hike to the Vajolet Towers (Rifugi Vajolet and Preuss), the site of the legend of King Laurin. Ideal for watching the Enrosadira (the phenomenon of the rocks turning red at sunset). |
| 13 | Sellaronda Trek or Piz Boè | Take on the Sellaronda Hike Tour (a scenic loop using lifts) or hike/via ferrata to Piz Boè (3,152 m) in the Sella Group, one of the easiest 3,000+ meter peaks to reach. |
| 14 | Marmolada: Queen of the Dolomites | Take the cable car up to Punta Rocca (3,265 m) on the Marmolada. Admire the glacier and visit the WWI Museum at the summit. Enjoy the 360° panorama across most of the Dolomites. |
| 15 | Relax or Low-Altitude Trail | Option A: Hike at Passo San Pellegrino or in the Monzoni Group. Option B: A day of relaxation and wellness in one of the valley’s spas, or explore the towns of Moena and Canazei. |
PHASE 4: Pale di San Martino and Belluno Dolomites (San Martino di Castrozza / Agordo) – Days 16-20
The wildest and most extensive area, famous for the lunar plateau of the Pale Group. Base: San Martino di Castrozza or Falcade.
| Day | Main Activity | Location and Description |
| 16 | Transfer and Passo Rolle | Transfer to San Martino di Castrozza. In the afternoon, visit Passo Rolle and take a short walk at the base of the Pale di San Martino and Cimon della Pala. |
| 17 | Pale di San Martino Plateau | Take the cable car (Colverde and Rosetta) up to the Pale Plateau. Hike in this rocky, lunar landscape, visiting Rifugio Rosetta and the Velo trail. |
| 18 | Lago di Coldai and Civetta | Drive towards the Civetta Group. Hike to Rifugio Coldai and the lake, with a spectacular view of the Northwest face of Monte Civetta, one of the most impressive rock walls in the Alps. |
| 19 | Belluno Dolomites and Alleghe | Visit Lago di Alleghe (often with the Civetta reflected in its waters) and the historic center. Hike in the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park to experience the wilder nature of the region. |
| 20 | Departure | Enjoy a final breakfast with a view of the Dolomites and depart. |
Essential Tips for Your 20-Day Trip
- Ideal Time to Visit: Late June to early September. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. September offers great weather with fewer crowds.
- Transportation: A rental car is essential for covering such a vast itinerary and having the freedom to move between valleys and mountain passes.
- Gear: Pack layers (even in summer, high altitudes are cold), quality hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and a good backpack.
- Via Ferrata: If you plan to do Via Ferratas (like Brigata Tridentina or Tomaselli), you must have the full safety gear (helmet, harness, certified via ferrata set) and consider hiring a mountain guide if you are a beginner.
- Reservations: Book your accommodations and especially the mountain huts (Rifugi) well in advance (up to 6 months ahead for August). Also, pre-book major cable car tickets or the Tre Cime access.
- Dolomiti Super Summer Card: Consider purchasing a lift pass (e.g., Dolomiti Super Summer Card), which can save you significant money on cable car fees.
