If there's one place in Europe you absolutely must visit, it's the Dolomites. With whimsical peaks, enchanting blue mountain lakes, and endless vistas, driving through the Dolomites is an experience like no other. This 10-day itinerary will guide you to the most breathtaking spots in the region. Prepare to discover what Italians mean by 'la bella vita' as you embark on this adventure.
Take the time to soak in everything the Dolomites offer—historic towns, fantastic hiking trails, exquisite wines, and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine. This route comes complete with campsites, driving tips, and the best things to do in the Dolomites.
Practical tips
Toll gates are commonly used across Italy. Payment can be made with cash, debit, or credit card, so keep those handy. If you prefer, you can set your GPS to avoid toll roads or even highways altogether. However, this might lead you onto some incredibly steep mountain roads, so consider whether you're comfortable with that and if your motorhome can handle this. Even on the highways, you'll still enjoy some of the most beautiful routes Italy has to offer.
Keep an eye out for environmental zones. This route starts in Bolzano, which has an environmental zone in the Old Centre. This shouldn’t be an issue, as you’ll camp outside the city and take the bus into the centre, but just keep this in mind to avoid a nasty fine later.
As for getting to Italy in the first place, you can take the ferry to northern France (Calais, Dunkirk, Cherbourg or Caen). We recommend Calais. Head to Reims and on to Nancy in the east, then into Switzerland to get to Milan. This route will take you via Basel, Lucerne, and pass into northern Italy through the Gotthard Tunnel. The drive from France to Milan will take about 12 hours, and you’ll get to see some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. For a more straightforward drive from France to Italy, simply use the French autoroute all the way.
Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar tunnel, depending on where you’re starting in the UK. Or, to save time, fly to Bolzano or Venice, and hire a motorhome in Italy. Adapt the route based on where you start.
Day 1 - Bolzano
Welcome to Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, which is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Dolomites.’ We’ll start this Dolomites itinerary with some time in this great city and the surrounding mountains. Take the time to wander through the streets and savour South Tyrolean dishes at the local cafés. Don't forget your walking shoes, as the mountain trails beckon you for some truly impressive hikes. You might want to plan an extra day in Bolzano, but we’ll leave that up to your discretion.
Things to do in Bolzano:
-Explore the atmospheric city centre with its colourful facades and picturesque squares. You can start your day with a cappuccino at Luna Café, a local favourite, but don’t forget that the Italians are strict about when it’s appropriate to drink milk in your coffee! Follow this with a stroll along the cobblestone streets, admiring the Bolzano Cathedral, the Gothic Church of Francis, and the Archeology Museum with Ötzi the Ice Mummy. Don’t miss the stunning views of the Rosengarten and Sciliar massifs towering over the city.
-History buffs will love the majestic castles in Bolzano. You can find Castel Mareccio right there in the city centre, which offers beautiful views of the Rosengarten Massif and hosts exhibitions and culinary events. Castel Roncolo, north of the centre, features medieval frescoes and a restaurant where you can dine in historic style. Castel Firmiano, in the southwest, is considered the first true South Tyrolean castle and now houses the Museo della Montagna di Reinhold Messner.
-Take a ride on the Rittner Seilbahn cable car to the top of Renon for stunning panoramic views of Bolzano and the surrounding mountains. The cable car departs every 4 minutes and gets you to the peaks in just 12 minutes, so you’ll be enjoying the scenery in no time.
Staying at: Campeggio Moosbauer
Located on an old farmyard, Campeggio Moosbauer is a family-run campsite that has been passed down from generation to generation. The natural pitches are separated by hedges and offer incredible views of the mountains, and surrounding foliage provides plenty of shade. Campeggio Moosbauer features a saltwater pool, an on-site shop and a restaurant serving delicious local food and traditionally brewed beer.
Meraner Str., 101, 39100 Bolzano, Autonome Provinz Bozen - Südtirol, Italy
46.503415, 11.300210
Day 2 - Lago di Carezza and Pozza di Fassa
Expect about an hour of driving today, though it’ll feel even shorter than that with the exciting stop we’ve got planned along the way. For a break from driving, we recommend the walk at Torre di Pisa. Start early in the day to enjoy a peaceful mountain walk from Obereggen to the Torre di Pisa mountain hut, using the chairlift from Obereggen to Oberholz. After the hike, treat yourself to a hearty lunch at Platzl - The Mountain Lounge, right by the cable car in Obereggen. Then time to get back in your motorhome and on the road again.
Your next stop is Lago di Carezza, one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in the Dolomites. Walking around this stunning expanse of water is honestly one of our favourite things to do in the Dolomites. It should take about half an hour at a leisurely pace, especially with stops to take photos. Then you can head on to your campsite for the night, located in Pozza di Fassa.
Staying at: Rizzi Camping Catinaccio Rosengarten
Camping Catinaccio Rosengarten has been run by the Rizzi family for three generations. Located in the lively UNESCO-listed Val di Fassa, just 200 meters from the village of Pozza di Fassa, this campsite offers wellness facilities like a steam bath and sauna to help you relax after a strenuous hike. Enjoy the panoramic views at 1,320 meters above sea level, grab essentials at the campsite shop, and unwind with snacks and drinks at the bar, where you can also order fresh bread for the following morning.
Strada de Pucia, N°4, 38036 San Giovanni di Fassa TN, Italy
46.426131, 11.686050
Day 3 - Over the Gardena Pass to Corvara
Today, you'll be driving your motorhome over one of the most stunning mountain passes—the breathtaking Gardena Pass. Known for its spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, the Gardena Pass is a favourite among travellers. Expect the drive to take about an hour and a half. Along the route, you'll come across several parking spots that are perfect for taking a break and soaking in the scenery. These stops offer some of the best viewpoints, so be sure to keep your camera close to hand.
Then it’s time to hike up Grand Cir. This is a challenging walk, so we recommend setting off early if you plan to tackle it. This route is suitable only for experienced mountain hikers. Beginning before sunrise offers you the chance to witness a spectacular dawn from the summit, so we hope you packed a headlamp. The most convenient parking spots are located near the Souvenir Passo Gardena shop, where you can easily access the Cir chairlift to get significantly closer to the peak. Be aware that the Plans-Frara chairlift is less ideal, especially since its parking area is currently inaccessible.
If that walk seems a bit too challenging, or you’d like a second, easier hike, then plan a stop at Cascada Pisciadù. Walking from the village to Cascada Pisciadù and back again is six kilometres and should take about forty-five minutes.
Staying at: Camping Sass Dlacia
Camping Sass Dlacia, perched at 1,680 meters, is the highest campsite in the Dolomites, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape. Located near the entrance of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Natural Park, the campsite has a welcoming atmosphere and the refreshing scent of pine trees. For relaxation, you can enjoy the ‘Nature Wellness’ area, which features three different saunas: a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, and a hammam — what a treat!
Sciarè 11 San Cassiano in, 39036 Badia BZ, Italy
46.554279, 11.969739
Day 4 - Over the Campolongo Pass to Cortina d’Ampezzo
We’ve got another scenic route planned for today. Take a detour from the campsite to Cortina d'Ampezzo by driving through Corvara to experience the stunning Campolongo Pass. This might be one of the most beautiful drives in our Dolomites itinerary, so definitely don’t skip it.
If you’re open to a small detour, we’ve got one of the best things to do in the Dolomites lined up for you. About 20 minutes before reaching Cortina d'Ampezzo, you can take the Seggiovia Cinque Torri cable car for an easy hike around the Cinque Torri. Upon arrival, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The five distinctive towers are truly stunning, with the tallest being Torre Grande, which rises to 2,361 meters. This hike offers a fantastic opportunity to admire these remarkable formations up close.
After taking in the views, walk from the cable car's end station to Rifugio 5 Torri. From there, head slightly east and then north toward the Trincee Italiane Prima Guerra Mondiale. As you explore the Museo Postazioni Italiane Grande Guerra alle Cinque Torri (quite the mouthful), you'll eventually loop back to the cable car. This walking route is easy and suitable for children, but if it feels too long, you can simply walk to the nearby viewpoint from the cable car station.
Cortina d’Ampezzo has frequently been used at the backdrop for films, and you’ll quickly understand why. There’s plenty to do in this stunning town, including a historic centre, museums, and boutiques.
Staying at: Camping Rocchetta
Located just outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo, this campsite offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Camping Rocchetta is only a twenty-minute walk from town, but it has everything you’ll need, including a supermarket, bar, dog area, jacuzzi, and mini golf. Don’t worry, hot water is a guarantee, so you’ll never have to end your day of exploring with a cold shower.
Località Campo di Sopra, 1, 32043 Cortina d'Ampezzo BL, Italy
46.522533, 12.134109
Day 5 - Lago di Sorapis
Sometimes it’s worth staying somewhere an extra day, and this is one of those situations. You’re going to spend another night at the delightful Camping Rocchetta and go for an incredible hike today. Lago di Sorapis is one of the most stunning lakes in the Dolomites. You can reach Lago di Sorapis via two hiking trails: routes 215 and 217, with most choosing the easier yet still challenging route 215, starting at the Passo Tre Croci car park. Drive there in your motorhome or take bus 030 from Cortina (about 30 minutes), and start early to avoid the crowds.
The first 4 kilometres of the trail are the easiest, leading you through a mostly flat, forested area. This is ideal if you’re still waking up. After that, the path becomes steeper, offering increasingly stunning views. After 5 kilometres, you'll arrive at Lago di Sorapis, a breathtakingly beautiful lake that glows even bluer in the sunlight. Pause at Rifugio Vandelli for food and drinks from 10:00 AM, and remember to refill your water bottle before heading back or taking a loop around the lake.
To return to the car park, simply retrace your steps along the same route. The entire hike takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Keep in mind that swimming in the lake is prohibited to protect its delicate ecosystem and maintain its blue colour. Throwing stones into the water is also not allowed, as it can impact the ecosystem.
Staying at: Camping Rocchetta — again!
Day 6 - Tre Cime and Lago di Dobbiaco
Wake up nice and early, as you’ve got a busy day ahead of you. You’re going to explore the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most iconic hiking trails in the Dolomites. Though the walk is easy, the unforgettable views of the majestic Tre Cime will stay with you forever.
The hike begins at Rifugio Auronzo, which is accessible by car via a €30 toll road—pricey but convenient. When we urge you to arrive early, we really mean it. Ideally, you’ll start this hike by 8:30 AM. This will allow you to avoid the crowds, especially if your Dolomites road trip is happening in the peak season.
You can start by walking to Rifugio Lavaredo via hiking trail 101, where you'll enjoy views of the Drei Zinnen and Cadini di Misurina mountain area. The trail rises gradually, making it an easy hike, and from there, you can continue to Rifugio Locatelli. If you'd like to recreate the famous Instagram photos of the Drei Zinnen from a cave, walk past the chapel and follow the goat paths near Sasso di Sesto to reach the caves with breathtaking views. Afterwards, follow route 105 towards Malga Langalm, a scenic part of the trail leading to an idyllic mountain hut, and from there, it's just 2.5 kilometres back to the starting point, completing the 11-kilometer hike in about 4 to 5 hours. If you find this to be a little too ambitious for you or your little travellers, you can also just walk to Malga Langalm and back, which is about five kilometres.
Staying at: Camping Toblacher See
This beautiful campsite sits right by Lago di Dobbiaco, offering panoramic views of the lake from terraced pitches. Camping Toblacher See is focused on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, utilising renewable energy, regional products, and local materials throughout the site. With luxurious sanitary facilities that feel like a wellness centre, an on-site wine cellar, and a restaurant known for traditional Tyrolean dishes, you’ll struggle to leave this campsite.
Toblacher See 3, 39034 Dobbiaco BZ, Italy
46.706211, 12.218050
Day 7 - Lago di Dobbiaco
Take a look around, you’re standing beside one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, if not the world. Lago di Dobbiaco is a mesmerizing sight, with overlapping shades of shimmering teal and reflecting the surrounding mountains. Due to its large size, it never feels too busy here, but if you’re lucky enough to be here outside in the summer, you’ll likely be overcome by the tranquillity and peace of Lago di Dobbiaco. Some of the best things to do in the Dolomites can be found right here, so it’s time to choose how you’ll spend your time at Lago di Dobbiaco.
Things to do at Lago di Dobbiaco:
-Need a break from hiking? Try some mountain biking! We recommend joining a guided tour from the campsite that takes you through scenic routes with stunning viewpoints and rifugios. For self-guided options, consider biking the 30 km Val di Landro route to Cortina or the 50 km Drava cycle path to Lienz, with train return options available, or head 30 km to Bruneck and return by train.
-Just 50 meters from the campsite, you can rent a boat to explore the lake further. Relax and enjoy the warm sunshine as you gently drift on the water, or challenge each other to a pedal boat race. You can also explore the lake on foot via a scenic walking path that features interactive learning stations and several viewing platforms.
-Head twenty minutes further to the nearby Lago di Braies. Try to make it here for sunrise, to catch its beauty at sunrise, when the lake mirrors the glowing peaks. After 9:30 AM, parking requires a prior reservation, so early arrival ensures a peaceful visit and a 2-hour, 3.6 km walk around the lake on mostly flat terrain.
Staying at: Camping Toblacher See – again!
Day 8 and 9 - The Antholz Valley
Don’t worry, we’re not going to urge you to leave by sunrise again. You’re on holiday, you deserve a nice lie-in and a relaxed cup of coffee at the campsite. Then it’s time to drive about thirty minutes to the Antholz Valley. Antholzer Tal, a side valley of the Upper Puster Valley in Rasen-Antholz municipality, is part of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park and is named after the village of Antholz. We’ve got a lot of great options when it comes to what to do in this region, which is why we recommend taking two days here. But if you’re in a rush, make some tough choices and spend a day here instead.
Things to do in the Antholz Valley:
-It’ll come as no surprise that we’re recommending another hike. The Antholz Valley is one of South Tyrol's most pristine areas, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. From this valley, you can enjoy walks leading to the Rieserferner-Ahrn or the Staller Sattel pass.
-South of the campsite you’ll find Kronplatz, a great destination for both hiking and cycling. With the Kronplatz-Drei Zinnen train connection, you can quickly reach your chosen starting point and access some of the area's most scenic routes. Additionally, Kronplatz features two museums: the LUMEN - Museum of Mountain Photography and the Messner Mountain Museum Corones.
-Need some time away from nature? We’ve also got a great city recommendation for you. Nearby Bruneck, or Brunico in Italian, features a historic centre with medieval buildings, narrow streets, and charming squares. You can also visit Schloss Bruneck, which houses a museum focused on mountaineering and mountain cultures, and enjoy delicious pizzas at Der Keller Pizzeria.
Staying at: Camping Antholz
Welcome to Camping Antholz, where you can expect panoramic views with spacious, cosy pitches spread across several small fields. The central sanitary building features clean showers, toilets, and accessible facilities, while a service point for chemical toilets is available for campers. Additionally, there are free infrared cabins and a sauna for relaxing, and the main building houses a restaurant and bar with a sun terrace serving traditional dishes and Italian pizza.
Obertaler Straße, Via Anterselva di Sopra, 10, 39030 Rasun-Anterselva BZ, Italy
46.864781, 12.109468
Day 10 - Return home
All the best things must come to an end, including this Dolomites itinerary. If you’re leaving from Bolzano, it’s just over a two-hour drive from the Antholz Valley. If you’re driving home from here, it’ll likely be a two-day journey.
When it comes to a region as beautiful as the Dolomites, even a week and a half won’t allow you to explore it in its entirety. But this Dolomites road trip should allow you to put a good dent the the bucket list. Whether you're hiking to iconic landmarks, exploring charming villages, or enjoying local cuisine, the region offers unforgettable experiences at every turn. With its diverse landscapes and rich culture, the Dolomites are a must-visit destination that will leave you with everlasting memories.
If you’re looking for more adventures in Italy, check out our Amalfi Coast road trip or a route for driving through Tuscany.
