From Bolzano Day Tour Highlights of the Dolomites

About this experience

We can stop wherever you like for photos, short walks, coffee breaks, or a traditional mountain‑hut lunch. The itinerary is fully adaptable based on weather, your interests, and how you feel on the day. This tour is built for travellers who love freedom and choice. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among Europe's most spectacular peaks, but the logistics of visiting this Alpine region by public transport can be a challenge. With this driving tour, depart from Bolzano along the Great Dolomites Road to Cortina d'Ampezzo to admire its most dazzling landscapes in a single day. Stop to snap photos of soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and picturesque passes. THIS TOUR IS FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE "AS YOU LIKE IT"

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 15min

   Departing from Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites and the capital of the province of South Tyrol, we'll cross the Ega Valley, which begins in Bolzano and runs east between the Catinaccio and Latemar mountains. This road was built in 1894 when the area was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We'll stop at Lake Carezza, the most beautiful lake in the western Dolomites: a 30-minute stay with a walk around the lake, if you like.

2. Stop 2

   Then we will arrive to Costalunga Pass. Near the Pass we will see the historical “Grand Hotel Carezza”, built in 1893, the first luxury hotel in the Dolomites which hosted very important guests like the Empress Sissi, Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie. From the Costalunga Pass we will reach the Fassa Valley in Trentino: we will pass through the towns of Vigo di Fassa and Canazei to arrive under the imposing peaks of the Sella Group.

3. Stop 3

   The Karerpass is a high mountain pass in the province of South Tyrol in Italy. It connects Bolzano through the Eggental and the Welschnofen Valley with the Fassa Valley.

4. Stop 4

   Canazei is an Alpine resort in northern Italy. Sitting near the Pordoi, Sella and Fedaia passes, it’s part of the Dolomiti Superski area, which offers numerous downhill runs.

5. Stop 5 · 45min

   We'll then arrive at the Costalunga Pass. Near the pass, we'll see the historic Grand Hotel Carezza, built in 1893, the first luxury hotel in the Dolomites, which has hosted very important guests such as Empress Sissi, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie. From the Costalunga Pass, we'll reach the Fassa Valley in Trentino: we'll pass through the towns of Vigo di Fassa and Canazei to arrive beneath the imposing peaks of the Sella Group. From here, a long series of 27 hairpin bends (bends) begins, leading us to the famous Pordoi Pass, at an altitude of 2,239 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level. It's a one-hour journey if you decide to take the cable car to Sass Pordoi (2,950 meters; the cable car is open from late May to late October and from Christmas to Easter).

6. Stop 6 · 1h

   At Falzarego Pass, we stop for lunch at 2,150 meters, surrounded by sweeping panoramic views of the eastern Dolomites. This high‑altitude terrace offers a peaceful atmosphere and spectacular scenery, making it an ideal place to relax, enjoy local dishes, and take in the stunning 360° mountain landscape.

7. Stop 7 · 10min

   In Cortina, we will stop in the town center to admire the 17th‑century Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, the town’s iconic church, and take a moment to see the Olympic rings, symbol of both the historic 1956 Games and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics shared with Milan.

8. Stop 8 · 10min

   In Alta Pusteria, in the Landro Valley, lies Lake Landro (Dürrensee), whose turquoise-green waters are a delight. Accessible from Dobbiaco, it is located in the Tre Cime Nature Park and borders the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park.

9. Stop 9 · 10min

   From Cortina, we then reach Lake Misurina, with its incredible panoramic view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The lake, with its view of the Tre Cime to the north and the Sorapis mountains to the south, is the most famous image of the Dolomites in the world.

10. Stop 10 · 10min

    The Three Peaks of Lavaredo are one of the most famous symbols of the Dolomites and South Tyrol. These imposing mountains, with their remarkable rock formations, emerged over 200 million years ago and attract visitors from all over the world. In 2009, their extraordinary beauty earned the Dolomites, along with the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

11. Stop 11 · 15min

    Just 20 minutes from Misurina, we'll have the opportunity to make a short stop at another important lake in the eastern Dolomites, Lake Dobbiaco.

12. Stop 12 · 20min

    From Dobbiaco, in about 20 minutes, we reach the far northeast of Italy, just a few kilometers from the Austrian border, for the day's grand finale with a visit to the famous Lake Braies. From Braies, we return to Bolzano in an hour and 40 minutes through the Pusteria Valley and then the Isarco Valley.

13. Stop 13 · 10min

    The Chiusa di Rio di Pusteria, a medieval fortress that once controlled all access to the Puster Valley. Built in the 13th century, it served as a customs checkpoint and played an important role in local battles, including the Tyrolean uprising of 1809.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.