Northeastern Italy · Route map
Dolomites Peaks and Venetian Canals
This route balances the breathtaking alpine meadows of the Dolomites with the quiet corners of Venice, designed for a smooth journey using Venice as your gateway. Because of your eight-day limit and focus on nature, we have focused entirely on the northeast rather than rushing to Rome or Florence.
- 1
Ortisei
3 nights
Alpine base for exploring Alpe di Siusi
- 2
Cortina d'Ampezzo
2 nights
Gateway to the dramatic Tre Cime hike
- 3
Venice
2 nights
Historic canals and quiet lagoon islands
- ✦3 stops · 7 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Arrival in Val Gardena
Arrive into Venice Marco Polo Airport
Flight · Morning · Venice Airport
Land in Venice and prepare to head north into the Alps.
Pick up hire car
Car hire · Morning · Venice Airport
Collect an all-wheel-drive vehicle for mountain roads.
Self-drive Venice to Ortisei
Self-drive · Afternoon · Dolomites
Drive takes approximately three hours.
Stop at Panificio track-side bakery in Longarone for fresh focaccia during the drive.
Overnight in Ortisei
Accommodation · Evening · Ortisei
Book a family-run hotel like Adler Spa Resort for incredible post-hike wellness.
High Meadows of Alpe di Siusi
Mont Sëuc cable car to Alpe di Siusi
Excursion · Morning · Ortisei
Ride the lift directly from Ortisei up to Europe's largest high-alpine meadow.
Take the very first cabin at 8:30 AM to catch the low morning mist over the peaks.
Hike the Hans and Paula Steger Trail
Excursion · Afternoon · Alpe di Siusi
An easy walk offering sublime views of the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto peaks.
Have lunch at Rauch Hütte; their alpine herb dumplings are legendary.
Overnight in Ortisei
Accommodation · Evening · Ortisei
Seceda Ridge and Val Gardena
Seceda cableway ride and ridge walk
Excursion · Morning · Ortisei
Ascend to 2,500 meters for the iconic view of the Odle peaks.
Walk past the main viewpoint to the Pana-Scharte gap for fewer crowds.
Afternoon stroll through Ortisei village
At leisure · Afternoon · Ortisei
Explore the pedestrian center known for its traditional woodcarving shops.
Grab a wild berry gelato at Gelateria Dolomiti on the main square.
Overnight in Ortisei
Accommodation · Evening · Ortisei
Passo Gardena to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Self-drive Ortisei to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Self-drive · Morning · Fassa and Ampezzo Valleys
Drive via Passo Gardena and Passo Valparola taking two hours.
Stop at the top of Valparola Pass for a quick walk around the WW1 ruins.
Explore Lago di Limides
Excursion · Afternoon · Cortina d'Ampezzo
A short, scenic hike to a small, reflective tarn near Passo Falzarego.
This lake can dry up in late summer, but the surrounding mountain amphitheater remains spectacular.
Overnight in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Accommodation · Evening · Cortina d'Ampezzo
Hotel de Len offers an incredible sustainable design and central location.
The Mighty Tre Cime Loop
Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike
Excursion · Morning · Sesto Dolomites
An essential four-hour circuit hike around three sheer dolomite obelisks.
Arrive at the toll gate before 7:30 AM to guarantee a parking spot.
Lakeside relaxation at Lago di Misurina
Excursion · Afternoon · Misurina
A beautiful alpine lake on the drive back to Cortina.
Order a bombardino hot drink at the lakeside Chalet Lago Antorno.
Overnight in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Accommodation · Evening · Cortina d'Ampezzo
Mountains to Venetian Canals
Self-drive Cortina to Venice
Self-drive · Morning · Veneto
Two and a half hours drive down from the mountains to the coast.
Drop off hire car at Piazzale Roma
Car hire · Morning · Venice
Return the rental car before entering the car-free city.
Water taxi to the hotel
Transfer · Afternoon · Venice
Private wooden speedboat transit through the canals.
Splurge on the private water taxi; arriving by boat is an unforgettable Venetian rite of passage.
Sunset wander in Cannaregio
Excursion · Afternoon · Cannaregio
Explore the quiet, residential northern district of Venice.
Stop for chicchetti and natural wine at local favorite Vino Vero.
Overnight in Venice
Accommodation · Evening · Venice
Stay in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro to escape the heavy tourist crowds.
Secret Venice and Lagoon Waters
Secret itineraries tour of Doge's Palace
Excursion · Morning · San Marco
A guided look behind the scenes of Venetian political power.
Book this official tour months in advance to see Casanova's actual attic prison cell.
Rowing lesson on the lagoon
Excursion · Afternoon · Cannaregio
Learn the traditional stand-up voga alla veneta style of rowing.
Book with Row Venice, a non-profit keeping this ancient local skill alive.
Overnight in Venice
Accommodation · Evening · Venice
Arrivederci, Italia
Water bus Alilaguna to airport
Transfer · Morning · Venice
Direct public boat transport from Venice to the airport terminal.
Buy your Alilaguna ticket online the night before to skip the docks queue.
Departure flight from Venice
Flight · Afternoon · Venice Airport
Like the shape of it?
Make this trip yours.
Start from this plan and tell us what's different about your trip — your dates, your pace, your people. We'll rewrite it around you.