Escape the crowds of Venice and take a day trip to the Dolomites, with stops at Cortina, Misurina Lake, and Auronzo Lake. See fabulous scenery and get plenty of opportunities to take epic photographs. Pass through tunnels with astonishing views of canyons and valleys, which appear as if from nowhere. The scenery in this region is quite simply some of the most breathtaking in Europe. Upon arrival in Cortina, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” you will have approximately 90 minutes free time to stroll around the town, and take in the picturesque views of the mountains. Weather permitting, you will also be able to take the cable car up to Faloria, which overlooks the town of Cortina from its lofty 7,000-foot high mountain perch. Continue your trip towards Lake Misurina, taking the toll road up to outstanding peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. At 7,740 feet (2,360 meters), it will reward you with yet more unforgettable views of the Dolomites. Take time to stroll around and breathe in that fresh mountain air. Alternatively, break for an optional lunch, and admire the mountain peaks and spectacular backdrop of Sorapis, and Marmarole. After lunch, drive to picturesque Lake Auronzo, passing through enchanting mountain villages as you head back towards Venice, and your final drop-off point.

Enjoy a memorable day exploring Europe's most beautiful range of mountains. During the day you'll make numerous stops at scenic viewpoints, walk around lakes, enjoy a Cortina city tour and walk on level terrain up in the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, from where you can enjoy a splendid view over this majestic mountain range. The beauty of the Dolomites is in their diversity. It will feel as if you have travelled from one mountain range to another such is the stark variation in scenery. During your Dolomites tour, you'll see glaciers in the distance, soaring peaks, emerald green lakes surrounded by forests of pine and larch with reflections of the mountains mirrored on their calm waters, and typical Tyrolean villages clinging to the mountainsides. At the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, at an altitude of 2,360m (7,500 ft), you'll enjoy one of the best views of the mountains, where you can gaze out across a myriad of peaks and valleys as far as the eye can see. Visit the cosmopolitan Cortina and walk around its delightful centre to peruse the many picturesque shops. And after a fulfilling day spent in the Dolomites, sit back and relax on the way back to Venice through the ever-changing scenery of the mountains illuminated by the late afternoon sun.

Following a pickup from your hotel, you’ll head first to Bolzano, gateway to the Dolomites and capital of the province South Tyrol. Cross the Eggental valley that runs eastward between the Rosengarten massif and the Latemar mountain range. This road was built in 1894 when the territory was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stop at Lake Carezza, the most beautiful lake of the western Dolomites, for a 30-minute break and walk around the lake. Next, arrive at Karerpass where you’ll see the historical Residence Grand Hotel Carezza, built in 1893, this was the first luxury hotel in the Dolomites and has hosted very important guests including the Empress Sissi, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie. From the Karerpass you’ll reach the Fassa Valley in Trentino and pass through the towns of Vigo di Fassa and Canazei to arrive under the imposing peaks of the Sella group. From here, begin a long series of 27 hairpin bends that will lead you to the famous Pordoi Pass at an altitude of 2,239m above sea level. Enjoy a one-hour break or take the cable car to Sass Pordoi at an altitude of 2,950m. From the Pordoi Pass, go down to the village of Arabba and continue east to the Falzarego Pass, the gateway to the eastern Dolomites. You’ll reach Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s premier mountain resort known as the Pearl of the Dolomites where the Winter Olympic Games were hosted in 1956. Cortina, together with Milan, will once again host the Winter Olympics in 2026. From Cortina, the next stop will be Lake Misurina with its incredible panoramic view of Three Peaks of Lavaredo. The lake, with its view of the peaks to the north and Sorapis to the south, is the most famous image of the Dolomites in the world. Just 20 minutes from Lake Misurina you’ll have the opportunity for a brief stop at another important lake in the Eastern Dolomites, Lake Dobbiaco. From Dobbiaco, you’ll reach the extreme northeast of Italy just a few kilometers from the border with Austria for the great finale of the day: a visit to the famous Lake Braies. From here, you’ll return to Bolzano via the Pusteria and the Isarco valleys.

After being picked up from your hotel in Cortina, start the tour by driving along the historical old Roman road SR48 which runs through the Dolomites. Receive a fancy map with your itinerary of the day to better understand the trip and to remember it. Encounter the first mountains above the Cortina valley including the Cristallo, Pomagagnon, Sorapiss, and Antelao, then Becco di Mezzodì, Tofana, 5 Torri and Croda da Lago. Admire the views and take photos. Throughout the tour, your driver will be happy to accommodate stops for pictures and provide information about the mountains, history, and traditions of the area. Continue on until you reach Passo Falzarego where you will have the possibility to board the Lagazuoi cable car which offers amazing views from its terrace.  Learn about how this area has an important WWI history due to the struggles between Italians and Austrians for territory gain. Head on through Passo Valparola with views of Marmolada Glacier and Alta Badia Valley. Then, drive down to San Cassiano and Corvara and up again to Passo Gardena facing the square-shaped Sella group of mountains. Arrive at Selva di Val Gardena, famous for its wood carvings workshops which you will have an opportunity to visit.  Go further through Passo Sella facing the Sassolungo group of mountains and Marmolada again. Arrive at the top of the Passo Pordoi and enjoy the Terrace of the Dolomites cable car (if timings permits). Drive further through the scenic Passo Giau facing Croda da Lago mountain. Drive down back into the Cortina Valley where you will be dropped off back at your hotel.