Italy is full of beauty, there’s no question about that. However, the Dolomites or “Dolomiti” is truly one of the most breathtaking places in the entire world.

They’re about as unique to this planet as the Grand Canyon, and can be explored well by foot to get in a good hike, or by gondola or train if you’d like to relax and take in the views. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to escape the noisiness of the city and get back into nature.

If you want to maximize your experience and see the Dolomites in all their splendor, we highly recommend signing up for a tour or two. Without further ado, we present to you the top day trips to the Dolomites from Venice!

Be sure to see our reviews of Gondola Rides, Venice Food Tours and St. Mark’s Basilica Tours.

Best Dolomites Day Trips From Venice

	Dolomite Mountains & Cortina Semi Private Day Trip	Cortina & Dolomites Mountains Day Tour From Venice	Dolomites, Lake Misurina, and Cortina From Venice
	Best Small Group Tour	Best Value Tour	Best Full Day Tour
Departure:	Piazzale Roma, 30135 Venezia VE	Piazzale Roma	Outside cafe shop Re Mida
Start:	8:00 AM & 8:30 AM	8:30 AM	8:30 AM
Duration:	9 hours	8 hours	9 hours
Includes:	English-speaking driver-tour escort, easy self-guided nature walk (optional), transport by air-conditioned Mercedes or similar-make minivan	Driver, transport by air-conditioned minivan, transfer from Venice with return, photo stops, free time to explore	English speaking driver-guide, Mercedes minivan, entrance fees to the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, maximum of 8 people per van
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Day Trips to the Dolomites from Venice

1. Best Value Tour: Cortina and Dolomites Mountains Day Tour From Venice
2. Best Small Group Tour: Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip from Venice
3. Best Full Day Trip: Dolomites, Lake Misurina, and Cortina Day Trip From Venice
4. Best Combination Tour: The Most Beautiful Mountains in The World, the Dolomites and Lake Braies
5. Best Private Tour: Private Dolomites Day Trip from Venice by Mercedes Van

Dolomites Day Trips Reviews

1. Best Value Tour: Cortina & Dolomites Mountains Day Tour From Venice

If you’re looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle of Venice and get some fresh air, we know just the thing for you.

The From Venice: Cortina and Dolomites Mountains Day Tour will fill your itinerary and camera up with majestic mountainous views, serene lakes, and charming villages nestled into it all.

With the excellent organization and vast knowledge your guides possess, don’t be surprised if this is your favorite tour in all of Italy.

Start in the morning by meeting your driver in Piazzale Roma, where you’ll then be escorted onto your transport for the day.

The air-conditioned minivan is comfortable no matter the weather, with large windows for great viewing as you drive through tunnels and on hilltops with amazing views of the valleys below. Once you arrive in Cortina, you’ll have around 1.5 hours to explore this “pearl” as you see best.

If the weather is nice enough, you can choose to head up to Faloria by cable car, which shows the area off from a fantastic 7,000-foot-high viewpoint.

Then, head over to Lake Misurina and up to the 3 monstrous peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo appearing to tower over you. Likely the most well-known groups of mountains in the Alps, you’ll get some insane views and photos over here.

After some time strolling around and taking in that crisp mountain air, you can grab lunch and munch on some delicious food while admiring the views or the Sorapis and Marmarole. Then, head to Lake Auronzo, stopping at the quaint villages along the way.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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2. Best Small Group Tour: Dolomite Mountains & Cortina Semi Private Day Trip

Next, we have the Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip from Venice. This full-day trip packs in a ton of beauty and adventure into 9 hours, including a professional guide who knows this area very well.

While Venice is certainly enchanting, the dolomites are a wonderful contrast and equally as fascinating! You’ll also meet your guide at the Piazzale Roma, which you can access by water taxi. Hop into your comfortable minivan and set off for the Dolomites.

Not to worry – Venice’s stunning architecture will be there waiting when you get back in the evening.

The vans are so comfortable that it’s hard not to fall asleep along the way, but you’d be missing out on gorgeous views and interesting commentary from your guide! Your first stop is the ski resort town of Cortina, boasting over 140 ski runs.

You’ll have plenty of time to stroll around at your leisure and take some photos of the town that will be home to the winter Olympic games in 2026.

From here, you can take a breezy stroll or sit at the rifugio and enjoy the phenomenal views of the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

It’s certainly no wonder why Cortina is called the “pearl of the Dolomites”, with its unique landscapes and intricate architecture. You and your group will then make your way to Lago di Misurina, where you can walk around the glass-like lake.

Reflecting the towering Alps off of its surface, the lake exudes radiance and makes for a serene location that really lets you clear your head and enjoy the moment. There are some wonderful cafes nearby, so feel free to grab one while taking it all in.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Best Full Day Trip: Dolomites, Lake Misurina, and Cortina From Venice

While any trip to the Dolomites is worth going on, many of us would like the chance for a private tour. The From Venice: Dolomites, Lake Misurina, and Cortina Day Trip is all that and more!

It’s almost like having one of your local best friends show you around all the hidden gems of this magical place on Earth!

Just like the other tours we’ve covered so far, this one also clocks in at 9 hours. You’ll meet your guide outside a café called “Re Mida” which is right in front of the water bus stop of line 2. You’ll then board your Mercedes minivan for the day, which is always a smooth and comfortable ride.

As you drive around the wonderful scenery, through tunnels and around canyons, your guide will offer an educational commentary about the area. They’ll share their own personal anecdotes and fun stories, which make the drive even more entertaining.

Then, you’ll arrive at the cosmopolitan Cortina, which is known around the world for its incredible beauty and world-class skiing.

Due to the small group size, you will get a say in how you spend your tour. Perhaps you’re looking to sit back and relax while taking in the views of the Dolomites. Maybe you’d prefer to get out and walk around, or start trekking up to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Whatever the case may be, the guides are very well-versed in the options available and are always willing to offer recommendations and accommodate you as best as they can.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Best Combination Tour: A Day Among The Most Beautiful Mountains in The World, the Dolomites and Lake Braies

Next, is one of the most comprehensive, well-planned tours we’ve come across. With this tour, you’ll spend A Day Among the Most Beautiful Mountains in the World, the Dolomites, and Lake Braies.

Lasting anywhere from 6 to 9 hours, you’ll get to see all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful location and learn all about it. With a small group size, you’ll receive more personalized attention and be able to ask any questions you may have.

Not only that, but you get more of a say in what you’d like to do, focusing on the parts that interest you the most. Meet your guide in front of the green cab taxi service at 8:00 am in Venice, and you’ll board a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

The vehicles are nice and spacious, and even come with wi-fi on board so you can share your experience with others in real-time. Alternatively, enjoy the wonderful views as you head to the Belluno province.

The first stop of the day is the infamous Cortina d’Ampezzo, known for its incomparable natural beauty and top-class ski resorts.

At Lago di Misurina, you’ll have time to take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque lake, reflecting the surrounding Alps off the surface. Alternatively, if you feel like resting your legs, you can stop by a nearby café or bar and enjoy the nice picture window view of the landscape.

Then, it’s time to get close to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which may be one of the most impressive locations in all of Europe.

If you’d like to keep the fun going, you can choose to add on a trip to Lago di Braies where you can walk around, explore, or sit in one of the many lakeside cafes with phenomenal vistas.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Best Private Tour: Dolomites Day Trip from Venice by Mercedes Van

Say you really want to go all out on your tour and experience the Dolomites in the most luxurious way. If that sounds interesting to you, then look no further, because this is the tour for you!

The Private Dolomites Day Trip from Venice by Mercedes Van offers you an exclusive experience with a guide there to answer any questions you may have without the addition of other parties in your group.

Your tour will start at 8:00 am where you’ll hop onboard a luxurious Mercedes vehicle. These are usually Vianos, but it may vary depending on availability. However, comfort and a smooth ride is always guaranteed and you do get to customize your trip to fit you and your group’s interests.

Of course, you do have the ability to change up the activities and stops you take, but you’ll generally follow this course. The first stop, is Cortina which is highly recommended by just about anyone who’s ever visited this gorgeous place.

While it is known for world-class skiing, it’s stunning at any time of year and really draws quite the tourism in the summertime.

After this, you guys can all take a nice walk around Lago di Misurina and breathe in that clean mountain air. This is a favorite for families, so if you would like to bring children along, we’d say go for it. After this, you can choose to head to Lago di Dobbiaco and/or Lago di Braies.

While both lakes a certainly impressive, Lago di Braies is probably more impressive. However, there are more crowds, so it’s really up to your preferences. Its mirror-like emerald waters are simply magical and it’s probably worth navigating the extra people to get a glimpse of it and walk around.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Guide to Dolomites Day Trips From Venice

Can You Do a Day Trip to the Dolomites From Venice?

Once you have done all the touristy things in Venice like a gondola ride, it’s time for something different. While it may seem far away, a day trip to the Dolomites from Venice is totally doable.

The Dolomites are a 2-3 hour drive from Venice. You should try and get on the road no later than 7am. My favorite place in the Dolomites is the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The town is set in a valley surrounded by towering peaks and I can’t think of a better place to spend a day.

You should take the cable car to the top of the mountain, from the top you will have panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Better yet, hike one of the many trails that criss-cross the area.

Another great option is to visit the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a trio of towering peaks that are one of the most iconic sights in the Dolomites. The drive up to the base of the peaks is very scenic, here you can hike around, the views are amazing.

Make sure you stop in one of the mountain huts for some polenta, speck (smoked ham) and cheese. After a full day of exploring it’s time to head back to Venice. I know it’s tempting to stay longer, you have to keep in mind that the roads in the Dolomites are steep and winding, so I would recommend you drive back during daylight hours.

What is the Best Way to do a Dolomites Day Trip From Venice?

1. Take a tour: I would recommend taking a tour to see the Dolomites. You can relax as the guides will take care of all the logistics. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of a local expert to show you the best sights and share their knowledge of the area. We suggest the Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip from Venice as the best all around tour.
2. Rent a car: If you like to explore on your own, renting a car is the way to go. With you own transportation you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop anywhere you like. Keep in mind that the roads in the Dolomites are winding and narrow, so this option is best for confident drivers. Be sure to have a good GPS for navigation as the roads are not marked that well.
3. Take public transportation: If you are on a budge using public transportation is a viable option. Just remember that it will take longer to get there and you will have to figure out how to get around.

What Can I See in One Day in the Dolomites? (With a Sample Itinerary)

Here is my recommended itinerary to hit the highlights:

Morning:

1. Start your day early and head to the charming town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This town is famous for its alpine architecture and mountain views.
2. Walk around town and look a the shops and have breakfast at one of the local cafes.
3. Next, head to the Falzarego Pass, which offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a cable car to the top of the pass, which offers panoramic views of the Dolomites.

Afternoon:

1. After taking in the views at the Falzarego Pass, head to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Dolomites.
2. You can hike to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo or take a bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo. The hike takes about three hours round-trip but the stunning views are well worth the effort.
3. If you prefer a less strenuous option, you can take a guided tour that includes a visit to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and other popular sights in the area.

Evening:

1. After a full day of exploring the Dolomites, head back to Cortina d’Ampezzo for a relaxing evening.
2. Have dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine.
3. After dinner take a walk and soak up the atmosphere and admire the twinkling lights of the town against the backdrop of the mountains.

5 Reasons Why You Should Take a Day Trip to the Dolomites

1. Stunning Scenery – The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. The jagged peaks rise up from valley that create a dramatic landscape that is truly breathtaking. Everywhere you look, you will be surrounded by natural beauty!
2. Outdoor Activities – There is something for everyone in the Dolomites. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain for some great views. There are great hiking trails that criss-cross the area or go for a bike ride. The options are endless!
3. Charming Mountain Towns – The Dolomites are dotted with charming alpine towns that are just begging to be explored. From Cortina d’Ampezzo to Ortisei, each town has its own unique charm. Have a walk around, browse the shops and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. You won’t regret it.
4. Delicious Local Cuisine – Speaking of restaurants, the food in the Dolomites is not to be missed. From hearty fare like polenta and speck (smoked ham) to local cheeses and wines, the cuisine of the Dolomites is as rich and varied as the landscape itself. Make sure to stop in at one of the mountain huts for an authentic taste of the region.
5. Escape the Crowds – While Venice is a beautiful city, it can be overwhelming at times. A day trip to the Dolomites is the perfect antidote to the crowds of the city. You’ll be able to relax and recharge in the peaceful surroundings of the mountains.