Majestic peaks. Crystal-clear lakes. Alpine villages. Olympic history. The Dolomites aren’t just another mountain range—they’re one of Italy’s greatest natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Easily accessible from Venice in just a few hours, this dramatic corner of the Alps offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences for hikers, culture lovers, photographers, and anyone in search of beauty.
In this guide, we’ll take you through a stunning itinerary in the heart of the Dolomites, exploring Cortina d’Ampezzo, Pieve di Cadore, Lago di Misurina, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Auronzo di Cadore, and Longarone—with some Olympic history and local stories along the way.
What Are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy, spanning the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Their jagged limestone peaks rise dramatically from green valleys dotted with chalets and forests. In winter, they’re a skiing paradise. In summer, hikers and photographers from all over the world come to admire their beauty.
But the Dolomites are much more than mountains. They are part of a unique alpine culture shaped by centuries of border shifts between Italy and Austria, by Ladin traditions, and by resilient communities living in remote valleys.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Queen of the Dolomites
Known as “La Regina delle Dolomiti”, Cortina is the most famous resort town in the Dolomites—and for good reason. Nestled in the Ampezzo valley and surrounded by soaring peaks like the Tofane and Cristallo, Cortina combines elegance, adventure, and world-class views.
A Star in Olympic History
Cortina has hosted the Winter Olympics once (1956) and will co-host again in 2026, along with Milan. The 1956 games put Cortina on the international map, and the coming Olympics are bringing fresh energy and investment to the town. Expect new infrastructure, improved ski lifts, and a renewed global spotlight.
What to Do in Cortina
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Stroll through Corso Italia, the main pedestrian street lined with boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
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Ride the Faloria cable car for sweeping views over the Ampezzo Valley.
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Visit the Olympic Ice Stadium, still in use today.
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Try the local cuisine: canederli (bread dumplings), speck, and polenta with mushrooms or game.
Whether you visit in winter for skiing or in summer for hiking, Cortina is the perfect base or stopover in the Dolomites.
Pieve di Cadore: Birthplace of Titian
Just an hour from Cortina lies the quiet, charming town of Pieve di Cadore. It may not be on every tourist’s radar, but it holds a special place in Italian culture: this is the birthplace of Tiziano Vecellio, known in English as Titian, one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
What to See in Pieve
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Titian’s Birth House: A humble stone building with exhibits about his life and work.
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The Museo dell’Occhiale (Eyeglasses Museum): Pieve is also known for eyewear manufacturing, and this quirky museum is both informative and surprisingly fun.
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Views over the Lake of Centro Cadore: A peaceful spot to enjoy a coffee and admire the scenery.
Pieve di Cadore blends art, tradition, and Alpine charm—making it a lovely stop on your Dolomites itinerary.
Lago di Misurina: The Mirror of the Dolomites
Just 15 minutes from Cortina, you’ll find Lago di Misurina, one of the most photogenic lakes in the Alps. Known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites”, Misurina reflects the peaks of the Cadini and Sorapiss ranges on its glassy surface.
What Makes It Special?
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Altitude: At 1,754 meters above sea level, the lake is famous for its clean, dry air—so much so that there’s a children’s asthma treatment center nearby.
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The Grand Hotel Misurina, a historic building perched right on the water, evokes the old-world glamour of Alpine vacations.
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Misurina is also a gateway to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Whether you stop here for a lakeside lunch, a short walk, or a paddleboat ride, Lago di Misurina will steal your heart.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: The Icon of the Dolomites
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) are perhaps the most recognizable mountains in the Dolomites. These three towering spires—Cima Grande, Cima Ovest, and Cima Piccola—stand like stone sentinels on the border between Veneto and Alto Adige.
Why You Must Visit
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Unparalleled Scenery: These peaks are Instagram-famous, but the real experience is far more impressive.
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Hiking Opportunities: From Rifugio Auronzo, you can walk the famous loop trail that takes you around the Tre Cime in about 3–4 hours. The path is easy to moderate and suitable for most active visitors.
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World War I History: The area is dotted with military tunnels, trenches, and lookout posts—remnants of the battles fought between Italy and Austria-Hungary in these very mountains.
The Tre Cime aren’t just beautiful—they’re awe-inspiring. They represent the wild, vertical majesty that defines the Dolomites.
Auronzo di Cadore: Alpine Tranquility and Sport
On the southern side of the Tre Cime lies Auronzo di Cadore, a quiet Alpine town tucked between mountains and lake. It’s less famous than Cortina, but offers access to incredible nature and a more laid-back experience.
Highlights in Auronzo
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Lago di Santa Caterina: A turquoise reservoir where you can walk or rent a bike on the lakeside path.
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Summer sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, mountain biking.
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Winter activities: Cross-country skiing and small family-friendly ski slopes.
Auronzo is also a good base for visiting the Tre Cime from the east side, and offers a more affordable and less crowded alternative to Cortina.
Longarone: A Town That Remembers
Not all Dolomites stories are joyful. One of the most tragic chapters in Italian history took place in Longarone, a town that was almost entirely destroyed by a man-made disaster in 1963.
The Vajont Dam Disaster
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On October 9, 1963, a massive landslide fell into the Vajont reservoir, causing a megatsunami that overtopped the dam and wiped out Longarone in seconds.
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Over 1,900 people died, making it one of the worst disasters in modern Europe.
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The dam itself—still standing—was not technically at fault, but the geological instability had been ignored.
Why Visit Longarone?
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Memorials and Museums: The town honors the memory of the victims through exhibitions and plaques. A visit here is sobering but important.
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The Vajont Dam site can be visited, and guided tours help visitors understand the scale and the lessons of this tragedy.
Longarone is a reminder that human choices, especially in fragile landscapes, have consequences. It’s a place of reflection and resilience.
When to Visit the Dolomites
Each season offers something different in the Dolomites:
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Spring (May–June): Wildflowers bloom, hiking season begins.
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Summer (July–September): Best weather for outdoor activities; most trails and huts are open.
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Fall (October): Beautiful foliage, quieter trails, but cooler weather.
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Winter (December–March): Ski season! Cortina becomes a snowy playground.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling from Venice, consider booking a private day trip with a guide. A full-day itinerary can include Cortina, Lago di Misurina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and a visit to Pieve di Cadore or Auronzo—without the stress of driving those winding mountain roads yourself.
Final Thoughts: Why the Dolomites Should Be on Your Bucket List
If you’re planning a trip to Venice, don’t stop at the lagoon. The Dolomites are just a couple of hours away—and they will take your breath away.
Whether you want to explore Olympic history in Cortina, stand beneath the towering Tre Cime, learn about Titian’s roots in Pieve di Cadore, or reflect on history in Longarone, this region offers a deep and varied experience.
Mountains aren’t just scenery—they’re stories carved in stone. And in the Dolomites, every village, trail, and peak has something to say.
Want to Visit the Dolomites from Venice?
We organize custom day trips to the Dolomites from Venice, including:
✅ Private driver and guide
✅ Cortina d’Ampezzo and Lago di Misurina
✅ Tre Cime di Lavaredo panoramic stops
✅ Local lunch in a mountain chalet
✅ Optional hike or scenic photo stops
✅ Visit to Pieve di Cadore or Longarone on request
Let us handle the logistics while you enjoy the views. Contact us today to plan your Dolomites experience!
