The Heart of the Dolomites

Olympic Peaks and the Most Photographed Lakes in Italy

This full day loop covers around 280 kilometres through the eastern half of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. The route is built around three of the region's most recognisable landmarks: the Tre Cime di Lavaredo — the "Three Peaks", unofficial symbol of the whole mountain range — the resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, and a trio of alpine lakes that regularly top lists of the most beautiful in the Alps.

Your driver-guide takes the scenic route out and back, so the day is as much about the passes and valleys in between as it is about the marquee stops.

Route Highlights

• Bolzano & the Isarco Valley. Departure from Bolzano, heading north through the Isarco Valley.
• Gardena Valley & Gardena Pass. A climb to 2,136 metres with views over both the Badia Valley and the Sassolungo massif.
• Valparola & Falzarego Passes. The gateway from the Badia Valley into the eastern Dolomites.
• Cortina d'Ampezzo. Known as the "Pearl of the Dolomites", Italy's best-known mountain resort and host of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games.
• Misurina Lake. Framed by the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to the north and Monte Sorapis to the south — one of the most photographed views in the Dolomites.
• Lake Dobbiaco. A short stop roughly 20 minutes from Misurina.
• Braies Lake. The final highlight of the day, close to the Austrian border in the far north-east of Italy.
• Return via the Pusteria & Isarco Valleys. About 1 hour 40 minutes back to Bolzano.