Dolomites Classic Two-Base Loop
In and out of Venice, staying in Cortina and Ortisei to visit Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, and Seceda.
This is the most popular two-base itinerary for first-time visitors to the Dolomites: stay in Cortina d'Ampezzo in the east to explore Tre Cime and the mountain passes, and in Ortisei in the west to visit Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. Daily driving times are short, but the mountain roads are winding, and popular spots require advance booking. Ideal for self-drive travelers who enjoy hiking. Lago di Carezza and the Brenta Group are skipped to allow an extra day for weather flexibility.
Most cable cars operate from June to early October; check the opening status of cable cars and passes before departure.
Day by day
Day 1 · Venice North to Cortina
Pick up your rental car at the airport and head north via the A27 and the Alemagna highway (SS51), taking about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Stay: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Day 2 · Tre Cime Loop and Lago di Misurina
Dolomites（Tre Cime di Lavaredo、Lago Antorno、Lake Misurina）
Drive about 45 minutes from Cortina to Rifugio Auronzo; the loop hike takes about 3 to 4 hours.
The toll road requires online reservation in advance based on your license plate; alternatively, take the shuttle bus from Misurina.
Stay: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Day 3 · Cinque Torri and Mountain Pass Loop
Dolomites（Cinque Torri、Passo Giau、Lagazuoi & Falzarego Pass）
Drive between Cortina, Passo Giau, and Passo Falzarego, with a total driving time of about 2 hours, taking cable cars up the mountains.
Parking at the passes is restricted to designated roadside spaces; illegal parking will be fined.
Stay: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Day 4 · Lago di Braies to Val di Funes
Dolomites（Lago di Landro、Lago di Braies、Val di Funes）
Wake up early and drive via Landro to the lake (about 1 hour), then head west to Funes and Ortisei (about 2 hours total).
Access to the lake requires a reservation between 9:00 and 16:00 from July to mid-September; the Funes viewpoints require walking.
Stay: Ortisei
Day 5 · Seceda Ridgeline and Val Gardena
Dolomites（Seceda、Ortisei & Val Gardena）
Walk to the Ortisei cable car station and take the lift via Furnes to Seceda, taking about 30 minutes each way.
In summer 2026, cable car time slots must be booked online; keep an eye on the last descending cable car.
Stay: Ortisei
Day 6 · Alpe di Siusi Meadow Hike
Take the cable car from Ortisei up to the high plateau; spend at least half a day walking or taking the internal shuttle bus.
The plateau road is closed to private vehicles during the day; non-hotel guests must take the cable car up.
Stay: Ortisei
Day 7 · Return to Venice via Passo Sella
Dolomites（Sella Pass、Pordoi Pass & Sass Pordoi）
Drive down via Passo Sella and Passo Pordoi to the highway, taking about 4 to 4.5 hours; allow plenty of buffer time.
It is recommended to book an evening flight or stay in Venice the night before.