Planning out your Dolomites honeymoon itinerary should span at least 3 to 5 days. The Dolomites are a large area and driving between famous spots like Tre Cime National Park, Alpe di Suisi, Seceda and Lago di Braies require time. Additionally, mountain driving here can be slow, especially in summer when there is a lot of traffic. Locations which look close on a map might take twice as long as you expect just due to the winding roads and steep passes! When planning your honeymoon trip, don’t underestimate the time it takes to get between locations and park.

In this blog, I break down two road trip itineraries so you can make the most of your visit.

3 day Dolomites honeymoon itinerary:

3 days is the absolute shortest I’d recommend when planning your road trip through the Dolomites. In reality, 3 days is not enough to see or do much. You’ll either get to see 2-3 locations, or spend most your time driving, only getting out for a photo op off the side of the road. It’s not how I would recommend experiencing a place so beautiful and rich in culture! That said, here is 3 day itinerary for hitting the must-see spots.

DAY ONE (Arrive Night Before – Stay in Ortisei / Sankt Ulrich)

MORNING: For sunrise, drive up to the Compatsch parking lot (€20) and walk Alpe di Suisi in the early morning hours. The Compatsch parking lot is accessible by car until 9am. Between the hours of 9am and 4pm, cars are not allowed up the road. You can however drive down at any time.

AFTERNOON: After strolling Alpe di Suisi, head straight back to Ortisei. Park at the Funivie Seceda Cable Car parking area and take the gondola up. Enjoy lunch at any one of the huts at the summit while taking in the views. The last car down is 4pm, so make sure you give yourselves lots of time up here!

DAY TWO – Drive to San Candido Innichen

MORNING: Plan your route in the early morning hours and drive over Passo Gardena. Park along the side of the road for beautiful views, and go further along the hiking trails.

AFTERNOON: Drive north on highway SS244 from Alta Badia toward Brunico. Go to Lago di Braies for the afternoon and walk around the lake. Rent a boat to paddle around the water, and explore the south end of the lake. Further along the trail, you will find another mountain hut about an hour walk from the Braies Hotel where you can enjoy a coffee and late lunch in the valley.

EVENING: stay in San Candid Innichen.

DAY THREE – Tre Cime National Park

MORNING: On the drive to Tre Cime National Park, stop by Lago di Landro and Lago d’Antorno. They are both beautiful lakes right off the road. Try to get up the Tre Cime toll road as early as possible, as it gets very busy. If the parking area fills up, you’ll wait at the bottom until there is a spot open.

AFTERNOON: Spend the entire day in the park. Walk from the parking area to Rifugio Lavaredo, or to Rifugio Locatelli for lunch. Give yourself lots of time to explore the trails and views!

5 day Dolomites honeymoon itinerary:

A better timespan for your Dolomites honeymoon itinerary is 5 days or more. 5 days will allow you to travel more slowly, enjoy some downtime and immerse yourselves more. Instead of rushing from place to place, 5 days let’s you work around the weather a bit better, plus have some relaxing evenings at the incredible restaurants around the area. You can also fit in some very memorable day hikes you otherwise won’t have time for.

DAY ONE (Arrive Night Before – Stay in Selva di Val Gardena)

MORNING: For sunrise, drive up to the Compatsch parking lot (€20) and walk Alpe di Suisi in the early morning hours. The Compatsch parking lot is accessible by car until 9am. Between the hours of 9am and 4pm, cars are not allowed up the road. You can however drive down at any time.

AFTERNOON: After strolling Alpe di Suisi, head straight back to Ortisei. Park at the Funivie Seceda Cable Car parking area and take the gondola up. Enjoy lunch at any one of the huts at the summit while taking in the views. The last car down is 4pm, so make sure you give yourselves lots of time up here!

EVENING: Make reservations for dinner at one of the area’s fine dining restaurants. Same accommodation as previous night.

DAY TWO – Drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo

MORNING: Plan your route in the early morning hours and drive over Passo Gardena. Park along the side of the road for beautiful views, or go further along the hiking trails.

AFTERNOON: Spend the afternoon at Rifugio Lagazuoi and/or hike up to Cinque Torri if you have time.

EVENING: Dinner and accommodation in Cortina.

DAY THREE – Day hike to Lago di Sorapis

MORNING – AFTERNOON: arrive at the Tre Coci trailhead as early as possible. This area fills up fast. The hike takes 3-4 hours one way, so you will need the whole day. Bring cash for food at Rifugio Vandelli. Give yourself 1-2 hours to hang out and enjoy the lake.

EVENING: Dinner and accommodation in Cortina

DAY FOUR – Lago di Braies

MORNING – AFTERNOON : after the Sorapis hike, you’ll be tired. Lago di Braies makes for a great little active rest day. You can drive to the Braies area from Cortina via SS51, or by going back toward the Sorapis trailhead and passing through Misurina. They are mostly the same. I recommend stopping by Lagi di Landro on this day as well.

EVENING: dinner and accommodation in San Candido Innichen

DAY FIVE – Tre Cime National Park

MORNING: On the drive to Tre Cime National Park, stop by Lago d’Antorno for a quick view of the Tre Cime Peaks. Try to get up the Tre Cime toll road as early as possible, as it gets very busy. If the parking area fills up, you’ll wait at the bottom until there is a spot open.

AFTERNOON: Spend the entire day in the park. Walk from the parking area to Rifugio Lavaredo, or to Rifugio Locatelli for lunch. Give yourself lots of time to explore the trails and views! For sunset, walk to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.

EVENING: dinner and accommodation in San Candido Innichen

Dolomites honeymoon tips

1. Don’t change hotels every night; it’s exhausting checking in and out of hotels every day, especially after long hikes or early mornings
2. Make dinner reservations far in advance during high season
3. Give yourselves time to do “nothing”
4. Don’t over plan your road trip. Leave flexibility!
5. Don’t freak over rain in the forecast – it’s often not as bad as you think
6. Bring rain layers and sweaters, and hiking shoes
7. Plan your parking ahead (and rent the smallest car possible)
8. Be respectful, be mindful! It’s a very busy area, so do your part to keep it clean and beautiful.

Dolomites honeymoon itinerary FAQs

Where should we fly in to best drive to the Dolomites?

I typically advise couples to fly into Munich, Milan or Venice, depending on what you want to see before and after your trip through the Dolomites. If you want to see the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, fly into Munich. If you want to see Lake Como or Lake Garda, fly into Milan. If you want to see Venice, or the closest airport generally, then fly into Venice.

Where should we rent a car? Can we get around by bus instead?

You can rent a car at the airport you fly into, or take a train into the Dolomites and rent a car there. You can also pick up and drop off your rental car at different airports to make your trip easier, but there is always a surcharge for that. You can get around by bus in the Dolomites also, but it makes you much less flexible.

Is driving in the Dolomites difficult?

If you aren’t used to steep and winding mountain roads, you may find the driving challenging. Generally, the roads are extremely well maintained. You really shouldn’t have an issue if you drive often at home. Both these Dolomites honeymoon itinerary plans are on good roads.

What is parking in the Dolomites like?

Parking in high season can be limited. Most famous spots and busy areas charge for parking, and it can be expensive. Places like the Seceda cable car, Lago di Braies, and Tre Cime toll road charge €10 – €20 per car, and up to twice as much for campers. Many hiking trailheads have roadside parking which fills up by late morning. Please be extra mindful and courteous when parking on the side of the road! If possible, take a bus or shuttle to the trailhead instead.

Where should we stay during our honeymoon in the Dolomites?

I always advise basing your stay in Bressanone, Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ortisei, Corvara or San Candido Innichen. These are towns with lots of restaurants, shopping and the best hotels in the area. You can find accommodation almost anywhere along your route, however, so make sure to look if there isn’t a more ideal location.

What are the best months to honeymoon in the Dolomites?

The best months to honeymoon in the Dolomites are June – September for summer, and January – March for winter ski season and lots of snow. The other months can be great in their own ways as well, but you have to consider the pros and cons.

SEE MORE HERE: Best season to visit or elope in the Dolomites

What are some fun things we can do while on our honeymoon in the Dolomites?

I really recommend eating as much food as possible and getting out on the trails! Visit lots of mountain huts on your hikes. Wake up and watch sunrise on a clear morning. Stay in a 5 star wellness hotel and spa. Rent e-bikes or mountain bikes. Have a picnic and just relax with the views. Hire a photographer to document a portion of your trip!

What should we pack for a honeymoon in the Dolomites?

You should have one warm later like a fleece sweater, sturdy hiking boots or hiking shoes, long pants and a rain jacket all year round. Always bring sunscreen and hat, since the sun is strong at higher elevations. The rest of your wardrobe coordinate as you normally would around the season and activities.

READ MORE HERE: What to wear hiking in the Dolomites

Looking for a *local* Dolomites couple’s photographer?

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across Europe.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day!

I truly want you to have the most relaxing and fun experience possible.

If you and your partner are looking for something low key and adventurous for your wedding photos, elopement or couple’s session, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

OTHER BLOGS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES

• How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites
• How to choose a suit color for your photo session
• What to wear hiking in the Dolomites
• What to wear for a mountain elopement
• Best season to visit or elope in the Dolomites

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HONEYMOON IN THE DOLOMITES: