Dolomites Prosecco Exploration Self-Drive

Upon arrival at Venice Airport, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo for check-in. Spend the afternoon exploring this elegant alpine town, starting in Piazza Roma, the lively centre of Cortina. Wander the narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional Tyrolean architecture, boutique shops, and cosy cafés. Visit the Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, notable for its beautiful frescoes and baroque details. Take the Faloria cable car for a scenic ascent to Faloria mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Cortina and the surrounding Dolomite peaks—a perfect spot for photography or simply soaking in the landscape. Pause for a break at a traditional osteria to savour local dishes such as casunziei (beet-filled ravioli), polenta, and speck, accompanied by a glass of regional wine. Overnight in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

After breakfast, we head to Lake Braies, a stunning emerald-green lake nestled within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. Surrounded by dramatic Dolomite peaks, this lake is often called the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites’. We begin with a gentle 3.5-kilometre walk around the lake on a well-maintained trail, offering spectacular views and plenty of opportunities to pause for photos or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The path is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. To enhance the experience, we suggest renting a traditional wooden rowboat to glide across the calm waters, providing a unique perspective of the lake and its mountain backdrop. On the southern shore, we visit the charming Chapel of Maria, a small historic chapel that adds cultural significance to the natural setting. It’s a tranquil spot for reflection and photography. You may wish to bring a picnic to enjoy by the lakeside, taking in the fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery. We return to Cortina d’Ampezzo for the evening.

After breakfast, we suggest a visit to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, famed for its striking trio of peaks and stunning alpine scenery. Drive to Rifugio Auronzo at 2,333 metres, where you’ll find parking and impressive views to start your hike. We take the well-marked 10km loop trail around the peaks, which typically takes 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace and stops. Early in the walk, we pause at Rifugio Lavaredo to enjoy refreshments and prepare for the ascent to Forcella Lavaredo, a saddle offering spectacular views of the three peaks—an excellent spot for photography. Continuing on, we reach Rifugio Locatelli at 2,405 metres, where we break for a hearty mountain meal while admiring the dramatic north faces of Tre Cime. Nearby are the picturesque Laghi dei Piani, two alpine lakes worth exploring. On the return route, we visit the Cappella degli Alpini, a small chapel dedicated to Alpine troops from World War I, providing a quiet moment of reflection amid the natural surroundings. The loop concludes back at Rifugio Auronzo, where you can enjoy a final refreshment before heading back to Cortina d’Ampezzo for the night.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Bolzano, a city where Italian and Austrian cultures blend seamlessly. Begin your visit in Piazza Walther, a lively square named after the medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide, surrounded by elegant buildings and cafés—an ideal spot for a coffee and people-watching. Nearby, explore Bolzano Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture with its detailed façade, impressive bell tower, and beautiful frescoes inside. Wander along Via dei Portici, the main shopping street lined with medieval arcades, where you can browse traditional South Tyrolean crafts alongside modern boutiques. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman, a remarkably preserved mummy dating back over 5,000 years, offering a unique insight into prehistoric Alpine life. Head to Piazza delle Erbe, a bustling market square where you can sample local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce. Discover the Dominican Church, known for its remarkable frescoes and peaceful cloister, providing a quiet moment away from the city’s bustle. Finish the day by savouring regional dishes such as speck, knödel, and strudel at a traditional South Tyrolean restaurant, paired with a glass of local wine like Lagrein or Gewürztraminer. Overnight in Bolzano.

After breakfast, we suggest a visit to Merano and Trauttmansdorff Castle. Begin in Merano’s historic centre, where medieval architecture blends with pastel-coloured buildings, elegant boutiques and inviting cafés. Wander the charming streets and stop at the Kurhaus, an Art Nouveau landmark that hosts cultural events and exhibitions. For a relaxing interlude, consider a visit to Therme Merano, a modern thermal spa set within a lush park, offering soothing pools and wellness treatments. Take a leisurely walk along the Tappeiner Promenade, an elevated path lined with Mediterranean plants, providing panoramic views of the town, the Adige River and surrounding mountains. In Piazza del Duomo, admire St Nicholas Church, Merano’s main parish, notable for its Gothic bell tower and stained-glass windows. Don’t miss the lively market in Piazza delle Erbe, where you can sample regional delicacies and browse artisanal products. Just outside the town centre, visit Trauttmansdorff Castle, renowned for its extensive botanical gardens featuring plants from around the world arranged in themed landscapes. Overnight in Bolzano.

After breakfast, we set off along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, a scenic route weaving through rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. This approximately 70-kilometre drive offers the chance to visit several wineries renowned for their Gewürztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Lagrein, and Schiava varieties. We stop at selected estates to sample wines and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and distinctive grape characteristics. Along the way, we visit Appiano Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over the vineyards. Here, you can explore the castle grounds and enjoy a tasting in its wine cellar. We also visit Egna, a charming market town at the heart of the Wine Road, where you can stroll through the medieval old town, browse the weekly market, and sample local specialities at a traditional trattoria. The day concludes with the opportunity to purchase souvenirs such as regional wines, crafts, or artisanal foods before returning to Bolzano for the night.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Treviso, your final destination. Begin in Piazza dei Signori, the city’s vibrant centre, surrounded by elegant palaces and historic buildings. Admire the Palazzo dei Trecento and the iconic Clock Tower. Step inside the Palazzo dei Trecento, once the seat of city government, now hosting cultural events and exhibitions that reveal Treviso’s rich heritage. Visit Treviso Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter, and appreciate its refined façade and impressive artworks, including pieces by Titian and Palma il Giovane. Wander along the peaceful canals that weave through the city, earning Treviso the nickname ‘Little Venice’, with colourful houses and charming bridges lining the waterways. Explore the lively Fish Market Square, where local fishermen sell fresh seafood alongside fruits and vegetables, offering a taste of daily local life. Discover the Church of San Nicolò, notable for its Romanesque-Gothic architecture and centuries-old interior artworks. Enjoy Treviso’s culinary specialties at a local trattoria or osteria—try dishes such as radicchio risotto, baccalà alla vicentina, and tiramisu, paired with a glass of Prosecco or regional wine. End your day with a leisurely walk along the Sile River, a tranquil spot to reflect on your journey before overnighting in Treviso.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Treviso. Take the opportunity to explore the city further at your own pace or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon, drive back to Venice Airport, allowing sufficient time to return your hire car before your departure.