Dolomites & Lake Braies Day Trip from Venice with Cortina

Summary

From Venice to the Dolomites: lakes, towns, and mountain air

You’ll start your day leaving Venice behind for crisp mountain air, coffee stops in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and walks beside Lake Braies’ unreal colors. With easy van transport and a local guide handling all logistics—including pickup—you’ll get time to wander lakesides or just sit quietly with mountain views before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not ready for this color,” our driver Marco said as we rounded a bend near Lake Braies. He wasn’t kidding—there’s this moment when the trees part and suddenly you see the water, almost turquoise but not quite, with these streaks of green that look painted on. I actually stopped talking mid-sentence. The air smelled like pine needles and wet stone, and there were a few kids skipping rocks by the shore, bundled up even though it was June. I tried to take a photo but it just looked flat compared to what my eyes saw. Maybe that’s always how it goes.

Cortina d’Ampezzo was our first stop after leaving Venice (early—like, coffee-in-hand early). The drive took about two hours but didn’t feel long; Marco played some Italian radio and pointed out the Olympic ski jumps as we rolled into town. We wandered Corso Italia for a bit—window-shopped at stores I’d never dare enter back home—and grabbed espresso at a bar where locals argued about football in rapid-fire Italian. There was this old man in a felt hat who nodded at us like he knew we weren’t from around here but didn’t mind.

After Cortina, we headed up toward Lake Misurina for a quick photo stop—the lake was glassy and still except for one duck paddling along. You could see Tre Cime di Lavaredo off in the distance, those three jagged peaks everyone talks about. Marco told us stories about climbers getting stuck up there in winter storms; apparently people come from all over just to try their luck. I can’t imagine it—I was cold enough just standing by the van.

Lake Braies was the highlight (for me anyway). We walked part of the 3.5 km trail around it—muddy in spots but worth it for how quiet everything got once you left the crowds behind. If you want, you can rent those wooden rowboats (we didn’t because my rowing skills are questionable), but even sitting on the dock with your feet dangling feels like enough. On the way back to Venice I kept replaying that first glimpse of the lake in my head—honestly, I still do sometimes when I need to zone out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip to Dolomites and lakes

• Depart Venice by Mercedes minivan
• Stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo for walk and coffee
• Stroll Corso Italia pedestrian area
• Visit Lake Braies, walk or relax by shore
• Optional boat rental on Lake Braies
• Stop at Lake Misurina for photos
• Photo stop at Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Return to Venice

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Venice to Dolomites?

The tour is a full-day trip starting at 7:45AM from Venice and returns in the evening.

Is transport included on this Dolomites tour?

Yes, round-trip transport from Venice is included in an air-conditioned Mercedes van.

Do we visit Lake Braies during this day trip?

Yes, Lake Braies is one of the main stops on this day trip from Venice.

Are there any walks or hikes included?

You can walk part or all of the 3.5 km trail around Lake Braies if you wish.

Is there free time in Cortina d’Ampezzo?

Yes, you’ll have free time to stroll or get coffee along Corso Italia in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Can children join this Dolomites tour?

Yes, children are welcome; child seats are available if requested at booking and meet Italian legal requirements.

Are meals or lunch included?

No meals are included; you have free time to purchase food or drinks during stops.

Is pickup included for this Dolomites & Lake Braies tour?

The tour includes pickup at a meeting point in Venice; please arrive 15 minutes before departure.

What should I bring for the Dolomites day trip?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking, layers for changing weather, and your camera or phone for photos.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Venice by air-conditioned Mercedes van with an experienced local guide at the wheel. Pickup is at 7:45AM (arrive 15 minutes early). You’ll have time to stroll Cortina d’Ampezzo’s main street, walk or relax by Lake Braies and Lake Misurina, plus plenty of scenic photo stops before returning to Venice in the evening.