Dolomites day trip from Venice: Cortina, lakes & peaks

Three alpine lakes and the Queen of the Dolomites in one day

A guided day trip from Venice into the Dolomites visits Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Misurina and Lago di Auronzo, with an English-speaking guide leading the route through UNESCO-listed mountain landscape. The tour runs 10 hours and includes water; children are welcome from age 5. Public transport options are available nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dolomites from Venice

• Visit Cortina d'Ampezzo alpine resort
• Walk and photograph Lake Misurina
• See Lago di Auronzo alpine lake

The Experience

The day starts in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the alpine resort that will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics. The town sits in the heart of the Dolomites, surrounded by dramatic peaks including Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Tofane. You walk Corso Italia, the pedestrian center lined with boutiques and historic hotels, to see how this place has held its refined mountain character through decades of international tourism. The guide explains the Ladin heritage woven through the architecture and the skiing culture that made Cortina famous in winter—and the climbing and hiking that fill the summer months.

From there the route moves to Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the Cadore area, sitting at 1,754 meters above sea level. The water is exceptionally clear and reflects the surrounding peaks so directly it reads like a mirror. A scenic path circles the lake, and you walk it to take in the views and the quiet that comes with alpine altitude. The lake is 15 kilometers from Cortina, so the drive itself carries you deeper into the mountain landscape.

The final stop is Lago di Auronzo, a striking reservoir created by a dam on the Ansiei River. Its turquoise color stands in sharp contrast to the forested slopes and rugged Dolomite peaks rising behind it. This is one of the main access points to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo area, and the guide uses the stop to show how the landscape here—wild and engineered at once—sits inside the UNESCO World Heritage zone. Water is included throughout the day, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• An English-speaking guide leads the full route.
• water is provided throughout the day.
• all three stops—Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Misurina and Lago di Auronzo—are included in the itinerary.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day exploring three alpine lakes and peaks—the guide drives between Cortina d'Ampezzo, Misurina, and Auronzo, so you spend time at each location rather than navigating mountain roads yourself.

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Top questions

What is Cortina d'Ampezzo like when you walk through it on this tour?

Cortina d'Ampezzo is an elegant alpine resort in the heart of the Dolomites, with a pedestrian center along Corso Italia lined with boutiques, cafés and historic hotels. The town blends Ladin heritage with refined mountain culture and is surrounded by dramatic peaks like Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Tofane. It hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics.

How long is the walk around Lake Misurina?

Lake Misurina has a scenic path that circles it, making it an accessible spot for walking and photography. The tour includes time at the lake, though the exact duration of the walk depends on the guide's pace and the group's interests. The lake sits at 1,754 meters above sea level and is known for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains.

What makes Lago di Auronzo different from the other lakes on this tour?

Lago di Auronzo is an alpine reservoir created by a dam, known for its vivid turquoise color. Unlike Lake Misurina's natural formation, this lake's striking color and the contrast between its forested slopes and rugged Dolomite peaks create a different kind of alpine landscape. It also serves as one of the main access points to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo area.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 5. The tour suits all physical fitness levels, and public transportation options are available nearby if you need them for getting to the departure point.

How long does the entire tour take?

The tour runs 10 hours from start to finish, covering Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Misurina and Lago di Auronzo with an English-speaking guide leading the route.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes visits to all three locations—Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Misurina and Lago di Auronzo—plus an English-speaking guide and water throughout the day. Meals and accommodation are not included.