Venice: Dolomites Day Trip Cortina & Lake Misurina
A morning drive from Venice into the Dolomites, ending at two alpine lakes
You travel from Venice into the Dolomites Mountains UNESCO site with a professional guide and driver in an air-conditioned vehicle. You walk through Cortina d'Ampezzo before lunch and free time at Lake Misurina, where you can swim, boat, or take a chairlift. A photo stop at Lake Auronzo rounds out the return journey, all included in one fixed itinerary that handles transport and timing for you.
Step-by-step itinerary
Dolomites day trip from Venice
- Visit Cortina d'Ampezzo resort
- Walk Corso Italia pedestrian area
- Walk around Lake Misurina
- Have lunch at local restaurant
- Optional boat rental or chairlift ride
- Photo stop at Lake Auronzo dam
The Experience
The van picks you up in Venice and heads north toward the mountains. After about two hours on scenic roads, you arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the resort town that will host the 2026 Winter Olympics. You walk through Corso Italia, the main pedestrian street, and get a sense of the place — the architecture, the shops, the way the peaks frame everything. It's not a long stop, but it's enough to see why people come here.
Then you drive over Passo Tre Croci, a panoramic pass, and drop down to Lake Misurina. This is where you spend the middle of the day. You have time to walk around the lake, sit by the water, and eat lunch at one of the restaurants along the shore — they serve local food, and the views across the water to the Dolomite peaks, including the famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo, don't hurt. In summer, you can rent a small boat or take the chairlift up to Col de Varda if you want to climb higher. Most people just walk and eat, which is fine.
On the way back to Venice, the driver stops at Lake Auronzo so you can walk on the dam. Sometimes water rushes through the gates — it depends on the season and the water level. It's a quick photo stop, maybe twenty minutes, but it breaks up the drive home. You're back in Venice by evening, and the whole day is maybe ten to twelve hours door to door.
What’s included
Your day includes hotel or meeting-point pickup in Venice, professional driver and local tour guide, air-conditioned vehicle for the full journey, visits to Cortina d'Ampezzo and Lake Misurina with free time for lunch and optional activities like boating or chairlift rides, and a photo stop at Lake Auronzo before returning to Venice in the evening.
Operated by Bea Vita Tours
Is this one for you?Choose this if you want the main Dolomites highlights in one day without renting a car or planning the route yourself — the fixed itinerary and included transport handle the logistics, leaving you to walk, eat, and look at the peaks.
Traveler reviews
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How long is the drive from Venice to the Dolomites?
About two hours each way. The full day is roughly ten to twelve hours including stops.
What's included in the tour?
Professional driver, local tour guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and all stops. Lunch is not included — you pay separately at Lake Misurina restaurants.
Can I swim or boat at Lake Misurina?
Yes. In summer you can rent a small boat or take the panoramic chairlift to Col de Varda. Walking around the lake is always an option.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Not recommended for children under 6 years. Older children can do it, though the long drive and walking may tire younger ones.
What if I have mobility concerns?
The tour involves walking around lakes and on a dam. If you have spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or are pregnant, this tour is not recommended.
What are the Three Peaks of Lavaredo?
Three distinctive rock formations in the Dolomites, visible from Lake Misurina. They're among the most famous peaks in the region.
Do I need to book lunch in advance?
No. You choose a restaurant at Lake Misurina during your free time and pay directly. No advance booking needed.
Is there a photo stop?
Yes, at Lake Auronzo on the return drive. You can walk on the dam and see water gates, weather permitting.
Venice: Dolomites Day Trip Cortina & Lake Misurina
10h · EN
from € 119 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.78143 reviews









