Dolomites – itinerary 6 nights

Glittering, fairylike, authentic – Winter in the Dolomites

Casting a magic spell on anyone approaching these mighty rock cathedrals, the Dolomites have fascinated mankind for centuries, their rugged, yet soft appeal capturing hearts and souls. Vast expanses juxtaposed by a world of verticality seemingly defying rules of gravity, one golden pass after the other don their best attire when their vast palettes of colours triumph at dusk, a serenade of red, pink and violet hues colouring the sky.

The ideal playground for exceptional hikes and bike rides in the summer, in the winter the landscape becomes silent and powerful, the crisp air an invitation to reconnect with nature, walking on the snow, skiing on endless slopes and soaking in the atmosphere. Get ready for a soul-enriching journey.

…and then there’s that precious, often unexpected world you only discover with time: gourmet mountain huts serving refined alpine cuisine paired with elegant South Tyrolean wines, tiny artisan workshops in postcard-perfect villages, and soothing spas where the scent of pine and wild herbs instantly melts away the noise of life. Because in the Dolomites, true luxury is slowing down, breathing deeply, and letting yourself be embraced by a beauty that never asks, yet always gives.

The Dolomites can easily be reached from several airports:

Venice to Alta Badia 170 Km
Treviso to Alta Badia 160 Km
Innsbruck (Austria) to Alta Badia 135 Km
Innsburck (Austria) to Val Gardena 115 Km
Verona to Val Gardena 185 Km
Milan Malpensa to Val Gardena 350 Km
Milan Linate 301 Km
Bergamo Orio al Serio 270 Km

Day 1. The endless charm of Seiser Alm

Reach Bolzano – perhaps a quick stop in the main square – and then head to Europe’s largest plateau, Seiser Alm. Quite how nature has shaped this marvel is beyond our grasp as it’s so perfect it seems unreal. From Sassolungo to Sassopiatto, the Sella and Odle group, Marmolada and many more, enjoy a winter walk on the Puflatsch, to the Mahlknecht hut or around Saltria.

And to make your alpine escape even more splendid, consider a horse riding and a winter carriage ride - the kind of timeless, storybook moment only Ortisei can offer.

Finish the day in style at Gardena Grödnerhof’s extraordinary SPA, where time seems to slow and every detail whispers comfort.

Overnight stay at Gardena Grödnerhof

Day 2. Bënunì te Gherdëina - Welcome to Val Gardena

Famous for the wooden sculptures produced by its many skilled artisans, Val Gardena will capture your hearts. You may choose Selva di Val Gardena, Santa Cristina but for a truly refined stay, Ortisei is the most captivating choice. Picturesque and full of character you’ll find the Val Gardena Museum, hosting the precious, locally crafted wooden sculptures. Here, the mountains meet culture, beauty and timeless charm

Why not hit the slopes within the stellar Dolomiti Superski circuit? 1200km (yes!!) of slopes that suit all sorts, skiing with the majestic Dolomites in the background. Then relax sipping a hot drink and enjoying a gourmet delight.

Overnight stay at Gardena Grödnerhof

Day 3. An ode to the mountains: winter in the Odle

The birthplace of Reinhold Messner, the Odle mountains are mesmerizing and alluring. Enjoy a walk exploring the famous Santa Maddalena church and walks north of Selva di Val Gardena. Why not enjoy a husky sled dog experience, going through woods and pastures while the soft snow falls softly? Forests are a source of energy and spending time outdoors, walking or snowshoeing, is your way to reconnect with nature in a splendid surrounding.

Overnight stay at Gardena Grödnerhof

Day 4. Ladin living – Explore Alta Badia

Make your way to splendid Alta Badia, the evocative land where mystical landscapes come in droves, and explore the quaint villages of San Cassiano, Badia or Colfosco. You are in Ladin country and the magical Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park is a fabulous playground for gentle walks admiring the landscape. Make sure you try some Ladin gourmet recipes – Tutres, Les bales da cioce, Grestl or Pössl da pom – for a delicious meal.

Overnight stay at Ciasa Salares

Day 5. The Queen of the Dolomites – Exploring Cortina d’Ampezzo

Co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina is the glitzy queen of Alpine lifestyle, the trendy destination that resonates the world over with its stylish allure. Stroll along its fashionable Corso Italia, rub shoulders with jet setters or – why not? – join an exciting helicopter flight: wouldn’t it be amazing to see the beauty of the Dolomites from the air? Finish the day off with a superb wine therapy session: fancy a Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir or Sangiovese treat? Bliss awaits.

Overnight stay at Ciasa Salares

Day 6. Enjoying Christmas markets

There is something special about Christmas markets in the Dolomites, the works of many skilled artisans displayed in the üties, the typical wooden huts that crown the festive surroundings. Grab a unique piece of local handicraft and sip warm Glühwein at the Marcé da Nadé in Corvara, with a chance to support donations to the pivotal mountain rescue team, the Paisc de Nadé in San Cassiano and Adöm te plaza in Badia. Finish the day in style at Ciasa Salares and enjoy the delicacies of the Nida cheese room or the Nodla chocolate room, or venture into the world of local, other Italian or biodynamic wines in the superb Cocun cellar, surrounded by more than 24,000 bottles and 1,800 labels. An unparalleled experience for wine connoisseurs.

Overnight stay at Ciasa Salares.

Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography

Four floors of captivating mountain images, housed in a high-tech building – a former funicular station – with sweeping views of the mountains: the Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography is an architectural gem on the Kronplatz summit (2275m, 7400 ft), hosting stellar exhibitions from world-renowned photographers for what is an extraordinary experience.

Don’t miss the iconic “Shutter” room opening dramatically onto the peaks, or a refined lunch at AlpiNN Food Space & Restaurant by Norbert Niederkofler — a gourmet celebration of the mountains. The result is a cultural experience as breathtaking as the landscapes it honors.

The Sella Ronda is pure magic

Take a private ski instructor or a local guide and enjoy the Sella Ronda. A panoramic circuit around the majestic Sella massif, linking four iconic valleys — Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba and Val di Fassa — through perfectly groomed slopes, ultra-efficient lifts and views that take your breath away.

Whether you follow the clockwise orange route or the anti-clockwise green one, expect an unforgettable day: elegant mountain huts serving fine wines and alpine cuisine, stylish après-ski terraces kissed by the winter sun, and long, flowing runs suitable for confident intermediate skiers

Prosecco area

A perfect stop between Venice and the Dolomites, the Prosecco hills offer a gentle pause before the mountains.

The quintessential aperitivo choice for most Italians and around the world, Prosecco is a sublime drink
that lives as an expression of the territory it stems from. The Prosecco hills, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, are nestled between the Prealps and the Piave river, between Venice and the Dolomites.

Let’s join in the fun and raise a glass!

Unforgettable cities – Verona and Venice

When in the area, find some time to include two Italian marvels, the cities of Verona and Venice.

The scene of the most famous love story ever written, Verona is much more than (the alleged) Juliet’s balcony, but a series of fabulous churches, the rich art collection of Castelvecchio Museum and many inspiring bridges. All seasoned by endless delicious, locally produced food and wine.

Best approached from the sea, Venice is a floating dream, one charming alley after the other, shadows and shades enriching the aura of a unique place. Riveting, highly decorated palaces, stunning art collections and the soft, yet momentous lullaby of lapping water on the shores of the many piazzas - San Marco perhaps the most astonishing – Venice speaks to your senses like no other place.