Mountains reflecting shades of violet pink so mesmerizing they make you stop and wonder: how can beauty be this overwhelming? In this corner of Italy, it truly is possible, especially during the warmest and most vibrant time of the year. Welcome to the Dolomites in summer.

Drawing on the expertise of our travel designers, Cieli di Toscana presents an effortless and exclusive guide. In essence, it was designed to help you experience Italy’s most iconic mountain range at its very best.

Why Visit the Dolomites in Summer?

When choosing a travel destination, timing is everything. Visiting a place in its ideal season allows you to experience it in its fullest expression, and summer in the Dolomites delivers exactly that.

During this time of year, you can enjoy scenic hikes, cycling routes, and pristine turquoise lakes. Additionally, with a bit of luck, you may also witness the magical Alpenglow. As a result, this natural phenomenon bathes the mountains in hues of pink, orange, and red at sunrise and sunset, thanks to the mineral composition of the dolomite rock. All of this unfolds against a backdrop of lush, intense greenery. A true spectacle.

Charming Towns for Your Dolomites Itinerary

If there’s one challenge you’ll face when planning your Dolomites summer itinerary, it’s choosing where to stay. There are countless equally enchanting options, but don’t worry. We’ll guide you through the highlights.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Arguably, the best base for exploring the Dolomites in summer, Cortina d’Ampezzo offers excellent access for international travelers. Moreover, its central location is ideal for discovering Lake Sorapis, Passo di Giau, Lake Dobbiaco, Lake Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake Misurina, and Passo Gardena.

Thanks to its strategic position, Cortina also boasts outstanding tourist infrastructure. In practice, luxury hotels, upscale boutiques, and refined dining experiences define the stay. As a result, it appeals to travelers seeking comfort, elegance, and alpine glamour.

Bolzano

Not surprisingly, Bolzano is a must stop on any Dolomites itinerary. On the one hand, it charms visitors with its picturesque historic center. On the other, it serves as a highly practical logistical base, offering easy access to valleys such as Val Gardena and Val di Funes.

Although distinctly Italian, German is widely spoken here, creating a fascinating cultural blend. As you explore, think of bucolic streets, cultural events, and the renowned Museum of the Iceman. There, Ötzi is preserved, a 5,000 year old mummy housed in a temperature controlled chamber.

Ortisei

Just a 40 minute drive from Bolzano, Ortisei is an enchanting village that serves as a base for many of the same attractions as its nearby counterpart. Its atmosphere, however, feels distinctly Austrian or Swiss.

The town is known for its alpine style hotels adorned with geranium filled balconies. Besides this, it offers charming pedestrian only streets and an abundance of traditional wood carvings displayed throughout the village. In short, everything you need for an authentic Dolomites summer experience.

Udine

For travelers who prefer an itinerary more deeply connected to nature, Udine is an excellent choice, especially for exploring the eastern Dolomites, known as the Friulian Dolomites, a region that is more remote and untamed.

Renting a car here enhances comfort and exclusivity, giving you the freedom to explore destinations such as Tolmezzo or Auronzo at your own pace.

Exclusive Experiences in the Dolomites During Summer

Tailor Made Mountain Hiking

Along breathtaking trails, you’ll uncover cinematic landscapes, inspiring cuisine, traditional craftsmanship, and the rich cultural heritage of northern Italy. Along the way, you’ll learn to recognize the subtle differences between Italian, Austrian, and Ladin influences that define this region.

Travel point to point from Val Gardena, famous for its master woodcarvers, to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine plateau, and onward to Val di Funes, a particularly serene valley, before continuing north through South Tyrol and Alto Adige.

Stargazing Followed by a Candlelit Dinner

The Dolomites in summer are so extraordinary that you can even observe the stars through a powerful telescope. In Cortina d’Ampezzo, an astronomical observatory offers a truly unique experience.

Accompanied by an English speaking local astronomer, you’ll ascend by cable car to the observatory and learn to identify stars, planets, and galaxies while admiring a sky that never fails to inspire awe. The highlight of the evening comes next, a candlelit dinner with the mountains as your backdrop, featuring the traditional specialties of the Ampezzo Valley.

Panoramic Helicopter Flights

Still soaring above it all, your Dolomites itinerary can include panoramic helicopter flights over crystal blue lakes such as the iconic Lake Sorapis. From the air, you’ll enjoy perspectives simply unreachable by land.

This extraordinary experience is designed for travelers seeking incomparable views and moments of pure wonder in one of Europe’s most impressive alpine landscapes.

Experience the Dolomites with Italy Specialists: Cieli di Toscana

The Dolomites in summer offer an unforgettable journey, and the best way to elevate it even further is with the expertise of Cieli di Toscana’s travel designers. Get in touch and enjoy a fully personalized itinerary, crafted to match your pace, preferences, and vision of luxury travel in Italy.