The Dolomites from Venice
Two and a half hours north of the lagoon the land rises into the Dolomites, pale limestone peaks that turn pink at sunset. A day out takes in Cortina d'Ampezzo, its valley and the mountain lakes.
- What it is
- Day trip
- Time to allow
- A full day
- Cost
- A day tour
- Best time
- A clear day from June to October
Venice this week
Why the Dolomites is worth it
The Dolomites are mountains of pale limestone and dolomite rock, named after the French geologist who studied it, and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From Venice, a long day is enough to see Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the Winter Olympics in 1956 and, with Milan, in 2026, and the lakes below the three peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
What to see
Cortina d'Ampezzo
The resort town in its wide valley, ringed by peaks.
Lake Misurina
A lake at 1,750 metres with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo behind it.
Lake Braies
A green lake under a wall of rock, a little further north, on some tours.
How to do it well
- It is a long day: tours leave Venice early and come back in the evening.
- Bring a warm layer even in summer: the lakes are high.
- In winter, some passes and lakes are under snow.
Where it is
Address
Belluno province and South Tyrol, north of Venice
Nearest station
Tours leave from Piazzale Roma or Mestre
Tickets and tours: The Dolomites
The Dolomites: common questions
- Can you visit the Dolomites as a day trip from Venice?
- Yes. It is about two and a half hours each way, so it makes a long day.
- Is there public transport from Venice to Cortina?
- Yes, there are direct coaches from Mestre station and Piazzale Roma.
- How much time do you need for the Dolomites?
- Allow a full day. That is this site's estimate for an unhurried visit.
What visitors say about the Dolomites
Rating from Google
Things to do in Venice
- 1Walk through the Doge's Palace and over the Bridge of SighsSan MarcoMuseum, 2 to 3 hours, ticket
- 2Stand under the golden domes of St Mark's BasilicaSan MarcoChurch, 45 to 90 minutes, ticket with a time, sold by the basilica
- 3See Venetian painting from Bellini to Titian at the AccademiaDorsoduroMuseum, 1.5 to 2.5 hours, ticket at the museum, tours online
- 4Ride up St Mark's Campanile for the view over the lagoonSan MarcoMonument, 30 to 45 minutes, ticket with a time
Artists to see near the Dolomites
The museums nearest to here, and the most famous artists on show in each.
Ca' Pesaro, 127.1 km away
Basilica dei Frari, 127.5 km away
Where to eat near the Dolomites
The nearest of the famous tables this site lists in Venice. Distances are in a straight line.
- Locanda Cipriani4.7Restaurant and inn, Torcello121.3 km away
- Trattoria Da Romano4.3Trattoria, Burano122.7 km away
- Pasticceria Dal Mas4.3Pastry shop, Lista di Spagna126.9 km away
- Osteria Ca' d'Oro alla Vedova4.1Osteria, Strada Nova127.0 km away
Hotels near the Dolomites
The five-star hotels closest to it, of those this site lists in Venice. Distances are in a straight line.
- Aman Venice4.8Five-star hotel, Grand Canal127.5 km away
- Hotel Londra Palace4.7Five-star hotel, Riva degli Schiavoni127.9 km away
- Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel4.5Five-star hotel, Riva degli Schiavoni127.9 km away
- The St. Regis Venice4.6Five-star hotel, Grand Canal128.1 km away