Pordoi Pass

Following a pickup from your hotel, you’ll head first to Bolzano, gateway to the Dolomites and capital of the province South Tyrol. Cross the Eggental valley that runs eastward between the Rosengarten massif and the Latemar mountain range. This road was built in 1894 when the territory was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stop at Lake Carezza, the most beautiful lake of the western Dolomites, for a 30-minute break and walk around the lake. Next, arrive at Karerpass where you’ll see the historical Residence Grand Hotel Carezza, built in 1893, this was the first luxury hotel in the Dolomites and has hosted very important guests including the Empress Sissi, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie. From the Karerpass you’ll reach the Fassa Valley in Trentino and pass through the towns of Vigo di Fassa and Canazei to arrive under the imposing peaks of the Sella group. From here, begin a long series of 27 hairpin bends that will lead you to the famous Pordoi Pass at an altitude of 2,239m above sea level. Enjoy a one-hour break or take the cable car to Sass Pordoi at an altitude of 2,950m. From the Pordoi Pass, go down to the village of Arabba and continue east to the Falzarego Pass, the gateway to the eastern Dolomites. You’ll reach Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s premier mountain resort known as the Pearl of the Dolomites where the Winter Olympic Games were hosted in 1956. Cortina, together with Milan, will once again host the Winter Olympics in 2026. From Cortina, the next stop will be Lake Misurina with its incredible panoramic view of Three Peaks of Lavaredo. The lake, with its view of the peaks to the north and Sorapis to the south, is the most famous image of the Dolomites in the world. Just 20 minutes from Lake Misurina you’ll have the opportunity for a brief stop at another important lake in the Eastern Dolomites, Lake Dobbiaco. From Dobbiaco, you’ll reach the extreme northeast of Italy just a few kilometers from the border with Austria for the great finale of the day: a visit to the famous Lake Braies. From here, you’ll return to Bolzano via the Pusteria and the Isarco valleys.

The Italian Dolomites is a staggering mountain range that changes its hues with the shifting seasons. Weaving through the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys and up to the Pordoi pass, the iconic scenery is a 'must' for nature lovers and photographers alike. This trip offers a delightful mix of awe-inspiring landscapes and pretty towns typical of the area. Your adventure begins as you travel by coach into the heart of the Dolomites. The exact itinerary varies depending on your point of departure, but all routes include a scenic drive through the Fiemme Valley and Fassa Valley with photo stops, as well as the spectacular 27 hairpin bend road to the Pordoi Pass reaching an altitude of 2240m. Here, you can indulge in a leisurely lunch break while drinking in the surrounding natural beauty. Then, seize the opportunity to take an optional cable car ride up to a dizzy height of 2950m, offering unparalleled views. The tour also includes a stop in one of the charming South Tirolean Villages, where you can find out more about the traditions and language of the Ladino people.