Venice , Italy

Full Day Tour Cortina & Dolomites

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About this experience

Escape the hustle of Venice with a day trip to the Dolomites, visiting Lake Santa Croce, Pieve di Cadore, Cortina, Lake Auronzo, Lake Misurina, and Cortina. Marvel at stunning landscapes and capture unforgettable photos as you pass through tunnels offering breathtaking views of canyons and valleys that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Begin at Lake Santa Croce, where the Dolomite peaks reflect in crystal-clear waters, then stop in Pieve di Cadore for a brief stroll and perhaps a cappuccino. Journey on to picturesque Lake Auronzo, passing through charming mountain villages.

Next, continue to Lake Misurina for a leisurely lakeside walk or an optional lunch break with views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Sorapis, and Marmole. Alternatively, take the panoramic chairlift (tickets not included, payable on site) to Col del Varda at 2106 meters for fresh mountain air and more stunning Dolomite vistas.

Available options

Full Day Tour Cortina & Dolomites

What's included

Round trip transfer from Venice

Free time

Bilingual driver

Photo stops

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Detailed itinerary

Lake Santa Croce, located near Venice, is a picturesque lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes. Situated in the Dolomite Alps, the lake offers a variety of outdoor activities such as windsurfing, sailing, fishing, and hiking. It is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation in nature or exploring alpine beauty. With its spectacular views and tranquil environment, Lake Santa Croce is a hidden gem that perfectly complements a visit to the vibrant city of Venice.

Pieve di Cadore is a municipality located in the province of Belluno, in the Veneto region of Italy. It has approximately 3,833 inhabitants and covers an area of 66 square kilometers, with a population density of 58 inhabitants per square kilometer. It borders the municipalities of Calalzo di Cadore, Cimolais (PN), Domegge di Cadore, Perarolo di Cadore, Valle di Cadore, and Vodo Cadore.

The town is famous for being the birthplace of the renowned Italian Renaissance painter Titian (1490-1576).

Auronzo Lake, stretching over two kilometers in the Valle d'Ansei within the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore, is a pristine and shimmering body of water, renowned as one of the most captivating and popular lakes in the Veneto region.

Situated in the Province of Belluno, Lake Auronzo is an artificial reservoir created by a dam constructed in the 1930s to halt the flow of the Ansei River. The dam, standing 55 meters high, was completed in 1932 and has the capacity to hold 6.25 million cubic meters of water. The dam extends to a small chapel from the 1500s dedicated to St. Christina, which is why the lake is sometimes referred to as the Lake of Santa Cristina.

Lake Misurina, nestled in the Dolomites

Situated in the Italian Alps at an altitude of 1,756 meters, Lake Misurina is one of the most popular alpine lakes for travelers exploring the Dolomites. This entire region is breathtakingly beautiful, and here you can find a comprehensive guide to the Dolomites.

Located in Misurina, a small village in Auronzo di Cadore, Lake Misurina stretches over 2.5 kilometers. Its waters, which invite boating and sport fishing in the summer, are relatively shallow with a depth of just 5 meters. This contrasts with its nearby counterpart, Lake Braies, which, while equally stunning, has a depth of over 30 meters.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is a charming Italian commune in the Veneto region, in the province of Belluno, with approximately 5,954 inhabitants. Recognized worldwide as a famous ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo covers an area of 254.51 km², with a population density of 23 inhabitants per km². The commune borders Auronzo di Cadore, Badia (BZ), Braies (BZ), Colle Santa Lucia, Dobbiaco (BZ), Livinallongo del Col di Lana, Marebbe (BZ), and San Vito di Cadore, offering a prime location to explore the majestic alpine landscapes and enjoy various outdoor activities.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Lunch (to be paid in the restaurant)

Guide

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is shared

It is advisable not to book more than one tour on the same day, with schedules close together.

Please leave a Whatsapp number where you will be contacted by our support once you book the tour.

Important notice for last-minute reservations (same day or overnight): in case of lack of seats, the customer will be placed on the day following the reserved date.

Meeting point

MEET THE DRIVER 15 MIN BEFORE AT THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF PIAZZALE ROMA,
IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL OLIMPIA IN THE CAR PARK AREA
Look for a sign with the tour name and/or an orange umbrella.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly