From Bolzano: Private Day Tour by car: The Great Dolomites Road

Bolzano , Italy

From Bolzano: Private Day Tour by car: The Great Dolomites Road

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(74 reviews)

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About this experience

The Dolomites are some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, certainly are the most beautiful in Europe. The Dolomites, a masterpiece of nature, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2009. With this tour you will be taken in the heart of these beautiful mountains and then visit the famous Gardena Valley with its most important center, Ortisei.

Available options

From Bolzano: Private Day Tour by car: The Great Dolomites Road

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel drop-off

Bottled water

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Driver/guide

Hotel pickup

Detailed itinerary

We will cross the Ega Valley that begins at Bolzano and runs eastward between the Rosengarten and the Latemar mountains. This road was built in 1895 when the territory was part of the Austro Hungarian Empire. Part of the route is located in a canyon carved by the river Ega.
We will stop at Carezza Lake, the most beautiful lake of the Dolomites: 30 minutes of staying with a walk around the lake if you want.

Then we will arrive to Costalunga Pass. Near the Pass we will see the historical “Grand Hotel Carezza”, built in 1893, the first luxury hotel in the Dolomites which hosted very important guests like the Empress Sissi, Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie.

From the Costalunga Pass we will reach the Fassa Valley in Trentino: we will pass through the towns of Vigo di Fassa and Canazei to arrive under the imposing peaks of the Sella Group.

From here begins a long series of 27 hairpins bends (switchbacks) that will lead us to the famous Pordoi Pass at an altitude of 2.239 meters above sea level. One hour of staying if you decide to arrive with the cable car to Sass Pordoi (altitude of 2950 meters: the cable car is open from late May until mid-October and from Christmas to Easter).

From the Pordoi Pass we return back a few kilometers to reach the Sella Pass: here the landscape is really impressive with the Sella vertical walls that stand right in front of us .... From the Sella Pass we can admire the Marmolada glacier (3,343 m) and the majestic Sassolungo (3,181 m), the most famous mountain in Gardena Valley: 10 minutes stop for photos.

Coming down from the Sella Pass we will enter in the Gardena Valley, the best known tourist valley of the Dolomites and we will stay in its largest town, the beautiful Ortisei: one hour of staying for lunch break and to visit the town.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Ticket of the Sass Pordoi cable-car

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

38 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

36 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

About Bolzano

Bolzano is a charming city in northern Italy, nestled in the heart of the Alps. It offers a unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures, stunning mountain scenery, and a rich history. The city is known for its medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and proximity to world-class skiing and hiking destinations.

Top Attractions

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

This museum is famous for housing Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy. The museum offers a fascinating look into prehistoric times.

Historical 1-2 hours €10

Bolzano Cathedral

A beautiful Romanesque cathedral with a mix of architectural styles. It's a significant religious and historical site in the city.

Religious 30 minutes Free

Marebbe Nature Park

A stunning nature park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Speck

A cured ham, a specialty of the region, often served as an appetizer.

Snack Contains pork

Canederli

Bread dumplings, often served with cheese or meat.

Main course Vegetarian options available

Strudel

A sweet pastry filled with apples, often served with cream.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Mountain biking Thermal baths Wine tasting Café hopping Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August, December to February

Summer is ideal for hiking, outdoor activities, and exploring the city. Winter is perfect for skiing and other winter sports. These are the busiest and most expensive times to visit.

15-25°C (summer), -5 to 5°C (winter) 59-77°F (summer), 23-41°F (winter)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: German, Ladin
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bolzano is a safe city with low crime rates. However, always be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Bolzano Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from city center
Verona Villafranca Airport • 140 km (87 miles) from Bolzano

By train

Bolzano Station

By bus

Bolzano Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city and surrounding areas. Buses are clean, punctual, and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, IT Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza Walther Piazza della Mostra

Day trips

Merano

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

A charming town known for its thermal baths, historic architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Alpe di Siusi

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

A stunning plateau in the Dolomites, perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.

Festivals

Bolzano Christmas Market • Late November to early January

Pro tips

Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Try local specialties like Speck and Canederli at traditional restaurants.
Explore the surrounding mountains for stunning views and outdoor activities.
Use public transport to get around the city efficiently and affordably.
Learn a few basic phrases in Italian and German to enhance your experience.