Venice is flat, wet and lovely, but the mountains are only a couple of hours away, and a day in the Dolomites is the most dramatic change of scene available. This trip takes you from the lagoon to the Alpine lakes and the pale rock towers of the Dolomites, a UNESCO-listed range. The booking page shows a departure at eight in the morning from Piazzale Roma in Venice, with hotel pickup and drop-off listed as included, and a Mercedes van with WiFi and qualified drivers, for a maximum of sixteen travellers. The itinerary shows a pass-by of Venice, then Cortina d'Ampezzo with 45 minutes of free time, Schluderbach for ten minutes, Lago di Braies for an hour and a half with admission included, Monte Piana for an hour with admission not included, and Lago di Misurina for five minutes. Cortina is the mountain resort town that co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics; Lake Braies is the emerald lake, ringed by peaks, that appears in nearly every Dolomites photo. The operator lists about eight to nine hours in total, with transport and lunch included and a snowmobile ride available from December to late March for a fee. The day is mostly scenery and short walks, and is manageable for most travellers, although the road includes winding sections.
What to know about the route
The Dolomites are far from Venice, and most of the day is in the van, so be ready for long drives and hairpin curves. Reviewers advise that people prone to car sickness should prepare, and some wanted more time at Lake Braies and felt that the Monte Piana stop could be skipped. The booking page says itineraries vary with weather, so be flexible. The page does not give a fitness level; reviewers describe a moderate hike around Lake Braies and little walking overall, and say most travellers can participate.
Seasons
The Dolomites change dramatically with the calendar. In summer, the lakes are blue-green and the meadows are open; in autumn, larch trees turn gold; from winter to spring, roads and trails can be snowbound, and some stops may be changed. Dress warmly even in summer, because it can be cold at altitude, and bring sturdy shoes. Lake Braies is especially busy in high summer, which is why admission and access arrangements can change, so read the booking page.
Practical details
The booking page shows free cancellation up to twenty-four hours before the experience, is not wheelchair accessible, is stroller accessible, allows service animals and offers child seats on request. Pack water, a layer, sunscreen and a camera. If you prefer a different day trip, look at the Prosecco hills trip in this guide. Remember that mountain weather is unpredictable, and the operator may adapt the programme. Overnight guests in Venice are treated differently from day visitors for the access fee that Venice has charged on selected dates; check current rules.
The alternative is to stay in Venice and use the day for the lagoon islands, so choose this trip when the weather forecast is good. Wake early, eat breakfast, and carry cash for coffee and small purchases in the mountains. Be aware that road closures and weather can force changes, and that the winter programme may include a snowmobile option, according to the booking page. If the trip is cancelled for conditions, the operator will normally offer a refund or a new date.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day small-group van trip from Venice to the Dolomites: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Braies, a Monte Piana stop and a viewpoint at Lake Misurina.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn for open lakes and trails; ask the operator about winter itineraries.
How long
About eight to nine hours, departing at eight in the morning from Piazzale Roma.
Tips
Dress in layers, bring sturdy shoes and water, and prepare for winding roads if you are prone to motion sickness. Admission to Lake Braies is listed as included; Monte Piana is not.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want mountains and lakes after a few days of canals.
- Families
- Suitable for children who cope with long drives; child seats are available on request.
- Couples
- A scenic day out with a very different landscape from Venice.
- Pair with
- A quiet evening back in Venice, or the Prosecco hills trip on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where does the tour leave from?+
The booking page shows a meeting point at Piazzale Roma in Venice, with a departure at eight in the morning, and hotel pickup and drop-off listed as included.
How long is the trip?+
About eight to nine hours.
What do I see?+
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Schluderbach, Lake Braies, Monte Piana and Lake Misurina, with a pass-by of Venice at the start.
Is lunch included?+
The booking page shows lunch among the inclusions, along with transport. Check the booking page for the details of what is covered.
Is it suitable for people who get car sick?+
The route includes hairpin curves, so reviewers recommend preparing if you are prone to motion sickness.
