From Venice: Dolomites Day Trip with Cortina and 2 Lakes
About This Experience
This is the most-booked Dolomites day trip leaving Venice, and it keeps the shape that makes the drive worth it: one long stop at a lake rather than a scramble between viewpoints. You are collected at Piazzale Roma in central Venice and driven roughly ninety minutes north to Pieve di Cadore, a historic town with a viewpoint over the Centro Cadore lake.
From there the route climbs to Auronzo for a photo stop at the lake dam, where water sometimes rushes through the gates, before the day settles at Lake Misurina. You get about two and a quarter hours here — enough to walk the shoreline properly and have lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants rather than eat standing up.
The operator notes that the Col de Varda chairlift and the boat rental at Misurina run only from June through September, and neither is included in the fare. Outside those months the lake is still the highlight; you simply walk it instead of riding above it.
The last stop is Cortina d'Ampezzo, with about an hour on the Corso Italia pedestrian street, before the drive back down to Venice.
Highlights
- Take a picturesque day trip from Venice to the breathtaking Dolomites
- Marvel at scenic locations, stunning lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks
- Walk around Lake Misurina with exceptional views of the surroundings
- Take memorable photos at the best viewpoint spots along the way
- Visit Cortina
What's Included
- ✓ Round-trip transport from Venice in an air-conditioned minivan
- ✓ English-speaking driver
- ✓ Pick-up and drop-off at Piazzale Roma in central Venice
- ✓ Around 2 hours 15 minutes at Lake Misurina, including the lunch stop
- ✓ About an hour of free time in Cortina d'Ampezzo on Corso Italia
- ✓ Viewpoint stops at Pieve di Cadore and the Auronzo lake dam
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Chairlift ticket at Col de Varda
- Boat rental at Lake Misurina
- Gratuities
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm clothing
Good to Know & Caveats
- Misurina chair lift and boat rental available only from June through September
- Luggage or large bags are accepted only if requested beforehand
Not Suitable For
- Children under 6 years
- People with back problems
- Wheelchair users
Meeting Point
Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 1,116 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
We had a great day with Daniel. He was an amazing guide. Beautiful scenery everywhere we went.
— Cheryl, September 4, 2026
Wonderful time with Miriam on our day trip. Lots of good recommendations and everything is just beautiful!
— Tracy, September 4, 2026
This was a fantastic tour. Loved every minute of it! Our guide was great and VERY helpful with all questions we had.
— Valerie, September 5, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Dolomites tour depart from in Venice?
Pick-up is at Piazzale Roma, the large square at the road end of central Venice, which is reachable on foot from most of the historic centre and directly by bus from Marco Polo airport and Mestre. You are dropped back at the same place at the end of the day. The exact meeting spot can vary depending on which option you book, so check your confirmation.
How long is the drive from Venice to the Dolomites?
About ninety minutes of continuous driving gets you to the first stop at Pieve di Cadore, and the mountains proper follow shortly after. Counting every stop, the operator's own itinerary runs to roughly nine hours door to door. It is a long day, but the driving is broken into legs of twenty to thirty minutes between stops once you are in the mountains.
How much time do you get at Lake Misurina?
Around two hours and fifteen minutes, which is the longest single stop of the day and the reason this itinerary works. That is enough to walk a good part of the shoreline, photograph the reflections of the Sorapiss group, and sit down for lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants rather than eating on the move.
Is the Misurina chairlift or boat rental included?
Neither is included, and both are seasonal. The operator states that the Misurina chairlift and boat rental are available only from June through September. If you are travelling in October or later, plan on walking the lake rather than riding the Col de Varda chairlift or taking a boat out.
Is lunch included in the price?
No. Food and drinks are excluded throughout. The schedule builds a lunch break into the Lake Misurina stop, where there are restaurants serving local food on the shore, so you can eat there and pay directly. Bringing your own is also fine, though food is not allowed in the vehicle.
What should I wear for a day in the Dolomites?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Lake Misurina sits at about 1,750 metres, so it is markedly colder than Venice at any time of year, and the difference is sharpest in autumn when you leave the lagoon in mild air and arrive in near-freezing shade. A windproof layer matters more than a heavy coat.
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