Itinerary Summary
A two-hour train plus bus from Venice brings you to Ortisei in the Dolomites for the Seceda cable car, the Alpe di Siusi - Europe's largest high alpine meadow - and the Santa Magdalena church in Val d…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Venice arrival and the climb to Ortisei
10:00
2h
Marco Polo arrival and bus to Mestre
Take the ATVO or ACTV bus from outside arrivals to Venezia Mestre station. Buy the ticket at the airport desk, and keep luggage with you in the hold area.
📍 Venice Marco Polo Airport
13:00
3.5h
Train and bus to Ortisei
Ride the train to Bolzano, then the 350 bus up the Val Gardena to Ortisei. The bus stops outside Bolzano station, and tickets are sold at the machine or on board.
📍 Venice to Ortisei
18:00
1.5h
Ortisei evening stroll
Walk the village's main street past the woodcarving shops and the church. The air is thin at 1,200 metres, so take the first evening slowly and drink water.
📍 Ortisei
💡 Pro Tip: Marco Polo connects to Venice Mestre by bus in about 20 minutes, then trains run to Bolzano in about 2.5 hours; buses from Bolzano climb to Ortisei in about 50 minutes. Buy the Val Gardena Mobilcard for unlimited local buses and cable cars if you plan several days in the valley. Mountain weather is cooler than the coast, so pack layers. Italy is UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer.
Days 2-8 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$71035%
Alpine guesthouses and lake hotels, 7 nights
Food & DiningUS$40020%
Mountain huts, deli lunches and lake-side restaurants
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Dolomites trails and the Seceda cable car open for hiking?+
Most high trails and lifts, including the Seceda cable car above Ortisei, run from roughly mid-June to early October, depending on snowmelt. Late June still has patches of snow on shaded paths; September is quieter with clear air. Cable cars close in bad weather, so keep a flexible day for the Alpe di Siusi or valley walks.
Do I need a rental car for Ortisei, Val di Funes and Lake Como?+
Not strictly. Trains and buses reach Ortisei and the Val di Funes, and Lake Como is served by train to Como or Varenna plus ferries. A car gives more freedom for early starts and village stops but complicates parking in Ortisei and on the lake. The itinerary uses public transport throughout.
What should I pack for June hiking in the Dolomites?+
Bring layers: a moisture-wicking base, a warm mid-layer and a windproof or waterproof shell, since mountain weather changes fast. Sturdy hiking shoes with grip, sun protection and a refillable bottle are essential. Add a hat and gloves for cable-car summits and a small daypack for the Alpe di Siusi meadow walks.
How do I get from Venice to Ortisei and later to Lake Como?+
Take a train from Venice to Bolzano or Ponte Gardena, then a local bus or shuttle up to Ortisei, roughly two hours in total. For Lake Como, a long train leg via Milan reaches Como or Varenna. Book high-speed seats early and keep a buffer for the bus connection, which runs less often on Sundays.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 8 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,640–2,390 (≈ €1,430–2,080), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Nature & Outdoors
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