Summer vacation in the Dolomite Mountains, or the Dolomitic Alps, is a wonderful experience for those who love nature and landscapes, hiking trails, sports, and breathing crisp mountain air. The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy and form a physical boundary between Italy and Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. This border is not only physical but also cultural. It is the most beautiful combination of mountain landscapes, wooden cabins and houses, turquoise lakes, pine forests, and endless grassy meadows, and if that’s not enough, add superb food that is a mix of Italian cuisine with Austrian influences and flavors. The German language (or the local dialect) is present in conversations and place names. The Dolomites span three provinces in northeastern Italy: Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige (Alto Adige is also known as South Tyrol), and Friuli Venezia Giulia. To ensure that nothing disrupts or damages this magic, in August 2009 the Dolomite Mountains were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the Dolomites, there are two tourist seasons: winter (from December to the end of March) dedicated to skiing, and summer (from May to the end of October) where activities are outdoor.
The range of activities is vast and the area is very large. Alora recommends, especially for families with children going on a summer vacation, a fun star route that is suitable for both children and parents.
How to get there:
Flights to Milan, Bergamo, or Venice.
How to get around:
By renting a car. There won’t be very available public transportation between the different sites, so it’s recommended to rent a car.
Where to stay:
Around the city of Trento from which you can head in several directions with short drives.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
After landing at one of the airports in northern Italy, take the car and start driving towards the Trento area or the Bolzano area.
Day 2: Lake Teno / Lake Ledro - Varrone Falls - Riva del Garda
Lake Tenno – a small and magical turquoise lake suitable for swimming.
Spiaggia Pieve Di Ledro – Lake Ledro is great for swimming and extended stays, featuring the Noleggio Tarolli activity area where you can rent boats, motorboats, windsurf boards, or paddleboards. The area is well-organized and includes restrooms and showers, a restaurant/pizzeria, a café, and an ice cream shop.
Cascate del Varone – slightly north of the town of Riva del Garda, a refreshing experience of rushing waterfalls within a botanical garden.
Riva del Garda – the northernmost town on Lake Garda, where you can stroll, dine at one of the restaurants, or take a boat trip to the towns of Limone or Malcesine.
Day 3: Susi Level by Cable Car to Compatsch - Ortisei
Alpe di Siusi Day trip in nature to Seiser Alm – ascent by cable car to the village of Compatsch Seiser Alm Bahn – Cable Car Alpe di Siusi a short walk in nature to Alpenhotel Panorama which has a restaurant and an option to ride an open-air gondola.
Ortisei visit to the beautiful town of Ortisei, the capital of Val Gardena – in the summer months, activities for the whole family take place in the town and its surroundings – https://www.val-gardena.com/en/summer/activities/
Day 4: Fondue - Tour of the Canyon and Waterfalls on the Rio Sass Trail - Bolzano
Fondo offers a hiking trail in a canyon carved into the rock with stairs and bridges that pass underneath rocky waterfalls and lush vegetation. A highly recommended experience for the whole family. The guided trail lasts about two hours. https://www.visittrentino.info/en/guide/nature/nature-trails/canyon-rio-sass_md_2336
If you prefer not to do the longer trail, there is a shorter route of about half an hour to Lake Smeraldo. Both trails start from the same point in Fondo.
Visit the archaeological museum in Bolzano, https://www.iceman.it/en/ to learn about Ötzi, the ice man who lived in the mountains 5,300 years ago and was found buried in ice in 1991. Stroll through the alleys of the historic center of Bolzano.
Day 5: Lake Molveno
Lido Di Molveno, a day of fun by the great Molveno Lake, surrounded by services, playground equipment, water slides, restaurants, rental boats, and a swimming pool. Access to the beach is open, featuring a large lawn area. You can rent bikes and ride around the northern part of the lake.
Day 6: Rafting on the Avasio River – Roller Coaster on the Mountain Peak
Avisio Rafting A thrilling day awaits! Experience family rafting on the Avisio River, a tributary of the dynamic Adige River. You’ll receive all the necessary gear, such as a helmet and paddle, before jumping into the boat to navigate the river with a guide. Suitable for kids aged 5 and up.
The Alpine Coaster Gardoné connects to the lift near Predazzo, rising to the Latemar ridge. https://www.montagnanimata.it/en/summer/ At the top, enjoy the Alpine slide, a café offering scenic views, and various hiking trails immersed in nature.
Day 7: Ropes Park - Airport
Before leaving and on the way to the airport, an adventurous rope park in nature The Busatte Adventure Park overlooking Lake Garda offers activities for the entire family. Rope courses among the trees of varying difficulty levels and a large lawn for waiting parents.
Please consider:
- There are ascents on the cable cars (not suitable for those with a fear of heights).
- There are rides and ascents with twists and turns (not suitable for those who suffer from nausea).
