Italy’s famed Alps, the Dolomites, are dyn-o-mite!

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For many travelers the Dolomites in the north of Italy are a kind of heaven on earth. Mother Nature blessed the stunning Italian mountain range with rolling hills, grand mountains, scenic glacier lakes and the kind of fresh air that makes you feel truly alive.

The Dolomites, aka the Dolomite Mountains or Italian Alps, are enchantingly gorgeous and you can also find a diverse cultural scene with the prettiest little villages dotted throughout the area. There really is something for everyone in the Dolomites!

Braies Lake north of Cortina d’Ampezzo
in northern Italy

Your days will be decorated with awe-inspiring sights as you travel the Dolomite Alps. If you love hiking, the trails will delight you whether you are a newbie or seasoned hiker. Don’t forget your camera because there is an abundance of photo opportunities from dawn to dusk. As well as photographing the iconic gray rocky mountains you will find flora and fauna including deer, cows, goats and birds to document the local “wildlife”.

Iconic alpine winter sports in Italy draw enthusiasts from around the world.

The seasons in the Dolomites put on spectacular shows and it’s debatable which season is the most beautiful. In summer you can expect blue skies contrasting with wildflower explosions and in winter the snow-capped peaks are fairytale-like. For skiers and snowboarders, the alps offer some of the most epic experiences in all of Europe. Autumn and spring are equally as stunning and the weather during those months is just lovely.

While a vacation in Italy usually conjures up visions of shopping in Milan, gondola rides in Venice and ruins in Rome, this area of the country offers something quite different. While those places are wonderful, you won’t want to miss the Dolomites. This sometimes-overlooked destination is rich in nature, culture, history and gorgeous postcard-perfect scenes and for many it is a highlight of their travels. UNESCO agrees, listing the Dolomites as one of the top 49 world heritage sites in Italy.

Charming towns like Vipiteno are lined with pastel-colored historic buildings, old cathedrals, excellent restaurants and shopping. Each town is unique so I recommend you spend several nights at each stop to truly experience the local culture of each village. Foodies can indulge in some fantastic dining experiences that will include mouth-watering pasta dishes and spa junkies will find luxury spa resorts for some relaxation and pampering that is well-deserved after a day of exploring the great outdoors.

Due to its proximity to Austria, this northern Italian region reflects the influence of its neighbor in its architecture, food and culture.

A glass of local Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Francs is also on the menu as you unwind from your busy day of sightseeing. Or make a day of sipping wine by stopping at a winery or vineyard for a wine tasting tour.  Or you can even ski from wine tasting to wine tasting.  You might also stumble across a remote monastery, museum, ride a cable car or go fishing with a local guide on another day. The Dolomites

Via Ferrata, a type of mountain climbing that used metal rungs, ladders, and cables mounted in the mountain walls provides an exhilarating experience.

are full of spellbinding experiences and sights that will stay with you for a lifetime. If you get the chance to go kayaking on a crystal-blue lake it will be one of the most peaceful and lovely rides of your life. Cycling is another awesome way to get around the Dolomites with epic cycling routes the go through lush green valleys, over bridges and passes and along country roads that are as quaint as they come.

For sure you will hear about Via Ferrate. Translating to iron road, Via Ferrata is guided climb along four breathtaking routes on the cliffs above Mt Norquay. It’s an exhilarating adventure not for the faint hearted. Scaling steep cliffs, crossing suspension bridges and braving steel safety ladders are all part of the thrilling experience. All the routes are wildly exciting from the 2-hour explorer path to the challenging mountaineer path that takes around eight hours.

If you are excited to explore the Dolomites contact me to start planning your trip. With over 500 square miles covering three Italian regions (Veneto, TrentinoAlto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) and Friuli Venezia Giulia), I can create trips to rival trips to those other Alps that are filled with music!

Cortina d’Ampezzo, a small town in the northern Italy, that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics will again share hosting the games with Milan 70 years later in 2026.

Pat Ogle-CollinsItaly’s famed Alps, the Dolomites, are dyn-o-mite!

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