Start with coffee and pastries at a central pasticceria/café in Cortina to fuel up for the mountains; cafés typically open by 7:30–8:00. Good to grab sandwiches/snacks if you plan an active day.
Take the Lagazuoi cable car (cableway usually 9:00–17:00 in summer) up to the open‑air WWI trenches, tunnels and exhibits — one of the most complete mountain war sites with panoramic Dolomite views.
Mountain hut lunch with local polenta, soups and hearty dishes — great views and a chance to rest; rifugi normally serve midday meals until late afternoon (check exact hut hours).
Short drive/clockwise hike to the Cinque Torri area to see additional WWI open‑air displays, rock towers and the small Museo all'Aperto; trails are well marked and the small museum/exhibit area is usually open 9:00–18:00.
Reserve a table for a dinner showcasing regional Ladin and Veneto cuisine — Cortina has high-quality restaurants for both traditional and refined dining (many require reservation).
Early hotel or café breakfast; pack water, layers, map/GPX and a light first‑aid kit. Mountain huts (rifugi) can be reached for lunch so carry essentials for the hike.
Short drive (20–40 minutes depending on start point) to the Passo Falzarego area where multiple Alta Via and connecting trails begin; parking and trail signage available.
Hike a scenic, well‑marked high route section (not the entire Alta Via 1) — typical loop: Passo Falzarego → Rifugio Averau → Baita Nuvolau → return, offering classic Dolomite ridge views; trail is exposed in places so use proper footwear and check weather.
Enjoy hearty mountain fare and local cheeses/meats at a rifugio; huts commonly open from early morning through evening in summer — confirm current opening times before you go.
If you have the experience and gear, there are short via ferrata possibilities in the area; otherwise descend to Cinque Torri for an easier walk and photography; check via ferrata difficulty and hut closing times (most rifugi accept guests until early evening).
Choose a relaxed dinner in town or reserve a table at a rifugio if staying on‑mountain; refuges typically serve evening meals but confirm reservation/opening — local dishes: speck, canederli, polenta.
Drive west via Passo Falzarego, then descend toward long valley roads (SS48 and A22) into South Tyrol; typical driving time ~2.5–3.5 hours depending on stops and traffic.
Choose a local South Tyrolean restaurant in Chiusa for schnitzel, canederli or Tyrolean specialties; many restaurants are open for midday service from 12:00–14:30.
Walk (or drive) up to the Säben Abbey above Chiusa — one of the most important hill monasteries in the Alps with great views over the Eisack valley; the site/museum is normally open 9:00–18:00 in summer.
Stroll Chiusa’s medieval lanes, visit artisan shops and small galleries (Kunst in Chiusa) and the town’s churches; check any small museums for summer opening times (many close mid‑afternoon on some weekdays).
Enjoy an evening meal at a traditional Stube or family run restaurant serving South Tyrolean and Tyrolean delights; consider booking if travelling in high season.