Day Drive: Venice (St. Mark's) → Venice Marco Polo (Hertz) → Lago di Braies → Lago di Misurina → Cinque Torri → Cortina d'Ampezzo — One full day scenic Dolomites route
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Day 1: Venice to Dolomites
Venice, Italy → Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on September 11, 2025
Start early with coffee and vegetarian pastries or a cappuccino and ricotta-filled pastry; Rosa Salva opens early (often ~7:00am, check current opening). It's a convenient grab-and-go near Piazza San Marco before you leave the city.
From Piazza San Marco it's a 4–8 minute walk to San Zaccaria stop (follow signs along the waterfront). Aim for an early vaporetto to avoid crowds and make the most of the day.
Take ACTV vaporetto line 1 or 2 from San Zaccaria to Piazzale Roma (expect scenic views along the Grand Canal). Check current schedules — early morning services run but intervals change seasonally.
From Piazzale Roma walk to the bus stop and take the direct airport bus (ATVO or ACTV) to Marco Polo Airport — about 20–30 minutes. Buses run frequently from early morning; confirm the next departure.
Collect your pre-booked car at the Hertz desk in Terminal 1. Bring driver's license, credit card, and booking confirmation; allow 30–45 minutes for paperwork, inspection and instructions. Confirm Hertz counter opening hours in advance (most desks open early, many 06:00–23:00).
Leave the airport and follow signs Mestre/SS14 then merge onto A27/E55 north toward Belluno. Stay on A27, then follow SR48/SS51 toward Cortina d'Ampezzo. Expect motorway/toll stretches (accept electronic tolls) and change to provincial roads as you enter the Dolomites. Allow 2.5–4 hours for the first long leg to Lago di Braies depending on traffic.
Lago di Braies is one of the Dolomites' most photogenic alpine lakes — emerald water with a timber boathouse and mountain backdrop. Park in the designated lots (limited: arrive early; in high season they may close the access road and operate shuttles). Walking the lake loop is easy and highly recommended for iconic photos.
Follow the well-maintained lakeside path (about 1.5 km) for classic shots of the boathouse, reflections and peaks; best photos are from the west shore. Boat rentals (rowboats) are often available seasonally, generally starting mid-morning — boat rental hours commonly ~9:30am–5:00pm in high season, check on-site.
Head south on SP49/SS51 toward Dobbiaco/Toblach, then follow SS51 and SR48 to Misurina. This mountain drive is scenic but narrow in sections; expect 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Watch for slow vehicles and cyclists.
Several rifugi and small restaurants ring Lake Misurina; choose one with terrace views (e.g., Rifugio or local 'Ristorante Lago di Misurina') and order vegetarian polenta with mushrooms, oven-baked vegetables, or pasta with local cheese. Many rifugi are open midday, typically ~9:00am–5:00pm, but hours vary — check current opening.
The lake reflects the Sorapiss and Cadini groups and is famous for dramatic mirror views. Walk the short lakeside trail for multiple vantage points — sunrise or late afternoon light is especially beautiful. Facilities and parking are usually available; lake access is free.
Take SR48/SS48 south toward Cortina, then drive west/up toward Passo Falzarego and the Cinque Torri parking area — about 35–50 minutes depending on exact route. The road climbs through spectacular passes; pull over only at designated viewpoints.
Cinque Torri is a small grouping of towering rock pinnacles with a network of short hikes and WWI open-air museums. Recommended: take the easy loop from Rifugio Cinque Torri / Rifugio Scoiattoli (0.5–2 hours depending on route) — superb panoramic Dolomite views and dramatic rock silhouettes ideal for photos. Rifugio Scoiattoli often open ~09:00–17:00 (seasonal), offering snacks and vegetarian soups/stews.
From Cinque Torri descend to Cortina (about 20–30 minutes). Cortina is a compact alpine town with pedestrian streets — find pre-booked parking at your hotel or public garages (book ahead in high season). This is your base for evening dining and relaxation.
Try Ristorante Al Camin (or La Corte/Il Vizietto) for regional specialties with vegetarian options — polenta, mushroom dishes, saffron risotto, or grilled seasonal vegetables. Cortina restaurants usually serve dinner from 7:00pm; busy nights require reservations.
Walk Corso Italia and enjoy alpine town lights, gelato, or a relaxed aperitivo. Good opportunity to review photos and plan next day hikes or return logistics.
Check into your booked hotel or B&B (many options close early evening). Confirm parking and next-day plans; mountain weather changes quickly so check forecast for hikes tomorrow.