Dolomites day trip from Venice: lakes and Tre Cime

This Dolomites day trip from Venice swaps the city's canals for alpine lakes and rock walls, all in one long day with a driver-guide who speaks English and keeps the group to a maximum of 8 people. The journey starts at Piazzale Roma and heads north into the mountains.

The first break is at the dam of Lake Auronzo, a quick photo stop where the water sometimes rushes through the gates. Next comes Lake Misurina, nicknamed the Pearl of the Dolomites, whose still surface mirrors the Sorapiss group, the Cadini and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The centrepiece is Lake Braies, an emerald lake pressed against steep rock faces, with a wooden pier and old-style rowing boats. The walk around its shore is widely considered the most rewarding short walk in the Dolomites.

The day ends in Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the Winter Olympics in 1956 and 2026, where there is time to wander along the pedestrian Corso Italia before the ride back to the meeting point in Venice.

• The round trip by road between Venice and the mountains
• A professional driver-guide who speaks English
• Food, drinks and tips are extra

Plan on about ten hours. Children under 6, people with back problems and wheelchair users should pick another outing, and only standard-size luggage is accepted.