How to plan a trip to the Dolomites
Before you use the planner, three things shape the whole trip: when you go, how many days you have and how you get around. The rest, from the valley to the trails and the huts, follows from there.
When to go. Summer (June to September) is the season for hiking, winter is for skiing, and autumn brings the golden larches with fewer people. If you are unsure about timing, start with the guide on when to go to the Dolomites.
How many days. A long weekend covers the highlights of one or two valleys; a week lets you loop around the whole range. We have laid out ready-made itineraries in the guide the Dolomites in 3, 5 and 7 days.
Where to base yourself and how to move. Pick a valley as your base and decide whether you need a car: many areas are well served by train and bus, as we explain in the Dolomites without a car. Then it is a matter of choosing what to see, the trails and where to stay.
When you have a rough idea, use the planner above: answer four questions and it puts together a valley, a day-by-day programme and a shortlist of trails, sights and huts to match.