The Dolomites had been on my bucket list for years, and I was lucky enough to visit this enchanting place twice now. One in the off-season in April, and another in high-season, in July. Both experiences were a game-changer. I can tell you driving there in July from Milan felt like stepping straight into a postcard, and hiking on snow-covered trails in April to reach a mountaintop was exhilarating. It is all worth it: winding alpine roads, dramatic peaks, and lake after lake appearing out of nowhere.

There, I spent my days exploring some of the most iconic spots, walking trails, discovering alpine lakes, stopping at viewpoints, and hiking through the surreal landscapes of the Italian Alps.

This guide brings together the exact lakes, viewpoints, and hikes that made the trip epic, plus practical tips to explore the Dolomites by car. If the Dolomites have been on your bucket list, this guide will help you plan the road trip properly and experience the best of it.