🗺️ ROAD TRIP OVERVIEW The Great Alpine Crossing Bergamo → Dolomites → Slovenian Alps → Austrian Alps 📅 16–23 May | 🚗 Self-drive | 🏔️ Mountains & lakes This scenic 8-day Alpine road trip takes you across three of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain regions—Northern Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. Starting in Bergamo, we’ll cross the dramatic Dolomites, continue through the emerald valleys of the Slovenian Alps, and finish among the high alpine landscapes of Austria. Expect iconic mountain passes, crystal-clear lakes, charming alpine towns, and some of the most scenic drives in Europe. With an average of 2.5–3 hours of driving per day, the journey is designed to stay relaxed and enjoyable, leaving plenty of time for short hikes, viewpoints, lakeside walks, and photography. 🌍 Countries: Italy, Slovenia, Austria 📍 Route Highlights Dolomites (Italy) Cortina d’Ampezzo · Lago di Braies · Lago Misurina · Sella/Gardena Passes Slovenian Alps (Triglav National Park) Soča Valley · Bovec · Lake Bohinj · Lake Bled Austria (Carinthia / Alps) Lienz · Großglockner · Innsbruck 🚗 Distances & Driving Total distance: ~1,200 km Average driving per day: 2.5–3 hours Scenic alpine roads, mountain passes, and valleys 🌦️ Weather (mid-May) Dolomites & Alps: 5–15 °C Valleys & lakes: 10–20 °C Possible snow at high passes 🧾 Practical Info Slovenia & Austria: highway vignette required Currency: Euro everywhere Documents: valid ID/passport 🎒 Travel Style Scenic & nature-focused Hikes, lakes, viewpoints Balanced pace
Hi! I’m Luca, 28, an adventure lover who’s always chasing mountains, lakes, and winding roads. I’m passionate about road trips, hiking, and discovering hidden gems, and I love meeting new people along the way.
For this trip, I’ve chosen apartment-style accommodation as it best fits the nature of a self-drive Alpine journey. Apartments offer the right balance of comfort, flexibility, and a more local travel experience across Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. Each stay typically includes a private bathroom, sleeping area, and a fully equipped kitchenette or kitchen—ideal for relaxed evenings after long scenic drives and days spent in the mountains. This setup allows us to travel independently, move at a comfortable pace, and enjoy the Alps in a practical yet cozy way.
What's included?
Apartment (Accommodation)
Private Car
Fuel and Road tolls
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations. Learn More
You can chat with Luca once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Bergamo
Day 1
DAY 1 Your adventure begins in Bergamo, heading northeast into the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites. The meeting point will be Bergamo Airport (maggior hub with cheap flights) ideally early in the morning (max 10 A.M). The drive (~3h30) takes you through picturesque alpine valleys, dotted with charming villages and breathtaking viewpoints. Arrival in Val di Funes in the early afternoon: Drive through this picturesque valley, stopping at viewpoints like the Santa Maddalena Church with the dramatic Geisler/ Odle peaks in the background. Overnight: Dobbiaco – cozy alpine towns offering apartments or guesthouses with mountain views, perfect for resting before a full day of lakes and valleys.
2
Dobbiaco
Day 1-3
DAY 2 Today is all about exploring the stunning alpine lakes of the Dolomites, each offering its own unique scenery and hiking opportunities. 🏞️Lago di Braies Start your morning at Lago di Braies, one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites. Walk along the lake perimeter (~1.5 km, 30–40 minutes), admiring the crystal-clear emerald water and reflections of the surrounding peaks. Rent a small rowboat for a peaceful experience on the water. 🏞️Lago di Misurina Next, drive to Lago di Misurina, the largest natural lake in the Cadore area. Enjoy an easy lakeside walk or simply relax and take in views of the Drei Zinnen (Tre Cime) mountains in the distance. Stop for a coffee or snack at one of the small cafes by the lake. 🏞️Dobbiaco Lake (Toblacher See) End the day at Dobbiaco Lake, a serene, less-crowded lake surrounded by meadows and forests. Take an easy walking trail around the lake (~45 minutes), perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of the alpine landscape.
3
Auronzo
Day 3-4
DAY 3 Today you leave Dobbiaco and drive into the heart of the Dolomites, arriving at Rifugio Auronzo, the gateway to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. 🏔️Hike to Forcella Lavaredo & Rifugio Locatelli: Distance: ~8–10 km round trip Duration: 3–4 hours Elevation Gain: ~450 m Highlights: - Close-up views of the north faces of the Tre Cime - Walk through alpine meadows with spring wildflowers - Reach Rifugio Locatelli, with a terrace offering spectacular mountain views Overnight: Auronzo di Cadore – cozy alpine towns offering apartments or guesthouses with mountain views, perfect for resting before a full day of lakes and valleys.
4
Bovec
Day 4-5
DAY 4 Today you leave the Dolomites and head into the Slovenian Alps, driving through scenic mountain passes and entering the pristine Soča Valley. This day combines alpine landscapes, riverside walks, and easy hikes to enjoy Slovenia’s natural beauty. Bovec & Soča River 🌊 - Arrival in Bovec, a charming alpine town on the emerald Soča River - Take a leisurely walk along the river, enjoying the turquoise waters and surrounding mountains - Short hike to Boka Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s tallest waterfalls (~30 min easy trail) Overnight in Bovec
5
Bled
Day 5-6
DAY 5 Today you explore the heart of the Slovenian Alps, visiting Triglav National Park, a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. Expect emerald rivers, waterfalls, gorges, and alpine lakes. Tolmin Gorges (Tolminska Korita) 🌊 - Short hike (~1–1.5 hours) along wooden paths and bridges through dramatic gorges. - Admire turquoise waters of the Tolminka and Soča rivers, flowing under towering cliffs. Lake Bohinj (Optional Afternoon Walk) 🏔️ - Drive to Lake Bohinj, the largest glacial lake in Slovenia. - Take a gentle lakeside walk (~1–2 hours) or a short hike to a nearby viewpoint for panoramic alpine scenery. Overnight in beautiful Bled (photo)
6
Lienz
Day 6-7
DAY 6 Today you leave Slovenia and cross into Austria, heading to East Tyrol, the gateway to the High Tauern Alps and Austria’s highest peak, Großglockner. This day combines a scenic drive with a moderate alpine hike. Highlights: - Alpine valleys and forested hills in Slovenia - Charming towns like Jesenice or Tarvisio (optional coffee/snack stop) - Panoramic mountain views as you enter East Tyrol Kals / Großglockner Base Hike 🥾 - Starting Point: Kals, East Tyrol (~1 hr from Lienz) - Duration: 3–5 hours round trip - Distance: 8–12 km - Elevation Gain: 400–600 m Highlights: - Hike through alpine meadows, mountain streams, and glacial valleys - Spectacular views of Großglockner and the surrounding High Tauern peaks - Optional stop at a mountain hut for refreshments Photography opportunities at panoramic viewpoints Overnight in Lienz
7
Innsbruck
Day 7-8
DAY7 Today you leave Lienz and cross the heart of Tyrol, heading to Innsbruck, the vibrant alpine city surrounded by towering peaks. The drive itself is scenic, with opportunities for short walks, photography, and panoramic viewpoints along the way. 🏙️Arrival in Innsbruck - Arrive in the afternoon and explore the city center on foot 🏙️Activities in Innsbruck: - Nordkette Cable Car ride for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Nordkette mountain range - Short hike from the cable car stations to Seegrube or Hafelekar viewpoints (easy-moderate, 1–2 hours round trip) Overnight in Innsbruck DAY 8 - Walk through the Old Town, visit the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), and admire historic squares - Explore local cafés, shops, or the Innsbruck Imperial Palace (Hofburg) for history and culture
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Apartments
8 days trip
Bergamo, Dobbiaco & 5 more
Transportation
Car
What's excluded?
flights to the meeting point
flights at the end of the trip
tickets for activity
food/beverage (outside of Airbnb offer)
insurance
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