​The Dolomites in Italy are breathtaking but planning a trip there can be surprisingly complicated. I've had friends ask me to just tell them where to go and what to do because they don't have time to do the research. 

​

Where should you stay? Which valleys are best? Should you rent a car? Which hikes are actually worth doing? How do you balance mountain adventures with great food, beautiful towns, and time to simply enjoy being there?

​

I've spent time traveling through and hiking the Dolomites, driving, exploring mountain towns and figuring out what works and what doesn't.

​

Now I'm putting what I've learned into one practical, firsthand guide.

​

The WaterTurtle Guide to the Dolomites

​

This isn't a generic collection of things pulled together from the internet.

​

It's based on my own travels, photographs, trip reports and experiences, combined with the research I've done to turn those experiences into a practical guide for active travelers planning their own trip.

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside the guide

​

Where to Go

A breakdown of the major Dolomite regions and valleys and how to decide which ones are right for your trip. Where is Cortina? What is Seceda, Tre Cime, and Cinque Torri?

​

The Best Dolomites Hiking & Experiences

My recommendations for spectacular hikes, scenic drives, mountain viewpoints and other experiences that are worth building your trip around.

​

Where to Stay

The towns and areas I'd consider using as bases, with advice on choosing between them depending on what you want to do. What about Venice? What Dolomites hotel should I choose? I also tell you the best room to ask for that has amazing views in a charming small Dolomites mountain town.

​

Getting Around

What I learned about driving in the Dolomites, rental cars, distances, parking and getting from one valley to another.

​

Beyond the Mountains

Mountain huts, restaurants, Italian food, charming villages and the places that make the Dolomites more than just a hiking destination.

​

Putting It All Together

Sample itineraries and practical advice for turning all of these pieces into a great 7, 10 or 12 day Dolomites adventure. What if I only have 3 days?

​

And perhaps most importantly...

​

What I'd do differently.

​

I've made some of the same mistakes that first-time visitors make.

I've learned which things are worth the time, which aren't, and how I'd structure the trip if I were doing it again.

That's the kind of information you won't find in a generic travel guide.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

This is the Dolomites guide I wish I'd had before I went.

​

I've been writing about my travels on WaterTurtle for years. The new WaterTurtle Guides take those firsthand experiences and turn them into practical, updated resources you can actually use to plan your own adventure.

​

The Dolomites guide brings together the best of that experience in one place without requiring you to spend weeks researching dozens of websites, blogs and forums.

​

Get the WaterTurtle Guide to the Dolomites (COMING SOON)

​

Digital Guide • [37 pages] • [2026 Edition] $29

​

​

​

Instant digital download. Read it on your computer, tablet or phone.​

​

Planning a Dolomites trip that's a little more complicated?

Maybe you already have the flights booked but aren't sure where to stay.

Maybe you just want to sightsee and not do much or any hiking.

Maybe you're trying to combine hiking with biking, climbing, food, wine or other adventures.

Or maybe you simply want another experienced traveler to look at your itinerary before you book it.

​

Book a WaterTurtle Travel Consultation

I'll spend 60 minutes with you reviewing your plans and sharing what I've learned from my own travels.

[COMING SOON]

​

WaterTurtle Travel - Adventure Better
Firsthand travel guides for active travelers.