Saturday, October 11 – Val Gardena → Cortina d’Ampezzo / Lago Federa Hike

Schedule Idea:

  • 10:30 AM: Depart ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti, Ortisei

  • 11:40 AM: Arrive Cortina d’Ampezzo (~1 hr 10 min drive)

  • Meal Option: Brunch in Val Gardena before leaving, or lunch in Cortina town around 12:00–12:30 PM

  • 1:00–1:30 PM: Drive to Lago Federa / Croda da Lago trailhead (~15–20 min)

  • 1:30–2:00 PM: Start Lago Federa hike (round trip ~4–5 hours. This can be shortened to 2–2.5 hrs round trip)

    • Enjoy autumn larches and lake reflections - several sites mentioned autumn as a special time for this one!

    • Bring a small headlamp for safety; sunset ~6:34 PM

  • 6:30–7:00 PM: Return to Cortina

  • Evening: Dinner in Cortina town

Overnight: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Hotel Idea: Hotel Albergo Dolomiti - I held this one on booking.com. We can cancel until 10/3. $327 for 2 nights. But, I need to look at more things. I just didn’t see a lot at a glance so I grabbed this just in case. I am sure we can find more options and want to get your thoughts on what you want and budget and everything.

Sunday, October 12 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

Schedule Idea:

  • 7:30 AM: Depart Cortina to Rifugio Auronzo / Tre Cime trailhead (~1 hr drive).

  • 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Hike Tre Cime loop (~10 km / 6 mi, 3–4 hrs).

    • Optional photo stops at Lago d’Antorno or Lago di Misurina.

  • 1:00–2:00 PM: Return to Cortina for lunch / relax.

  • Afternoon: Leisure stroll in town, enjoy local shops or a café.

  • Evening: Dinner in Cortina.

Thoughts: We can see if we have energy for more early morning sunrise or if we feel like later in the day, too!

Overnight: Cortina d’Ampezzo - or we head to Garda or Como then?

Monday, October 13 – Cortina → Lake Como (2 Nights)

  • Morning: Check out, depart Cortina around 10:00 AM.

  • Drive: ~4–4.5 hrs to Lake Como (Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio).

Afternoon:

  • Check in at Lake Como accommodation.

  • Lunch in town or on the ferry.

  • Optional short lakeside walk or ferry hop to a nearby town.

Evening: Dinner lakeside.

Overnight: Lake Como

Tuesday, October 14 – Lake Como Exploration

  • Morning: Ferry hop between towns: Bellagio → Varenna → Menaggio.

  • Activities:

    • Visit Villa Carlotta or Villa Balbianello (gardens and lake views).

    • Light hiking on Sentiero del Viandante for scenic lake vistas.

    • Explore local cafés, gelato, or boutique shops.

  • Afternoon: Relax at your hotel or take a short boat ride on the lake.

  • Evening: Final dinner lakeside.

Overnight: Lake Como - Casa Batel Suites & Apartments 2 nights: $336 | free cancellation through 10/5. View here - PIN 2338

Wednesday, October 15 – Depart Lake Como

  • 10:00 AM: Check out from hotel.

  • Drive: ~1–1.5 hrs to Milan airport (Malpensa MXP or Linate LIN).

  • Departure: Flight out of Milan.

Key Notes / Tips

  • Hikes: Lago Federa and Tre Cime are both moderate; bring layers, water, snacks, and a headlamp for Lago Federa if finishing close to sunset.

  • Meals: Flexibility on Saturday allows either brunch in Val Gardena or lunch in Cortina.

  • Driving: All segments are reasonable; no overly long days.

  • Accommodations: Cortina for 2 nights gives you access to both hikes and evening dining options. Lake Como towns Bellagio or Varenna are ideal for scenic, walkable stays.