Things to do in the Dolomites, Italy: the 20 best ideas

Horseback riding on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni plateau in Asiago will allow you to have a unique experience riding a horse.

The excursions are also suitable for beginners, in fact, before the walk the guide will explain how to mount and teach you the commands to best ride the horse.

You can choose from 1- or 2-hour hikes in which you will immerse yourself in the peaceful forests and grasslands of the Plateau. The rides are available from April through November.

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate in the walk.

During the horseback ride starting from Cavedine, just north of Riva del Garda, we follow trails at the foot of Mount Bondone entering a nearby forest.

The walk è suitable for and enjoyable for everyone, beginners and non-beginners; even those who have never been on horseback can participate, and will be able to take their first steps with the help of an equestrian guide.

Rent a pedal-assisted e-bike and take your own tour, following the Ponale Trail from Riva del Garda, a very beautiful route.

The tour starts from the e-bike rental shop in Riva del Garda. The store is very well located as the starting point of the main MTB trails in the Upper Garda area.

You will be advised by a local guide, in particular, the suggested route (slightly strenuous but doable by all) is to follow the very famous Ponale Trail, with sheer views of the lake and rising in height.

You can follow the trail all the way to Lake Ledro, from which you can return to Garda, or stop earlier or take a detour to go to a refuge.

Saturday and Sunday rentals are available for the full day only.

The Magnabò chalet, with its wooden furniture and stone walls, is capable of creating the perfect environment for savoring Trentino cuisine.

In the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park, 1 km from Pinzolo and 11 km from Madonna di Campiglio, the chalet is easily accessible by car and allows you to enjoy a quiet moment in the company of good traditional food.

The menu consists of four courses:

•    Appetizer: platter of local cured meats.
•    Bis di primi: cheese-filled dumplings with melted butter and reginette with game ragout.
•    Second course with side dish: Polenta, salamella, sauerkraut and venison stew.
•    Trio of desserts: Strudel, grandmother's cake and walnut cake.

The menu also includes a quart of wine, water and coffee.

In case of dietary intolerances or needs, you should contact the facility directly.

Try wakeboarding in the safest way at Lake Ledro, just a few miles from the northern tip of Lake Garda. The lake is equipped with cables that tow you and give you the speed you need to glide balanced on the water.

It is organized in the following way: for each participant, there is a short briefing on the tricks to follow at the beginning, techniques for using the board, and tips on how to perform evolutions in the water for the more experienced. It lasts about 5-10 minutes.

After that, you enter the water. A wetsuit, protective helmet and life jacket are provided; from here you can start the real water ride, which lasts 10 minutes or more each (you go in the water one at a time, not all at once). You are always supervised by an instructor, who supports you and gives you tips to go better.

Additional laps can be booked for those who want to do more during the day. There is one lap per person included in the price of the basic option. You can then ask your friends how many extra rides you want to take and book them in advance.

The experience also covers younger children to whom a bodyboard is provided where it involves sliding through the water on your knees or lying on a floating board.

Other things to keep in mind
Sufficient experience with water is recommended. Avoid eating before entering the water. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Book a horseback ride in the Giudicarie forests, an experience in which the trails are developed on a loop route, characterized by ups and downs.

Step into the saddle and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the Giudicarie, in an experience that will make you feel in perfect tune with nature.

You can admire historic villages like Rango, one of the most beautiful in Italy, and enjoy spectacular views of the Dolomites that embrace the Giudicarie Esteriori.

Horseback riding è an activity suitable for both experts and beginners from 14 years old and up.

During the horseback ride starting from Cavedine, just north of Riva del Garda, we follow trails at the foot of Mount Bondone entering a nearby forest.

The walk è suitable for and enjoyable for everyone, beginners and non-beginners; even those who have never been on horseback can participate, and will be able to take their first steps with the help of an equestrian guide.

The Magnabò chalet, with its wooden furniture and stone walls, is capable of creating the perfect environment for savoring Trentino cuisine.

In the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park, 1 km from Pinzolo and 11 km from Madonna di Campiglio, the chalet is easily accessible by car and allows you to enjoy a quiet moment in the company of good traditional food.

The menu consists of four courses:

•    Appetizer: platter of local cured meats.
•    Bis di primi: cheese-filled dumplings with melted butter and reginette with game ragout.
•    Second course with side dish: Polenta, salamella, sauerkraut and venison stew.
•    Trio of desserts: Strudel, grandmother's cake and walnut cake.

The menu also includes a quart of wine, water and coffee.

In case of dietary intolerances or needs, you should contact the facility directly.

Unmissable evening snowmobile tour in Ponte di Legno in the province of Brescia in Lombardy. After the lifts close, you will have the freedom to explore spectacular views along the valleys and trails of the area, accompanied by trained and experienced guides.

Snowmobiling as well as a sport is a new way to have fun as an alternative to skiing, easy to practice and open to everyone.

Approved helmets with visors are made available and can be worn optionally.

Book a horseback ride in the Giudicarie forests, an experience in which the trails are developed on a loop route, characterized by ups and downs.

Step into the saddle and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the Giudicarie, in an experience that will make you feel in perfect tune with nature.

You can admire historic villages like Rango, one of the most beautiful in Italy, and enjoy spectacular views of the Dolomites that embrace the Giudicarie Esteriori.

Horseback riding è an activity suitable for both experts and beginners from 14 years old and up.

La Baita Magnabò è the perfect place to taste traditional Trentino dishes in a comfortable environment that recalls the mountain atmosphere thanks to the wooden furniture and old-fashioned decorations.

Conveniently reachable by car, with free parking, the chalet è immersed in the green of the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park, in the province of Sondrio, 1 km from Pinzolo and 11 km from Madonna di Campiglio.

The menù includes four courses:

•    Antipasto: platter of local cured meats.
•    Bis of first course: cheese-filled dumplings with melted butter and reginette with game ragù
•    Second course with side dish: polenta, sausage, sauerkraut and venison stew.
•    Three desserts: Strudel, grandmother's cake and walnut cake.

The menuù also includes a quart of wine, water and coffeeè.

In case of food intolerances or needs you will have to contact the facility directly.

The farmhouse è located in the heart of Val di Sole in Pellizzano between Dimaro and Passo del Tonale and è easily accessible by car.

The menù è consists of:

•    Antipasto
•    First course
•    Second course
•    Dessert

The restaurant's menù simple and genuine, linked to local traditions. There will be no shortage of spätzli, gnocchi, fancy orzotti, warm polenta from Storo with beef and pork, and stringy cheeses made in-house.

The meat è fed exclusively on hay from the fields and grain, without the’use of feed. The heifers spend summer, spring and fall free grazing in the alpine pastures and meadows in the village of Pellizzano.

Vegetarian or vegan options are available.

With the rental of these e-bikes you can easily reach the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, San Candido and Cortina, or ride many routes through the forest.

At the time of rental you can ask about the best route for you.

The helmet is included in the price, but for any damage done to the bike you will have to personally pay for it.

Horseback riding in the Zoldo Dolomites is an adventure that will remain in your hearts forever. The magic of the Dolomites, in the silence marked only by the steps of our docile horse friends, will captivate you, leaving indelible memories in your memory.

The trail is on a white road that follows the forest and the river, accompanied by an instructor who will help you to better understand the notions for horseback riding.

The walk is suitable for beginners and can be performed even if there is snow on the route.

The rowing boat experience on Lake Misurina is one of the most atmospheric you can have in summer.

The lake is located a few kilometers from Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the heart of the Dolomites, and is surrounded by forests and mountains.

After renting the rowing boat you can climb aboard and begin your adventure.

The boat, made entirely of wood, is easy to maneuver and has a maximum capacity of 4 people, making it perfect for a small outing with family or friends.

As you paddle slowly on the lake, you will enjoy the peace and tranquility of the surrounding nature, watching the mountains and their reflection on the crystal clear water of Lake Misurina.

You can choose to make a short stop to admire the view and take some photos, or continue your adventure by sailing along the lake shore.

This campsite in Badia, in the province of Bolzano, offers a simple yet refined experience, spending a night immersed in nature with all the comforts of a hotel room.

The A-Frame Cabin is a simple wooden structure that creates a warm and intimate environment. The cabin has a glass wall that will allow you a view of the surrounding nature, a double bed, and a small private outdoor porch. The toilets are not private, they are located inside the main structure, equipped with a shared shower.

A tourist tax will be required at the facility. Small pets are allowed, up to 10 kg, with a surcharge of 8€ per day to be paid, again, directly at the facility.

This campsite in Val Badia, in the province of Bolzano, offers you the chance to enjoy a simple but refined experience, spending a night immersed in nature with all the comforts of a hotel room.

The Forest Cabin, made of wood and with a beautiful glass wall that will let you admire the nature around you, can accommodate a maximum of two people. It features a double bed facing the glass wall, private bathroom and an outdoor porch with relaxation area.

Access to the Wellness is included. For this service you will need to contact the facility to reserve access time and any additional treatments, which will be paid directly on site.

A tourist tax will need to be paid at the facility. Small pets are allowed, up to 10 kg, with a surcharge of €8 per day to be paid, again, directly at the facility.

Maddy's Alpine Chalet is the new chalet of Rifugio Flora Alpina, located in Falcade, in the province of Belluno, on the border between Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.

The chalet is nestled in the nature of Valfredda and canò accommodate up to a maximum of two people. It consists of a double bedroom with a large window with panoramic views of the surrounding area, bathroom with private sauna and a small living area with a table and everything you need for an excellent breakfast.

Overnight stay at the chalet also includes half board with a dinner with a set menu perfect for tasting the typical dishes of the area prepared and breakfast that can be made independently at the chalet for which you will be provided everything you need.

Maddy's Alpine Chalet, in addition to the sauna, è has a private outdoor tub accessible for the duration of your stay.

The meeting point will be the Flora Alpina Refuge, where you will check in and from there you will then be escorted to the chalet.

In case of allergies or dietary needs it will be necessary to contact the facility directly.

Horseback riding near Ponte di Legno, departing from Temù. The rides last about an hour, at the end of which we return to the stable and have an aperitif.

You will pass through forests and more sloping areas, and in winter you will have the opportunity to walk in the snow. The view è very beautiful and open to the mountains of the Brescia area.

At the end of the walk, if purchased, an aperitif of typical products will be served in the stable with the horses.

The aperitif è available from April 15 to October 30.

Unmissable evening snowmobile tour in Ponte di Legno in the province of Brescia in Lombardy. After the lifts close, you will have the freedom to explore spectacular views along the valleys and trails of the area, accompanied by trained and experienced guides.

Snowmobiling as well as a sport is a new way to have fun as an alternative to skiing, easy to practice and open to everyone.

Approved helmets with visors are made available and can be worn optionally.

Night snowmobile excursion departing from Tonale Pass at about 7 pm. The snowmobile ride takes about 1 hour, after which we stop at a restaurant directly on the ski slopes for dinner.

At the end of dinner, around 11:00 p.m., we get back on the snowmobile and in about 15 minutes return to the valley.

The hut where you dine may be the Faita (Lombard side) or the Mirandola (Trentino side) depending on availability and customer willingness.

Included in the dinner are:

•    Appetizer
•    Bis di Primi
•    Second course with side dish
•    Dessert
•    Coffee
•    Water and Bottled Wine.

On the way back, the route is a little shorter (lasts about 15min).

The experience is guaranteed upon reaching the minimum number of snowmobiles for that date. In case it is not reached you will be contacted by the facility to change the date.

Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will set off on a snowshoe hike to discover spectacular snow-covered views and landscapes in Val Camonica. You will cross silent forests where the feeling of calm and connection with nature create a unique experience, while the slow pace will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape.

Depending on the day and weather conditions you will follow an ad hoc route designed to suit the situation.

•    Group hikes can last from 3 to 6 hours and are of low to medium difficulty.
•    Private hikes can be day or half-day hikes with varying difficulty.

Snowshoeing can be turned into hiking if there is little snow.

Refuge lunches or dinners can be arranged by making arrangements with the guide in advance.

Suitable winter clothing with warm, waterproof clothing is necessary to make sure you enjoy the experience in rather harsh weather.

The night Fat bike excursion on the Slopes at Tonale is a unique and adventurous experience that will allow you to admire marvelous landscapes while whizzing on the fantastic fat bikes.

Downhill on the snow for 2 1/2 hours, at the closing of the ski slopes at Passo del Tonale. The start will then be at a time after 5 pm, and you will return before dark.

After a short informational briefing on the proper use of the fat e-bike and riding techniques, we will set off from the central square of Passo del Tonale and ride up to altitude skirting the ski slopes.

Along the uphill route, which has high gradient in several sections, balance riding skills will be tested. Thanks to the bike's pedaling assistance, you will be able to overcome even the most challenging steeps with ease.

Arriving at the highest possible point, after a short break our guide will prepare you for the descent. From here, breathtaking descents on snow in groomed trails will begin.

The driver is held personally responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle.

The Petitpierre refuge at Corno D'Aola is located at an altitude of 2,000 m in the heart of the Alps. Located in the Brescia town of Ponte di Legno è it can be reached on foot, in about 2 hours and 30 minutes with appropriate clothing (snowshoes are strongly recommended in winter), or by chairlifts departing from Valbione and Corno d'Aola, in about 15 minutes.

The dishes offered are inspired by Alpine and Dalignan traditions and can be enjoyed inside the restaurant or in the outdoor solarium. The lodge offers a choice of three menus and a children's menu, consisting of two courses.

The dishes offered are inspired by the Alpine and Dalmatian traditions.

Menù 1:

•    Salted meat beans and onions.
•    Pizzoccheri (or other dipsonable first course of your choice).

Menù 2:

•    Sliced meats and local cheeses.
•    Taglietelle with porcini mushrooms (or other available first course of your choice).

Menù 3:

•    Bresaola arugula and grana cheese.
•    Salmì of venison with polenta.

Menù child:

•    Tomato pasta or ragù.
•    Snitzel and fries.

Drinks are excluded.

In case of allergies or dietary needs please contact the facility directly.

The price of the chairlift is not è included in the amount paid, as well as the equipment to walk to the lodge must be sourced personally.