Cortina: Day Trips and Tours from Venice

Nestled in the heart of the southern Alps, Cortina d'Ampezzo offers stunning views of the surrounding Dolomite Mountains and their idyllic valleys — while still relatively close to cities and towns like Venice, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.

Visitors on a day trip to Cortina from Venice would be excused if they thought they had accidentally wandered into a fairy tale — such is the splendor that surrounds the alpine town.

But the scenery isn’t the only thing Cortina has to offer, and the region is perfect for outdoor activities in the Dolomites — with hiking, skiing and cycling tours available.

Here's all you need to know about Cortina, one of the most exciting day trips from Venice.

How to get to Cortina from Venice?

Cortina is located in the region of Veneto, about 160 kilometers north of Venice, close to the Italian-Austrian border.

From Venice to Cortina by car

Traveling from Venice to Cortina by car is fairly straightforward and will take you through the southern Dolomitic Mountains. After crossing the Adriatic Sea on the SR11 toward Porto Marghera, turn right on the E55. Take the A27 interchange and stay on it until it becomes the SS51. The entire journey will take just over 2 hours to complete.

From Venice to Cortina by public transport

Traveling to Cortina from Venice by bus is convenient and easy. Take the Cortina Express 100 from Venice Mestre Train Station and remain on it for the entire journey. Your travel time should be 2.5 hours and there are four buses available daily.

Guided tour to Cortina from Venice

A guided tour to Cortina from Venice allows travelers to explore this alpine wonderland in comfort — with the added convenience of an experienced guide that knows the area like the back of their hand.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip from Venice to Cortina starts with an air-conditioned vehicle picking you up from your hotel in the “City of Bridges.”

The trip to Cortina will take you past breathtaking scenery, especially if your route takes you through one of the many national parks. Cortina will be your first stop, and you’ll spend some time exploring the local shops or enjoying something delicious at a café.

Leaving Cortina behind, you’ll journey to Lake Misurina, the heart of the Dolomite Mountains — resplendent with the three peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo as a backdrop. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant specializing in northern Italian fare, after which you’ll watch the sunset in the Alps and head back home.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cortina?

Cortina full-day guided group tour from Venice

On this guided group tour, you’ll pass through a host of idyllic mountain villages, each causing the stylish world of Venice to fade away.

The canyons, valleys and vistas are something to behold before you arrive at your main destination of Cortina. Explore the stylish resort town before heading into the southern Alps to visit the aptly named “Pearl of the Dolomites” — Alke Misurina.

Small group full-day tour to Cortina from Venice

The visual feast that is this tour starts almost as soon as you cross the Adriatic Sea — with stunning landscapes and charmingly rustic towns parading their way past your window.

As soon as you reach Cortina, you’ll remember that this is the main attraction, with the southern Alps shimmering in all their glory. The highlight of your tour is a visit to Lake Misurina, a setting that begs to be captured in the perfect photo.

How much does a day trip to Cortina from Venice cost?

A Cortina full-day guided group tour from Venice will cost roughly €190 per person, but you’ll be part of a group of 16 people. This type of tour is perfect for solo and budget travelers, or persons looking to meet new people.

For a small group full-day tour to Cortina from Venice, expect to pay €215 per traveler. With groups limited to eight people, these options area ideal for families and people traveling as a group of friends.

What will you see and do?

Cortina

Located almost exactly in the middle of the Ampezzo Valley, the town of Cortina grew to become one of Italy’s most popular ski resorts. With this came an air of glitz, glamour and exclusivity that usually surrounds the playgrounds of the rich and famous. Apart from skiing, the town is known as a gateway into the stunning southern Alps.

Dolomite Mountains

The Dolomite Mountains are a part of the Southern Alps that consist mainly of limestone — giving them a distinctive shape and making for stunning vistas. They’ve played a critical role throughout the region’s history and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When is the best time to visit Cortina?

The best time to visit Cortina depends on the activities you're interested in. For skiing or winter sports, the ideal time is from December to early March, when the town is blanketed in snow.

For hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities, consider visiting between June and September, when the weather is milder and the alpine scenery is at its most vibrant.

Travel tips

• To maximize your day, start early. It's approximately a 2-hour drive from Venice to Cortina, so the earlier you leave, the more time you'll have to explore.
• Cortina's weather can change rapidly, and it can be significantly cooler than Venice, especially in winter. Dress in layers, and don't forget essentials like a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat in winter or sun protection in summer.
• Cortina is known for its stunning natural beauty. Help preserve it by sticking to trails when hiking, not littering, and respecting local flora and fauna.
• Don't miss out on trying Cortina's unique mountain cuisine, which includes dishes such as casunziei rosc (ravioli filled with beets and red turnips) and canederli (bread dumplings with speck or cheese).