Venice: Tour Lakes Around the Dolomites offers an inviting escape into Italy’s breathtaking mountain scenery. For around $204 per person, you’ll spend a full day soaking in the views of Misurina, Auronzo, and Cortina’s turquoise lakes, with the option to ascend with a chairlift or capture memorable drone videos. These tours promise a blend of natural beauty and practical convenience, making it an appealing choice for travelers based in Venice or nearby.
Two things I particularly like about this experience are the flexibility of choosing different lakes to explore—whether you prefer a peaceful walk around Misurina or the thrill of a chairlift ascent to Tofane—and the inclusion of a drone video option, which adds a fun, modern twist. The guide, Gae, is highlighted as a knowledgeable presence who helps you see the region’s highlights without feeling rushed.
However, one aspect to consider is the limited duration—eight hours might feel tight if you want to linger longer at each stop or explore more off the beaten path. Also, since food and drinks are not included, you’ll want to bring snacks or plan for a picnic to maximize your day. Still, for the price, this trip offers a comprehensive, visually stunning experience that balances convenience with authentic mountain scenery.
Key points / Takeaways
- Flexible lakes visits: You can choose to walk around Misurina, visit Auronzo Lake, or see lakes with turquoise waters near Cortina, tailoring the day to your interests.
- Scenic ascent: The chairlift ride to Tofane offers panoramic views that are well worth the slight extra effort.
- Drone video option: Capture your adventure from above, adding a remarkable souvenir you’ll appreciate long after your trip.
- Guided experience: The guide, Gae, is known for making the journey informative and engaging, enhancing the overall value.
- Compact but comprehensive: Eight hours in a van allows you to see multiple lakes and a dam, making the most of your day without feeling overwhelmed.
- Price reflects value: At just over $200, you’re paying for a guided, all-in-one mountain experience with transportation included, which beats the hassle of organizing separate trips.
Entering the Dolomites: A Scenic Day From Venice
If you’re based in Venice and craving a mountain escape, this tour promises an accessible way to see some of Italy’s most stunning lakes and rugged peaks. While many trips focus solely on the lakes themselves, this tour combines scenic drives, optional chairlift rides, and the chance to document your journey with drone videos — making it as much about the experience as the scenery.
What sets this trip apart is the variety of options. You can decide whether to walk around the peaceful Misurina Lake, known for its reflective waters and mountain backdrop, or take the short drive to Auronzo Lake, famous for its dramatic setting and the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks visible nearby. Another highlight is visiting a vibrant turquoise lake near Cortina, which offers a different kind of mountain lake experience.
The ascent with the chairlift to Tofane is a particular favorite—allowing you to see the mountains from above, with expansive views that make the climb worthwhile. Plus, the option to have a drone record your trip provides a modern keepsake and the chance to see the landscape from a dramatic perspective.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cortina D Ampezzo.
How the Itinerary Works: From Venice to Mountain Lakes
The day begins with pickup in a small gray van, comfortable and limited to just 8 participants, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The guide, known as Gae, will steer the group through the day, giving insights into the region’s geography and history. The small group size means you can ask questions or customize your stops to some extent, which is a nice perk.
You’ll cruise through the Veneto countryside, with the van serving as your mobile base. Once in the mountains, your options include gentle walks around Misurina or photo stops at Auronzo Lake. The latter offers a chance to snap that perfect mountain reflection shot, while at Misurina, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge.
The tour also includes a visit to a lake near Cortina, famed for its stunning turquoise color—ideal for photography and just soaking in the scene. For those interested, the ascent with the chairlift to Tofane offers a panoramic vista that’s hard to beat, especially as the chairlift takes you above the treeline.
The optional drone videos are a real treat—many reviews mention how fun it is to have a professional record of your trip from above, creating a unique memory. Plus, the visit to the Vajont Dam adds a touch of human engineering and history to the natural beauty, rounding out the experience.
What You Can Expect at Each Stop
Misurina Lake: Often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” this lake’s calm waters make for peaceful walking and spectacular photo opportunities. It’s a quiet spot where you can breathe in the mountain air and appreciate the reflection of the surrounding peaks.
Auronzo Lake: Known for its dramatic setting and views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, this lake makes for a stunning photo stop. If weather permits, you can enjoy a short walk to see its rugged beauty up close.
Cortina Lakes: The turquoise waters here are a highlight, capturing that classic mountain-lake look many travelers seek. This stop is perfect for a quick photo or just soaking in the vibrant colors against the rocky backdrop.
Vajont Dam: For a dose of history, this dam was the site of a tragic landslide in 1963. Visiting it offers a sobering perspective on the region’s natural power and human resilience.
Chairlift to Tofane: The ascent offers panoramic views that are well worth the ride. You’ll see expansive mountain vistas and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the surrounding peaks from above.
The Experience of a Full Day in the Mountains
The eight-hour tour is fairly packed, but with the guide Gae’s expertise, the transitions between stops are smooth. You’ll appreciate the round-trip transportation, which takes the hassle out of driving yourself, especially through mountain roads that can be tricky. The van’s small size makes for a more intimate experience, and you won’t have to worry about large crowds.
Timing is key—be sure to check the schedule when booking, as the start times can vary. The tour is designed to give you a taste of multiple lakes and viewpoints, but if you’re a slow walker or want to linger longer at each stop, it might feel rushed. Bringing wind jackets and sturdy shoes is recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly.
A notable advantage is the ability to customize your experience—if you prefer a particular lake or want to skip a stop, you can coordinate with the guide beforehand. Plus, you’ll have the chance to take stunning selfies and professional drone footage to remember the trip.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is perfect for travelers staying in Venice who want an efficient yet comprehensive mountain excursion. If you love scenic drives, photo opportunities, and a touch of adventure—like riding a chairlift or capturing drone footage—you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also suitable for small groups, making it ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers who appreciate a more personalized touch.
Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a leisurely, all-day hike or a very relaxed pace, this might feel a little busy. But for those wanting a snapshot of the Dolomites’ most scenic lakes and mountain panoramas, this tour offers outstanding value.
Price and Overall Value
At just over $200, the tour packs in transportation, guiding, and some memorable experiences like the chairlift and drone videos. Considering how much you’ll see—multiple lakes, a dam, scenic viewpoints—and the small group setting, it’s a solid deal. Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan accordingly, but this gives you flexibility to bring snacks or enjoy a meal on your own.
The reviews highlight the professionalism of guide Gae and the convenience of the van’s round-trip service, making this a hassle-free way to explore the Dolomites from Venice. If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and authentic mountain day with plenty of photo ops, this tour offers a balanced combination of natural beauty and practical comfort.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?
If your goal is to get a real taste of the Dolomites without the hassle of independent travel, this tour is a wise pick. It’s especially good for those who love photography, as stops are designed for memorable shots. The inclusion of a chairlift and drone footage adds a layer of fun and uniqueness.
Travelers who value small groups and guided commentary will find this experience enriching, offering insights and personalized attention that larger tours often lack. It’s also a good choice for those with limited time but a desire to see multiple highlights in one day.
However, if you prefer a very relaxed, slow-paced experience or want to explore more remote lakes and trails on your own, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for a taste of the Dolomites’ most photogenic spots in an organized, comfortable way, this tour fits the bill.
FAQs
What is the duration of this tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, with a flexible starting time depending on availability.
Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from a small gray van with UltraRock logo is included.
Can I choose which lakes to visit?
While the tour follows a circular route, you can decide whether to stop or just take selfies at each location.
Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase something during the stops.
What should I bring?
Wind jackets and trekking shoes are recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Can I take a drone video?
Yes, it’s possible to have a professional video taken by drone during your trip.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the walking and sightseeing may be suitable for older children, but check with the provider for specific age recommendations.
How many people are in the group?
The small group is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.
What languages are guided tours available in?
Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish.
How do I book or confirm my trip?
You can reserve through the provider’s website, UltraRock.it, and contact them at [email protected] for confirmation before booking.
In essence, this lakes tour offers a well-rounded, scenic day trip that balances natural beauty with practical comfort. If you’re after a manageable, authentic mountain experience close to Venice, it’s a worthwhile way to see the Dolomites’ iconic lakes and vistas without sacrificing ease or value.