Tyrol Dolomites | Austria & Italian Alps
- Alps
Durations
9 Days
Difficulty
Beginner, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
This 9-day self-drive adventure takes you through some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. Begin in Munich and journey through Austria’s Tyrolean valleys to the legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Cross into Italy’s Dolomites to explore scenic passes, emerald lakes, and charming alpine towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei. With each turn offering postcard-perfect views, this route blends culture, comfort, and adventure — the ultimate Alpine escape.
Experience the best of the European Alps on a breathtaking road trip across Germany, Austria, and Italy. From Munich’s vibrant cityscape to Innsbruck’s alpine charm and the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, every day brings new scenery, culture, and mountain magic.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Distance Covered: ~160 km
Time Taken: ~2 hours drive
Focus: Arrival, car pickup, and scenic entry into Austria.
Arrive at Munich Airport (MUC), pick up your rental car, and begin the scenic drive south towards the Austrian border. The flat Bavarian landscape gives way to the impressive Northern Alps as you approach Innsbruck. Settle in and explore the charming Old Town.
Night Stay: Innsbruck.
Focus: Exploring the “Capital of the Alps.”
Spend the day in Innsbruck. A key highlight is taking the modern Nordkette cable car directly from the city center up into the high alpine terrain for spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding peaks. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the city’s imperial architecture.
Night Stay: Innsbruck.
Distance Covered: ~150 km
Time Taken: ~2.5–3 hours drive
Focus: Journey to the Grossglockner region.
A scenic drive east from Innsbruck through classic Tyrolean valleys into Hohe Tauern National Park. Your destination is a village like Fusch, which serves as the northern gateway to one of Europe’s most famous scenic roads.
Night Stay: Fusch area.
Distance Covered: ~100 km
Time Taken: 4–6 hours with scenic stops
Terrain: High-alpine pass with numerous hairpin turns.
Dedicate the day to driving the spectacular Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This famous route offers breathtaking scenery at every turn. Stop at numerous viewpoints, culminating at a visitor center for unparalleled views of Austria’s highest peak and its largest glacier before descending into East Tyrol. (Note: This road is seasonal, typically open May–Nov).
Night Stay: Lienz / Heiligenblut area.
Distance Covered: ~70 km
Time Taken: ~1.5–2 hours drive
Focus: Journey from Austrian Tyrol to the Dolomites.
A beautiful drive crossing the border from Austria into Italy. The landscape shifts dramatically to the pale, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in the famous alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, surrounded by stunning rock formations.
Night Stay: Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Distance Covered: ~100 km
Time Taken: Full day with scenic drives & activities.
A day dedicated to the heart of the Dolomites. Drive over spectacular mountain passes on your way to the Val Gardena valley. Settle into the picturesque town of Ortisei and spend the afternoon exploring, perhaps by taking a cable car up to a high-alpine meadow for incredible views and light hiking.
Night Stay: Ortisei.
Focus: A full day for deeper exploration of the Val Gardena region.
With a full day based in Ortisei, you have multiple options. Take a different cable car to another iconic peak for new perspectives, drive a scenic loop to visit a stunning emerald-green alpine lake, or simply explore the charming villages and Tyrolean culture of the valley.
Night Stay: Ortisei.
Distance Covered: ~320 km
Time Taken: ~3.5–4 hours drive
Terrain: Alpine passes and major highways (Autostrada/Autobahn).
Begin the return journey north, driving over the Brenner Pass from Italy back into Austria, and finally into Germany. The drive offers a final dose of magnificent alpine scenery before reaching the Bavarian plains. Arrive in Munich for your final evening.
Night Stay: Munich.
Distance Covered: ~40 km
Time Taken: ~45 minutes
Enjoy a final German breakfast or some last-minute sightseeing in Munich before driving to Munich Airport (MUC) to return your rental car and depart.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
