Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 48 minutes ago
Most people tell me Cinque Terre is overrated and overcrowded. My answer is: Stay for 1-2 nights - wait for the people to leave and this place is pure magic. From the views, the warm water, the kayak, the snorkel, the food, and of course the people - everything is pure Italy Magic. Next time you are there, spend 2 nights and you will be amazed.
Most people tell me Cinque Terre is overrated and overcrowded. My answer is: Stay for 1-2 nights - wait for the people to leave and this place is pure magic. From the views, the warm water, the kayak, the snorkel, the food, and of course the people - everything is pure Italy Magic. Next time you are there, spend 2 nights and you will be amazed.









![What to Do in the Dolomites After Hiking the Alta Via 1 – Lakes, Passes & Hidden Gems ⛰️🇮🇹
After finishing the 120 km Alta Via 1, we weren’t quite ready to leave the Dolomites. Instead of heading straight home, we gave ourselves three extra days to slow down, recover, and explore more of this incredible region.
In this video, I’ll take you along as we discover beautiful lakes, mountain passes, charming villages, and even a hidden gorge. If you’re planning to hike the Alta Via 1 (or just traveling through the Dolomites), these are perfect ideas for what to do after your trek:
✨ Our 3-Day Dolomites Itinerary
Day 1 – Digonera & Alleghe: cozy B&B in a quiet mountain village, lake strolls, and proper Italian food.
Day 2 – Passo Giau & Cortina: winding mountain roads, Rifugio Fedare, one of the most scenic passes in the Dolomites, plus a quick stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Day 2 – Lago di Sorapis: a turquoise-blue lake that’s one of the most famous hikes in the Dolomites. (Full hike video here 👉 [Sorapis video link])
Day 3 – Rifugio Lagazuoi: the highest rifugio in the area, reached by gondola, with snow, ice, and epic views.
Day 3 – Serrai di Sottoguda Gorge: a hidden gem with waterfalls, chapels, and a beautiful village atmosphere.
👉 Whether you’ve just finished the Alta Via 1 or you’re looking for a Dolomites road trip, these spots are ideal for slower days, recovery, and soaking up the landscapes without committing to another multi-day trek.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00:00 Intro – 3 Days After the Alta Via 1
00:00:35 Day 1: Arrival in Digonera Village
00:01:13 Day 1: Exploring Alleghe Lake Town
00:03:56 Day 2: Mountain Roads & Rifugio Fedare
00:05:45 Day 2: Passo Giau – Epic Views & Crowds
00:06:49 Day 2: Quick Stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo
00:08:02 Day 2: Hiking to Lago di Sorapis
00:10:03 Day 3: Gondola Ride to Rifugio Lagazuoi
00:11:34 Day 3: Serrai di Sottoguda Gorge Walk
00:13:53 Venice – A Quick Stop Before Flying Out
00:15:33 Reflections & Outro – Why We’ll Be Back
📍 Practical Tips
A rental car is the best way to explore these areas.
June–September is perfect for lakes & passes; winter brings skiing and ice climbing.
Balance busy hotspots (like Cortina & Sorapis) with quieter gems (like Digonera & Sottoguda).
🎥 Don’t miss my full Alta Via 1 series for the full 8-day trek 👉 [Playlist link]
📸 GEAR I USE
🎥 iPhone 15 Pro Max - https://amzn.to/3SKEOPR
I have moved over to the iPhone for most of the ground footage - it actually takes amazing videos and my phone is always close by.
🚁 DJI Mini 4 Pro - https://amzn.to/3W8MVI5
I absolutely love this drone - it’s small, compact and provides amazing footage in 4K.
📷 GoPro - https://amzn.to/3W88ok9
I still use the GoPro for the ‘on the go’ shots. It has great stablization, battery life and video quality.
If you have any questions around my gear please feel free to drop a comment in the video below.
(These are affiliate links — at no extra cost to you) What to Do in the Dolomites After Hiking the Alta Via 1 – Lakes, Passes & Hidden Gems ⛰️🇮🇹](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/skifj21I91U/mqdefault.jpg)
