Within an hours drive from Venice, emerge into a land of towering peaks and spires, peaceful valleys with lively villages with white washed farmhouses which dot the terraces above. Before entering the Sesto region, famous for its innumerable jagged peaks, stop for morning coffee at Pieve di Cadore, a typical Italian village, surrounded by soaring peaks and birthplace of the Renaissance painter Titian. Then stop to admire Lake Santa Caterina, followed by a photo-stop at the majestic Mt Sorapiss still partly covered in snow.

Next visit Lake Misurina, "the pearl of the Dolomites". Famous for its breath-taking views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most celebrated peaks of the Sesto region. Following Lake Misurina, drive up to the base of the Tre Cime at an altitude of 7,741 feet (2,360 meters). From this point, the views of the Dolomiti are truly spectacular with unlimited photographic opportunities as you gaze across a myriad of peaks and mountain ranges that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Enjoy an optional lunch at a local trattoria, then a short (optional) walk is offered along a level trail to further appreciate the dramatic scenery of the area. In the afternoon, drive in to the Cortina region to visit the cosmopolitan resort of Cortina D'Ampezzo, pausing at a panoramic viewpoint to admire the town circled by soft green meadows and towering mountains.

Enjoy free time to wander around the town with its streets lined with elegant boutiques, or relax at one of the street side cafés. In the late afternoon, travel back to Venice, passing several major peaks you'll have plenty of time to savor the different colors of the Dolomites in the late afternoon sun.