Looking for Italian vacations but want to avoid crowds? We have the best suggestion! According to Sierra, our Italy expert, the Italian Dolomite Mountains are one of those destinations that will make you want to return any time of the year. Yes, it’s drop dead gorgeous. But we came up with 5 other great reasons you should start planning your Italian vacation to this epic destination now!

1. Italian Vacation: You crave epic scenery without epic crowds.

What better scenery could you want than this?

Can you believe this can be a crowd-less destination? Believe us, it can be and it's amazing! The Dolomites are a popular destination for Italians in Winter (skiing) and Summer (hiking), but things go quiet just as the mountains go ablaze with vibrant Fall colors. To avoid crowds and enjoy the Dolomite mountains all to yourself, head there in October. Early October is best as more and more establishments close down throughout the month, but if you come prepared with your own groceries and supplies, you can catch the brighter colors in mid-late October.

Avoid these mistakes when planning vacations😬

2. Italian Dolomites: You want a double-dose of culture.

In the Dolomites, you'll experience a blend of Italian, German, Austrian, and Swiss cultures. This makes for such an interesting experience that extends to the language, the food, the architecture, and more! Aside from the combination of Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional meals in mountain huts, the Dolomites area is home to some of the world’s best wines!

3. Italian Dolomites: You love active holidays.

Sure, you can come to the Dolomites and enjoy the views from indoors, but you'd really be missing out. The hiking here is incredible, but you can also enjoy biking, rock climbing, and of course, snow sports. There's a reward for the active– rifugi (mountain huts) are placed high in the mountains for you to encounter along your hike. These charming cabins offer a warm, traditional meal, drinks, and camaraderie with your fellow hikers/skiers. If you aren't up for a big hike, many trails have a convenient option of taking a cable car most of the way up. Just be sure you check their opening schedules and working hours.

Which local dishes should you try during your Italian vacation in the Dolomites? Get our Guide to Regional Dishes to Try in Italy!

4.  Italian Vacation: You want to live in a fairytale.

Imagine lush green meadows, epic craggy peaks, and valleys dotted with church steeples. You may get the bizarre sensation that you're in a screensaver, but a good pinch from your travel buddy will affirm that you are indeed in a real place. The scenery here in the Dolomite Mountains is absolutely unreal. You'll hear yourself saying "Wowww" and "It's so beautiful!" multiple times a day!

5. Italian Dolomites: You want to go somewhere your friends haven't been.

There are many places in Italy that  visitors would typically hit before they make it to the Dolomites. But that's just because they're focused on those iconic sights they recognize from movies and probably don't even know about this off-the-beaten-path region of Italy. The Dolomite Mountains offer a unique experience that's different from stereotypical Italy and its well-beaten paths. Plus, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site!  When you share your photos of your Italian vacation with your friends and family, you are sure to get some questions on how in the world you found such an amazing, hidden place they’d never heard of.

6.  Italian Vacation: You are looking for an affordable destination.

One of the most common mistakes when thinking about planning your Italian vacation is thinking you won’t be able to afford it! Let us help you plan it. In a free one on one call, our Italy expert will provide knowledge on how to best manage your time and money in order to get the most of your Italian vacation.  Also, you can choose one of our small group tours to other hidden Italian destinations knowing they’ve been designed to get all the juice out of your vacation while avoiding touristy activities and without the overwhelm!

Need help saving up for your well-deserved Italian vacations?

 Here are some game-changing tips on how to save money!

What else is holding you back from starting to plan your next Italian vacation? We can help you!