The Dolomites in 5 days

The three limestone towers that stand for the Dolomites; a 10 km loop from the Auronzo hut passes the Locatelli hut, facing the north walls.

A small milky-turquoise lake, two to two and a half hours' walk from Passo Tre Croci on a ledge path with some cabled sections.

An upmarket resort in a ring of peaks, with a pedestrian main street and lifts up to the Cinque Torri and Faloria.

A 2,236-metre road pass below the Nuvolau, whose meadows give all-round views of the Marmolada, the Tofane and Monte Pelmo.

An emerald lake at 1,496 metres below the Croda del Becco; the easy shoreline loop takes about ninety minutes, and rowing boats can be hired.

A cable car from Ortisei climbs to about 2,500 metres, where grassy ridges drop suddenly towards the spires of the Odle group.

A Ladin valley of three villages, Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva, below the Sassolungo, known for woodcarving and lifts in every direction.

A vast high pasture between 1,800 and 2,200 metres facing the Sassolungo, with gentle paths and mountain huts serving dumplings and homemade cakes.