The €30 toll road to Auronzo is the easy answer; the better one is the bus from Dobbiaco. The loop itself is three easy hours — go anticlockwise for the money view late.
Dolomites
Rifugio dinner and a bed — how far ahead for late July?
Accepted answer
The famous ones (Lagazuoi, Locatelli) fill by February. The unfamous ones a valley over hold beds into June — pick the route by the free hut, not the other way round.
Seceda or Alpe di Siusi with one cable-car budget?
Accepted answer
Seceda for the ridge-line drama, Siusi for a full day of gentle walking. With kids: Siusi. With a camera: Seceda at 08:00.