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Anyplace worth stopping a night between Hallstatt and Venice?

Anyplace worth stopping a night between Hallstatt and Venice?

Old Jan 24th, 2017, 02:33 AM
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Anyplace worth stopping a night between Hallstatt and Venice?

Hi -
Planning a fairly short trip to the Dolomites and Austria this summer, flying in and out of Venice (got great tickets). We're planning to head straight to the Dolomites from the airport (we arrive at 11:30am), spending 3 or 4 nights (one at a hut at Cinque Torri), and then heading over the Grossglockner road towards Salzburg and Hallstatt.

We were thinking of having our last night in Austria be in Hallstatt, and then heading in the morning to Venice. We fly out the next morning and I was hoping to get to Venice in time for my kids to see it - mid to late afternoon. From what I'm reading, it sounds like this probably wouldn't happen.

On that note, is there any quaint town that's in between the two cities that is worth spending the night between Hallstatt and Venice? Keep in mind, this would mean shortening our Austria nights from 5 to 4...... (we're coming over the Grossglockner from the Dolomites and plan to stay one night near the Grossglockner and then move to Salzburg or St Wolfgang area before Hallstatt for a couple nights)

Thanks! Like I said, I'd consider that and staying fairly close to Venice - at least mid-way there - if there's somewhere quaint or scenic to visit!

We were thinking one night back near the Dolomites, though I know that would add an hour or so to our trip. We don't want to spend two nights in Venice - my husband had enough of the crowds, after spending a week there last time since the Dolomites part of our trip was cancelled due to weather - but I really do want my kids to see it. After all, flying in and out of Venice airport and not seeing the city would be like going to the Grand Canyon and not looking over the edge

Thanks!!
Theresa
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Old Jan 24th, 2017, 03:54 AM
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We live in Vienna and routinely traipse about Austria and the neighbors, so please consider my comments with that in mind.

Without knowing the ages of your children and how you define, "quaint," offering suggestions is difficult. I could suggest one of the towns around Wörthersee (Klagenfurt or Villach) and perhaps an hour or so at Minimundus, but I do not know whether either village is quaint enough, or whether your children might be bored with scale models of world landmarks. Lienz is also lovely, but perhaps not with children.

Others may express differing opinions, but we felt that one day and one overnight was enough to thoroughly enjoy Hallstatt (without our children). I would think Hallstatt might bore children to tears, unless you plan to visit the ice caves and salt mine.

In Italy, Trieste "could" meet your definition of quaint; it is close enough to Venice so that you could skip Venice altogether. I understand that you want your children to see Venice, but if all that you have is a partial day the experience might be frustrating for everyone. We have "dropped in" on Venice for a night en route home from an Italian holiday; we knew where to park, we had reservations at a preferred restaurant; and we did little else besides enjoy Piazza San Marco. Because we had visited Venice as a stand alone holiday once before, this half-day peek did not have to meet any expectations. But, nor was it, "seeing Venice."

I hope this is helpful.
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Old Jan 24th, 2017, 04:25 AM
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Thanks, fourfortravel-

I guess I should have been more specific My "kids" are grown - a 27 year old son and 23 year old daughter. So, not kids. My daughter loves mountains, nature, small towns. My son loves exciting cities, museums, etc. So, hard to please both, but since this trip was really for my husband and I to see the Alps and they both decided they wanted to join us, that's what we're trying to mainly stick to...

What is Villach like?

Theresa
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Old Jan 24th, 2017, 07:31 AM
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OK, then. I don't think Villach or Klagenfurt might appeal to anyone in the family unless the consensus is a resort. The region from Hallstatt to Venice is great for hikers, cyclists, and skiers, and offers an occasional charming village, but is lacking (quite) a bit on "exciting cities."

Can you manage a longer drive to, say, Vicenza, Verona, or Padua? You stand a better chance of pleasing everyone with an overnight somewhere in the Veneto than with a "half-way" destination for this itinerary.

Good Luck!
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Old Jan 25th, 2017, 01:23 AM
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Lake Millstadttersee, Lake Ossiachersee, Villach, Kranjska Gora, Lake Fusine, Bovec, Udine
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