Nilesh

Hi,

Me and my wife are traveling first time to Italy coming September for 13 days. We have already finalized the Itinerary for 10 out of 13 days. In summary,
4 Days - Roma
3 Day - Florence
3 Day - Venice

Our Travel sequence is Rome(3 days), Florence(3 days), (Garda/Undecided 3 days), Venice(3 days) and Rome(1 day).

As the above 10 days are completely packed with viewing the major monuments and museums, we want the undecided 3 days to be more relaxed. We had shortlisted Garda as one option, because;
1) It is almost midway between florence and venice(lesser travelling time).
2) We like Lakes.
3) We want to spend at least a Day in Dolomites if not more.

However we are not sure if GARDA is the right place. Can someone who has been to Lake Como, Lake Garda and Dolomites suggest how best to utilize these 3 days. Which would be best place for us?

I already have another message posted on this wensite site for my Trip,

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ly-in-sept.cfm

where some members suggested
1) Bolzano as an alternative to Garda.
2) Staying on northern end of Lake rather than in Garda town.

I am a bit confused, please help. Please note we won't be having a Car, we would be completetly relying on public transport.

Thanks
Nilesh

kleeblatt

My experience with Lake Garda:

- the towns are beautiful along the lake
- many towns are quite small
- public transportation is the pits. The buses are overfilled and not punctual.
- The north side, which is cooler than the south side and has more wind (especially around Riva) is also nice but very far away. Garda lake is a very long lake.
- You might want to stay in a town that also has ferry connections.

My priority here would be researching public transportation and seeing how you can fit Gardalake and the Dolomites into your trip.

When in the Dolomites, please visit Seiser Alm. It's breathtakingly beautiful, and this is coming from a person who lives in Switzerland.

TDudette

Can't help with Garda but we took train from Milan to Varenna and ferry to our hotel in Bellagio. You can also take train to the city of Como and bus or boat around the lake.

Agree with schuler though-check the train scheds and see what is more do-able for your travel points.

kenav

We stayed in Sirmione on Lake Garda - which is the south end of this enormous lake. We went from there to the Dolomites and stayed in Ortisei. Took us approx. 2 1/2 hours to get there from Sirmione. Since you will possibly be in Garda which is further north, it should take you much less time, and you don't have to go all the way to Ortisei. Have you checked out how long it will take you to get to Garda from Venice from the Dolomites? It's mountainous for a lot of it and the going is slow. Can take you 5 hours, I think.

Both Garda and Sirmione have ferry stops.

We absolutely loved the Dolomites, and this comes from a Switzerland Alps lover (to put a spin on Shuler's comment).

I'd say, one night in Garda, to give you a rest, (and the Lake is beautiful), and the remaining two in the Dolomites, if you don't mind the long drive to Venice.

All in all, sounds like a lot of driving/traveling time. Sure you want to get all of this in, in one trip?

kenav

Woh - my grammar sucked. It should read "Have you checked how long it will take you to get to Venice from the Dolomites?"

kenav

Another OOPS - How do you get from the Dolomites to Venice via public transport? Don't know.

Nilesh

Thanks to all for their advice.

Should we drop GARDA and staight away head for Dolomites?

-Where should we stay? for ex: for Seiser Alm, where do we stay? How do we reach there from Florence?
-What sort of weather do we expect in Dolomites in mid september? Is it a good time to go?
-What sort of things can we do in Dolomites besides trekking?

erinaldi

We have just spent the last 7 days in the Dolomites. We've stayed in 4 different villages. Our favorite was Molvano. It has a lake, good restaurants, easy hiking into the closest Dolomite formation and one can relax! Your trip sound to stressful - the cities are busy, hot and tiresome. My advice, head for Molveno and take some time to breathe the delightful Italian air and eat well.

kenav

As far as weather goes - we were there in mid September and it was wonderful. Perfect for walking, whether in the mountains or around Ortisei which is a lovely town.

kenav

Oh - BTW - if you don't have a car, Ortisei has a couple of cable cars to mountain tops right in the village.

Steve_James

Hi Nilesh - If you only have 3 days I would strongly advise you choose EITHER Lake Garda OR the Dolomites.

You do not have time to enjoy both - especially if you are dependant on public transport.

With only 3 days between Florence and Venice, I'd probably choose Lake Garda ...

Steve