venice, the dolomites, and the italian lakes - in 1 week
Sep 19th, 2014, 05:23 AM
#1
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venice, the dolomites, and the italian lakes - in 1 week
Hi,
We're planning a trip to Italy in mid october, and we ony have 1 week...
We want to travel at the northern part of the country by car, and we want to see a lot.
We're looking for a route, that covers Vence, the dolomites and the lakes - in a week's trip.
First, is that even possible?
Second, if the answer was yes- what route do you think would best match our trip?
Thanks!
We're planning a trip to Italy in mid october, and we ony have 1 week...
We want to travel at the northern part of the country by car, and we want to see a lot.
We're looking for a route, that covers Vence, the dolomites and the lakes - in a week's trip.
First, is that even possible?
Second, if the answer was yes- what route do you think would best match our trip?
Thanks!
Sep 19th, 2014, 05:37 AM
#2
Sure it is possible but when are you planning to spend a night somewhere?
First of all, you do not even need or want a car while you are in Venice (I assume you are planning to be there for at least a night or two) since all you can do is park it.
I would perhaps drive through part of the Dolomite region to ONE lake and perhaps two and that's all.
Are you flying in and out of Italy or getting there some other way?
First of all, you do not even need or want a car while you are in Venice (I assume you are planning to be there for at least a night or two) since all you can do is park it.
I would perhaps drive through part of the Dolomite region to ONE lake and perhaps two and that's all.
Are you flying in and out of Italy or getting there some other way?
Sep 19th, 2014, 06:02 AM
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Your biggest problem I think is the unreliability of the weather to make the trip worthwhile. So first advice is to come up with a Plan B in case you arrive in Venice and the weather forecast is for nothing but clouds and rain for the entire week in the mountains.
The logical route would be Venice>Cortinia d'Ampezzo>Bolzano>Riva del Garda -- and then either return to Venice or Verona or Milan to fly home (Bologna is another option).
You could actually land at Venice airport and complete that driving loop is about 4 days. However, presumably you want to see some things and get out of the car occasionally (and not just to eat and sleep).
So the questions are: How many things do you want to experience in Venice? Do you want to take any hikes, walks or cable car rides in the Dolomiti? Do you want to see anything or shop in the Dolomiti towns? Do you want to do something on Lago di Garda other than take a scenic drive south down the lakeshore?
If looking at all this you are thinking that even it is sunny you are going to feel rushed and silly galloping around like that, then figure out something else to do. Northern Italy is filled with beautiful sights, including some scenic sights at lower elevations that are not so dependent on glorious weather to enjoy and which aren't very far apart so you are not spending a lot of time in transit.
The logical route would be Venice>Cortinia d'Ampezzo>Bolzano>Riva del Garda -- and then either return to Venice or Verona or Milan to fly home (Bologna is another option).
You could actually land at Venice airport and complete that driving loop is about 4 days. However, presumably you want to see some things and get out of the car occasionally (and not just to eat and sleep).
So the questions are: How many things do you want to experience in Venice? Do you want to take any hikes, walks or cable car rides in the Dolomiti? Do you want to see anything or shop in the Dolomiti towns? Do you want to do something on Lago di Garda other than take a scenic drive south down the lakeshore?
If looking at all this you are thinking that even it is sunny you are going to feel rushed and silly galloping around like that, then figure out something else to do. Northern Italy is filled with beautiful sights, including some scenic sights at lower elevations that are not so dependent on glorious weather to enjoy and which aren't very far apart so you are not spending a lot of time in transit.
Sep 19th, 2014, 06:35 AM
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Dukey,
What is your problem? Read what I wrote. I said "cloudy in the MOUNTAINS.° Is Venice in the mountains? I was referring to the Dolomiti.
You are constantly berating people with this repeated "GET REAL!" nonsense of yours. You need to do some reality checking of your own head. You don't even pay attention to what other people are actually posting.
What is your problem? Read what I wrote. I said "cloudy in the MOUNTAINS.° Is Venice in the mountains? I was referring to the Dolomiti.
You are constantly berating people with this repeated "GET REAL!" nonsense of yours. You need to do some reality checking of your own head. You don't even pay attention to what other people are actually posting.
Sep 19th, 2014, 06:38 AM
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Hah! I notice that bobthenavigator also thinks weather would be the deciding factor. Guess he ought to "GET REAL" too -- meaning, I guess, if he isn't in lockstep with Dukey's hysteria then he must be living in a fantasy world.
Sep 19th, 2014, 06:46 AM
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I found sandralist's reply to be very good. And I don't often agree with her.
To the OP, can you tell us about the rest of your trip? Especially when and where you're arriving and when and where you're departing.
To the OP, can you tell us about the rest of your trip? Especially when and where you're arriving and when and where you're departing.
Sep 19th, 2014, 07:17 AM
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Mimar,
That's because we're not mother and daughter! (inside joke, bif00)
Just for posterity and practicality, here are the real world drive times:
Venice > Cortina d'Ampezzo: 2.5 hours
Cortina d'Ampezzo to Bolzano via the scenic Grand Road of the Dolomiti: 2.5 hours
Bolzano to Riva del Garda: 1.5 hours
Riva del Garda to Verona (via scenic lakeshore): 1.5 hours
or Rival del Garda to Venice airport 2.5 hours
All of those drive times presume you are not stopping, but there is plenty of time to stop if you want to if you have a full week.
So if the weather were glorious, a lot of lazy road trippers would be quite comfortable with an itinerary that was
Arrive in Venice, spend first night and second night in Venice
Day 3: Rent car and drive to Cortina d'Ampezzo for lunch and afternoon hike
Day 4: Slow drive across the Grand Road, stopping for walks, lunch and photos, and spend night in or near Bolzano
Day 5: Hikes and scenic drives around Bolzano
Day 6: drive to Riva del Garda for lunch, scenic hike or boat ride, drive down to lakeshore scenic spot to spend the night (probably Malcesine)
Day 7: Drive to airport for flight home. From Malcesine the nearest airports are
Verona airport: 1.5 hours
Venice airport: 2.5 hours
Bologna airport 2.5 hours
Bergamo airport 2.5 hours
Milan airport: 3 hours
Would some people have a very hard time enjoying that trip? Of course. But some people would enjoy it.
Would some people enjoy eliminating the Dolomiti and just visit the lake + Venice. Sure. How about just the Dolomiti + Venice? Sure, but lots of normal people would look at a map and realized that once you go to the Dolomiti you might rerturn via a scenic route along the lake. Why not? It is only a half hour longer than the highway.
Or course some people think that anything less than a week in Venice is wrong so the answer is simple for them: Just go to Venice.
That's because we're not mother and daughter! (inside joke, bif00)
Just for posterity and practicality, here are the real world drive times:
Venice > Cortina d'Ampezzo: 2.5 hours
Cortina d'Ampezzo to Bolzano via the scenic Grand Road of the Dolomiti: 2.5 hours
Bolzano to Riva del Garda: 1.5 hours
Riva del Garda to Verona (via scenic lakeshore): 1.5 hours
or Rival del Garda to Venice airport 2.5 hours
All of those drive times presume you are not stopping, but there is plenty of time to stop if you want to if you have a full week.
So if the weather were glorious, a lot of lazy road trippers would be quite comfortable with an itinerary that was
Arrive in Venice, spend first night and second night in Venice
Day 3: Rent car and drive to Cortina d'Ampezzo for lunch and afternoon hike
Day 4: Slow drive across the Grand Road, stopping for walks, lunch and photos, and spend night in or near Bolzano
Day 5: Hikes and scenic drives around Bolzano
Day 6: drive to Riva del Garda for lunch, scenic hike or boat ride, drive down to lakeshore scenic spot to spend the night (probably Malcesine)
Day 7: Drive to airport for flight home. From Malcesine the nearest airports are
Verona airport: 1.5 hours
Venice airport: 2.5 hours
Bologna airport 2.5 hours
Bergamo airport 2.5 hours
Milan airport: 3 hours
Would some people have a very hard time enjoying that trip? Of course. But some people would enjoy it.
Would some people enjoy eliminating the Dolomiti and just visit the lake + Venice. Sure. How about just the Dolomiti + Venice? Sure, but lots of normal people would look at a map and realized that once you go to the Dolomiti you might rerturn via a scenic route along the lake. Why not? It is only a half hour longer than the highway.
Or course some people think that anything less than a week in Venice is wrong so the answer is simple for them: Just go to Venice.
Sep 19th, 2014, 09:35 AM
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What do you man by "one week"? Is this one week off of work - so you can fly out Friday night, arrive Sat and fly back on the Sunday - so you would have 7 1/2 days on the ground? Or is this a total of 7 days - so you have maybe 5 days actually on the ground?
If the latter I would stick with 2 destinations - land in Venice, rent a car when you leave and see either some of the mountains or some time at Lake garda.
also - who/how many is "we"? With kids or seniors things may well take longer to do and you would have to slow down.
If the latter I would stick with 2 destinations - land in Venice, rent a car when you leave and see either some of the mountains or some time at Lake garda.
also - who/how many is "we"? With kids or seniors things may well take longer to do and you would have to slow down.
Sep 19th, 2014, 11:20 AM
#13
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Hi everyone,
First- thanks for all your replies with good advices, they are much appreciated!
About some missing details form my first post- well, it's me and my wife, in our 30s, we're landing at Bergamo ariport at the morning of October 10th and leaving Italy from Malpensa airport (Milan) at the evening of October 17th.
Our initial plan, was to end our trip in Milan, after a train ride from Venice to Milan leaving at 18:20 at the 16th. Meaning picking a car at the Bergamo airport (10th) and driving to Venice, arrivng to Venice at the ~14th.
That leaves us about 4.5 days for other locations, which we would rather not rush. Considering this, 2 instead of 3 spots might be the better decision.
That being said, Sandralist - thanks for the suggested route, looks great! It includes some long distance driving and in a short time (as you've mentioned), but may best answer our expectations.
As we still have a little time to decide we're considering those options, but again- thanks all for your replies!
First- thanks for all your replies with good advices, they are much appreciated!
About some missing details form my first post- well, it's me and my wife, in our 30s, we're landing at Bergamo ariport at the morning of October 10th and leaving Italy from Malpensa airport (Milan) at the evening of October 17th.
Our initial plan, was to end our trip in Milan, after a train ride from Venice to Milan leaving at 18:20 at the 16th. Meaning picking a car at the Bergamo airport (10th) and driving to Venice, arrivng to Venice at the ~14th.
That leaves us about 4.5 days for other locations, which we would rather not rush. Considering this, 2 instead of 3 spots might be the better decision.
That being said, Sandralist - thanks for the suggested route, looks great! It includes some long distance driving and in a short time (as you've mentioned), but may best answer our expectations.
As we still have a little time to decide we're considering those options, but again- thanks all for your replies!
Sep 19th, 2014, 12:34 PM
#14
Hi,
We love traveling to the Dolomites (and the Alps in general) in October. I wouldn't hesitate to take a chance. Our experiences were clear days, daytime temps in the low to mid 60's and chilly at night.
If the Dolomites are a priority, I'd head there first or be there by Oct. 13th, when the town of Ortisei in the Val Gardena holds it's day long market. Food, wine, beer, music and stalls selling a vast variety of goods. We were there in 2003 for this event.
http://www.valgardena-groeden.com/en...et-in-ortisei/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646363588198/
My opinion would be to definitely skip staying in either Cortina d'Ampezzo or Bolzano, but to stay "in" the Dolomites, either in the Val Gardena (Ortisei, St. Christina, Selva) or in the Alta Badia (Colfosco, Coravara or La Villa). The amazing Gardena Pass separates/connects the Val Gardena and the Alta Badia. This is a spectacular 45 or so minute drive non stop (VERY hard not to stop along the way and take it all in).
I would still drive from Venice to Cortina (but no need to stop in Cortina) and head west for another hour to the Alta Badia or on to the Val Gardena. About 45 min. west of Cortina is the Lagazuoi cable car trip. Quick to the top, so if you have an hour to spare, that's all that's needed. You can't miss it on the drive from Cortina to the Alta Badia or Val Gardena.
http://www.dolomiti.org/dengl/Cortin.../impianti.html
There are only 2 cable cars running this late in the year, the Lagazuoi (mentioned above) and the Mont Seuc/Seiser Alm cable car from Ortisei up to the beautiful Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi.
www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html
There is also no reason to drive "The Great Dolomite Road". Kind of a waste of time. Simply drive a pass or two. Along with the Gardena Pass, the Sella Pass is terrific and at the end of the Val Gardena. It actually branches off the Gardena Pass.
If interested, our favorite place to stay is the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa, Alta Badia.
www.montanara.it
We also liked our stay at the Garni Ariston in St. Christian, Val Gardena.
www.garniariston.com
We have photo's of our October and late Sept. trips to the Dolomites:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646609535108/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646798948951/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646363588198/
Paul
We love traveling to the Dolomites (and the Alps in general) in October. I wouldn't hesitate to take a chance. Our experiences were clear days, daytime temps in the low to mid 60's and chilly at night.
If the Dolomites are a priority, I'd head there first or be there by Oct. 13th, when the town of Ortisei in the Val Gardena holds it's day long market. Food, wine, beer, music and stalls selling a vast variety of goods. We were there in 2003 for this event.
http://www.valgardena-groeden.com/en...et-in-ortisei/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646363588198/
My opinion would be to definitely skip staying in either Cortina d'Ampezzo or Bolzano, but to stay "in" the Dolomites, either in the Val Gardena (Ortisei, St. Christina, Selva) or in the Alta Badia (Colfosco, Coravara or La Villa). The amazing Gardena Pass separates/connects the Val Gardena and the Alta Badia. This is a spectacular 45 or so minute drive non stop (VERY hard not to stop along the way and take it all in).
I would still drive from Venice to Cortina (but no need to stop in Cortina) and head west for another hour to the Alta Badia or on to the Val Gardena. About 45 min. west of Cortina is the Lagazuoi cable car trip. Quick to the top, so if you have an hour to spare, that's all that's needed. You can't miss it on the drive from Cortina to the Alta Badia or Val Gardena.
http://www.dolomiti.org/dengl/Cortin.../impianti.html
There are only 2 cable cars running this late in the year, the Lagazuoi (mentioned above) and the Mont Seuc/Seiser Alm cable car from Ortisei up to the beautiful Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi.
www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html
There is also no reason to drive "The Great Dolomite Road". Kind of a waste of time. Simply drive a pass or two. Along with the Gardena Pass, the Sella Pass is terrific and at the end of the Val Gardena. It actually branches off the Gardena Pass.
If interested, our favorite place to stay is the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa, Alta Badia.
www.montanara.it
We also liked our stay at the Garni Ariston in St. Christian, Val Gardena.
www.garniariston.com
We have photo's of our October and late Sept. trips to the Dolomites:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646609535108/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646798948951/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassp...7646363588198/
Paul
Sep 19th, 2014, 04:29 PM
#15
mynameisname, how alert will you be on arrival at Bergamo? Will you be jet-lagged?
As you comparative shop the rental car companies, look out for any mention of a fee for picking up in one location and dropping in another. This is starting to be more common.
As you comparative shop the rental car companies, look out for any mention of a fee for picking up in one location and dropping in another. This is starting to be more common.
Sep 20th, 2014, 01:25 AM
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Now that I see you are landing in Bergamo and flying out of Milan then I would suggest (if you stick to those air tickets) going directly to Venice by train upon arrival.
I would not take a chance on booking the Dolomiti until you see whether your are going to have clear weather. Or at least don't book anything you can't cancel with 24 hours notice. I agree that you should not sleep in Cortina d'Ampezzo but in the vicinity.
If the Dolomiti are good to go and you only want 2 destinations then I would suggest dropping of your car in Bolzano and taking the train from there back to Milan for your final night in Italy.
If the weather forecasts for the Dolomiti indicate that you won't be able to see the mountains -- this is a serious issue because if you can't see the peaks there is really no point in going as a sightseer -- then either plan to use the car for a trip through the prosecco wine country and the lower lakes with scenic small towns along the way.
Or if it is really raining cats and dogs everywhere in Northern Italy then if you can't extend your stay in Venice I suggest canceling the car rental and take a train to Verona or Ferrara and do some day trips from there (in particular to Bologna and Ravenna and Mantova but also check out Parma and Modena. ) Bologna is another possibility for a "base" but it is usually very difficult and expensive to find October accommodations there due to trade fairs.
I would not take a chance on booking the Dolomiti until you see whether your are going to have clear weather. Or at least don't book anything you can't cancel with 24 hours notice. I agree that you should not sleep in Cortina d'Ampezzo but in the vicinity.
If the Dolomiti are good to go and you only want 2 destinations then I would suggest dropping of your car in Bolzano and taking the train from there back to Milan for your final night in Italy.
If the weather forecasts for the Dolomiti indicate that you won't be able to see the mountains -- this is a serious issue because if you can't see the peaks there is really no point in going as a sightseer -- then either plan to use the car for a trip through the prosecco wine country and the lower lakes with scenic small towns along the way.
Or if it is really raining cats and dogs everywhere in Northern Italy then if you can't extend your stay in Venice I suggest canceling the car rental and take a train to Verona or Ferrara and do some day trips from there (in particular to Bologna and Ravenna and Mantova but also check out Parma and Modena. ) Bologna is another possibility for a "base" but it is usually very difficult and expensive to find October accommodations there due to trade fairs.
