kelbo

We are flying into Venice on August 28th., this is the end of a 3 month adventure for us in Europe..original.plan was to stay a full week in Venice but we are concerned about the heat and humidity. Now we are thinking this:

Venice: 4 nights ( pick up rental car to drive to Dolomites)
Dolomites: 3 nights
2 nights open ( this is where I need help)!
Pienza/Tuscany : One week apartment rental
Orvieto : 2 nights ( drop off car)
Rome: two nights and fly home third day

kelbo

Any Italy experts out there?

zoecat

It is a big area of Italy between the Dolomites and Pienza, so there are a lot of choices. Without knowing your interests, it may be hard for others to make suggestions. Based on your research, are there any places you are considering?

If it was my choice, I would spend the 2 nights in or near Urbino.

bobthenavigator

I would stay at the north end of Lake Garda in Riva or Malcesine. Perfect compliment to your itinerary.

HappyTrvlr

We stopped twice between the Dolomites and Tuscany- Lake Garda and Bologna, both wonderful.

bvlenci

It's really hard for me to answer a question like this without knowing your interests. Also, the Dolomites cover a large area, so it would help to know your starting point on the trip to Tuscany.

I live near Urbino, which is a lovely city, and very underrated, but it's certainly not a half way point on your journey. Ferrara would be about half way, and it's one of my favorite cities, but I don't know what you're looking for.

Steve_James

Hi Kelbo - I'd second Bob's suggestion of Riva, Lake Garda.

For the Dolomites I always enjoy Ortisei as a base.

Steve

sandralist

I would want to get further south than Riva del Garda if my ultimate destination was Pienza unless I was going to divide my 2 nights on the lake, with one stop in the north of the lake and the other in the south.

But I think what I would do is drive from Venice to Corvara, spend my time there, then drive to Punta San Vigilio (or Bardolino) for one night. I would drive via Riva del Garda and have lunch there, etc, but I would take advantage of the long daylight hours to get further south for the overnight.

From the south end of the lake I would drive either to Modena to spend the 2d night, if you are food-oriented, then drive into the Modenese hills to spend the night at in Savigno, where you can sleep and eat at Amerigo dal 1934.

One other idea would be to spend 4 nights in the Dolomiti and then drive to Mantova for one night, and then on to Pienza the next day. That pretty much evenly divides the trip at 3 hour stretches for each day. (Or spend 2 nights in Mantova if you only want 3 nights in the Dolomiti.)

sandralist

One caution about Mantova: It can be hot and humid!

So if that is the issue, then my recommendation is to go with a plan to spend one night on Lago di Garda and one night in the hills of Modena at Amerigo dal 1934. If Amerigo is closed on the day you'd be traveling, then look to stay in Castelvetro di Modena. There are several b&bs there and restaurants in the hilltown. it will be cooler than staying in Modena itself.

http://www.amerigo1934.it/

sandralist

and if Amerigo isn't available:

http://www.bestsmalltownsitaly.com/t...romagna-north/

kelbo

thanks everyone...I was on vacation in New Orleans for Jazz Fest and just checking my post now. We are honestly looking to just relax, enjoy good food, wine, and scenery...nothing too taxing since this is the tail end of a 3 month trip.