Several folks in our group would like to jump up to the Dolomites from Venice for a day, mainly to get a "taste of the mountains." What is the most practical destination in the Dolomites to accomplish this?

Check out the web site www.venice-day-tours.com<BR>They have day numerous escorted day excursions out of Venice including one for the Dolomites.

The trip to the Dolomites from Venice is about 2 3/4 hours. Thats 5 1/2 to 6 hour round trip. I don't think you could do the Dolomites justice on a day trip from Venice. Once there, the going on the secondary roads is slow at best.<BR>If I were spending the high dollars to spend overnites in Venice, I wouldn't waste them by not staying in Venice.<BR>Spend one less night in Venice-save money-and then visit the Dolomites and give it justice.

I've heard of day trips to Venice,but I can't imagine leaving Venice for day trips-doesn't compute with me.

Jim,<BR>According to viamichelin.com, Venice to Cortina is 97 mi, taking 1h47m. Where go you get 2h45m?<BR><BR>Joey,<BR>I don't care if it doesn't compute. I didn't ask for an itinerary critique.

The web site I mentioned above and the Dolomite day excursion confirms the fact that you will NOT be spending 5/6 hours travelling to and from Venice.There is alot of time alotted for sightseeing and time for visiting the Italian Alps.You are back to Venice by 6:15pm.

Your best options are San Martino di Castrozza (some of the most stunning scenery in the Dolomites) or Cortina.<BR><BR>Having driven it last year, Jim's driving time estimate to Cortina is nearer than Michelin's.<BR><BR>Let me know if I can be of more help ...<BR><BR>Steve

Last year we drove from Verona to Cortina and then from Cortina to Venice. The trip from Verona to Cortina was spectacular (the Dolomite Road) but I don't remember the drive to Venice being as breathtaking, really. I would say it took about an hour and a half to drive to a train station outside of Venice. Then we took the train in (15 minutes). Of course, once you are there, the dolomites are quite beautiful. <BR> <BR>If you change your mind and decide to spend one night, I highly recommend Hotel Menardi in Cortina. It was a wonderful inn, great food, great atmosphere, good views, nice helpful staff.