Kathybg

Can anyone recommend day trips for 4 adults from Castelrotto in October? We will head south after Castelrotto so we are looking solely for day trips in the Dolomites. Thanks

Steve_James

Hello Kathy,<BR><BR>For lovely excursions/hikes within 10 km of Castelrotto, head for the ALPE DI SIUSI area or picturesque ORTISEI and use the lifts. <BR>From Ortisei I can recommend the SECEDA lift (a 2-stage lift into the Odle range). Panoramic views** and fine hikes from the top. <BR> <BR>If you have a car, here are some lovely excursions from Castelrotto:<BR><BR>TOUR 1 - SELLA &amp; 4 PASSES TOUR (100km/63miles approx)<BR><BR>If you only do one tour, THIS is the one! <BR><BR>Route:- <BR>Castelrotto-Ortisei-Selva di Val Gardena-SELLA PASS-Pordoi Pass-(SASS PORDOI** cable car)-Arabba-Campolongo Pass-CORVARA-Colfosco-GARDENA PASS-Ortisei-Castelrotto.<BR><BR>The SELLA and GARDENA Passes are 2 of the most spectacular in the Dolomites.<BR><BR>Don't miss the SASS PORDOI cable car ride (from Pordoi Pass) for awesome panoramic views! <BR>There is a cafe/restaurant with picnic tables at the top.<BR><BR>The villages en route also make nice stops, especially Corvara, Colfosco and Ortisei.<BR> <BR>Steve

Steve_James

<BR>TOUR 2 - LAKE BRAIES &amp; PRATO PIAZZA (88km/54 miles each way)<BR> <BR>Lake Braies is THE most beautiful lake in the Dolomites IMO. Idyllic setting!<BR> <BR>RouteBR>Castelrotto-Ponte Gardena-(S12)-Bressanone-(S49)-Val Pusteria-Brunico-Monguelfo. <BR>After Monguelfo turn right and follow signs for LAGO DI BRAIES.<BR> <BR>Ideal for boating, walking, picnic, swimming (if you're brave!) ...<BR>Cafe &amp; restaurant. <BR> <BR>If you have time afterwards, drive up to nearby PRATO PIAZZA for more superb Dolomite views.<BR> <BR>Brunico, Bressanone (- and nearby Novacella Monastery) make pleasant stops en route. <BR> <BR>[You could come back a scenic way from Valdaora (West of Monguelfo) over 2 passes (Furcia Pass-S. Vigilio di Marebbe-Passo di Erbe-Val di Funes) - but this would double the journey time].<BR><BR>Steve<BR>

Steve_James

TOUR 3 - VAL D'EGA &amp; BOLZANO (Ice Man)<BR> <BR>Bolzano is only 25km/15miles by the shortest route. A longer (65km) but much more scenic route is via Carezza &amp; Val d'Ega. Here it is:<BR><BR>RouteBR>Castelrotto-Siusi-Fie a Sciliar-(left)Presule-Tires-Passo Nigra-CAREZZA.<BR><BR>At CAREZZA there is a chairlift ride* to 'Paolina' Refuge (cafe/bar) for fine views of CATINACCIO and LATEMAR.<BR><BR>From Carezza take the S241 to Bolzano.<BR>(This is the 'Great Dolomite Road')<BR>2km below Carezza don't miss LAKE CAREZZA (2 mins walk from the car park).<BR><BR>After Nova Levante you descend through the scenic Val d'Ega Gorge to Bolzano. Don't miss Oetzi the 'Ice Man'.<BR>N.B. The most central car-park in Bolzano is at PIAZZA WALTHER.<BR><BR>[If you return by the shortest route the round-trip is approx. 90km/56miles]<BR><BR>..........................<BR><BR>Kathy - I hope these are of some help! I can also suggest longer tours to Cortina, San Martino and other areas if those interest you ... <BR><BR>Steve<BR><BR>

bobthenavigator

Aren't you glad you asked ?

Kathybg

Steve, Thanks for all the good info.<BR><BR> Kathy