Can someone who has done this tell me how far and how long is the drive from Venice to Ortesei? I read that one would go through Cortina?

Google Maps or www.viamichelin.com will tell you.

Some where in the neighborhood of three to four hours plus. there are a couple of ways to go depending on what you want. One way is to take the A4 to Verona and then the A22 through trento and Bolzano then a short hop over to Ortisei. the other direct way would be to take the A27 straight north to Ponte nelle Alpi and then throught the mountains to Ortesei. You could swing over to cortina or not. I think that I would. Cortina is an interesting place and the road to there is not too bad. I haven't driven past Cortina though.

Personally I'd take the A27 route. I dislike the A4 and frankly the traffic from Mestre to Verona can be awful.

Another option would be to go up through Citadella and Bassano del Grappa and follow SS47 up to Trento and the A22.

Tat would be a bit slower since you'll be on two lanes mostly, but very scenic.

Hi RB - If you are in a hurry, take the autostrada route via Verona/Bolzano.

Otherwise the 'scenic' route (- via Cortina) is unmissable.

The drive over the mountains from Cortina (- via Falzarego/Valparola Pass, San Cassiano, Corvara, Colfosco, Gardena Pass ...) is one of the most spectacular in Europe.
Not to be rushed ...

[If you have time, don't miss the LAGAZUOI cable-car ride (- Falzarego Pass). On a clear day the view is stupendous].

Cortina-Ortisei takes 1.5 hrs.
Venice-Cortina is approx 3 hrs, I'd say.

So ... total would be 4.5 hrs. approx.

If you do this route you'll definitely want a few photo stops

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Great! Thanks for the great info. Can't wait!