Anyone have an idea on the drive time from the Dolomites area to Menaggio on Lake Como?<BR><BR>George

The Dolomites is a big area, - so it really depends where you're starting from. From the Bolzano area by motorway I'd say a minimum 4 hours. From the Cortina area it'd be nearer 6.<BR><BR>www.michelin-travel.com <BR>- gives driving times and alternative routes, though from my experience they tend to under-estimate.<BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve

Steve - thanks, I hadn't yet checked out Michelen's site. Not entirely sure yet where I'll end up in the Dolomites, but that gives me an idea. The only thing certain is my lodging in Menaggio. I'm spending 3 nights, possibly 2 depending on if I split the drive to Como with a stop. Do you have an opinion on if I could use one spot as a home base, and which one? I'm pretty flexible.<BR><BR>George

Just a thought...but if you're staying in Menaggio, it may be quicker, easier, and more enjoyable to get there from southeastern Switzerland...like St. Moritz.

George - A base for the Dolomites? If you want somewhere central, near wonderful scenery and with great options for day-trips, the Upper VAL BADIA is hard to beat - Corvara, San Cassiano, Colfosco, La Villa in Badia ...<BR><BR>Alternatively ORTISEI in Val Gardena is a lovely village - perhaps my favourite - though less central for touring.<BR><BR>Let me know if I can be of more help ...<BR><BR>Steve<BR><BR>

I posted about this previously, but my dilemma was how best to get from Munich to Milan by car, finishing with 3 days in Como (already booked). I only focused on the Dolomites, never considered going southwest from Munich towards Como. I'll have 4 nights between Munich and Como, looks like I've got options. Sure, I'd appreciate any more info.

Well, - I think you could do this one of two ways. Either choosing a base for 4 nights, possibly either in Val Badia or Val Gardena, - or finding B&B's en route and moving on each day.<BR><BR>Many places in the Dolomites advertise 'Zimmer Frei', and the tourist offices are very helpful, if you prefer to find places en route. <BR><BR>Here are some websites for the Val Badia and Val Gardena areas to give you an idea of the options:<BR><BR>www.interpromotion.com/altabadia.<BR>www.val-gardena.com. (Ortisei)<BR>www.dolomitisuperski.com/altabadia<BR>(-has a link for 'summer' holidays).<BR><BR>For a phototour*** of this wonderful area, have a browse through:<BR>www.dolomiti.it/eng/fototour/estate.htm<BR><BR>Do you want to spend your time there touring or hiking ... or ...? I can make some suggestions if you like, - I've holidayed here many times.<BR><BR>Let me know if I can be of more help ...<BR><BR>Steve<BR>

Also<BR><BR>www.dolomitesholiday.com<BR>www.altabadia.org

Steve,<BR><BR>Really appreciate the information you've passed along. Unfortunately, I'm staying in Berlin (work assignment) and haven't been able to find any books on the region in English, but I haven't had much time to look. With Como as my final destination would it make a difference if I went from Munich to an eastern area of the Dolomites, then made my way west? I have 5 nights available, wouldn't mind splitting it 2/3. I'm accepting the drive from Munich to Italy in one shot, then Dolomites area to Como in one shot (leaving about 10am each time). My wife and I will do a combo of touring, hiking and relaxing (I welome the ideas). Curious, can I book places with credit cards, or should I bring lots of Euros? Think I'd have a problem booking as I went? BTW, I realize I've left myself little time to plan - work got in the way! - George

George - I've usually visited this area in low/mid season (June) and never had a problem finding accm. <BR><BR>In high season it would be better to book ahead if you know where you want to stay. <BR><BR>I think you would still be able to find 'Zimmer frei' as you go if you're happy with B&B's, - though it's best to look early in the day of course.<BR><BR>Your plan to move east-west sounds fine.<BR>In 4/5 days you can certainly see plenty of the 'highlights' (- even if 2 weeks is never enough for me!)<BR><BR>Hotels will normally take credit card bookings of course, though B&B's might prefer cash.<BR><BR>Steve<BR><BR><BR>

Steve,<BR>I found out online I can get a room for 2 nights in Castelrotto at a B&B that was recommended on this site. Would somewhere in Trento be a good spot for 2 more nights? I'm sure it will make more sense once I'm there. Thanks again.

Gn, Do the Castelrotto thing and then move on to Riva del Garda--at the north end of Lago Garda. Munich to Cast. is 4 hours. Then 1:30 to Riva, and then about 3 hours to Mennagio from there. That is a great 4 day itinerary.

George - Bob's is a great idea! Riva's lovely, - one of my favourite places.<BR><BR>An alternative if you wanted another couple of days in wonderful Dolomite scenery would be the mountain resort of Madonna di Campiglio (1500m.) in the Brenta Dolomites (SW of Bolzano).<BR><BR>This is well on the way to Lake Como.<BR>Madonna di Campiglio - Menaggio is 120 miles <BR>- OR 165 if you take a scenic detour (from Tirano) via Bernina Pass/S. Moritz/Upper Engadin Valley ... as Mr Go suggested.<BR><BR>Steve

Bob and Steve, Thanks a lot for your advice. Looks like I'm going to split the 4 nights between Cast. and Garda, then head to Menaggio (decided to recoup 1 night in Munich after the train ride). I have info on a B&B in Tremosine a little up in the hills above the lake, turns out a work colleague stays there. Looking forward to the change of scenery. George

Thought I'd mention I decided to spend my 4 nights in Castelrotto instead of skimming through. Gives us 3.5 days in the mountains, then 3 on the lake. I've noted some of the info posted earlier in this thread, but any specific advice on what to do when not hiking? Can you spend a day in villages such as Ortisei or Cortina? Also, any dining advice after breakfast? We're happy winging it since I've finally gotten some good driving and hiking maps, but you guys sound like you have some good experience to tap into. Thanks.

George - Really you can see places like Ortisei and Cortina in less than an hour, - they're very small. <BR><BR>Things not to miss? Here's a few for starters:<BR>- LAKE BRAIES - probably the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites. Great place for a picnic, walking or boating.<BR><BR>- LAGAZUOI cable car ride. (Valparola/Falzarego Pass) en route to Cortina.<BR>One of the most breathtaking you'll ever do!<BR><BR>If you're interested in touring I can suggest a couple of drives to see the best of the Dolomites if you like.<BR><BR>If you want to spend a day or half day in a city, BOLZANO is nearby, and you can visit the Ice Man Museum there. <BR><BR>Steve <BR><BR>

Steve, that would be great. I love the mtns but unfortunately haven't had ample free time to plan this one. With 3 full days we'd like to do one or 2 hikes, with or without cable car rides, and wouldn't mind a day of touring. That could include Bolzano, and/or some wineries if they're within range. The third day is up for grabs. I've got the maps to back up whatever I do. If it's easier feel free to write me privately at [email protected].

George - I haven't stayed in Castelrotto, but I know Bob and others have, so I'm sure they'll be happy to suggest hikes from there. <BR><BR>Here are a couple of drives to include some of the best of the Dolomites:<BR><BR>TOUR 1 - VAL GARDENA/PASSES/LAGAZUOI/CORTINA/LAKE BRAIES/PRATO PIAZZA<BR><BR>Route:- <BR>Castelrotto-ORTISEI-Selva di Val Gardena-Gardena Pass/CORVARA-dir. Brunico-La Villa-dir.Cortina-SAN CASSIANO/Valparola Pass-LAGAZUOI (awesome cable-car ride!)-CORTINA.<BR><BR>From Cortina-dir.Brunico-LAKE DOBBIACO (worth a short stop)-Dobbiaco-Villa Bassa.<BR>After Villa Bassa turn left & follow signs for LAGO DI BRAIES. <BR>(If you have time after Lake Braies, take a scenic detour to PRATO PIAZZA).<BR><BR>Return to Castelrotto on main road via Brunico-Bressanone-Ponte Gardena.<BR><BR>Full day (total driving time about 4-4.5 hours).<BR><BR>You need a clear day for this one, - especially for the Lagazuoi cable car ride. It can pay to make an early(ish) start. <BR>Allow yourselves plenty of time for the Lake Braies area!<BR><BR>TOUR 2 (to follow)<BR><BR>Steve <BR><BR><BR>

TOUR 2 - CATINACCIO/LATEMAR/CAREZZA/VAL DI FASSA/CANAZEI/SELLA PASS<BR><BR>RouteBR>Castelrotto-Siusi-Fie a Scilliar-Tires (dir. Psso Nigra)-CAREZZA.<BR>Superb views here of Latemar & Catinaccio. Chairlift. Short detour (dir. Nova Levante) to LAKE CAREZZA.<BR><BR>Return to Carezza, - then Costalunga Pass-Vigo di Fassa-Campitello-CANAZEI-Sella Pass-Ortisei.<BR><BR>CABLE CARS/HIKING en route:<BR>1. The COL RODELLA cable car ride at Campitello is another of the best with fine walks and views, (- although I haven't done it yet).<BR>2. SASS PORDOI cable car, above Canazei. (Short detour on Pordoi Pass).<BR>Superb! High altitude hiking on Sella Massif.<BR><BR>Half day (- driving time about 2.5 hours) or full day with hikes.<BR><BR>Steve<BR><BR>P.S. The Wine Route is SW of Bolzano (via Appiano & Caldaro). The scenery here is pleasant but not Dolomitic. I've only ever stopped at a place near Appiano, but maybe others can reccommend places en route. <BR><BR>Hope this helps ...

Steve - thanks again. I'll be sure to post how it went.