Hello, Could anyone please advise on whether it is madness to drive from Venice to Munich in the week before Christmas? We are thinking of staying somewhere in Austria for one night to break up the drive - any suggestions?? Otherwise, would anyone please suggest the most 'scenic' train route from Venice to Munich? All advice greatly appreciated!

It's not madness. It is lovely. I did most of this in late December one year. Go over to Verona and head north toward Innsbruck. Take an overnight in Bolzano/Bozen. From Innsbruck it would probably be best to go eastery and then north on the Autobahnen. Alternatively if the roads are open go up and through Garmish-Partenkirken. It's a nice little village with plenty of tourist accommodations, but you're going in ski season and skiing is what they do in Garmish.

A nice train route would also include the Verona to Innsbruck section. The rail seems to parallel the road.

If a big snow storm is planned for the day you are traveling then wait a day.

Musgrave - It's a wonderful drive - one of the most scenic in Europe if you go up through the Dolomites! I've been there the week before Xmas for the past 4 years and can't wait to return ...

I'd recommend you stop in the Dolomites (- maybe Ortisei) for at least one night - you won't regret it, believe me

Rather than the Verona autostrada route which Hopscotch suggests (- good if you are in a hurry) - I'd recommend the spectacular route up through Cortina and over the passes (Falzarego, Valparola and Gardena) via San Cassiano and Corvara to Val Gardena.

If you do this route, there are some superb cable-car rides en route. Not to be missed ...

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thanks a lot for the advice! I think we might take the dolomites route. Any idea how many hours it would take to drive from Venice to Ortesei? What about from Ortesei to Munich? Also, where might I get hold of a good driving map for this journey, or would it be better to get a SAT NAV added on to our car rental instead?

Hi Musgrave - Venice-Ortisei via Cortina would be about 4.5 hrs, I think.

I've never done Ortisei-Munich, but I think Bob once said it's about 4hrs.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. My favourite Italy maps are the 'Touring Club Italiano' regional maps.

The first part is autostrada to Longarone (- north of Belluno).

From Cortina just follow -

Falzarego (- Lagazuoi*) - Valparola/ San Cassiano - Corvara - Gardena/ Selva.

You don't need Sat Nav - it's a very straight forward drive.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. Before leaving you should confirm of course, that the passes are open.

They have never been closed when I've been there in December, but it's best to check.

I wouldn't recommend the Dolomite route the week before Christmas. Chances are there will be a lot of snow and some passes may close... If you decide to take that road I would make sure to check the status of roads beforehand.

Hi M,

The direct train from Venice to Munich goes over the Alps, with stops in Verona, Brenner Pass, Innsbruck, Kufstein and Rosenheim, among others.

Very nice ride.

There are earlier trains that require a change in Verona, but follow the same route.

PS,

See www.trenitalia.com