fear of driving in the dolomites
 

Hi Fodorites: Please help. We're in our 60s and leaving next week for Venice, Dolomites, lakes district and ending up in Portovenere. The fear I have is driving from Asolo up to Castelrotto. Is this going to be a succession of narrow,switchback roads with huge drops and no guardrails?
We drove in the Midi-Pyrenees 2 years ago and it was beautiful but frightening and seemed to go on forever. I appreciate your help.

Hi Sha - It depends which route you take.

The most scenic route takes you over some of the passes - which have hairpin bends. This is certainly the route I would suggest for spectacular views.

But if you want a more straightforward drive you can do it without any passes.

The Val Sugana route to Trento (- from Bassano del Grappa) is easy driving. From there it's a straight drive to Bolzano.

You can get to Castelrotto on the scenic drive from Bolzano via Siusi - or from Chiusa.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Steve, thank you so much for your advice. I was hoping that you would respond. If we do the scenic road, do the hairpin turns occur for many miles or just a few at a time? What about oncoming traffic, does that present a problem? I know that people do this all the time. My husband is a good driver, but he was very relieved that we didn't drive the Amalfi coast a couple summers ago. I truly appreciate your help.

Sha - Oncoming traffic is only an issue on the hairpins - but if you have a good driver it's not a problem :)

If you are there before July it's still early season so it won't be too busy. Much less busy than Amalfi. ...

'If we do the scenic road, do the hairpin turns occur for many miles or just a few at a time?'

With the passes you will do, just a few at a time. The Dolomite roads are good.

These are some of the most beautiful roads in Europe. Go for it - you won't regret it, trust me :)

Steve

Steve: You've convinced me. Many, many thanks.