Has anyone driven from Florence to the Dolomites? How long does it take? There are 4 adults traveling together, is it better to take the train?
Any suggestions where to stay for 3 nights. We love the beauty and good food and hiking. Perhaps an apt with 2 bedrooms. Thank you in advance. Margit

For exploring the dolomites a car is a much better option than train - esp for 4 people. Depending on how you drive you can be well into mountains in a couple of hours - longer the further east you go.

We are going in two weeks to the Dolomites, arriving from Munich by train, staying in Castelrotto, at Hotel al Lupo (or German name Hotel Wolf). It was recommended in the Rick Steves travel guide....very reasonable and supposed to have views of the mtns. (www.hotelwolf.it)I've never been there, so I can't tell you anything except from what I've read.

Hi Margit - For hiking I always suggest basing in the Val Gardena - which gives easy access to a choice of lifts up to great hiking country. I'd recommend Ortisei (- or Selva).

I usually stay in Ortisei at:
http://www.hotelvillapark.com/eng/index.html
This is a comfortable family-run 3* B&B.

For the complete Ortisei hotels/apartments list see:
http://www.valgardena.it/stchristina...ulrich2009.pdf

For more info on the Val Gardena see:
www.valgardena.it

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Nytrav - If you can drive from Florence to the Dolomites in a couple of hours ... you must be Michael Schumacher

I'd say 4hrs+

Steve