We are 3 related families numbering 8 total, ages 2 1/2 to late 60s. We are all in good shape and enjoy hiking, exploring, good food, swimming,and whatever else our destination has to offer. This would be our first trip to Italy, and are contemplating the Dolomites for a week. We'd like to rent a house for our base. So-do we need a car? What would be a good city to fly to (coming from Boston) and where in the region do you recommend we set up 'camp?' Our travel dates are some time early to mid August '18. We are just starting our search for this trip so we are entirely flexible and open to suggestions. We know nothing except that the Dolomites look spectacular. The only issue will be making sure our 2 little guys are happy and accommodated. As we are 3 families (grandparents and grown children with 1 toddler each), we don't have to spend ALL our time together and can certainly veer off from each other depending on activities. Thank you for any help/insights/tips!

Consider basing in Ortisei. It provides excellent access to the Alpe di Suisi as well as the vast areas just north and east of the town. Scenery everywhere is spectacular and then it is best from the summer gondola lift tops.

Our last trip to the area had us flying into Munich and driving three hours to Ortisei. Alternatively it would likely be Milan as a port of entry and a 3 3/4 hr drive. Once in Ortisei you can use the local bus system which is very efficient (think ski area transport).

August is high season and for good reason--don't delay in finding your lodging.
the Ortisei-Val Gardena tourist office is a wealth of info on accommodations.

BTW-Ortisei is often named Sankt Ulrich (its old Ladin name)

Venice or Verona are good flight destinations.

Ortisei is a large enough (but still small) town to occupy those who don't want to hike every day. You can train to Trento or Bolzano for the first night if you don't want to hit the ground running. There is public transportation in the area, but, to maximize your exploring and accommodate everyone's energy levels, you should have at least 2 cars. The buses don't go everywhere, and you'd be be slaves to their timetables. The youngest and oldest in your group likely won't be as gung-ho as the rest. There are some wonderful drives besides all of the great hiking.

The difficulty with all the airports listed including Verona (VRN), Milan (MXP)/(LIN) and Venice (VCE) is you will have to change somewhere along the way. I've flown in and out of both Milan airports as well as the other two and you are probably going to want to use rail to get from your landing point unless you rent a car.

There is direct rail service from Verona to Bozen (Bolzano) and Trent(o) but timings are an issue. You can come south (from Munich) and over the Brenner Pass (a scenic trip) AND United/Lufthansa has N/S service to Munich from Boston.

Lots of decisions but given where you want to go, those decisions are worth it.

Rent the car IN Bolzano!

Thank you thank you! It seems I am premature-some want to go to CT, others Tuscany...... Will be back once we can find the region we all agree on!

You might want to have those interested in Cinque Terre in August do some research as to what it is actually like at that time of year, IF they can actually obtain the tickets now necessary to use the trails.