We are now planning to go to Ortisei via Milan, and then to Venice via Cortina. Any suggestions for nice towns to see along that route?

Sorry didnt mention the trip will be in December.

Hi HAD,

While not our favorite town (city), a stop in Bozen/Bolazano to see the "Ice Man" at the Archaeological Museum was very interesting.
It's between Milan and Ortisei.

www.bolzano-bozen.it/en/museums.htm

Ortisei itself is a nice town with a small pedestrian zone.

Brixen/Bressanone is our favorite old town in the Dolomites. Beautiful and very large pedestrian zone. We also thought the Diocesan Museum Brixen was facinating. Brixen is less than an hour drive from Ortisei.

www.brixen.org

Another nice town lies just 45 minutes from Brixen/Bressanone... Bruneck/Brunico.

www.bruneck.it/WELCOME/welcome.html

There's a wonderful cable car right from Ortisei to the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi.

www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html

If you'll have a car (I 'm assuming you will) and weather permitting, take a drive over the Gardena and/or Sella pass for amazing up close Dolomite scenery! The Sella pass branches off the Gardena pass, which is at the end of the valley (Val Gardena) and about a 15 minute drive from Ortisei. On the other side of the Gardena pass is Alta Badia, which includes the towns/villages of Colfosco, Corvara, La Villa, etc.

www.val-gardena.com

www.altabadia.com

Here's a very good website that shows photo's and descriptions of the passes.

www.alpineroads.com/dolomites.php

We also have some photo's of our own at:

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/travel11.html


Hope this helps.

Paul

HAD - Between Milan and Bolzano you could also stop off in Verona and Trento if time permits.

Steve

Thanks Paul, thanks Steve.

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I agree with Paul that Bolzano/Bozen is a great place to stop to see Osti the Iceman. The museum is really well done and Bolzano is a pretty town. We also liked Trento a lot. Many of the buildings have elaborate frescos on them.

In January we're planning on stopping in Bressanone on Paul's recommendation, so I can't speak to that - yet.

From Ortisei you'll only be a short drive to Selva and its scenery - the town isn't particularly interesting, but the drive from there to Cortina and then to Venice is very beautiful.

They've had 30 cm of snow in the mtns, so things are starting to shape up. My fingers are crossed for more snow over the next couple of months!

Hi telechick,

If you liked Bozen/Bolzano, you'll love Brixen/Bressanone!


Paul