Venice, Verona, Dolomites/Lake Garda, Rome
Feb 2nd, 2019, 05:37 AM
#81
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Jean: I have now done more dummy rentals and have found that my preference for an automatic is what is limiting my options. Still, the more I play with it (Mestre is listed with several different addresses), the more I learn what is available. I can drive a stick shift, but it has been years and would prefer an automatic at this point.
annhig: sorry for the delayed response. The other hotels we were considering were the Hotel Atico Doge, the Hotel Ala and the one that was the former Russian embassy (I forgot the name at the moment). All over Venice! My only hesitation with the hotel you suggested is how far it is from San Marco. I contacted the hotel and they indicated it is about a half hour (without getting lost!) via walking or the water.
Our time in Italy has been tweaked a bit. We are now spending 4 nights in Venice but will arrive late on the first night and probably leave somewhat early on the last day and head to Verona by car or train. That will give us a little time to explore Verona before the opera.
We added a night to Rome (due to the plan of arriving so late in the evening and cheaper airfare). So we could spend 5 nights in Rome (four and a half days). Or (if I could convince my daughter, lol), we could take one of those days. and stay an extra night in the Dolomites. If we were to do that, I was thinking of leaving Ortisie and driving the passes (in particular Giau Pass) to Cortina and on to a hotel near Lago di Braies. The following morning, get up very early, hike the lake (approximately 2 hours) and then head to Venice Mestre for a train to Rome and spend 4 nights (3.5 days).
Does that make driving sense in the Dolomites and to Mestre? (I realize there might be different opinions on the merits of an extra day in Rome--heck, we have those differing opinions in our house!).
annhig: sorry for the delayed response. The other hotels we were considering were the Hotel Atico Doge, the Hotel Ala and the one that was the former Russian embassy (I forgot the name at the moment). All over Venice! My only hesitation with the hotel you suggested is how far it is from San Marco. I contacted the hotel and they indicated it is about a half hour (without getting lost!) via walking or the water.
Our time in Italy has been tweaked a bit. We are now spending 4 nights in Venice but will arrive late on the first night and probably leave somewhat early on the last day and head to Verona by car or train. That will give us a little time to explore Verona before the opera.
We added a night to Rome (due to the plan of arriving so late in the evening and cheaper airfare). So we could spend 5 nights in Rome (four and a half days). Or (if I could convince my daughter, lol), we could take one of those days. and stay an extra night in the Dolomites. If we were to do that, I was thinking of leaving Ortisie and driving the passes (in particular Giau Pass) to Cortina and on to a hotel near Lago di Braies. The following morning, get up very early, hike the lake (approximately 2 hours) and then head to Venice Mestre for a train to Rome and spend 4 nights (3.5 days).
Does that make driving sense in the Dolomites and to Mestre? (I realize there might be different opinions on the merits of an extra day in Rome--heck, we have those differing opinions in our house!).
Last edited by here4now; Feb 2nd, 2019 at 06:02 AM.
Feb 2nd, 2019, 07:26 AM
#82
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So you will drive from Ortisei via Passo Sella - Passo Pordoi - Passo Giau to Cortina d'Ampezzo and then via Passo Tre Croci - Misurina - Toblach to Welsberg or so. I suppose you will like this long drive through stunning landscapes (at least if you are fond of hairpin bends).
After Lake Misurina, you may not be particularly impressed by Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee.
The way back to Cortina and then to Ponte nelle Alpi - motorway - Venice may not be particularly interesting. Count about 5 hrs for that.
The itinerary via Bruneck - Brixen - motorway - Bolzano/Bozen - Trento to Verona would have been about 1 hr faster
After Lake Misurina, you may not be particularly impressed by Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee.
The way back to Cortina and then to Ponte nelle Alpi - motorway - Venice may not be particularly interesting. Count about 5 hrs for that.
The itinerary via Bruneck - Brixen - motorway - Bolzano/Bozen - Trento to Verona would have been about 1 hr faster
Feb 2nd, 2019, 08:15 AM
#83
I'm not sure I understand neckervd's comment about driving times. The route from Lago di Braies to Mestre via Bruneck, Bolzano, Trento, et al., is not faster than driving south from Lago di Braies to Mestre. According to Google Maps, it would be 374 km., 5+ hours versus 197 km., 3+ hours. Also, a large part of the "long" way involves the A22, a main large truck/semi route which I personally would rather avoid.
here4now, I'd call Autoeurope and talk to a human about your plans and desire for an automatic transmission. The website booking system can't make exceptions that a human might be able to achieve.
here4now, I'd call Autoeurope and talk to a human about your plans and desire for an automatic transmission. The website booking system can't make exceptions that a human might be able to achieve.
Feb 2nd, 2019, 08:41 AM
#84
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I wrote:
" The itinerary via Bruneck - Brixen - motorway - Bolzano/Bozen - Trento UP TO VERONA would have been about 1 hr faster."
That because the OP wrote in a previous post that he will rent the car in Verona.
" The itinerary via Bruneck - Brixen - motorway - Bolzano/Bozen - Trento UP TO VERONA would have been about 1 hr faster."
That because the OP wrote in a previous post that he will rent the car in Verona.
Feb 3rd, 2019, 04:17 AM
#86
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Neckverd, I thought you had suggested that if we wanted to see Lago di Braies, we should add an extra night and stay in that area. We do want to see some of the beautiful areas of the Dolomites- including some of the passes, the valleys and the lakes. Other then driving to and through them, I know of no other way to accomplish that. I looked into driving north and east to Lago di Braies from Ortisie, but it did not seem as scenic- perhaps I am wrong about that. I also don't know if that is a big time saver.
It seems that many people access Lago di Braies from Cortina in about 45 minutes- so I thought that was a viable option. I also thought Neckverd suggested that when we leave Cortina d'Ampezzo we return the car to Mestre instead of Vernona-- that it was an hour less to do so that way? So it seemed that leaving the lake and heading south, it would take about 3 hours to get to Mestre and four or more to get to Verona.
Leaving the lake, I wasn't expecting a particular scenic drive to whatever train station we end up at. Given that, it seems wise to take the quickest and easiest route at that point. Are you saying because I now added the lake, that I should return the car at Verona via Bolzano/Bozen? I really don't care where I return the car, as long as the drop off fee is not cost prohibitive. Bolzano itself involved a hefty fee-- but if it is significantly shorter driving wise, I think I would consider that.
Eventually somehow via some route, we have to leave the Dolomites!
It seems that many people access Lago di Braies from Cortina in about 45 minutes- so I thought that was a viable option. I also thought Neckverd suggested that when we leave Cortina d'Ampezzo we return the car to Mestre instead of Vernona-- that it was an hour less to do so that way? So it seemed that leaving the lake and heading south, it would take about 3 hours to get to Mestre and four or more to get to Verona.
Leaving the lake, I wasn't expecting a particular scenic drive to whatever train station we end up at. Given that, it seems wise to take the quickest and easiest route at that point. Are you saying because I now added the lake, that I should return the car at Verona via Bolzano/Bozen? I really don't care where I return the car, as long as the drop off fee is not cost prohibitive. Bolzano itself involved a hefty fee-- but if it is significantly shorter driving wise, I think I would consider that.
Eventually somehow via some route, we have to leave the Dolomites!
Feb 3rd, 2019, 05:18 AM
#87
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I've stayed at the Hotel Ala twice and had clients stay there another time. I had the superior room with balcony and loved it. They didn't and weren't happy because there were three or four steps for them, after the elevator.
I think the position in grand for San Marco and the breakfast is excellent.
I think the position in grand for San Marco and the breakfast is excellent.
Feb 3rd, 2019, 06:18 AM
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If you want to go to Pragser Wildsee/Lago di Braies, you have to drive through Welsberg/Monguelfo or Niederdorf/Villabassa,10 miles from the Austrian border.
I just told you that from there, Verona would be 1 hr closer than Mestre. That's all.
There is no doubt that - seen from Cortina d'Ampezzo - Mestre is the best railway station for boarding a Rome bound fast train. But things change a little bit if you first drive from Cortina d'Ampezzo during 1 hr to the North ("wrong" direction) up to Pragser Wildsee/Lago di Braies.
But it's up to you to decide what you want to see, what you want to bypass, which itinerary and how much backtracking you prefer and where you want to stay and sleep.
I just told you that from there, Verona would be 1 hr closer than Mestre. That's all.
There is no doubt that - seen from Cortina d'Ampezzo - Mestre is the best railway station for boarding a Rome bound fast train. But things change a little bit if you first drive from Cortina d'Ampezzo during 1 hr to the North ("wrong" direction) up to Pragser Wildsee/Lago di Braies.
But it's up to you to decide what you want to see, what you want to bypass, which itinerary and how much backtracking you prefer and where you want to stay and sleep.
Feb 3rd, 2019, 06:57 AM
#89
here4now, FWIW, I think your plan to see Braies and drop the car at Mestre is OK. (I'd take the shorter route south from Cortina.) I also think you're going to wish you had more time everywhere, but I understand that some people prefer covering a lot of ground rather than more deeply exploring fewer destinations. Just personal preferences.
Feb 3rd, 2019, 05:49 PM
#91
I think staying longer in Rome (if I've read your recent comment correctly) might be good, even though Ortisei and environs are very beautiful, because the rest of your trip is so rush-rush-rush. You may both be tired and ready to slow down and stop and smell the roses a bit in Rome. Yes, Rome is a big, busy, hectic city, but personally I love it and think it is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, without running from from one major and overly crowded site to the next.
For what it's worth, in Venice I don't like staying near San Marco or Rialto or the Strada Nova--too freaking mobbed. But some people love that vibe. It really depends on you.
Regardless, enjoy your trip! I think you will.
For what it's worth, in Venice I don't like staying near San Marco or Rialto or the Strada Nova--too freaking mobbed. But some people love that vibe. It really depends on you.
Regardless, enjoy your trip! I think you will.
Feb 3rd, 2019, 06:34 PM
#92
To the OP: yes your time is limited and please try to accept it. You are going to have a wonderful time and probably won't do half of the things you are "planning" because, again, your time is limited. This thread is becoming painful since you seem to be setting yourself up for some letdowns somehow and please forgive me if I am speaking out of turn.
Feb 4th, 2019, 03:23 AM
#93
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No worries about speaking the truth. I had tried to respond to the critiques about my days by adding two nights to the trip. I am not sure if that was clear. Regardless, I appreciate everyone's advice and input. I will keep all your collective wisdom in mind as we travel Italy. Thanks again everyone!
