Dolomites from Venice | Italy - Lonely Planet Forum

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Wed, 16 May 2018 03:52:48 +0000

Hello, we are visiting Italy in around mid June. We will be in Venice towards the end of our trip but have 2 1/2 days free before we head back to Milan to fly out. If weather permits, we would like to stay and hike the dolomites. I have a few questions:
1) What is the most efficient way to get from Venice to the Dolomites? I want to avoid renting a car because I am not sure of how difficult it is to drive the roads up the mountain.
2) There is much to see and we've seen some beautiful scenery. If possible, we would like to see Santa Maddalena, Alta Badia, Val Gardena, the 3 peaks.
3) Based on #3, where is the best place to stay? I have been looking at Bolzano or Ortisei as the base.
4) Are there any must-sees?

Of course, our time is limited so we want to hit the highlights. We'd like to see the incredible limestone formations, go up mountain tops and the green forest.

Thanks

ONLINE

Wed, 16 May 2018 05:32:32 +0000

We had four nights in Bolzano this time last year ... it was outstanding. However we used public transport (bus and rail), and while that was okay, if I were doing it again I would certainly consider a small car for the whole stay.

With your rather shorter timeframe, a car might become even more useful.

Public transport was often rather slow, and of course we were restricted to where it could go ... our major outings were to Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Ortisei, and the whole length of the Val Gardena. The roads were very good, and the main downside (as always) is finding convenient parking, on every occasion.

Whatever you decide, you could consider it a road-trip from Venice to Dobbiaco to Ortisei to Bolzano to Verona, and either drop the car there, or take it through to Milan Airport.