Dolomites from Venice

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

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.

I would definitely hire a car in that short amount of time. The roads around the Dolomites are excellent no problem with driving at all. Personally Dobbiaco.

Thanks all for your excellent recommendations. I agree, I think renting a car would be best. I checked out Dobbiaco online and OMG! Gosh, I think after going to the Dolomites we will regret spending time in Rome. :-) However, we can always return to Italy and focus on the northern parts.

I will check out rental cars in Venice.

Plus Milan Airport is on the eastern side of the city - you could fairly readily drive the rental there, and save a lot of time (or at least inconvenience). From about Bolzano you could do a beautiful drive through the Adamello region.

Up to from where you fly in Milano, there are three airports in a distance of 110 km.

It depends on the airport Malpensa is not east of the city.

You're right ... I certainly misread it. Another option is Bologna, which is just as close.

I'm flying out of Malpensa.

By car very good and direct connection from the motorway https://www.airportmalpensa.com/by-car.php

Hello, everyone, so based on my Internet research and the feedback on this board, I am trying to set up my rough itinerary. I have 2 1/2 days in the Dolomites. So here we go for the first part:
June 12
8:30 am- drive Venice Mestre to Cortina (hour drive + additional time for sightseeing)
12 pm- drive to Rifugio Auronzo (45 min)
1pm- hike Tre Cime (4-5 hours)
5 pm- Drive from Rifugio Auronzo to Sexten or Dobbiaco. Stay the night
Here are my questions:
-Are there recommended stops between Venice Mestre and Cortina? we are interested in views, nature, flowers, quaint towns, contrasting nature
-Night stay in Sexten or Dobbiaco? Which one makes sense
- How is the weather in the afternoon at the Tre Cemes? Are storms likely and severe at this time of the year? I've been monitoring webcams and the weather looks good so far.

June 13
Dobbiaco to Ortisei
-Any nice hikes between Dobbiaco and Ortisei
-Interested in going up the mountains via cable car. Any recommended options?

June 14
Tbd (to end at night in Milan Malpense)

Thanks

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