Going to Italy in August. Wanted thoughts on this itinerary. Flights are already booked into Bologna and out of Venice. Airbnbs booked for Lake Garda, and Dolomites. Family of four with two boys(15 and 12)
Fly into Bologna
2 nights Bologna-Train to Lake Garda-Get rental car
4 nights in Torri Del Benaco on Lake Garda with a day trip to Verona.
4 Nights in Cortina D'Ampezzo
3 nights in Venice-Dropping car off at Venice Airport when we arrive from Dolomites.
2 nights in Bologna after the flight probably means one non-jetlag day in Bologna. Just be aware you might be dragging that first day.
For Venice lodging for your family, check out Venice Red House. Good selection and responsive. I'm using them for my family's (2 teenagers like you) trip in July.
Have you determined where you will get the car?
Consider picking up in Bologna as you leave then dropping at Mestre or P Roma in Venice rather than VCE-will save you time and money
See what AutoEurope.com offers
Make sure all drivers have an iDP -required by law
A half day in nearby Ravenna would be good.
This looks like a very nice northern Italy itinerary, especially for a family with teens. The pacing is good and you are not trying to cover too much.
For Lake Garda in August, expect heavy traffic and parking pressure, especially around the east shore. Torri del Benaco is lovely, but plan lake days early and don’t underestimate ferry use — ferries can save time and stress. From Torri, easy highlights are Malcesine / Monte Baldo, Bardolino, Garda, and a relaxed lake swim day.
For Cortina, 4 nights is excellent. Try to start hikes early because afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Dolomites in summer. Great family options: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi, and Lago di Sorapis if your boys are strong hikers. Check parking/reservation rules for popular spots before you go.
Dropping the car at Venice Airport is the right move. From the airport you can take the Alilaguna boat or bus depending on where your Venice lodging is. The best to visit Venice attractions from 6:00-9:00, go away and come back after 18:00, some museums are open until 23:00.
Only thing I’d watch: August means HEAT in Bologna/Verona/Venice and CROWDS at Garda. Build in slow mornings or swim/rest time — with two boys, this itinerary will be much more enjoyable if it doesn’t become a daily sightseeing march.
We are taking early morning flight that leaves Boston for London and then we have a two hour layover in London and our flight to Bologna takes off about 8pm I believe so we will get in to Bologna about 11pm. So will only have one full day in Bologna unfortunately. We are picking up our car in Lake Garda near where we get off the train from Bologna. I believe it's about a twenty minute drive to Torri del Benaco from where w are picking it up.
Was thinking of renting one of the self drive small boats for a day in Lake Garda. Do you think I need to book that in advance? Want to book one but don't want to book in advance and get a day with bad weather.
I recomend to book the boat in advance as August in Garda will be very crowded. Most of the local companies will not take upfront deposits and if there will be really bad weather, it would be easier to cancel due to "bad weather", rather than stating that "I changed my mind".
Was going to do a day trip to Verona from Torri Del Benaco. I will have a car but would prefer to take a bus. Thoughts?
