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5 days in Northern Italy with a 5 year old

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We are flying into Milan the first week of October and have 5 days to explore the region before going to Vicenza and Rome. I was planning to spend the time exploring the Dolomites, but am having a hard time nailing down an itinerary. I was originally thinking about basing us out of Ortisei, but am open to other options. We're also probably going to rent a car in Milan to have more flexibility. If we drive, we plan to stop somewhere (maybe Lake Como??) on the way to Val Gardena to help recover from jetlag. Any recommendations on where to stop?

Is Ortisei the right place to make a base camp? We're very interested in hiking and doing as much outdoor activities as possible, but don't want to overload our 5 year old. She's a good hiker, but still needs to be carried up steep section ;-). I see that the vast majority of cable cars will still be open when we plan to be there. Any other suggestions I haven't thought of? Thanks for the help!

Posted by
11827 posts

Ortisei can be an excellent base camp. There are many easier walks with little elevation gain, playgrounds. and amazing lifts. You do not need a car, so once you are there be prepared to park it and use the local buses, for which you hotel will give you a pass, and buy a lift pass to access the mountains.

We usually spend one night in Milan on arrival then take the train to Bolzano the next morning, but Lago di Como is nice too. How many nights do you have? You'll want at least three full days in Ortisei, so 4 nights there.

Posted by
6 posts

Thank you for the advice!! We'll have 4 nights in Ortisei if we spend our first night in Milan or somewhere else close.
Any lodging recommendations??

Posted by
11827 posts

If you want an apartment, Residence Astoria has great parking, lovely owners (we stay there every year). Rates should be friendly in October. 10 minute walk to the center.

If you want a traditional B&B/small hotel, look at Villa Aurelia on the Main Street or Hotel Garni Walter a little uphill, a very nice family-run pension.

All of the above have parking but you won’t need your car much once you arrive.

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