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Venice to the Dolomites

We would like to drive from Venice to the Dolomites, stay one night in a scenic town, then drive to Verona to stay two nights before going to a villa near Florence. Does anyone have suggestions as to if this route is reasonable for a one night stay in the mountains and where to stay? Also where to stay in Verona where we could park a car close to a bed/breakfast or small hotel? Thanks!

Posted by
3057 posts

I can't help with the Dolomites but you might try Hotel Verona in Verona. It is outside the city walls and the restricted zone, so you can drive to it. Their website does not mention parking so you should email and ask. You should look at a map for the part of the Dolomites closest to Venice and on the way to Verona.

Posted by
2829 posts

It's too much driving and too little sightseeing to stay just one night on that route you suggested. My alternative: day 1 - Venezia - Cortina d'Ampezzo, sleep in Cortina d'Ampezzo day 2 - drive the scenic mountain passes, sleep in Canazei day 3 - drive to Verona (2h30 driving time), visit the city, sleep in Verona
day 4 - visit a bit more of Verona in the morning, drive to your villa (Verona-Firenze is a 2h30 drive under normal conditions)

Posted by
8091 posts

Getting to the Dolomites is as easy as taking Hwy A27 north of Venice (bypassing Treviso) and following the 4 lane road to the end. Then you'll be on 2 lane alpine roads all the way to Cortina d' Ampezzo. Go west of Cortina until you hit E45/A22, and the autobahn will take you south right into Verona. I would recommend this trip for anyone, as the mountain vistas are simply incredible.

Posted by
32171 posts

Susan, For your stay in the Dolomites, you could also consider Castelrotto (Kastelruth) as it's a beautiful and "scenic" town. While there you could take a daytrip to Alpi di Siusi, which also has incredible scenery. For driving in Italy, note that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. Failure to produce an I.D.P. if requested can result in fines on the spot! You may also want to have a look at some of posts here regarding Zona Traffico Limitato tickets. On the topic of parking in Verona, THIS website may provide some answers. Happy travels!

Posted by
2898 posts

Hi, That's a lot of driving for such a little time in the Dolomites. If you could fit in 2 nights it would be a big plus. I'd do the drive from Venice to Cortina d'Ampezzo and then west into Alta Badia. This is where I would (and we have a couple of times) spend the night. We loved our 2 stays (10/06, 9/'09) at the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa/Stern, Alta Badia. From here, the next day I would drive to Colfosco (15 min. drive), over the amazing Gardena Pass (stop at the cafe at the "top", through the Val Gardena and then head south on the A22 to Verona.
If you have a clear day on the Venice to Alta Baida drive, between Cortina and La Villa (at the Falzarego Pass turn-off) is the Lagazuoi cable car. It's right on the road, easy and quick to park, get a ticket and be on your way to the top. Even if you have less than an hour, it's well worth a look. http://www.montanara.it http://www.dolomiti.org/dengl/Cortina/laga5torri/info/impianti.html http://www.worldisround.com/articles/355539/index.html http://www.worldisround.com/articles/324504/index.html Paul