We are driving down from Innsbruck to Treviso in May. We want to stop through a town or two on the way down. Anyone have suggestions on which of these (or other) would be the easiest/best to stop and explore for a few hours?
Posted by
Irving
3292 posts
Bolzano (Bozen)
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14860 posts
Bolzano has the really interesting South Tyrol Museum of Archeology which features the 5,000 year old natural mummy, Otzi. I thought it was really interesting!
I was on a RS tour so not sure how easy it would be to park as the area in front of the museum is in a pedestrian zone.
Posted by
back in the Americas
733 posts
All are beautiful. Since you have a car all of your suggested places are doable. Do you prefer cities or smaller towns? I have been to Trento, liked it very much. The city center is very compact and easy flat walking for the most part. I have not been to Bolzano but I am going in April with another visit planned to Trento. Look at Vipiteno (Sterzing). For a brief two hour visit or lunch it would be fine. It is a much smaller town. Very pretty. Maybe more Austrian in appearance than Italian. Also the small town of Merano. Very picturesque. Merano is about halfway between Vipiteno and Bolzano.I have not been there yet but it is on my wish list. I also liked Verona very much and am returning there in April. Lots to see and do there to keep you busy. Verona will be the most crowded of all the above mentioned destinations. Do you plan to stay overnight anywhere? Verona would be better to explore with more time. Another beautiful spot, close to Verona is Sirmione on Lake Garda. Again a small town but with a very pretty castle that sits partially in the water. Closer to Treviso is the small walled town of Cittadella. Lots of folks here on the forum recommend Bassano del Grappa. I would research each of these places and see which best fits your interests and routes.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1734 posts
I always stop for lunch at Casa del Vino della Val Lagarina in Isera, near Rovereto.
Posted by
Minnesota, Wisconsin & Italy
104 posts
Definitely Bolzano. It is perfect for a few hours plus it will allow you to soak in the sight of the Rosengarten, a famous range in the Dolomites that soars beyond the city. Recommend parking on the north end of the historic center near Maretsch Castle. Here are directions to the parking lot and tips for an enjoyable walking tour: https://throneandvine.com/discovering-bolzano/ Have an amazing trip!