We are staying in Lake Garda Beginning of October for 7 days. From there we will explore, Bologna, Parma, Verona and thinking about the Dolomites. Then we go to Venice for a cruise.
So not wanting to travel far from Lake Garda as home base any suggestions on a one-day drive to see the Dolomites. Not interested in a 10-mile hike etc. Just drive around have lunch see a trail or two and return back to Lake Garda.
Thank you for any suggestions.
Debbie
Posted by
Cloud
273 posts
Pack a picnic drive to Ortisei, take the lift up to Seceda and eat up there
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16784 posts
I would recommend lunch at a mountain restaurant instead of the picnic, where you might end up sitting on the ground. This way you get a table. The food in the mountain huts is usually very good, and the views and ambiance cannot be beat.
This is the restaurant at the top of the Seceda lift. You can open the menu link if you want to see what is on offer. If pasta or other dishes look too hearty for lunch, you can order a nice salad or soup and split a Kaiserschmarren for dessert.
http://www.restaurantseceda.com/en/summer_in_gardena.asp
Or continue past Ortesei to the next village, Santa Cristina. Park and ride the Col Raiser lift up. One of my favorite mountain restaurants is at Refugio Firenze:
https://www.rifugiofirenze.com/en/
It is an hour’s hike from the top of the lift. I know you said you aren’t looking for a hike, but I posted that in case others are looking for things to do in Val Gardena.
This hut is only 15 minutes’ of level walking from the top of the lift, but I haven’t been to this one so I don’t know what it is like.
Posted by
Northern California
96 posts
That could be a really long day. I’ve traveled by car between the two several times. Hopefully you are staying on the northern end of the lake which makes it more doable.
If you are able I’d suggest stay one night in Ortisei.
Posted by
11367 posts
Yes, to a night in the Dolomites at a minimum. Ortisei is great; take the funicular and gondolas on opposite sides up to the Alpine meadows above. Stunning beauty!!
You will wish you could skip your cruise and stay there longer.
Posted by
Minnesota, Wisconsin & Italy
89 posts
Hi Debbie - If you are not spending the night in the Dolomites, consider driving to the Eggental Valley as it is closer than Val Gardena. In Eggental, you can do a short circuit hike around Lago di Carezza beneath the Latemar Group, as well as see the famous Rosengarten Group. https://eggental.com/en
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for all the wonderful responses. We have decided to spend one night in Ortisei. Any hotel recommendations?
Posted by
Northern California
96 posts
I’d recommend Hotel Grones in Ortisei (do the half board to enjoy their dinner) as I know others on this forum would recommend as well. Family run and great quality. Underground parking and walking distance to both funivie.
Posted by
11367 posts
Another recommendation for wonderful family owned Hotel Grones.