Thx in advance for your consideration! So, we're planning on a Sept 18 - Oct 2 honeymoon to Italy. We're Oregonians and avid hikers and have it in our heads that we really want to see the Alps and hike there for at least 2 full days, before heading onto Lucca which I've heard is lovely, the visit more rolling hills of Tuscany, and then Rome. Has anyone been to the dolomites... particularly in mid sept (we know some lifts wont be going up)? Did you say in Courmayeur or another place? Any recommendations? And, pls tell us if this is just not worth the train/ bus trip. I noticed in Rick Steve's books, he only gave the dolomites one triangle... so, im wonderin if there is someplace else we should spend a few days instead in italy? or, we could completely reboot,and swap our plans around and focus on paris, burgandy, and swiss alps if others think thats better. Thank you any and all for your insight!!!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16394 posts
Hi Tracy- I don't know about that " one triangle" rating but the Dolomites are among the most beautiful mountains I know. And we are avid hikers too going to Yosemite, Glacier NP, Mt. Rainier, and the Swiss Alps, one or more of those places each summer. You definitely should jot miss them. Mid-September is late season but the good news is the prices will be much lower than high season. The weather should still be good, although it could of course rain. But many of the places offer fall specials to get people to come. We have stayed in the Val Badia ( Colfosco) and Alpe di Siusi and would recommend both highly. These are on the western side and easily accessed by train and bus from the maintain line running south from Austria into Italy. I am not familiar with Courmayeur apart from knowing it is a ski resort. Another good area is Val Gardena, whichnoffers access to Alpe di Siusi but has towns with lots of lodging and dining choices. ( the food there is fantastic). You might take a look at Hotel Villa Martha in Santa Cristina looks like a fun place. They are open until Sept. 23.
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
I am with Lola in that you should not miss the Dolomites and the places she mentions to stay would give you the best of the Dolomites. I have not been in Sept but we did go in May and many things were closed but the good thing was that prices were lower than during the peak seasons. Don't know about the triangle ratings but if I were rating it based on triangles I would give the Dolomites the maximum triangles.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I'm headed to the Dolomites for a week in July, staying in a little hamlet called Rabbi. I've been all over the Alps, except Italy, so if I remember, I can send you a PM to offer a comparison.
Posted by
NYC area
2914 posts
Hi tracey, We've been to the Dolomites in mid October ('03, '06) and late September '09. RS gives the Dolomites 1 triangle! I give the Dolomites 5 stars! They are spectacular. We stayed at the garni Ariston in St. Christina/Val Gardena once and at the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa/Alta Badia twice. Both are open year round. I think there'll be more "going on" in the Val Gardena, meaning more shops, restaurants, etc. to choose from. The Val Gardena is basically Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva, which are just about 5 min. from one another, with St. Christina being in the middle. The Mont Seuc/Seiser Alm cable car from Ortisei runs until late October. This takes you into the gorgeous Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi. Here's a few links: www.garniariston.com www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html www.val-gardena.com www.valgardena.it/en/lifts/page65.html www.valgardena.it/en/walking-and-trekking/page50.html If interested, we have photo's at: www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html www.worldisround.com/articles/324504/index.html www.worldisround.com/articles/355539/index.html Paul
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
3 posts
Thanks everyone! Do you know if there is train svc from milan to ortsei or perhaps train to bus? Thanks!!!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16394 posts
Train fro Milan to Bolzano. The use the excellent SAD ( SudtirolAutodient) from there to Val Gardena (Ortesei).