My sis and I are planning on 3 nights in each of these places. Is this too long? Is there enough to do for 3 nights each? We like to hike and bike and love the outdoors.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1136 posts
What time of year are you going?
Posted by
OP
6 posts
End of September
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
debbie,
Where on Lake Como are you planning on staying?
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Suggestions? We were thinking of Varenna.
Posted by
America's Vancouver and the First
111 posts
From Bolzano, there's lots and lots of things to do and see in the Dolomites and the valleys. It's a decent central location - assuming you'll have a car. For biking, there's a level path along the valley floor. Try to get to Merano/Meran. It's a stunningly beautiful town with walkways along the river and a charming town as well. There is also "Merano 2000" outside of Merano. You'll ride a cable car up (there are lots of cable cars in the Dolomites) and from there are lots of walking/hiking. There's also beautiful gardens at Castle Trautmandorff (highly recommended if you enjoy gardens). I also highly recommend a hike to Knottnkino, the rock cinema with movie seats drilled into the rock ledge with stunning views of the valley below. There are also lots of walking/hiking paths called waalwege. And then there's the gorgeous Val Gardena hikes. Take the Mont Seuc cablecar up to the top and wander in pure heaven in the Alpe di Suisi/Seiser Alm gazing up at the Gruppo Sella rugged mountain peaks (try to go on a good weather day). Of course, don't miss old Otzi in the museum in Bolzano. Take a hint and visit the last two hours of the day for possibly a crowd-free experience. We stayed in this area for a week and never ran out of things to see and experience. You can google and research all of these things.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Wow, thanks Kay for the informative, detailed, and thoughtful reply. I really appreciate this.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11858 posts
I would recommend Castelrotto or Ortisei rather than Bolzano, especially Ortisei. Takes an extra hour to get there from Bolzano, but you are IN the mountains at the foot of not only the Mont Seuc cableway but have access to several more. No car required. Check out Valgardena.it. right now it shows skiing prominently, but search for summer info.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
debbie,
Varenna would be a good choice (IMO), as it's a good "home base" location to tour around the mid-lake area. It's very easy to take the Ferry across to Bellagio (about 20 minutes each way) and have a look around there. You could also travel across to Menaggio or other nearby locations. Varenna doesn't offer a lot of activities, but it's a great location for Il dolce far niente.
Regarding the Dolomites, I agree with Laurel that Castelrotto or Ortisei would be nicer locations than Bolzano. There's regular Bus service to those communities, so a car is not necessary. If you decide to stay in Castelrotto, you can easily get to Alpi di Siusi which has more more hiking opportunities than you'll have time for. If you're avid hikers, you can start by taking the chair lift from Castelrotto to Marinzen (which is just above town). According to the SIGNS there, you can hike to Alpi in just over an hour. Once you arrive there, take the Cable Car down to the car park, and then return to Castelrotto by bus.
