WE are traveling to Northern Italy in late October. We plan to use public transportation as much as possible. I understand that in the South Tyroll the hotels give a mobility card that covers trains and buses. We were hoping to sail on Lake Garda and see some of the Dolomite area. I see that all of the commercial tours of the lake etc. seem to close down between Sept. 22 and Oct. 4. Does anyone have advice on how to accomplish my two desires in this part of Italy? I would take a bus from Bolzano to a Dolomite village and take a gondola up to a viewing site but I don't know what buses to take and what villages. I can't hike so we just want to be able to be out and enjoy some scenery. I was hoping that we could get a ferry from Riva del Garda to some other towns if the cruise is no longer running. I need to know ferry time tables as well as bus schedules in this area. Any advice on hotels in these two cities also appreciated
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2329 posts
Go to ValGardena.it and check the lift schedules. I'm not sure any will be running in late October.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11818 posts
You can get to Ortisei easily by bus from Bolzano. Yes, it is off-season, but this year a few lifts are open later than in my past experience. You can get to the Alpe di Siusi and to Seceda from Ortisei as late as Nov 2. See the schedule here https://www.valgardena.it/en/summer-holidays-dolomites/lifts/. Staying in Ortisei is convenient and there will be shops, restaurants, and lodging. Try Hotel Garni Walter or Villa Aurelia in Ortisei. You will get your bus pass once you check in so,the ride from Bolzano is on you but the ride back is covered by the pass.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17572 posts
Here is the current (spring) schedule for the Lago di Garda ferries.
I believe they run all all year, but service may be reduced in late October. I can’t figure out how to get the autum schedule but maybe someone else can.