We are planning a 10 day (or so) trip to Lake Maggiore in July and would like to go to the Dolomites first,for how many days we have yet to decide. Our tentative plan was to fly to Milan and drive to Ortisei stay for several days and then drive to Lake Maggiore and back to Milan. We have been to Lake Maggiore before and loved it. I'm wondering if its better to stop in Lake Garda spend a couple of nights on our way to Ortisei . We will have a car, all advice and opinions welcomed!
Posted by
SF
72 posts
You will love the Dolomites. They are stunning. We spent 5 days in the Dolomites after time in the Austrian, German and Swiss Alps and wish we had a few more days. Our itinerary was 2 nights at Suisi, with a day on the Alpe de Suisi, 2 nights in Val Gardena with a day hiking to Seceda and a drive to Marmolada (which was awesome). We then drove to Cortina Ampezzi and up to Lago di Braes, staying in a nearby town. If I changed anything, it would have been to spend a few more days in the northern Dolomites.
I'd recommend doing our journey highly, and that you add a stop in San Candido and then loop back through Brunico before heading to Lake Maggiore. Note that driving in the Dolomites is slow, on narrow roads, not dangerous if you maintain safe speeds but we probably moved at about 35 mph most of the time (oncoming traffic, other drivers, cyclists and a hefty dose of caution for ourselves and other folks on the road).
The ride to the Dolomites takes you close to Venice/Verona. I'd recommend flying into Venice as a starting spot for the Dolomites, knowing there will be a surcharge for booking one way. If you happen to be near Venice on the second weekend of July, one of Europe's best parties is Redentorre in Venice and worth the time to watch the crowds, see the canals fill with private boats and the boat bridge between islands. Lake Maggiore is beautiful but there would be less driving if you chose Lake Como as you destination. We have fond memories of Bellagio and Varenna.
This year, we plan to get to Lake Garda and enjoy it's beauty. We saw it from the road to the Brenner Pass and Innsbruck 20 years ago and it would have been a long drive to add it to our trip through the Dolomites. Again, if you start from Venice, it would be a great night or 2.
Have a wonderful time.
Posted by
Washington DC
27812 posts
Flying into Venice could be helpful, but don't look for one-way tickets. Look for multi-city tickets, which allow you to fly into and out of different cities.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
I love the suggestions, thanks so much. We were planning on day tripping from Ortisei to avoid packing and unpacking but with the slow travel you mentioned, maybe we should move to the after a couple of days, to see the eastern side and reduce driving times. We have been to Lake Como and even though its beautiful, its so crowded and full of Americans. Lake Maggiore was much quieter with mostly European tourists, though I am starting to consider Lake Garda to reduce driving times...so many options!
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1623 posts
You raised a good point. Lake Como is now very crowded. You have received great advice.
One caution--I don't think you want to drive that much immediately after landing in Milan. You should spend some time recovering from jet lag first. Driving in the Dolomites is not that easy, as the roads may be narrow and windy. Also, July is peak season and I suggest you book your hotels sooner than later. In fact, many European travelers have already made their hotel bookings a while ago.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
We have tentatively decided to fly to Venice and out of Milan to maximize time and lesson driving (great suggestion!). I'm to decide whether to drive straight to Ortisei or stop on the way since we will probably be tired. So many great choices, does anyone have an opinion...leaning towards Riva del Garda, Malcesine or Verona?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
or Pieve di Cadore !