I am going to Italy NEXT WEEK... was scheduled to go to Austria but covid changed that.
My plans: fly into Rome, spend a few days there then Cinque Terre for a few days followed by northern Italy. I am hoping to do some hiking and biking as well as checking out the culture of the area.
I am hoping to get suggestinos on places to stay. Must see recommendations. And if anyone has hiked or biked... suggested trails, should I take a self guided tour or just hire a bike and do my own thing and if so where should I base myself out of.
I have not been biking lately so not TOO hilly... or more downhill. I was actually thinking of biking down to Lake Garda. Or from South Tirol into Austria, perhaps along the River Drau.
Thanks for your suggestions...
Kim
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23301 posts
Wow, next week. Suggest you get a couple of good guidebooks and spend some serious time reading on the flight. You could start with Steves' Italian guidebook. It would cover your above questions pretty well. And, course, hit the TI when you arrive at either the airport or train station. Good luck.
Posted by
11185 posts
Look at Ortisei in the Dolomites. Family owned Hotel Grones is one of our favorite hotels. Great food too. Ortisei is in a valley so you could bike there. Then take gondola or funicular up into mountain meadows for hiking. Spectacular!
We drove there via Lake Garda, stayed in Saló at Hotel Bellerive on the way up, and Malcesine at Il Castello on the way back.
Posted by
4441 posts
The CT website has information on trails--it's as simple as setting off from one of the villages in many cases.
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php
I have heard of a cycle path, see the park website again: http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Edettaglio.php?id=54918
The towns are minutes apart by train, so just pick an accommodation you like.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3169 posts
Dolomites are beautiful and there are some fantastic national parks north of Turin in the Piedmont. All fairly hilly. If you’re worried about hills, consider renting an E-bike. If you haven’t done any serious riding in a while, having a geared and power assisted bike is a great option. You’ll be able to adjust your ride to remain comfortable in the saddle and turn a potential bad trip into a great day touring.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11346 posts
The Dolomites offer much of what you want, especially the Val Gardena, but be aware that this is VERY early for summer season and you may encounter light snow and chilly temps. I know in 2012 there was snow at Seceda as late as May 31 and in July that year the temp at the start of our morning hike on the Alpe di Siusi was a chilly 45 Fah. Prepare for all types of weather. There are electric-assist bikes for rent.
Posted by
OP
santa fe, nm, us
4 posts
Thanks for the fabulous suggestions. I am not worried about cooler weather... I am currently in Kotzebue, Alaska... it snowed last week. I just put on a jacket.
I love the suggestions that include places to stay.
Posted by
Portland, OR (PDX)
306 posts
Second the Dolomites and Val Gardena. IMHO one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Head for the Dolomites and specifically, Corvara. Here you'll find the Hotel La Perla. They "created" the biking scene in this area. In the lobby, you'll find multiple racing bikes! If anyone knows about biking & hiking in the Dolomites, it's them.
It's a family-run business and even if you're not staying there... they're enthusiastic bikers and can probably provide you some direction. It's also a GREAT place to stay! You can email them at [email protected].