Good morning!
We already have an idea of where to stay in Tuscany, but would like to travel from there to the Dolomites.
We are thinking of taking the train instead of driving, and then renting a car up there. Any advice on where to stay up there and places to visit? This would probably be in Mid May of 2024. Also, advice on car rentals up there somewhat close to a train station?
Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2813 posts
We stayed at Hotel Grones in Ortisei and loved it. The food is fantastic so get the half board package. Ortisei has three different lifts that will take you into the mountains and you can bus to other nearby towns to access other lifts. The hiking and views are phenomenal.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Departing from Firenze SMN Station at 9:20, 14:20, 17:20 or 19:20, you can get off the train at Belluno station after 4 hours and 1 change (in Padua). Both Belluno and Padua are worth a stop and you should be able to rent a car in either city.
Otherwise there are 5 daily direct trains from Firenze SMN to Trento, a more obvious "gate " to the Dolomites where to get a car. 2 hours and 40 minutes, via Bologna and Verona.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thank you! Will definitely check it out!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17566 posts
It depends on where in the Dolomites you wish to go, and what you will do there. Mid-May is too early for hiking in the higher areas.
Belluno gives you easy access to the area around Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Tre Cime, while Bolzano is closest to the Val Gardena and villages such as Ortesei.
In 2013, we rented a car in Bolzano, at the airport, and after hiking in the Dolomites for a week we drove to Venice and returned it there. That worked out well for us.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thank you!