Planning a trip to France & Italy. This could change but the plan is to fly in and out of CDG airport, begin & finish in Paris. I would like to see the Dolomites from Venice, most likely late May or the first week of June. I have not narrowed down any one location yet, haven't a clue quite honestly. Any suggestions for a spot that has less emphasis on hot-air-ballooning, adventure parks etc. Will it be reasonable to leave Venice by train or bus and arrive in a location where we will be fine without a car? I understand the landscape is beautiful and many spend days or a week in the Dolomites. This time my intention is 1-2 nights, we will be happy just to be there. Along with a location a lodging suggestion is appreciated, $100-$18
0 per night per room , with a view , is this possible? And our plan would involve hiking (medium intensity at most) its not about quantity its more about savoring the beauty. One last question does the National Park offer lodging like our National Parks? Thanks so much for your response!
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1226 posts
Well, I can get you started with: Yes, you can get easily from Venice to the Dolomites via train. Travel through Verona on to Bolzano or one of the other towns on the line. I know, because I have done this, heading to Bolzano for the Christmas market and then continuing north to Innsbruck and Munich. So I am not the person to give info on the surroundings - but the train ride is one of my favorites.
Have fun!
Posted by
Austin
973 posts
We drove through the Dolomites from Munich to Milan/Venice round trip and loved it- in December it was gorgeous. Not helping with your other questions but encouraging you, I like driving around and looking...
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2312 posts
There is an express bus from Venice Mestre train station to Cortina d’Ampezzo that takes 2.5 hours. This is probably the fastest and simplest way to get to the Dolomites.
A quick search on booking.com returns very few places at the top of your price range.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16254 posts
We have been to the Dolomites for hiking 3 times, and I have never seen a hot-air balloon or adventure park there. I suggest you look at Alpe di Sisusi—-a beautiful huge alpine meadow with lodging in the village of Compatsch, or at the village of Ortesei in Val Gardena. Beautiful views from your room may be easier to find up at Alpe di Siusi, but maybe not at that price. It is sort of a resort, with higher-end lodges. Here is an example of one of the simpler, more rustic ones:
http://www.berghotelzorzi.com/en/
You can get to either place by bus from Bolzano. (We did this twice). You can see the route planner here:
There is also a lift up to the Compatsch area from Seis but I have not used that. Note that most hotels in this area offer rooms with Half-board—-meaning dinner and breakfast are included, and the price reflects that. Both meals are generally very good.
To make the most of your visit, I suggest you get the guidebook written by one of our forum members, with lots of suggestions for easy to moderate hikes.
Posted by
Paris
6893 posts
Even though Seiser Alm / Alpe di Siusi is beautiful, starting from Venice and for just 1-2 nights, it is too far in my opinion.
Cortina d'Ampezzo would also be my suggestion, it is a very pretty place surrounded with impressive mountains.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thanks for all the responses, making a plan.