We've finally decided on the following itinerary: Arrive in Milan, drive to Varenna, then to Corvara, then to Cortina. Return to Milan via a stop in either Bolzano or Verona. (Thank you to an earlier post where it was suggested we visit Alta Badia!). Can you suggest driving routes from Varenna to Corvara and how long those routes would take? Thanks!
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
You could start with web based mapping, Google Maps or Via Michelin; see for example http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Routes . Then decide based on the responses here and what tickles your fancy in your guidebook's listing of scenery or perfume or ruins or museums or chocolate!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The web based mapping suggested in Melissa's post will answer your questions about driving time. When you take the train, you leave the driving to the train driver. When you do a driving trip, you've got to plan it, and those are the planning tools used here by people who drive.
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, USA
9 posts
Thank you, Melissa and Kent!!!!
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
Barbara, when are you going? We're planning a driving trip from Munich to points south and west. I'm trying to decide about driving the Brenner Pass or going thru Swiss Alps in early December.
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, USA
9 posts
Melissa, we're planning ahead of July of 2011. Not sure about driving conditions in December. Hope you have a good trip!
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
Barbara, I looked at Google Maps ( http://maps.google.com/ ) then click Directions, and The quick route Varenna to Corvara is routed on A4 and A 2, with tolls, 4 hours 44 minutes. It's my recollection that experienced drivers on this forum add 25-33 % for "real time". I realize you may want the scenic route, so hoping someone chimes in.
Posted by
NYC area
2981 posts
Hi Barbara, How much time (how many nights) are you alotting for the Varenna to Corvara to Cortina to Milan drive? Paul
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, USA
9 posts
Paul, we will drive from Malpensa to Varenna and stay two nights. Then drive to Corvara and stay there 5 nights. Then to Cortina for 3-4 nights. Then back to Malpensa by way of Verona, with 2 nights in Verona. Thanks.
Posted by
NYC area
2981 posts
Hi Barbara, It looks as the Varenna to Corvara is about 4.5 hours. If you're doing the drive in a day I'd go via Bolzano on the A22 to the Chiusa/Klausen (Val Gardena) exit. Go through the Val Gardena (about 20 min. or so), over the Gardena Pass (spectacular drive and scenery!!) right into Corvara. Just FYI: Corvara to Cortina is only about an hour drive. We've found the Alta Badia to be an ideal, central place to base to explore the Dolomites. No need to move to Cortina. Just an observation. With that much time, be sure to visit the nearby old town's of Brixen/Bressanone and Bruneck/Brunico. We did both as easy day trips from La Villa, Alta Badia, which is about 10 min. from Corvara. Also did Cortina d'Ampezzo as an easy day trip from La Villa. If interested, we can highly recommend the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa, Alta Badia.....www.montanara.it.....We have some photo's at.......www.worldisround.com/articles/355539/index.html.........www.worldisround.com/articles/324504/index.html..........www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html..........Hope this helps. Paul