Road Trip Adventure through the Dolomites

About the destination: Perhaps no city is as fabulous as Venice, a metropolis built upon pilings, a labyrinth poised over a lagoon. Venice has been called the drawing room of Europe, and indeed for centuries the city was a sanctuary for ideas and idealists, a crossroad of the Byzantine and Roman worlds. Today Venice is a different kind of drawing room. Wealthy visitors clamber into gondolas to gawk at the Byzantine palaces while being serenaded by accordionists and art appreciators stand on tiptoe for a glimpse of Renaissance masterpieces. No monument is as memorable as the city itself, so use the major sights only as an excuse for wandering. Venice revolves around piazza San Marco. The best feature of the mosaic-covered Basilica di San Marco is the Pala D’Oro, a glittering gold Byzantine bas-relief. The Torre dell’Orologio, left of San Marco, is a beautifully embellished clock tower. For culture vultures check the Accademia for the best of Venetian paintings. Some say that the tourist Venice is indeed Venice, but there are other Venices as well. To find them, wander away from the major sights and into the quieter outlying residential neighbourhoods, you won’t be disappointed, this maze of stone and colour exudes enchantment from every brick.

About the destination: Rovigo is a province in the Veneto region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Rovigo.

About the destination: Canazei is the most internationally renowned village in the Val di Fassa, thanks to its strategic location close to the Dolomite passes of Pordoi, Sella and Fedaia; its modern lift facilities make it a model Alpine ski resort, with connections to Giro del Sellaronda, where Ladin traditions live on in the architecture and folk customs, from dance to theatre and cuisine.

About the destination: Welcome to the enchanting village of Arabba, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Veneto region of Italy. Arabba is a destination that promises breathtaking landscapes, a plethora of outdoor activities, and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are a winter sports enthusiast or a summer adventurer, Arabba offers an unforgettable experience for all. In the winter months, Arabba transforms into a snowy wonderland, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. With access to the vast Dolomiti Superski area, one of the world's largest ski circuits, visitors can enjoy over 1,200 kilometers of beautifully groomed pistes. The village is strategically positioned to provide easy access to the famous Sella Ronda ski tour, a spectacular route that circumnavigates the Sella massif. Off the slopes, you can indulge in other winter activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air and stunning alpine vistas. As the snow melts and summer reveals the lush green valleys and majestic peaks, Arabba becomes a hub for hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers. Countless trails wind through the dramatic landscape, offering routes for all levels of ability and ambition. The Marmolada Glacier, known as the Queen of the Dolomites, is just a stone's throw away and presents opportunities for unforgettable hikes and climbing excursions. Cyclists can challenge themselves on the steep mountain passes featured in the Giro d'Italia, while those looking for a more relaxing experience can explore the scenic beauty at a leisurely pace. Arabba is not only about outdoor pursuits; it's a place where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the region. The village exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere with its quaint streets lined with traditional Ladin stone houses. Here, you can savor the local cuisine in cozy restaurants and mountain refuges, taste the exquisite wines of the area, and engage with the friendly locals who are proud to share their heritage. As day turns to evening, the village invites you to unwind and reflect on your day's adventures against the backdrop of the Dolomites' rugged skyline. Whether seeking an action-packed holiday or a peaceful retreat in nature, Arabba is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Its stunning scenery, wealth of activities, and authentic charm make it an ideal spot for your next Italian getaway.

About the destination: Corvara in Badia is a comune (municipality) in South Tyrol in northern Italy, located about 40 kilometres (25 mi) east of Bolzano.

About the destination: Canazei is the most internationally renowned village in the Val di Fassa, thanks to its strategic location close to the Dolomite passes of Pordoi, Sella and Fedaia; its modern lift facilities make it a model Alpine ski resort, with connections to Giro del Sellaronda, where Ladin traditions live on in the architecture and folk customs, from dance to theatre and cuisine.

About the destination: Cortina d'Ampezzo is a town and comune in the heart of the southern Alps in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Situated on the Boite river, in an alpine valley, it is a popular winter sport resort known for its skiing trails, scenery, accommodation, shops and après-ski scene, and for its jet set and aristocratic European crowd. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Rinaldo Zardini Palaeontology Museum • Regole of Ampezzo Ethnographic Museum • Mario Rimoldi Modern Art Museum • The Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo • The Cappella della Beata Vergine di Lourdes • The Castello de Zanna is a small fortress, situated in the frazione of Majon. It consists of low white outer walls and two white corner towers, with a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity. • Forte Tre Sassi (or Forte Tra i Sassi) is a fortress constructed in 1897 during the Austro-Hungarian period on the Passo Valparola. • Castello di Botestagno (also known as Podestagno) was a medieval fort perched on a rock in the valley of the river Boite, a little further north of Cortina, in the town of Prà del Caštel.

About the destination: Bolzano is the provincial capital of South Tyrol, the German speaking region in the northern part of Italy. Being the largest town in close proximity of the Dolomites, Bolzano garners its fair share of tourists. While smaller hamlets closer to the peaks may wow with traditional alpine charm, Bolzano’s superiority with regard to architectural as well as culinary diversity cannot be refuted. Its archaeology museum is famous worldwide as the home of the alpine iceman "Ötzi". It is also known as the Italian Capital of Christmas thanks to its characteristic Christmas market. It is strategically well-placed on many transit routes, it is also nestled in a gorgeous setting and blessed with a fairly mild climate considering its proximity to the mountains. The world-famous Museum of Archaeology with the Iceman and the Messner Mountain Museum's main seat make Bolzano a world city of mountaineering history and culture. Bolzano offers great amenities, transportation convenience and plenty of Old World charm along with beautiful surrounding awaiting for you to explore.

About the destination: Trento is an Italian city located in the Adige River valley in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. It is the capital of Trentino. Trento is an educational, scientific, financial and political centre in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, in Tyrol and Northern Italy in general. The city contains a picturesque Medieval and Renaissance historic centre, with ancient buildings such as Trento Cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Piazza Duomo. A square in the heart of the old town with some beatiful buldings including the cathedral and the Fountain of Neptune. • Trento Cathedral. Called in Italian Cattedrale di San Vigilio, or simply Duomo di Trento, the cathedral is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. • Castello del Buonconsiglio. • Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore. • The Trentino museum of natural sciences

About the destination: Set amid endless vineyards and cypress groves, this melange of Roman ruins, pink palazzi and fanciful sepulchres has a romantic beauty that is difficult to over-praise. Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet here, and would likely be amused to know that his imaginary lovers have become Verona’s hottest tourist attraction. Nonetheless, Verona has more to offer than just Romeo and Juliet. In Verona’s centre, Brà square, there is the almost perfectly preserved Roman Arena. Up via Mazzini from the Arena is piazza delle Erbe, where corny gadgets are sold amid the Renaissance palazzo of former Veronese merchants and has a lively atmosphere with pretty cafes and dazzling restaurants. Through an arch on the right are piazza dei Signori and the Tombs of the Scaligeri, the peculiar Gothic remnants of della Scalla, Verona’s medieval tyrants. The equestrian statue of Cangrande I, head of the Scalla clan is a glorification of raw power and can be visited at the museum of Castelvecchio. But if you are an incurable romantic, at 23 via Cappello you’ll find Juliet’s house, where lovers graffiti their hopeful pleas. The house where Romeo used to live is now a bar. This ancient city exudes history from every brick and is well worth a visit.

About the destination: Perhaps no city is as fabulous as Venice, a metropolis built upon pilings, a labyrinth poised over a lagoon. Venice has been called the drawing room of Europe, and indeed for centuries the city was a sanctuary for ideas and idealists, a crossroad of the Byzantine and Roman worlds. Today Venice is a different kind of drawing room. Wealthy visitors clamber into gondolas to gawk at the Byzantine palaces while being serenaded by accordionists and art appreciators stand on tiptoe for a glimpse of Renaissance masterpieces. No monument is as memorable as the city itself, so use the major sights only as an excuse for wandering. Venice revolves around piazza San Marco. The best feature of the mosaic-covered Basilica di San Marco is the Pala D’Oro, a glittering gold Byzantine bas-relief. The Torre dell’Orologio, left of San Marco, is a beautifully embellished clock tower. For culture vultures check the Accademia for the best of Venetian paintings. Some say that the tourist Venice is indeed Venice, but there are other Venices as well. To find them, wander away from the major sights and into the quieter outlying residential neighbourhoods, you won’t be disappointed, this maze of stone and colour exudes enchantment from every brick.