As you plan a Custom Vacation to Italy you will come across the Dolomites or perhaps you have friends you suggest you visit, but perhaps this is not the best destination for you.  This planning guide is to give you a bit of insight into what there is to see and do in one of the world most unique mountain ranges.  I you already know you want to visit the Dolomites check out our Guide to the Dolomites of Italy page for some more detailed information.

As you plan your adventure you could add a few days or even stay a couple weeks within the Dolomites. There are plenty of places to bike, rock climb, hike, and ski if you are visiting during the winter months. The are several historical interest to explore as well as some quaint towns and villages to relax in.  With so much we are just giving you some tips to get you started today. For more travel information or planning assistance contact us at mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Planning a vacation that includes the Dolomites should be organized by the activities you wish to do.  Then you can start looking at how you are going to move around and if there are any bucket list things you want to add.  The Dolomites are unique and for me one of the most panoramic mountain ranges in the would.  Having been to the Rockies, Appalachians, Andes, Atlas, Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada, Carpathian, Zagros and a could of others (I have yet to visit the Himalayas) and non are as well developed and conducive to exploration as the Dolomites.  This organization is perfect for those who want a great adventure but do not necessary look for an epic expedition.  There are many activities to engage in and after relax in a square or mountain hut with a good meal, cafe, or glass of wine.

If you are the casual traveler and you want to check of the see what the hype is all about then my suggest is a quick day trip from somewhere like Venice, Verona, Trento, or Bolzano.  From there you can take a bus up to a pass and ride a cable car up to elevation for lunch and a short walk.  If you are an active traveler see the individual activities below of suggestions and considerations.

GETTING THERE: The Dolomites are located in the Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige Regions, majority being in the Veneto.  There are on trains that go into the various valleys so you will have to us the bus system to move around with public transportation or private transfers.

The primary end points of the train to get a connection to the Dolomites area.

• Venice - The is Dolomite Bus that departs from Marco Polo that takes you to Cortina and a couple of other stops. 
• Belluno - From here you can grab buses to Alleghe and Arabba.
• Feltre - From Feltre you can find buses up to  Fiera di Primiero and San Martino di Castrozza
• Trento - Here you find buses up to Val di Fassa and the towns of Cavalese, Predazzo, Modena, and Canazei.  Also you can find buses up to Madonna di Campiglio the primary base to explore the Brenta Group.
• Bolzano - Is where you will find buses up to Val Gardena. This is also the best location for day trippers because you can get a bus to Carezza Al Lago
• Dobbiaco - Is the last train stop to get a bus up to Covara
• Calalzo di Cadore -  This is where you can find buses to Cortina and Auronzo

There are 4 main recreation activities that make the Dolomites a travel destination: hiking, biking, climbing, and ski.  Of course there are other things to do to fill in your travel time. 

1.Hiking or Trekking In the Dolomites

The unique aspect of hiking in the Dolomites is not only the amazing views and other worldly landscapes, it is also the organized structure of the trail and support system.  There is no mountain range better organized into a marked trail system that are continually checked and maintained for safety.  Combine this with a system of mountain huts and connection to the valley by cable car you have excellent flexibility and gives more individuals the change to enjoy the alpine environment.  This also can mean more crowds and greater impact on the area however, it is not to hard to find solatude if you wish.  Weather you are a beginner and only look for a few day walks, or an experienced hiker wanting to do a multiday trek this is a great destination choice.

TRAVEL TIP: Check out which Alpine Membership cards the various mountain huts accept and you will save quite a bit on overnight stays and some food products.  Or you could join the Climbing Association Italia (CAI) before leaving to enjoy some discounts and find some additional planning resourses also this gives you some rescue benefits in the unlikely event of problems.

For More about Hiking in the Dolomites check out our guide page.

2. Malcesine

Malcesine sits on the eastern shore about half way up the lake. This is a nice little town setting at the base of Monte Baldo and has narrow medieval streets, harbor, and lots of shops and cafes. This is also a jumping off point for some great walks on Monte Baldo with a cable car that takes you up to 2000 meters. There also several nice nordic walks along the shores on both sides of the town.

TRAVEL TIP: Plan time to go up on Monte Baldo worth the cost and there are places to eat and just relax with a picnic lunch. The town can be a challenge for anyone with restricted mobiity due to the steep terrain.

For more about Malcesine | Veneto Region check out our page.

3. Limone Sul Garda

Across the lake from Malcesine and the next stop on the ferry is Limone sul Garda. Lemone is where the Roman's introduced citrus fruits into northern Italy. With a mild climent lemons and other fruits are still cultivated today and if you like limoncello this the place for you. A nice picturesque town with a waterfront area full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. There are good trails above the town that takes you through the orchards and there is new bike path on northern part of town.

TRAVEL TIP: If you are crossing over from Malcesine there are private shuttles that will take you over. Limone is a nice partical day and then moving on to Riva del Garda.

For more about Limone Sul Garda | Brescia Province check out our page.

4. Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda sits in the north west corner of the lake and is one of the larger towns on the lake. Historically this was an Austrian town until after the First World War. There are plenty of nice day walks around the area and after you can explore the narrow streets of the old town with plenty of shops.

TRAVEL TIP: If you only have a couple of days this is probaly your end point. As you plan on moving somewhere else still using public transportation it is actually quicker to take a but over to Rovereto and then pick up a train to your next destination otherwise it is a long boat ride back to the southern area.

For more about Riva del Garda | Trento Province check out our page.

WHAT ARE OTHER PLACES TO CONSIDER IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME?

Peschiera del Garda | Veneto Region
Lazise | Veneto Region
Bardolino | Veneto Region
Garda | Veneto Region
Torri del Benaco | Veneto Region
Salo
Gardone Riviera

For those who like to hike on the trails and explore the more remote areas there I would suggest a few more days on the lake. The best hike in the area would be on Monte Baldo which overshadows the entire eastern shore. There are several main trail systems that pass by the northern area of the lake or you could create or own custom plan.

1. MONTE BALDO TRAVERSE

Over the years we have walked in many area's and one of the best early season treks has been walking the spine of Monte Baldo. This is a 3 to 5 day hike on moderate terrian and offers some spectacule views, mountain floria, and just quite relaxing atomsphere to enjoy nature. The hike can be reached by taking the ferry to Garda or Torri del Benaco then transfering up or walking up to Prada. From there you will have about 4 to 6 hour days (suggested) as you work your way toward Nago. Along the way you will pass Cima Costabella, Punta Telegrafo, Monte Baldo, and Cima Altissimo. The lodging will be in mountain huts and simple hotels.

TRAVEL TIP: This hike passes the Malcesine cable car so you could either shorten the length or take an extra day to descend do for day on the lake and a refit.

2. OTHER HIKING OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

Monte Baldo Ring - This hike starts in Avio and you do not have to navigate on the lake. A 4 day loop that also passes the Malcesine cable car giving you an option to descend to the lake.

Treking around Riva del Garda - If you base yourself in Riva there are several good loop routes outside the town. You could spend 3 to 4 days doing these loops with varied difficulty. There is also a couple of nice via Ferrate if you wanted something more exciting.

For anyone wanting to do water sports I suggest you making you base yourself in one location and spend a few days there.

Windsurfing or Kitesurfing - The best place for these activities is Torbole on the northern part of the lake. Over the year more areas have been established but this considered the place to go.

Sailing - You can rent a small sail boat and explore the lake but you do need to have the appropiate license and proof of experience. The sailing is best in the middle area of the lake but it is a bit more techniqual so you need good skills. The southern part can be dead for parts of the day and the northern area to much wind.

SCUBA - There are a few places to dive along the lake but they are not recreational. They tend to be fairly deep and sometimes you are just looking at rock formations. I have conducted several classes there over the years but I would never suggest anyone to go there for fun.

Rockclimbing - There are many climbing site around lake Garda but you need a car to really explore. If you are a climber I would suggest the top 4 towns to visit as you make your way up the lake. Then when you get to Riva del Garda take a transfer to Arco. There you can stay and you are in the mecca of Italian Climbing.

Road Bike Touring - I do not suggest you road biking around the lake or on the lake unless it is off season or unless you are comfortable with your bike skills. From April to October the traffic can by harsh. There are sections of the lake with bike paths but they are full of beach walkers and tourist. The roads are the safest but the road from Limone to Riva is several tunnels. However, there are a few nice climbs and you can stay at a section of the lake and ride loop routes always from the best area would be Riva or Torbole on the north. Garda or Laszie on the south east, and Salo on the south west.

Mountain Bike - Plenty of trail and downhill all around the northern end of the lake. A very popular place and it easy to find bike rental, service, and shuttles in Torbole and Riva. Also just north of the lake at Arco there are several mountain bike area.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

So as you plan your Italian Adventure we hope this quick guide can get you started. If you need assistance or want some suggestions drop us a line. However, Lake Garda is an excellent visit if you plan and know where to go. Combining a few days here with Venice, Bologna, and Florence can be a great 7 to 12 day visit. Travel should be about your time, interest, and budget and thats what we specialize in helping you do.

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer:

• Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy.
• Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy.
• Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore.
• Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers.
• Booking assistance and suggested contacts.