Venice, the Lakes and Dolomites
The North-East part of Italy is, quite rightly, a magnet for visitors with some of the greatest cultural treasures and most beautiful natural sights in the country. They can each be visited on their own or just as easily combined as a two, or more, centre holiday – Mountains and Lakes or Venice and Lakes for example. The whole region also prides itself on its food and wines plus there are hotel options to suit all budgets.
Venice – La Serenissima
Venice is simply one of the most beautiful and unique cities on earth. Built on a collection of more than 100 islands, with 200 canals and 400 bridges, it rises majestically above the waters of the Lagoon. With a wealth of treasures in its churches, palazzi and museums there is no shortage of things to do yet for many it is the simple quiet backstreets, side-canals and courtyards that make the city so special. Ride on an iconic gondola or catch the vaporetto (water bus) and don’t forget to explore the wider lagoon from the glass-making island of Murano to Burano, Torcello or the less-visited fishing town of Chioggia. There’s a superb choice of hotels, including some of the most historic in Europe, and Venetians are justly proud of the food and wines from the surrounding Veneto region.
Italian Lakes
The Italian lakes comprise one of the country’s most spectacular regions: of the larger ones Lake Maggiore stretches north into Switzerland, glamorous Lake Como lies due north of Milan and the vast expanse of Lake Garda sits close to Verona in the east. The enduring charm and beauty of the Lakes has lured everyone from Roman emperors and the cream of European society to Hollywood celebrities. The serene waters are flanked by grand villas, lush gardens and dramatic mountain peaks with a superb range of hotels to choose. You can use the numerous and regular ferries to explore the pretty lakeside towns, many of them medieval in origin, or get active up in the surrounding mountains.
Dolomites – Summer and Winter playground 
The Dolomites are well known for skiing but are equally popular in the spring and summer. With famous cycling routes, brilliant walking (with an excellent network of rustic mountain huts) and the via feratta climbing trails the active lifestyle is matched by warm hospitality. It’s a culturally diverse region where Italian, German and the Ladin languages are spoken with an exceptional reputation for food and wine – especially local ‘ from the mountain to the table’.
If you are heading there in the winter for skiing then you are in for a treat and the Superski Dolomiti area is the biggest ski pass area in the world with over 1,200 km of pistes included. As well as famous resorts such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia and Val Gardena, there are so many hidden gems and tucked away villages that make the region so special. Ski the famous Sella Ronda circuit and head up to the top of the Marmolada (3,342m) – whatever you do don’t miss out on the wonderful mountains restaurants, with wide sun terraces, where you can taste your fill of the superb local foods.
- Train services, particularly across Northern Italy, are quick and frequent.
- Book early for hotels on the Italian Lakes in the Spring and also for September.
- Make sure you transfer into Venice city by boat!
- Don’t worry about getting lost in Venice. It’s amazing how empty it can be off the main streets and you get a totally different insight into the city.
- Arriving into Venice by boat.
- Spring flowers and warmth along the shores of the lakes.
- Skiing the Sella Ronda.
- The quality of local produce and the pride in eating local.
- Visa Required: No
- Population: 60 million
- Capital City: Rome
- Currency: Euro
- Classic Dishes: Pasta & pizza
- Cost of Local Tipple: Peroni beer (£3.00)
- Year round for cultural visits.
- The Lakes are particularly popular in May and September.
- Dolomites skiing season is December to Apil.
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by TMS
