The Ultimate Alps Summer Road Trip:
Venice, The Dolomites & Lago di Garda

Instead of driving the whole way, take the direct train from Munich HBF to Venezia Santa Lucia. It is a stunning, stress-free ride right into the heart of Venice.

To explore the city, rely on a mix of ferries (vaporettos) and traditional gondolas.

The Sights

Wander across the Rialto Bridge (opens in a new tab) and the Ponte dell'Accademia (opens in a new tab) for those postcard-perfect canal views. Check out Squero di San Trovaso (opens in a new tab), one of the last remaining historic boatyards where gondolas are still built and repaired.

Rialto Bridge (map, opens in a new tab)

Ponte dell'Accademia (map, opens in a new tab)

Squero di San Trovaso (map, opens in a new tab)

Where to Eat in Venice

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  Dal Moro's (opens in a new tab): This is an absolute must-try. They serve incredible, fresh to-go pasta in classic white boxes. Grab a box and eat it by a quiet canal.
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  Rossopomodoro (opens in a new tab): A fantastic spot for reliable, delicious Neapolitan-style pizza.
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  Gelateria lo Squero (opens in a new tab): Located right near the gondola boatyard, this is the perfect stop for an afternoon sweet treat.

Where to Stay

Skip the cramped hotels and book Ca' dell'Arciere – Deluxe Apartment (opens in a new tab)Commission link on Vrbo. It gives you a true Venetian local experience with plenty of room to unwind.

If you prefer the amenities of a hotel, consider the Rialto Unique Venice Experience (opens in a new tab)Commission link. It offers traditional Venetian-style rooms right in the heart of the action, steps from the Rialto Bridge.

For a quieter, more luxurious escape slightly removed from the main tourist paths, look into the Ruzzini Palace Hotel (opens in a new tab)Commission link, which features elegant rooms in a beautifully restored historic building.

Pick up a rental car (opens in a new tab)Commission link and head north into the UNESCO World Heritage heights of the Dolomites. On your way up to Cortina, you must stop in Belluno, a stunning alpine town known as the "Gateway to the Dolomites."

Once you reach the Cortina d'Ampezzo region, the landscape is mind-blowing.

The Hikes & Views

Take the cable car up the Marmolada (opens in a new tab) (the highest peak in the Dolomites) for an epic hike. Drive through the breathtaking Parcheggio Passo Giau (opens in a new tab), and definitely carve out time for Cinque Torri (opens in a new tab) (the Five Towers rock formations).

Marmolada (map, opens in a new tab)

Passo Giau (map, opens in a new tab)

Cinque Torri (map, opens in a new tab)

Where to Eat / Drink

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  La Caveja (Belluno) (opens in a new tab): A must-eat for local, authentic regional Piadinas (Italian flatbreads).
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  Stauderhof (opens in a new tab): Excellent traditional alpine hospitality and hearty food at an unbeatable location!
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  Rifugio Averau (opens in a new tab): The ultimate mountain hut dining experience. Stop here while exploring Cinque Torri for incredible food with 360-degree mountain views.
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  Janbo Gastropub (opens in a new tab): A great spot in Cortina for evening drinks, great food, and a vibrant local atmosphere.

Where to Stay

Hotel Mirage Cortina (opens in a new tab)Commission link: A fantastic, welcoming basecamp with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

If you are looking for a chic, modern alpine aesthetic, HOTEL de LËN (opens in a new tab)Commission link offers polished, contemporary rooms with excellent spa facilities.

For a truly high-end, classic resort experience, the Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo (opens in a new tab)Commission link provides posh quarters, refined dining, and stunning mountain views right in the center of town.

Start working your way southwest out of the high peaks, but stop at Italy's largest lake, Lago di Garda. The microclimate here is beautiful, blending crisp alpine air with lush Mediterranean flora.

Visit

Explore the Castello Scaligero (opens in a new tab) in Sirmione, a stunning 13th-century fortress surrounded by water.

Castello Scaligero (map, opens in a new tab)

Eat

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  Pizzeria Scaligeri's (opens in a new tab): Grab a pie here. Afterward, pick up some fresh, street-side lemonade and local fruits to cool down while walking the promenade.