FAIRY-TALE TRAVELS THROUGH NORTHERN ITALY
The hamlet of Corvara, Val Badia from a private terrace at La Perla Hotel
Picture yourself surrounded by soaring peaks, quaint stone and wood Tyrolean architecture, and happy livestock dotting green alpine meadows, the bells on their necks softly tinkling as they graze. Add in a vast trail system and a network of remote mountain huts serving hearty local dishes, sweet baked goods, cold beer and more, and it is a wonder that mountain enthusiasts go anywhere else! This is the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an easy 90 minute drive from the major port city of Venice.
getting started
Venice is the perfect launching pad for a trip to the Dolomites. Choose a flight that arrives midday, settle in at one of our preferred hotels for a quick shower and siesta, then meet our guide for a short walking tour to stretch your legs, get oriented to the city, enjoy the sights after the majority of daytrippers have left, and end up at a favorite restaurant for an early dinner. We stayed at the renowned Londra Palace, a Relais & Chateaux property, which exudes Venetian history, elegance, and quiet luxury. Choosing a hotel situated on a waterway is important in this pedestrian city; arriving to your doorstep by boat is much better than schlepping luggage across the busy piazzas, up and down uneven stairs, and across the many bridges as you try to navigate to your hotel. Plan on a few days to explore the food, architecture, art, and hidden neighborhoods before embarking on your mountain holiday.
Sunrise views from a private terrace at Rosapetra Spa Hotel, Cortina
cortina d’ampezzo
This upscale summer and winter resort town not far from Venice is known for its trails, scenery, accommodations, shops, and apres-ski scene. It is quieter in September with better availability at favorite restaurants and hotels. We stayed at the lovely Rosapetra Spa Hotel for its mountain chic design, quiet location, exceptional service, wonderful restaurant, and full service spa to rejuvenate after a day on the trails. Our hiking logistics were organized in advance and managed by our local mountain guide allowing us to simply focus on the vacation fun.
There is a plethora of well-maintained trails in the area offering stunning views and conveniently spaced mountain huts (refugios) with freshly prepared food and a full slate of beverages. We carried only an extra layer, a camera, and enough water to get to the next refugio. Freedom from a heavy backpack is a lovely way to travel through the mountains; if you haven’t yet enjoyed a supported hiking trip, put this on the list! Accommodations in Cortina will be tight for the next two years as preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics get underway. However, when you work with a connected travel advisor, the chances for finding attractive lodging are much improved and the service and amenities are invariably better!
For the adventurous traveler, it is possible to overnight in simple accommodations offered at refugios. Although lacking spa services and fine dining, you can expect a restaurant serving a variety of local dishes, a wine cellar with local varietals, and a full bar. We arranged for overnight bags to be waiting for us at the end of the day while the bulk of our luggage was transferred to the next hotel in a neighboring valley. Trailhead drop-offs and pick-ups were perfectly orchestrated and we were able to fully relax and be in the mountain moment.
Santa Croce Sanctuary and refugio, Alta Badia
CORVARA
In Val Badia, a neighboring valley in the Dolomites, we continued to be awestruck by the incredible topography. Picture the massifs of Yosemite but ten-fold and extending in every direction. Our base was the fairy-tale hamlet of Corvara and the family-owned La Perla Hotel. The Costa family has called Corvara home for decades, building the hotel in the 1950s and painstakingly rebuilding after fire. It feels like it has been here for hundreds of years in part due to the many traditional building features salvaged and recycled from historic structures in the valley. Tradition runs deep in this region and the family is still on property managing the daily operations, mingling with guests in traditional attire, and ensuring all is perfect.
We were wowed by the authentically finished and expansive rooms, the generous modern baths, and terrace views for days. The frequent chimes of the town clock elevated the charm to the next level. There are multiple gondolas a stone’s throw away for getting to the high country without effort, a lovely spa, and several dining options including the Michelin-starred La Stua de Michil. This hotel is a gem and one that guests return to time and again throughout the seasons.
Lake GARDA
The lakes in Northern Italy are the perfect place to relax at the end of your holiday. Picture fjord-like views, charming villages, beautiful wooden boats, and historic lakeside hotels. Lake Garda is the largest of the lakes and is a favorite destination for European holidays. We stayed at the 5-star Grand Hotel Fasano with views over the water, stairs into the lake, gardens, pools, a spa, and several dining options. The accommodations were spacious with high ceilings, classical styling, and private lakefront terraces.
Spending time on the chaise lounges in the peaceful, lakeside gardens is essential. But exploring the area on two wheels is also well worth doing. We spent an afternoon riding e-bikes in the hills above the lake and what a game changer! Going uphill was nearly effortless and gliding downhill through the vineyards and olive groves with the lake spread out before us was fabulous. Our local biking guide knew all the villages and hidden pathways, translated as needed, and provided history and context to our surroundings. When you invest time and resources in travel, put down last year’s guidebook and work with a professional guide; your experience and memories will pay dividends for a lifetime!
Spending time on the water is also not to be missed. We booked a beautiful wooden boat with a local captain to explore the best of Riviera Gardone. Marcello showed us the islands and shared the history, legends, and local family intrigue; he dropped anchor when we were ready to swim; and he stood by as we explored the quaint town and Roman ruins of Sirmione. Having a private boat to pick up and deliver us direct to the hotel dock was the perfect touch of luxury for this setting.
Exploring the villages, vineyards, and olive groves above Lake Garda
PRO TIP
Travel in Northern Italy does not require a personal car. Skip the rental lines, navigation stress, and parking confusion. Private transfers are readily arranged and having a local driver gives you time to enjoy the views and your vacation. Luxury travel is not always about tuxedos and crystal; it can also be about having your itinerary designed by a professional, having support and guidance in country, and taking back your free time to enjoy your family holiday. Our custom-built itineraries allow you to comfortably immerse in a destination so that you can gain a true sense of place in your limited time on the ground. Investing in travel is an investment in yourself, your family, and your friendships. Life is short; invest wisely!