From Venice to the Dolomites – An Exceptional Tour
The route from Venice to the Dolomites in the north passes through many beautiful, interesting, and diverse places.
A quick and easy way is to travel on the highways. The first one is A4 from Venice to Verona, and from there north on A22 to the Alto Adige area.
A less known route, but which combines interesting sites, viewpoints, and lakes, can turn the journey into a completely different experience. It starts in the Venice area and goes all the way to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Treviso
Treviso is a tiny sister city to Venice, located in the heart of the Veneto region. For centuries, it was an important trade city and a gateway for Venetian goods arriving from the sea and spreading ‘on land.’ The signs of the maritime republic are evident in several places throughout the city. It is an elegant city, with the core of the old town being Piazza dei Signori. A quiet and serene city featuring canals, creating a perfect atmosphere for a day trip.
For a travel itinerary in the city of Treviso, click here: Treviso – Recommended Walking Tour Itinerary
Castello di San Salvatore
A fortress with impressive views and the option (by prior arrangement) to include wine tasting at the estate’s winery. It’s important to check the opening days and times as they have only recently opened to the public. Still, the journey to the site, the view, and the mountains in the background are undoubtedly worth it.
The atmosphere here is reminiscent of medieval times but with a modern touch. The entrance path, the crenellated wall, the main palace, the watchtower, and the remnants of other buildings are all features. This is one of the most impressive fortresses in Europe, and the scent of the late Middle Ages is very apparent during a visit.
Website: Castello San Salvatore
Grotte del Caglieron
Located near the town of Breda, this is a circular walking trail in nature that takes about an hour, featuring caves and waterfalls, some natural and some artificial. A well-maintained route that can also be done with local guidance. In the area there are more walking trails, caves, and truly a hidden gem of nature. Nearby, there’s the most local restaurant, Ristorante alle Grotte da Nereo.
Website: The Caglieron Waterfalls
Lake Santa Croce Lago Santa Croce
A small and picturesque lake nestled among the mountains. If you arrive at the southern town of Santa Croce, you can see the lake in its entirety with the mountains as a breathtaking backdrop and their reflection in the water. Afterwards, head to Farra D’Alpago and take advantage of the bar’s location: Snack Bar La Vela, to enjoy a coffee or a spritz with the calming view..
Belluno
Beluno is a province and city located in the heart of the Dolomites. The city center is pleasant to visit and showcases diverse architecture from different periods. The city is not large, and within its maze of alleys, hidden gems, stunning viewpoints, and several churches recommended for visiting are revealed. Don’t miss the lookout over the Piave River from the viewpoint at Al Ponte Della Vittoria. In 1988, the national park was established in the city’s heart, allowing for leisure activities such as hiking, biking trails, trekking, and relaxation in small towns with breathtaking views, streams and rivers, rich flora, forests, and snow-capped peaks.
Adventure and Amusement Park ‘Caralte’. Parco Avventura di Caralte
In the heart of the Dolomites in the Veneto region, there is a park rich in activities for children, youth, and adults. A ropes park, a tiny lake for little boat rides, a giant balloon you can enter and roll around in the water, rock climbing, splashing in a small pool, and a picnic area. Perfect!
Entrance fee for the ropes park for children aged 3-7 – 16 euros
Entrance fee for the ropes park for adults aged 8-99 – 21 euros.
Tables for picnics can be rented, some covered.
A short distance away, there’s a really tiny lake for splashing with thermal springs Lago delle Tose Calalzo
Website: Adventure Park di Caralte
