The granite Dolomites were the battleground of World War I. Austria lost its most beautiful part of the Alps and thriving ports on the Mediterranean. This part of Italy is so beautiful that even Winston Churchill started painting near Cortina d'Ampezzo. Taste the flair of the Italians, the elegance of the Viennese and the simplicity of the Ladinos, the original mountain people. Can't decide between the natural beauty of the mountains and the picturesque places along the coast? In this experience trip, you will enjoy both. The Dolomites provide breathtaking panoramas, while the Venetian bay forms the setting for cosy coastal towns.
Day 1 : Departure to San Vigilio
Finally, your holiday can begin! First, you will stay in one of our charming hotels in the Trentino - Alto Adige region.
Day 2 : Cortina d'Ampezzo
This is where you visit the exclusive mountain village of Cortina d'Ampezzo, with its beautiful church and many boutiques. Several beautiful hiking trails depart from the centre. Afterwards, you can optionally continue to the 'Tre Cime di Lavaredo', 3 colossal rock towers, or plan a visit to Kronplatz with its spectacularly located mountain museum 'MMM Corones' by architect Zaha Hadid.
Day 3 : La Strada delle Dolomiti
Along a historic route that runs from Cortina to Bolzano, you will discover fantastic panoramas: past the Marmolada, the highest massif of the Dolomites, with its glacier, and the Sella Group, one of the most typical mountains of the Dolomites. You can hike there, or drive on to Bolzano, with its typical Tyrolean architecture, its pink sandstone 'Duomo' and its interesting Archaeological Museum, where you will stand face to face with the famous ice mummy Ötzi.
Day 4 : Udine - Duino Aurisina
On day 4, you will explore the lively university town of Udine, with its Gothic-Venetian 'Piazza della Libertà' and an impressive castle. Afterwards, end your day in the enchanting bay of Portopiccolo in Duino Aurisina.
Day 5 : Trieste
Visit the captivating port city of Trieste, cradle of Illy coffee and shopping paradise for former Yugoslavs, with its 'Piazza dell' Unità' - one of Italy's largest squares by the sea - and the upper 'Piazza del Cattedrale'. We recommend taking a break in one of the many historic coffee houses where you can sip a delicious cup of coffee.
Day 6 : The castle of Miramare and the castle of Duino
The 'Castello di Miramare', the love nest of Archduke Maximilian of Austria and Charlotte of Belgium, and the 'Castello di Duino', long inhabited by the noble Von Thurn und Taxis family, are well worth a visit. Both of them treat you to graceful interiors and stunning sea views.
Day 7 : Aquileia - Grado
Passing through Aquileia, an ancient Roman colony with beautiful mosaic floors in the church, you will drive to beautifully located Grado in the Venetian lagoon. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the picturesque streets and along the canal lined with colourful fishing boats.
Day 8 : Return home
Packed with great travel memories, you will return home. In need of a longer holiday? In that case, extend your stay in one of our Caractère hotels of your choice.
Why book with Caractère?
- Best price guarantee
- Caractère extras
- Unique collection of boutique hotels in Europe
- Just one phone call or email away from our enthusiastic travel experts
- New finds every month
- 30 years specialist in Europe
- Pay safely
- No extra or hidden fees
- Flexible cancellation (ex. non-refundable)
