Venice & the Italian Alps
Drive from Venice’s iconic canals to the epic Dolomites, conquering mountain passes and savoring luxury stays in an unforgettable Italian adventure
Prices from: €8400
Trace a path through northern Italy where cinematic landscapes meet legendary driving roads. This six-night journey begins in the timeless beauty of Venice before climbing into the heart of the Dolomites to conquer iconic passes such as Passo Giau, Passo Gardena, and the celebrated Great Dolomite Road. From the soaring vistas of Seceda Ridge to the dramatic switchbacks of Passo Stelvio and the high alpine beauty of Passo Gavia, each day reveals unforgettable panoramas, rich regional culture, and luxurious stays in Cortina, Merano, Pinzolo, and Lake Garda.
Your adventure continues through quiet valleys and cliff-lined lakeshore roads to one of Italy’s most extraordinary drives: the legendary Strada della Forra, a century-old masterpiece of tunnels, stone archways, and stacked hairpins carved into a dramatic gorge above Lake Garda. Explore hilltop sanctuaries, medieval lakeside towns, and peaceful alpine plateaus before coasting back toward Venice for a final taste of its historic charm. With exhilarating mountain routes, serene lakeside moments, optional scenic detours, and indulgent 5-star hotels throughout, this tour offers the perfect blend of high-performance driving, natural beauty, and effortless Italian elegance.
Prices from: €11600
Tour Availability: June – October
Arrive in the magical city of Venice, where historic canals, grand palaces, and stunning architecture await. Explore iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, and enjoy a peaceful gondola ride through the city’s waterways. Art lovers can visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, while food enthusiasts savor fresh Venetian seafood and Bellinis by the canals. With so much to see, consider extending your stay to fully immerse yourself in Venice’s unique charm.
Overnight Stay: 5-Star Ca’ di Dio
Drive through the picturesque Dolomites from Venice to Cortina. Start with a smooth highway route, then challenge yourself with mountain passes like Passo Duran and Passo Giau. Stop for lunch with breathtaking views at a traditional rifugio before continuing through alpine terrain. Optional scenic loops take you to the beautiful Lago di Misurina and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This unforgettable drive showcases the raw beauty of Italy’s iconic mountain landscapes.
Overnight Stay: 5-Star Faloria Mountain Spa Resort
Enjoy the stunning Great Dolomite Road as you journey from Cortina to Merano. Navigate scenic passes such as Passo Falzarego, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Gardena, offering spectacular views of the Dolomites. Visit Seceda Ridge for unparalleled vistas, and make a stop in Bolzano for a wine tour. Afterward, drive through tranquil mountain roads to your hotel overlooking Merano, where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful alpine setting.
Overnight Stay: 5-Star Hotel Castel Fragsburg
Start early to experience one of Europe’s most famous mountain passes, the Stelvio, known for its steep climbs and stunning scenery. After reaching the summit, enjoy a well-deserved lunch with panoramic views. Continue to Passo Gavia for more thrilling driving, followed by a visit to the Non Valley, famous for its apples. End the day in the picturesque Adamello-Brenta National Park, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and serene landscapes.
Overnight Stay: 5-Star Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
Today’s drive may be short, but it delivers some of the most spectacular scenery in northern Italy. Leaving the Adamello Brenta National Park, you’ll trace quiet alpine valleys toward Riva del Garda before following the dramatic western shore of Lake Garda and climbing the legendary Strada della Forra—a century-old masterpiece of tunnels, stone archways, and stacked hairpins once hailed by Churchill as the “eighth wonder of the world.” At the top, the road opens onto a panoramic plateau dotted with hilltop villages, including the cliff-side Santuario di Montecastello and the breathtaking Panorama al Fil viewpoint. A final descent to the shore and one last scenic climb bring you to your hotel, perfectly perched above the lake for unforgettable sunset views.
Overnight Stay: 5-Star Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda
Take a smooth drive back to Venice from Lake Garda, with an optional detour to visit the picturesque town of Sirmione. Explore the famous Scaliger Castle and the Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo before heading back to Venice. Alternatively, take the scenic Strada della Forra, a winding road through a gorge, followed by a climb up Monte Baldo for panoramic views of Lake Garda. Conclude your journey with a return to Venice, where you can explore its canals and historic streets.
Overnight Stay: 5-Star Ca’ di Dio
Venice is one of the most exciting cities to visit in all of Europe. The canals and bridges, shopping streets, Michelin Star restaurants, beautiful architecture and interesting history are too much to fit into one or even two days! Because of this, we recommend adding a night or two on to the end of your tour before heading home.
If you have any questions about our ‘Stelvio & the Great Dolomites Road’ Driving Vacation, simply fill out the form below. One of out experienced team members will get back to you within 24 hours.
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