Epic Self-Drive Adventure: Lake Garda, Dolomites, and Venice

Given that Venice is just a stone's throw away from the Dolomites, and it’s been a dream of mine to glide through the canals on a gondola (I know, it's a cliché, but I’m all for it!), I set out to craft the ultimate itinerary that captured the highlights of Northern Italy. We settled on three days in Lake Garda, three days in the Dolomites, and three days in Venice.

Our Lake Garda adventure began in the charming town of Sirmione, known for its stunning castle that juts out into the northern side of the lake. Renting a small boat to cruise around the peninsula was a blast, and the kids loved it! Don’t miss out on tasting the fresh lemonade in town—it’s a must!

The following day, we headed to Bardolino. We parked our car and strolled to Cisano, catching a ferry back. The promenade here is expansive, offering an easy and pleasant walk for everyone. On our last day at Lake Garda, we took a scenic drive to Limone, a delightful little town nestled among the mountains, known for its lemon production. We hopped on a ferry to Malcesine, where we could ride a cable car up Monte Baldo. Instead, we decided to explore the quaint cobblestone streets, grabbing lunch and ice cream along the way. This town quickly became my favourite!

Next, we made our way to our chalet in the Dolomites. Our first day was dampened by bad weather, but it didn’t overshadow the awe we felt at Lago di Carezza. After a brief hike around the lake, the clouds parted just in time for us to gaze upon the majestic mountains and the lush forest surrounding it. As we drove to our chalet, we stumbled upon countless viewpoints that took our breath away!

On day two in the Dolomites, we set off to the iconic Lago di Braies, and it was nothing short of magical! The lake's beauty was even more enchanting in person. We began with a rowing boat adventure before it got crowded, and the views were absolutely breathtaking, resembling a painting! A leisurely 1.5-hour walk around the lake revealed stunning scenery—one side was mostly flat while the other comprised steep, rocky paths.

After a day of exploration, we decided to unwind at our chalet and soak in the beautiful surroundings. On our final Dolomites day, we visited Lago di Misurina for a scenic stroll and a drink before heading to Tre Cime, a renowned mountain spot offering stunning views. The weather was much cooler and windier up there (5 degrees compared to 20 at Lago di Braies), but it was a joy for my mum to hike a little in such breathtaking settings.

On day seven, we set off for Venice, stopping at a mountain hut to refuel with lunch. Once in Venice, we dropped off the car and made our way to our apartment. The weather was fantastic, and we enjoyed an evening stroll past the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square.

The next day, we explored the magical city on foot and by vaporetto. We also made sure to take a gondola ride, which the kids absolutely loved! Choosing to include the smaller canals in our tour added an extra touch of authenticity to our experience, allowing us to soak in the charm of Venice from a different perspective. While some vaporetto rides were quite packed, making us wish we’d walked, others were comfortable once a seat was found. Venice is brimming with restaurants and souvenir shops, offering everything from Venetian masks to exquisite Murano glass items.

On our last day, we couldn’t miss Burano, the vibrant island famous for its lace-making. We left early to avoid the crowds, and it was just as beautiful as I’d imagined! Feeling the heat, we hopped on a vaporetto to the Lido (a 50-minute ride), which proved to be an excellent decision. The expansive beach with plenty of umbrellas provided a perfect spot for the kids to enjoy.

After hours of fun in the sun and sea, we returned to our apartment to pack for our morning water taxi back to the airport. Trust me, this is a must-do for families; it was a blissful ride with our luggage, without the cramped feel of a vaporetto.

This trip is one I'll never forget! There's truly something for everyone, and I loved every moment!