Experience a break with two distinct halves: cultural Venice twinned with fresh mountain air in the snow-dusted Dolomites.
Twin Italy’s most famous town with time skiing in the magical mountain-scapes of the Dolomites.
Take a trip to Italy and experience two very different sides to this diverse country. One thing’s for sure – wherever you go, you’ll be accompanied by fine food and wine – it is Italy after all.
A World of Venice
The lowdown
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Getting there
There are several airlines flying direct to Venice from various UK airports. The Dolomites are located approximately 3 hours by road from Venice or 2 hours from Innsbruck.
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When to go
Visit between December and March to get the best ski conditions in the Dolomites.
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Best for
We’ve discovered that this trip works particularly well for adventurous families. After culture in Venice, you’ll find fun skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing in the Dolomites. Cosying up in mountain huts for warming food is also part of the fun.
Start your trip with four days to get to know the watery world of Venice. There’s much to see and do but a walking tour will help you slow down, so you can take in all the big and little details of canal life, historical squares and famed churches, and with a private guide by your side, you’ll be able to ask as many questions as you like.
From St Mark’s square, have an introduction to the most powerful maritime empire of the Mediterranean Sea. The Doges’ Palace, the Square, the Basilica are highlights and San Zaccaria is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches of Venice. You’ll stay at elegant Ca’Sagredo, overlooking the Grand Hotel and perfectly placed for taking a water taxi into the heart of Venice. Make time to zip around the islands of the lagoon in a vaporetto, visiting Murano for its renowned glassware and Burano for its brightly-hued fishing community and seafood restaurants.
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Alpine Adventure
We’ll organise your hire car so all you need to do is pick it up and head up into the mountains. Base yourself at Lagacio Mountain Residence, cradled in the Dolomites and wrapped in modern Alpine design with a selection of luxe apartments to rent, where you and your family can relax in privacy, overlooking the calming panorama of the snow-swirled Dolomites. A few steps lead you to lifts taking you right into the heart of the mountain range for skiing, snowboarding, tricks at the snowpark with lunches at traditional restaurants.
Back at Lagacio, use your well-equipped kitchenette to prepare meals with pre-ordered organic hampers filled with the best of South Tyrolean cuisine. If you’re not keen to cook, you’ll find a range of restaurants on your doorstep from Michelin-starred fine dining at Rosa Alpina, woodfired pizzas at lively bars to hearty local fare at nearby tavernas.
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Mountain Hideout
Take your trip to the next level with a micro-adventure, via a private ski safari in the Dolomites, finishing off with a stay in an isolated rifugio, completely removed from the rest of the world. On your snowy exploration, you’ll traverse the peaks of the Dolomites until you reach one of the highest and most remote hotels in the Dolomites.
Here’s the place to experience the silence and majesty of the mountains, in a simple, pared-back mountain hut while enjoying wholesome food, wine and warm Italian hospitality. In the morning, watch the sunrise over the 360-degree view of the endless white peaks then be first to make tracks in the snow as you ascend empty runs. Come back to Lagacio, book yourself some time in the spa or wander the boutique town of San Cassiano for shopping and people-watching.
We think this itinerary works well either for a couple or an adventurous family. Call us so we can plan it out to your exact needs.
