Page 128 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

126 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

1 Cortina d’Ampezzo flower-filled meadows. The central
Veneto; 32043 pedestrian street, the Corso, is lined
Chic Cortina, a leading winter ski resort, with smart boutiques. Winter brings
was part of the Habsburg Empire crowds of jet-set skiers, but during
from the 16th century until after World the summer months, Cortina is an
War I and is today a charming mix of excellent base for walkers and
Tyrolean and Italian. The pretty town is climbers with its many chair lifts and
set in a natural amphitheatre formed cable cars. Information on walks is
by the breathtaking crags and spires available from the tourist office.
of the Dolomites, whose lower slopes ª From town, drive up SP48 for Passo
are cloaked in thick forest and lush di Falzarego. Park at Bai de Dones café.

2 The Cinque Torri
Belluno, Veneto; 32043
The leisurely chair lift ride to the Cinque Torri rock towers ends with
Above Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestling below the spectacular views of Cortina d’Ampezzo nestled within its crown of
dramatic Dolomites Below View of mountains, Dolomites peaks, a stunning backdrop to an open-air World War I
forests and a lake from Pieve di Cadore museum. Close to the Austrian-Italian border, this area was a key
strategic location, heavily fortified by both sides. After exploring the
VISITING CORTINA D’AMPEZZO trenches and gun emplacements, take the lovely woodland track –
sturdy walking shoes are recommended – back to the road. Two
Tourist information
Piazza Roma 1, 32043; 0436 869 mountain huts (rifugi) provide café facilities in summer.
086; www.infodolomiti.it
A three-hour walking tour Tofane-Lagazuoi range, northwest of
WHERE TO STAY From Bai de Dones 1, take the Cinque the valley. Close at hand are the
Torri seggiovia, or chair lift (10am–5pm jagged rock teeth of the Cinque Torri
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO daily) up to Rifugio Scoiattoli 2 (Five Towers), rising from earthy gums.
Meublé Montana inexpensive (2,225 m/7,300 ft), which boasts a Once off the chair lift, turn immedi-
A friendly, well-kept hotel in the centre magnificent terrace facing the ately left and take the path downhill
of town, Meublé Montana is close to
shops, restaurants and transport.
Corso Italia 94, 32043; 0436 860 498;
www.cortina-hotel.com; closed May, Nov SS48
SS48 0 metres 300
0 yards 300
Lake
Bai de Dones

Signs
for Return
Trenches Cinque Torri

Rifugio Scoiattoli
Rifugio
Cinque Torri

Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

126-129_Back_Roads_Northern_Italy.indd 126 21/09/17 11:19 am
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