SO BLOG I MUST!
My latest trip in Jan this year took me to the Italian Alps, also known as the Dolomites. I was lucky to have my partner, Count Olaf take this road trip with me. Travelling with a local with a good sense of direction, humour and adventure certainly made our trip a very enjoyable one! Our main focus was on Alto Adige or South Tyrol, which is in the north of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland. This region is famed for its jaw-dropping view of the mountains and scenery, charming towns and delicious Austrian food. In fact, the region used to be Austrian and only became part of Italy after WW1. However, the Austrian culture and influences are very much alive and most of its inhabitants speak German as their first language.
Our first stop was Bolzano, about 3 hours from Milano. The weather was frightfully cold, about 5-6 degree celcius which I struggled slightly with. Nonetheless, the sun was shining and our spirits were high as we explored this quaint town.
Unfortunately, the market was closing :(
We left Bolzano after spending a couple of hours, and drove on to Castelrotto, where we planned to stay a few nights. Castelrotto is a charming but small town, and there isn't a whole lot to do here. But it is a central spot to visit nearby Ortisei, which was very expensive as it is a popular spot for skiers.
Early the next morning, we headed to Ortisei, took a funicular up to Rasciesa, and spent the whole morning hiking and marvelling at the beautiful 360 degree view of the mountains.
Early the next morning, we headed to Ortisei, took a funicular up to Rasciesa, and spent the whole morning hiking and marvelling at the beautiful 360 degree view of the mountains.
Beautiful snow clad Ortisei.
The skiers on their way down from a day of skiing.
