En Route To Cortina: The Great Dolomite Road
The Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, the scenic route between Bolzano (follow signs to Eggental/Val d'Ega) and Cortina going east, S241 and S48, is 110km (68 miles) of stunning views. The road curves around some of the highest peaks in the Dolomites, including 3,000m-tall (9,840-ft.) Marmolda, and goes through a scattering of mountain villages and ski resorts before dropping out of a high pass into Cortina. Some tour buses follow this route (the tourist offices in Bolzano and Cortina can provide a list of tour operators; check with the bus station in Bolzano), as do two daily buses of the STI network July through September (check with the bus station in Bolzano or call tel. 0471-450-111; www.sii.bz.it). You may want to rent a car, if only for a day, to make the spectacular round-trip, one of Europe's most scenic drives (allow at least 2 1/2 hr. each way over the twists and turns of the passes). Keep in mind that the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti is often closed to vehicles because of heavy snow in the winter months, and you will often need chains on your tires between November and April.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
