Northern Italy - Lakes and Dolomites

[Avondklok]

I'm tentatively looking at interail again this year, as don't have to buy any tickets yet. I'm thinking northern Italy out via Zurich back via Munich and to locate ourselves in 2 or 3 or 4 locations. I'm kind of thinking Como for day trip to Milan, Desenzano del Garda for the lake and Verona, and Bolzano for the Dolomites. Whether to include Venice? Been to Stresa, Tremezzo, Bellagio, Sirmione before and loved them all and don't discount any. Any suggestions? Nice accommodation? Would love a pool amongst the sight seeing. It probably won't even be possible but I like to dream and plan.

Such a beautiful part of the world. I am glad you mentioned Sirmione, it's lovely there. There is a lot to explore in northern Italy, some fabulous wine producing houses also have boutique accommodation on site. Try Tenuta Santome about 10km from Venice. But don't tell anyone, it needs to be our little secret 😃

Desanzano is a fab place to base yourself. We did day trips to Venice and Verona from there but granted it was through a tour company. Great ferry connections to other towns on the lake. Also a very Italian resort. Lots of gelato and promenading in the evenings.

You can do Venice for the day easily from Verona.
When I was up there I based myself in Verona and did both Venice and Garda from there.

Ooh thank you!

Sounds fab. I had a lovely stay in Merano a few years ago (Meranerhof hotel, v nice and central with lovely pool), thought it was nicer than Bolzano, a really lovely town.

Bolzano is so hot in summer. If you are going in the summer I would suggest going up into the mountains.

You can do a day trip on the train from Desenzano to Venice, as well as to Verona.
There's the boats up/down/around Lake Garda, and the cable car at Malcesine.
We stayed near Salo, which was quite pretty. Nearby is the "Vittoriale" - a house and grounds, built by eccentric Italian poet-soldier Gabriele d'Annunzio, if you want something different.