Day 5 – Dolomites – Italy 2019

Picking up a hire car from Bolzano Airport.

We have checked out how we will bus it to the airport the day before.

Luckily we had decided everyone was going to the airport to pick up hire car.

First thing HERTZ advise – NO automatic cars – even though we had BOOKED one..

That was problem number one with HERTZ.

Fortunately, W is able to drive a manual – luckily he came to the airport.

Next issue with HERTZ, only 3/8 of a tank of fuel … Supposed to be full… Thanks HERTZ.

We head towards “Lake Braies” – somewhere in the Dolomites – not knowing where to drive or what to see. We were just aware that the Dolomites are extensive and our time is limted. About 5 kms before our destination we are diverted by the police. Thinking that there had been an accident ahead.

That was not the case, all cars were directed to a parking lot. We quickly discover that is a huge operation – buses are waiting about 1 km away, ferrying people up the mountain to see the lake. After purchasing bus tickets we join the crowd and head to the lake.

The lake, surrounded by huge mountains with many nice walks. A walk around the lake is manditory followèd by a walk along the base of the mountains.

As our time is limited, we cut short our walk – catch bus back to the car and head to our next destination – Tre Cime.

Again – not sure how it all works – we just follow the signs. Many demands on W, to pull over, as the scenery gets better and better. Eventualy, come to some boom gates – pay our 30 euro and park the car. Luckily no buses at this point as it was already 3pm.

We start on a 10-12 km walk – to see the 3 peaks – Tre Cime. Scenery was outstanding – weather a bit funny – fog, mist, a bit of rain and then SUN.

We return to the car at 7.30 pm – a long drive home – too late to eat dinner.

An awesome BIG day.