the dolomites

The Italian Dolomites are situated in the south of the Alps. Magnificent and romantic peaks, they are amongst the most dramatic mountains to be found in this region.

Named after a French mineralogist, the highest peak, Marmolada standing at 10,959ft is glacial even in the summer, whilst elsewhere the snow gives way in the spring to fields full of poppies, buttercups and other Alpine flowers that adorn the mountains. As with most ski areas it is incredibly busy during the winter months, and has a wide variety of slopes for all levels, country trails, toboggan and bobsled runs. In the summer months there are some lovely drives from Bolzano to Cortina, known as the Great Dolomites Road, Paneveggio Natural Park and around Cortina d'Ampezzo, recently the host of the Winter Olympics.

The towns of Bolzano, Trento and Rovereto are well worth a visit and driving around you will discover literally hundreds of well-preserved castles, many with medieval frescoes, abbeys and churches. The area was declared a natural heritage site by UNESCO in August 2009, a well deserved accolade and one designed to protect this beautiful area for many years to come.