We have a full day excursion for today to the picturesque Dolomite Mountains! We start by grabbing water and pastries from the cafe across the canal from our hotel, and then we walk about 25 minutes to our pick-up location. Two men are standing with signs for the tour and we check-in. This is a small group tour with a maximum of 8 people. We meet our guide and the two other couples and then load into the van. There is a third couple that is lost. The driver finds the woman, but now the husband is missing. He emerges and we’re off.
Our first stop is to Cortina d'Ampezzo which is a small ski town with a beautiful backdrop of the Dolomites Mountains. We have one hour to explore the town and we do so by going in and out of the stores. I’m looking for an outfit for tomorrow and excited for some familiar brands such as North Face and Patagonia. Unfortunately, the stores are stocked with winter gear and that won’t work for our 80 degree days coming up. I do find one shop that has a couple skirts. It’s a brand I’ve never heard of before and the store seems higher end. Of course I find things I like. I flip the tag over to look for sizes and then see the price. I completely underestimated how expensive clothing can be. The skirt is 790 euros. I tuck the tag back in and return it to the rack. I’m pretty sure that amount isn’t getting approved for reimbursement from the airline or travel protection. We purchase toothpaste and deodorant which I am confident will be reimbursed.
I expected hairpin turn mountain roads since we’re headed to the mountains, but I was pleasantly surprised. Most of our drive is straight because the Italians have constructed several long and beautiful tunnels. It was a very comfortable ride. They are working on the last tunnel though so we did have a small taste of the curvy roads that I was expecting. Overall the drive was stunning. Brian and I sat in the front for most of the drive to the mountains. Our guide did a wonderful job explaining the different regions. We also passed several vineyards and saw the foothills where Prosecco starts. Our guide also did a nice job with stopping at beautiful spots so we could stretch our legs, breathe in the mountain air, and take pictures.
We make it to Albergo Miralago Ristorante. The tour company has already made reservations for us and the eight of us sit at a table with windows that frame the Dolomite Mountains. It’s very nice. The service is quick and we’re given baskets of bread and breadsticks. One thing I find strange is that plates aren’t given for the bread and olive oil is delivered in a bottle. Last night’s dinner was a similar situation and the dish of olive oil we swirl our bread in back home isn’t a thing here. I eat the bread plain before my meal, but I wish I would have saved it for the end. Service is quick and I order Prosecco and potato gnocchi allá Miralago. Brian orders an Americano and potato gnocchi with deer. My food and drink were amazing. My plate is clean, but there is some olive oil and ricotta cheese left behind. I wish I would have saved my bread to really clean my plate!
The restaurant sits next to a lake and we’re given an option to walk to the other side of the lake or be driven to the other side to take a chairlift further up the mountain. The temperature has plummeted since we left this morning and Brian doesn’t like the idea of a windy chairlift so we walk. It’s a beautiful walk and the air is crisp and fresh. Pine wafts in the air and the smell reminds me of Northern California. I love fresh mountain air.
Outdoor adventure is the vibe for this area of Italy. We see cyclists racing down mountain roads, hikers ready to tackle tough trails, and climbers in their gear. I’d love to come back here and explore more. Backroads which is known for their active trips has several itineraries that I would love to do in this area.
We met some lovely couples in this group. Two of the couples are traveling together and how funny that they’re staying in the same hotel as us. Furthermore, one of the couple’s room is directly next door to ours! What are the chances?
We call the airline for an update on our bags when we return. I can see they are still in Chicago, but hopefully our phone call speeds things along. I’m not sure we’ll see those bags anytime soon. The stores close in about an hour so Brian and I do some speed walking and speed shopping for clothing for the next two days. We try again for the restaurant that was recommended. It is open, but full. We hadn’t made a reservation since we weren’t sure about timing. The restaurant is super tiny so no surprise they couldn’t accommodate us. We find a pizza place around the corner and that works for us tonight. We order water and wine as well. The waiter asks if we each want a half liter. I think he’s talking about the water, but turns out he was talking about the wine. A liter of wine is a lot for two people who don’t typically drink!
Comments