It’s a full sound of music experience.
Situated close to the Austrian border, you sometimes wonder whether you’re in Italy or Austria. The melding of both cultures, especially in the cuisine leans heavily into Germanic influence. However, the Italian presence is still undeniably felt. These majestic mountains are just otherworldly in size, scope, and nature. You can get lost literally ( hopefully not) and figuratively in them. But the hiking is unparalleled and you can stop along the way in the many Refugio’s dotted in the mountain range all serving hearty and delicious food and offering places to stay as well. We opted for a relais and chateau to rest our heads. The Rosa Alpina is a wonderful place to stay. The piano bar alone is worth the trip. However, both the relays and Refugio experiences are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the region.
Making a pit stop at Lake Guarda, the lesser-known, more chill version of Lake Como, breaks up the drive from Milan. A wonderful hike up to a Benedictine monastery high up in the mountains remains indelibly in my mind forever.
