Beyond the Lagoon: My Luxury Journey from Venice to the Dolomites

Marmolada Mountain

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From rooftop cocktails on a private Venetian island to dancing under “snow” in the Dolomites, this Italian adventure was nothing short of spectacular — and absolutely worth sharing.

After a 25-hour travel day, an amazing welcome at the @jwvenice JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, and a rooftop aperitif that was next-level fabulous, I was completely out of energy by 9 p.m. and fell asleep about 30 seconds later.

The next morning was a rush: up early, pack, grab breakfast, and make it to the dock by 7:45 (definitely not my ideal hour 🥱). Then, I headed north on a 3-hour transfer, trading Venice’s shimmering canals for the breathtaking Dolomites. We were warned about the curvy roads, high altitudes, and motion sickness, but Zofran saved the day! 🙌🏼

Pro Travel Tip: Bring all your “just in case” meds! Something didn’t sit right with me that night, but the team at @hotelcolalto Hotel Col Alto was amazing — bringing Sprite, crackers, and checking in to make sure I was okay. That’s the kind of hospitality that makes me love recommending them to clients.

What Made the Dolomites So Special?

Once I felt better, I dove into fifteen supplier meetings before lunch, then joined a foraging masterclass in the fresh alpine air. We learned about wild herbs and flowers with a local guide, then created a unique cocktail using the ingredients we gathered, working alongside one of Italy’s top mixologists, Stefano Urru @stefano_urru, at the Adang Equitation Center.

That evening was a highlight — a Ladin culture event hosted by @altabadiaorg with incredible local dishes, dancers in traditional dress, and the best apple fritters I have ever tasted (sorry Mom 🤣). After dinner, we rode the gondolas down to an après-ski party at @lmurinapresski L’Murin, complete with bubble “snow” and a dance floor full of people from all over the world singing YMCA.

The next day started early — breakfast, a gondola ride, five more meetings before 10:30 a.m., lunch at @hotel_laperla Hotel La Perla, more gondola rides, and even a presentation on beanbags with 360-degree alpine views. Those “pinch me” moments are why I love being a travel advisor.

We wrapped up the experience with a mountaintop party at @clubmoritzino Club Moritzino, hosted by @dreambeyonditaly, @flywire, @blastness_official, and @nerolifestyle. It was the perfect send-off.

Why I Recommend Venice + the Dolomites

✅ Five-star hotels with authentic Italian hospitality

✅ Incredible food, wine, and local traditions

✅ 750+ miles of ski slopes plus year-round activities

✅ Easy connections between Venice and the mountains

✅ Jaw-dropping scenery in every direction

Even with a delayed flight, a flight cancellation, and a mad hotel scramble, I’d do it all over again. The memories are priceless.

Ready to Create Your Own Italian Adventure?

Between luxury hotels, outdoor activities, wellness experiences, and unforgettable cultural events, this destination has something for everyone.

👉 Send me a message, drop a comment, or email me at Tiffany@DragonflyJourneysTravel.com — I’d love to help you design your dream adventure.

Because travel should be more than a vacation — it should be the story you can’t wait to tell. ❤️