The Italian Dolomites

The Dolomites was the major reason we chose this particular tour, not many of these "package" numbers include this incredible mountain range.

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We will be staying at Cortina d'Ampezzo - for the next two nights in the Ampezzan alpine valley - the heart of the Dolomites.

A tad of history, because of WW11, the Winter Olympics -1944 in Cortina were cancelled, but they did run here in 1956.

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Our trip from Verona really improved once we left those Italian motorways, and all their tunnels!!!

the scenery became outstanding

with some of us trying to take as many photos as possible through the windows of Carlo's big machine

Cortina d'Ampezzo below Carlo parked the Bus in Corso Italia - just near our hotel, Hotel Ancora

and our "wild rider" statue with largish "boobs" at the entry to Ancora Hotel!

The Ancora's lovely european hall heater below Yes, we have 2 rooms, plus 2 bathrooms here, as do our neighbours, Rob and Robin, in fact they have 2 jacuzzi bathrooms.

Why would this comfort, or lack of, be mentioned - because of our next stop - Venice.

This tour was certainly not the most expensive, however, our creative guide, Stephanie, has mentioned on more than one occasion, the hotel in Venice and it's "maybe lack of comfort for some" - could depend on what they have had previously!!

Our huge balcony and 2 room suite, just about guaranteed us the "dog box" in Venice.

The view from the balcony was wonderful - now it's time for a wander before our dinner at Ancora's restaurant.

and yes, Cortina has a parish Church - the San Filippo and Giacomo - built in 1775

The church's incredible bell tower - 71 mts high, built in 1851

built of dolomite stone - which of course some of the local mountaineers enjoy during a certain annual festival below - wanted to show the Tower's variability - definitely not my photo!!.

Such a very pleasant town - with probably the best "Co-Op" La Cooperativa di Cortina, founded in 1893, that we had been privileged to see so far. The translation, a great 3 story local gift to the town and us touristers for shopping - for anything!

The photo below was taken by our Nikon 90 man - Huberto

A really super meal - then off to the Ancora's open fireplace

for some(certainly not moi) to stretch their "vocal" chords, - the Aussies and the Americans all singing their favourites

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Wonderful fun music, and poems, from this group - so much fun!