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Welcome back to Part 2 of my Northern Italy road trip, where we’ll pick up the journey in Venice before venturing into the awe-inspiring Dolomites and wrapping up in the serene beauty of Lake Garda. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just along for the ride, get ready for more dreamy landscapes, vibrant cities, and breathtaking views. Camera batteries charged? Let’s go!
Stop 4: Venice – The Floating City
I have a love-hate relationship with Venice. On one hand, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. On the other, it can be crazy crowded, super expensive and filled with tourists. All that said, you absolutely have to go at least once, whilst we still can.
We arrived from Florence, dropped the car at the ferry terminal and decided to take a bus into the city, rather than a boat. It was cheaper and quicker. We checked into our AirBnb which was right in the centre of town and set off exploring on a self guided walking tour, quickly getting lost and then stumbling on some of Venice's most iconic buildings and viewpoints.
Must Visit Spots:
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Start early, ideally at sunrise (or before), to capture this historic square without the crowds. It gets crazy busy here but also great for people watching if you do arrive later.
Rialto Bridge: Head here during golden hour for perfect shots of gondolas floating beneath the bridge, with the Grand Canal shimmering in the light. Be prepared for how many other people will be doing the same thing.
Bar All'Arco: Some of the best food and wine we had in our brief trip to Venice. Pass through at lunchtime to sample the cicchetti and a glass of something cold.
Burano: Take a quick ferry ride to the colourful island where pastel-painted houses line the canals. The boat is really easy to take and the journey itself offers different viewpoints of Venice.
Dorsoduro District: Wander this quieter area for a glimpse of local life. Perfect for candid street shots and picturesque canals. Other highlights include Osteria Al Aquero for a quick bite with views of a gondola boat yard, pop your head into Il Palazzo Experimental for a cocktail and end at the Peggy Guggenheim to visit a really insane collection of art.
Top tips: If you want to beat the crowds, get up early, like, really early. You'll have the city to yourself and can get to those top photography spots before the crowds decend. Half the fun though, is getting lost in the labyrinth of alleys and canals. You’ll stumble on quiet squares, hidden bridges, and cafes that you need to try.
Stop 5: The Dolomites – Peaks and Pastures
Believe it or not, you can get from Venice to the Dolomites in 2 hours if you're driving. A complete change of pace from Venice, the Dolomites are nature’s masterpiece. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a playground for hikers, climbers, and, of course, photographers. Jagged peaks rise from lush green meadows, and every corner feels like it belongs on a postcard.
Our trip to the Dolomites, I'm not ashamed to admit was for the photography and not for the climbing or skiing that the region is more famous for. During the summer, the whole mountain range is filled with great foot and cycle paths, along with incredibly scenic roads making it the perfect place to drive around for some epic photos.
We crammed quite a lot into our 4 day adventure into the mountains and the top spots included:
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: A classic hiking destination with jaw-dropping mountain views. The circular trail offers endless angles for dramatic landscape shots. Get here extra early to avoid the queues to the carpark (6am-ish). There are 4 rifugios along the route to fuel up.
The Church of St John in St. Magdelena: This tiny baroque church is as iconic as it is serene, with the jagged peaks of the Dolomites serving as its dramatic backdrop. I'd recommend getting up higher and photographing the church with a telephoto lens.
Seceda Ridge: One of the most epic views in the Dolomites, with its sharp, jagged peaks and rolling green hills. You can get up to the neighbouring summit via cable car from Ortisei (a great place to stay for this part of the adventure).
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): The largest high-altitude meadow in Europe is a photography haven. Visit at sunrise for dreamy mist-covered shots or at sunset for golden hour.
Passo Giau: One of my favourite roads I drove in the Dolomites - a masterpieces of a mountain pass. Park on the hill climb and hike up the hills opposite the mountain range for some great photographic opportunities.
Bring a telephoto lens for mountain details and a wide-angle for capturing the sweeping vistas. It takes a bit of accommodation planning if you want to hit all these spots in a few days. I would suggest Cortina d'Ampezzo and Ortisei as your two major bases and be prepared to drive some mountain roads in darkness.
Stop 6: Limone, Lake Garda – Laid-Back Luxury
After the adventure of the Dolomites, it felt like we needed a relaxing treat. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, surrounded by charming towns, olive groves, and vineyards. It’s a place to slow down, relax, and take in the view. We chose the cliff side town of Limone to unwind.
By this point - I needed a rest from the camera, so took a few days to drink a considerable about of Hugo and Limoncello Spritzs and soaked up some sunshine. But rest assured, I still have some ideas for you.
Photography Highlights Around Limone:
The Waterfront: The promenade along the lake is lined with cafés, boutiques, and gelaterias. It’s an ideal spot to sit back with a spritz and watch the boats bob on the water.
Limonaia del Castel, a historic lemon house built in the 18th century. You’ll learn about the town’s citrus-growing past and enjoy sweeping views of the lake.
Cobbled Shopping Streets: There is a bustling, buzzy nature around the centre of Limone. The small streets are filled with tourists and locals alike - great for some street photography candids.
Top Tip: Find the hidden Spiaggia via Garbera. A small 'swimming lake' known only by locals with easy swimming access in Lake Garda and a great spot to sit on the quay for a sun-downer spritz.
End of the road... for now...
Whilst this is the end of this Northern Italy road trip blog - it wasn't actually the end of the road trip. Maybe we'll pick up on where I went next another time. But for now... whether you’re road-tripping for photography or just the love of exploration, Northern Italy will leave you inspired, well-fed, and maybe a little reluctant to head home.
Hit me up if you need any more details tips if you're planning a similar adventure.
Until next time, buon viaggio!
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