Mountains and Lakes: Just as Desired
From the poet's residence to the cloisters of monasteries, and the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites.
🏡 Asolo · The Poet's Residence
My journey began with a landing in Venice, without rushing.
In just an hour, I arrived in Asolo. This quaint town nestled in the hills of Veneto is quiet and slow-paced, like an unfinished poem.
Villa Cipriani was the residence of poet Robert Browning in his later years. It’s not a chain hotel but a property owned by the Cipriani family. The garden, terrace, antique furniture, and mountain views are all perfectly balanced—not ostentatious, but exuding refined taste.
On the first day, I didn’t plan any sightseeing. I simply made a detour to Treviso, where the Sile River branches through the town. There, I saw ancient water mills and frescoes painted on the exterior walls of buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and the 16th century. Then, I headed into the mountains, rested, and adjusted to the time zone. I sipped tea in the garden, admired the mountain views from the terrace, and went to bed early.
🏨 Accommodation: Villa Cipriani (Asolo)
🏔️ Ortisei · Mountains and Meadows
Heading north from Asolo, I entered the Dolomites.
Ortisei is the hub of the western Dolomites and the best base for the next two days. However, I chose not to stay in the town itself but instead headed to Selva. Upon arrival, I visited the Alpe di Siusi plateau via cable car. Europe’s largest alpine meadow unfolded beneath me—rolling grass slopes, wooden huts, grazing cattle, and sunlight streaming through the clouds. Every snapshot was picture-perfect.
I still had energy left to stroll around Ortisei town. Wooden houses, churches, cafes—the air was filled with the scent of pine resin and grass.
🏨 Accommodation: Selva (2 nights)
🌄 Val di Funes · Waiting for the Light
From Selva, it was a fifty-minute drive to Val di Funes.
The small town of Santa Maddalena is home to the tiny Church of St. Giovanni, perched on a hillside. Behind it, the jagged peaks of the Geisler Group rise like a row of teeth—gray and white. I set out in the afternoon and waited for sunset on the grassy slope in front of the church. The light first touched the spire, then slowly climbed the mountain, turning the gray-white rocks into warm gold, and finally into pink.
This was the most photogenic half-hour of the entire trip. No hiking, no climbing—the grassy slope was the perfect viewing platform.
With plenty of time left that day, I also visited the Church of St. John, which is even smaller, lonelier, and looks like a postcard.
💧 Lake Braies · Gem Green
Heading further northeast, I reached Lake Braies in about an hour and a half.
The lake’s water is a gem-like green, crystal clear. I rowed a boat, walked around the lake, and strolled leisurely along the wooden boardwalk by the shore. Hotel Lago di Braies, an old building from 1899, sits right by the lake and offers the best vantage point for capturing stunning lake views.
I stayed for two to three hours before continuing southward. Fifty minutes later, I arrived at Castel Badia. This day was a transition day, but Lake Braies broke up the long journey into manageable segments, making it far from exhausting.
🏨 Accommodation: Castel Badia (2 nights)
🏰 Castel Badia · Monastery Cloisters
Castel Badia was originally a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 11th century. It was later converted into a hotel and is now part of the Leading Hotels of the World.
The property features cloisters, frescoes, stone walls, and a chapel. It feels like a blend of the Monastery of Meteora and the Château de Chillon on dry land. It’s not about “modern design” but rather an “old soul.” Its timeless elegance and attention to detail seem to whisper, “You deserve to be treated well.”
I didn’t plan any outings for this day. I simply strolled through the cloisters, relaxed in the garden, and indulged in the spa. The hotel itself was the destination.
🛍️ Milan · The Final Night
From Castel Badia, I drove west for about three hours to Milan, stopping at Verona and Lake Garda along the way for lunch and a walk, breaking up the long drive.
Portrait Milano is tucked away in a courtyard within the fashion district. It was converted from a 16th-century seminary. With walnut wood, rattan, and light, every detail is meticulously crafted yet warm—like visiting the home of a friend with impeccable taste in Milan.
On the final night, I had a good sleep. The next day, I departed from Malpensa Airport.
🏨 Accommodation: Portrait Milano
Seven days, no mountain climbing, no rushing, no daily hotel changes.
The poet’s residence, the meadows and lakes of the Dolomites, the monastery cloisters, and the courtyard in Milan.
I saw mountains, I saw lakes, I took photos, and I was cared for.
Mountains and lakes, just as desired.
It’s not greed; it’s about making every moment worthwhile.