The Veneto: 
Cortina d'Ampezzo

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Called the "jewel of the Dolomites", Cortina d’Ampezzo is an elegant ski resort that is picture perfect. It is also a chi-chi place. Don’t negate Cortina in good weather as it is a wonderful place for hiking/trekking and discovering wonderful mountain villages. Cortina is surrounded by the Dolomites — it is very intense — even dramatic - add the picture perfect Tyrolean buildings and you’ve got a fantasy vacation. FYI: the 1956 Olympics were held here, so there are winter pursuits galore. Cortina is situated in the center of the Ampezzo Valley with summits all around. The main street is the Corso Italia (pedestrians only) and the street is lined with cafes/restaurants, hotels, boutiques and bars. Also on the Corso Italia is the Chiesa di Santi Filippo e Giacomo (18^th century) with ceiling frescoes as well as a lovely altarpiece by Zanchi (17^th century). You can climb the campanile/bell tower for some great views. The Ciasa de Ra Regoles/Casa delle Regole is a museum of contemporary art (Pinocoteca Mario Rimoldi) and the Museo Geologica (local fossils and folk art). The ice stadium (Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio) is a large rink built for the Olympics with a memorial to the French geologist (Dieudonne Dolomieu) for whom the Dolomites are named. There are wonderful cableways/trams that can take you up in to the mountains with views to die for…..majesty is the word I’d use…..Market days are Tuesday and Friday in Cortina d’Ampezzo.