Lying about 75 miles north of Venice, the Dolomites comprise a range of jagged limestone peaks. The most spectacular part of the region is the Alta Badia, immediately to the west of the famous ski resort Cortina d’Ampezzo. This unspoiled area is dotted with charming Alpine villages such as Corvara and San Cassiano. Although territorially part of Italy, the Dolomites still possess an independent streak, one that is reflected in the distinctive gastronomy — far more German than it is Italian. Menus feature canederli (bread dumplings), spätzle (egg noodles) and gulasch (a stew of beef, venison or wild boar). The most celebrated local product is speck, a ham that is dry-cured by salt, smoke and fresh air. High-altitude footpaths traverse the region, such as the trail across the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow.