Picturesque - Auronzo di Cadore, Dolomites, Italy

In northeastern Italy, the Dolomites (aka Italian Alps) provide a dramatic backdrop to the many towns and villages that are located there. One of the last towns we visited, before heading to Venice, was Auronzo di Cadore. This quaint town sits in a valley that borders on Lake Santa Caterina and is surrounded by towering mountains, specifically the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. The peaks are Cima Piccola ("the little peak"), Cima Grande ("the big peak"), and the Cima Ovest ("the western peak"). The town attracts all types of visitors, from the casual tourist looking for a relaxing vacation to sports enthusiasts to mountaineers. To get this view, our guide took us up this hidden trail partially up the mountainside. There was a small area to shoot from and the sun and clouds kept the town in a constant ever-changing play of shadows and light.