This alpine paradise of jagged peaks and wildflower meadows is Gigia’s personal adventure playground—the one place her humans foolishly trust her off-leash. Between dramatic Dolomite backdrops (UNESCO-approved, naturally) and cobblestone villages clinging to cliffs like cats to curtains, Belluno offers Italy’s purest air—not that Gigia notices, being too busy inhaling the scent of malga cheese aging in mountain huts.
Here, she trades her city diva persona for “alpine explorer,” chasing butterflies through meadows one minute, judging hikers’ picnic choices the next. Pro tip: The local wildlife has learned that a tiny bell on a collar is nature’s dinner gong
Belluno (BL)
Belluno (BL)
Known as the "Gateway to the Dolomites," Belluno is famed for its breathtaking mountain views and endless outdoor adventures—cycling, climbing, picnicking, you name it. But for me, Belluno will always be the place where Gigia’s acrobatic career began. It was in a little store here that I picked up a Hula Hoop, not knowing it would turn my spotted sidekick into a feline circus star. Who knew a simple hoop could unleash such grace, agility, and sheer drama? Move over, Dolomites—Gigia’s the real showstopper in Belluno.
While there are many places worthy of visiting, the one that left me and Gigia with the fondest memories is a quaint little village by the name of Stabie, just half an hour from Belluno, nestled in the hills. Frozen in time, it was the perfect playground for Gigia to explore—narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and a peaceful charm that made it feel like stepping into a postcard. After a day of sniffing out every nook and cranny, we enjoyed a hearty meal by the side of the village church, soaking in the serene atmosphere. (Gigia, of course, was more interested in the local birds than the view, but she appreciated the ambiance.)
Belluno may be the gateway to the Dolomites, but for us, it’s the gateway to unforgettable memories—of hula hoops, hilltop villages, and a cat who thinks she’s the star of her own adventure movie.
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Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL)
Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL)
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the jewel of the Dolomites, sparkles with alpine glamour, designer boutiques, and breathtaking mountain vistas. But Gigia? She remained blissfully unimpressed by human notions of luxury. For her, the true riches were the crisp mountain air filling her whiskers, the endless admiration from staff at the Cooperativa di Cortina, and those sweeping views that even made a nap-prone cat pause to appreciate nature's grandeur.
While Cortina boasts world-class ski slopes and celebrity sightings, Gigia measured its worth in simpler pleasures: the way sunlight dappled the cobblestones perfectly for afternoon naps, how shopkeepers instinctively knew to compliment her spotted coat, and those panoramic backdrops that—let's be honest—only served to highlight her natural elegance. Whether sniffing out geckos in the historic center or "assisting" at the Cooperativa (where she guarded the cash register with the intensity of a feline auditor), Gigia proved that even in Italy's most glamorous alpine town, the real attraction was her.
For those wary of Cortina's lofty prices, Gigia approved of nearby Birreria—where hearty mountain meals cost less than one of her gourmet treats. But no matter where you dined, the best show in town remained watching Gigia hold court, her emerald eyes scanning the peaks as if to say, "Lovely, but have you seen how my fur catches the light?" After all, when you're Gigia, even the Dolomites become just another supporting character in your story.
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Others
Pieve di Cadore (BL)
Pieve di Cadore (BL)
Pieve di Cadore wasn’t on our itinerary, but the search for a lunch spot led us to this charming town—and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! Nestled in the shadow of the Dolomites, this picturesque spot feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. Known as the birthplace of the legendary artist Titian, it’s a blend of history, art, and alpine beauty, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a stunning mountain backdrop that makes time seem to slow down.
As always, Gigia lightened up every venue we stumbled upon—bars, restaurants, you name it. Her presence was an instant success, charming locals and turning even the simplest stops into memorable adventures. Pieve di Cadore may have been an unplanned detour, but with Gigia in tow, it became a highlight of our journey.
