Whilst the UK and Western Alps have suffered terrible weather this summer the eastern ranges have been consistently better. The Dolomites are easily accessible from both Venice and Milan airports though we chose to drive via France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Austria. The region's border has long been in dispute and you are as likely to be addressed in Austrian - German than Italian (Reinhold Messner was from this area).
We based ouselves in the South Tyrol area and predominately climbed around Sella. During the week we climbed: the Trenker Crack V- on the 1st Sella Tower, the Kasnakoff V+ on the 2nd Sella Tower, the Vinatzer V+ on the 3rd Sella Tower, the Mariakante IV+ on the Piz Pordoi and the NW Arete of Torre Firenze IV+. Most of the routes are 250m - 500m in length and involve technical descents.
All in all, a fantastic alpine area to go to if you want quality rock routes without the hassles of the Western Alps (altitude, poorer weather, glacial approaches etc).