The Italian Alps are renowned for their pristine rivers and streams, their exquisite cheeses and smoked hams but most of all for their most precious gem: the eastern most mountains called Dolomites, a paradise for any outdoor activity. Join us to pedal this region’s stunning valleys and passes, listed since 2009 as a UNESCO World Heritage site to recognize and preserve its “exceptional natural beauty”. Inhabited by ancient civilizations, traces of which got to us thanks to the finding of the mummy Otzi, these mountains also straddle a cultural boundary that gives us the best of Italian and Austrian-German cuisine, hospitality and blended history. Our tour gives you a chance to enjoy Dolomitic landscapes, learn about the peculiar local history as well as discover hidden corners where life still flows as if tourism never got there. Spend 11 days exploring breathtaking mountain roads, pedaling through ancient forests, and hiking Alpine trails where Nature sets the rhythm of life. All the while enjoying traditional Tyrolean meals and top quality local wines.
***If this sounds great but you prefer a shorter tour. Join us for 8 days Cycling the Dolomites***
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
The Dolomites!, Multiple two night stays, Unique part of German speaking Italy, Biking 4 passes in one day on the world famous 52 km Sella Massif, Essential Oil Distillery visit, Well-maintained long distance bike paths, Cortina plus 1 guided hike around Cortina area.
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available.
Includes
11 days, 10 nights accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; wine tasting; essential oil distillery visit; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Explore the heart of Bolzano, the capital of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Enjoy the beauty of the central Piazza Walther with its Gothic style cathedral and have a stroll in Piazza delle Erbe, a vibrant market corner where Italian daily life naturally flows. Get a glance over the charming via dei Portici (Arcade Street) and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Archeological Museum where you’ll find the remains of Ötzi, a man who lived in the area during the Copper Age (3300 BC) and whose frozen body was found in the mountains in 1991.
DAY 2: Loop ride to Caldaro, the heart of the wine region!
Highlights: Vineyards, traditional villages of Caldaro and Termeno, views over Lake Calda. Optional climb to Passo Mendola.
We start our ride pedaling southwest out of Bolzano to reach the heart of one of the northernmost wine making areas of Italy. Vineyards dominate the landscape and the “wine-road” takes us to the traditional villages of Caldaro and Termeno, known world-wide for their production of Gewürztraminer, Lagrein and Caldaro Classico Superiore. On the way back to Bolzano enjoy quiet country roads that offer unique views over Lake Caldaro, a mecca for sailing and windsurfing enthusiast.
Highlights: Views over Sciliar-Catinaccio peaks, alpine meadows
Our bicycle ride today features a climb that brings us to the foot of some of the most spectacular rock faces in the Dolomites. This road offers stunning views over the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park and its alpine peaks. Our hotel offers you the opportunity to get a massage, take a hike, or relax and enjoy the view. If you want an extra ride, head to Tires for jaw dropping views over the Rosengarten.
Highlights: Agostinian Abbey of Novacella, wine tasting
Today's ride features unforgettable views of alpine meadows and sheer Dolomite cliffs. This afternoon we'll visit the Agostinian Abbey of Novacella, founded in the 12th century, and known today not just for its spiritual importance but also for its wine production which we will take time to sample!
Highlights: Spectacular views of the Pusteria Valley
Enjoy the beauty and perfection of Tyrolean bike paths before leaving the Rienza river valley and climbing to the “sunny road.” Your efforts will be rewarded with captivating views over the Pusteria Valley. We'll stop in Brunico to explore its charming historical town center. After a snack or a proper lunch, it's back on our bikes to San Candido, a gem of Alta Pusteria Valley.
Highlights: Lake Braies, views over Tre Cime di Lavaredo Natural Park
This morning we continue on towards Lake Braies, often described as the most beautiful lake of the entire Alps. On our back to San Candido, we will gain elevation for some of the most impressive views over Tre Cime di Lavaredo Natural Park, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, a recognition given to the entire Dolomites in 2009.
Highlights: Landro lake, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Misurina lake, Passo Tre Croci, Cortina
Today we head south and pedal along the Landro Valley. Landro Lake is an excellent spot for a mid-morning coffee before you continue your ride to Lake Misurina where you'll have the option to climb 7 km up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo to enjoy the views. Anybody who prefers to enjoy the lake or pedal straight to Cortina can do so. Those who challenge themselves with the mighty climb to the base of three majestic peaks will have a quick descent to lunch at Lake Misurina. The more modest Passo Tre Croci is the last climb of the day, after which it's a glide down into Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as “Queen of the Dolomites”.
Leave your cycling shoes behind today as we enjoy a hike along some of the most spectacular trails in the Dolomites. Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Tofane, and Monte Cristallo are just a few of the peaks that will surround us while we enjoy our rest day from biking.
Highlights: Passo Falzarego, San Cassiano, La Villa, Corvara, Val Badia
A long, steady but gentle climb awaits us this morning as we pedal over one of the most famous passes of the Giro d'Italia, Passo Falzarego. Once at the top of the pass enjoy a cable car ride up the mountain for higher altitude, views, and/or lunch in the rifugio (mountain hut). From the pass, a long gliding downhill takes us into the Val Badia where Ladino, a local language that has controversial origins - is it a mixture of Latin and tribal dialects? Experts disagree, but it remains the first language of locals and is not readily understood by Italian speakers.
Highlights: Famed Giro d’Italia passes: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena
This morning we'll pedal the legendary loop around the Sella Massif on the Dolomite High Road often a part of the Giro d'Italia! This 52 km (32 mile) loop features 5,600 feet (1707 meters) of climbing over 4 famous passes (Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, and Gardena). Anybody wanting to relax in town or enjoy some more hiking is free to do so as well.
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Innsbruck Airport (INN):
Taxi from Innsbruck Airport to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (20 min/EUR 20-15)
Train from Innsbruck Hbf to Bolzano Bozen (2 hours/fares vary)
Taxi from the Bolzano Central Station to the Day 1 Hotel (5 min/EUR 10)
Look up Austrian train schedules at Oebb.at or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Day 11: Departure Information
Tour ends in Corvara
Your tour ends with a complimentary ExperiencePlus! shuttle drop-off at the Brunico (Bruneck) train station on the final day of the tour around 11 a.m. Your spot on the shuttle is already reserved.
If you do not join the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transportation
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We suggest flying out of the Innsbruck Airport (INN):
Train from Brunico (Bruneck) to Innsbruck Hbf (2 hours 40 min/fares vary)
Taxi as described in arrival instructions
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
12 weeks before your tour begin your training program found on this page.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
We were blown away by the beauty of the Dolomites. The cycling routes were excellent. Everyday was amazing!!! The Dolomites is one of our top tours so far. We want to go back their on our own one day. It's a special place.
Mary Ann D., Pleasanton, CA - July 2019
Breath-taking beauty all day, every day, everywhere you look; great accommodations and food; fun-loving, patient, thoughtful guides; challenging rides; wonderful camaraderie among the group. Can''t wait to start planning the next trip! Will miss everyone we met and the wonderful experience we had in the Dolomites!
Karen H., Yucaipa, CA - July 2017
Loved it all from the second I arrived in Bolzano. Loved the day of the cinque torri. Loved the chance to go higher after Passo Falzarego. Loved the weather. Loved that those who wanted more were able to do extra passes. Loved that I completed Sella Ronda. It was wonderful, and exactly what I wanted!!!
Lindy L., Conneware, Victoria, Australia - June 20
Great, beautiful, challenging. What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Sella Ronda.
Kathy K. and Bill B., Seattle, WA - June 2017
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
1. Going around a bend and seeing yet another incredible view.
2. Cycling the Sella Ronda.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Rolling hills
Hilly
Cycling Italy's Dolomites
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