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Cycling Italy’s Dolomites Plus! the Sella Ronda

Cycling Italy's Dolomites Plus! the Sella Ronda
  • Length 11 days
  • From USD$6295
  • Style/Level Classic 4.5
  • Countries Italy
  • Begin/End Bolzano (“Bozen” in German)/ Shuttle to Brunico (“Bruneck” in German)
See related tours
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***

Highlights

  • 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, Well-maintained long distance bike paths, Cortina plus 1 guided hike around Cortina area.

Includes

  • 11 days, 10 nights accommodation

  • meals as noted in itinerary

  • wine tasting

  • essential oil distillery visit

  • and the usual (see below).

  • All Classic tour inclusions

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 since they haven't been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.

Open all days

Highlights: Bolzano historical center

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.

Meals : Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Greif Bolzano

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.

Meals : Breakfast
 Lodging : Hotel Greif Bolzano

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.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Lamm

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!

Meals : Breakfast
 Lodging : Hotel Krone

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.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Parkhotel Sole Paradiso

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 way 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.

Meals : Breakfast
 Lodging : Parkhotel Sole Paradiso

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”.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Ambra Cortina

Highlights: Hike pristine alpine trails

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.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
 Lodging : Hotel Ambra Cortina

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.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Col Alto

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.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Col Alto

Highlights: Transfer to Fortezza (Franzensfeste)

After breakfast, we’ll offer a group shuttle to Fortezza for your trip home. If time allows, why not stay a few extra days in this alpine paradise?

Meals : Breakfast

Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we dermine day and tour levels.

Date Price Private room fee Note
Jul 1-11, 2024 USD$6295 USD$650 Book by November 1 and save $200 per person.
Book it
DateJul 1-11, 2024
PriceUSD$6295
Private room feeUSD$650
NoteBook by November 1 and save $200 per person.
Book it

Download Itinerary

We’ll send you a link to a full day by day tour itinerary that can be downloaded and printed so you can review all the details online and offline. This packet also includes details about what to expect on tour and arrival and departure details.
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Pre-trip planning checklist

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  • What was your favorite experience on this trip? 1. Going around a bend and seeing yet another incredible view. 2. Cycling the Sella Ronda.

    Carol W., New York, NY – June 2017

  • Great, beautiful, challenging. What was your favorite experience on this trip? Sella Ronda.

    Kathy K. and Bill B., Seattle, WA – June 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
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