Made to Measure
To experience the heart and soul of a place, you need to get under its skin.We know the ins and outs of every Dolomite valley we recommend and are able to bring an insight and create the perfect bespoke trip that few can match.Our time is spent digging up the best ways to get the vibe of the area you choose to explore: from recommending the best guides, outdoor activities, panoramas and inspired regional cuisine to the perfect hotel /rifugio for your trip. We can design trips, for 2 people or more, from scratch or customize one of our sample itineraries for inspiration with personal flourishes or dates that suit you better.
Road biking in the Dolomites
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Bicycle 11,000 vertical meters as you cycle over breathtaking Dolomite mountain passes, enjoying fabulous descents into beautiful valleys
- Enjoy a different bike tour each day from your hotel “base camp” – no packing or unpacking!
- Experience the rich Ladin culture with its many traditions that make this region so unique
- Explore many of the highlights of the Dolomites: the Sellaronda and the Sella Massif, Corvara and Passo Gardena, Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo, and so much more!
Bicycling 11,000 vertical meters in the Dolomites? In one week? “Impossible” you say. That’s almost 7 miles in elevation! But with our 8-day road biking excursion, you can take on those 11,000 meters and make them a reality!
This unique opportunity is made possible by the geography of the Dolomites – with multiple major passes in close proximity, all within the breathtaking scenery of these Italian Alps. You’ll cycle five mountain tours, including the Sellaronda and Monte Cristallo (of “Cliffhanger” fame), past World War I historical sites, all with breathtaking vistas as you climb over and descend multiple passes each day. And, these incredible rides are all on rural roads with minimal traffic – so not only can you ride safely, but can enjoy the panoramic views in the quiet you expect from these mountains!
You’ll enjoy Ladin hospitality Alta Badia. Located in a large valley surrounded all around by the gorgeous peaks of the Dolomites, in this “heart of the Dolomites” you’ll find unique mountain scenery with villages rich in natural beauties and ancient traditions and witness the the customs and traditions of the ancient Ladin culture. Plus, you’ll enjoy hearty meals that are representative of the incredible diversity of this region!
Our cycling trips include vehicle support and food supplies, and they’re always led by local, professional bike guides. If you are an avid road cyclist, looking for the experience of a lifetime – with bragging rights to boot! – then this is the trip for you!
Check out our high definition videos in: SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!
TRIP DETAILS
Length: 7n / 8d
Start / Finish: Alta Badia
Activity Level: For road bikers in good physical conditions.
Cost: €1350 per person with minimum 9 members
Single room supplement: €210 per person
Includes: 7 nights double room half board accommodation in 3-star Superior Hotel Melodia del Bosco in Alta Badia, English speaking professional bike guide, van support during the excursions, Photo CD, certificate of participation, meals as per programme (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), map of the area
About Our Guides
The cycling on this trip isn't just about the distance and meters climbed, but is for you to fully experience and enjoy the Dolomites. Our guides are always looking for the best areas for guests to experience, often places that most visitors do not get to see!
- INFORMATION REQUEST
Ready to take the next step? Just complete and return our Trip Questionnaire, or contact us directly to plan your Dolomites adventure today!
ITINERARY
Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide.
Day 1 ~ Arrive in the Dolomites
Arrive in the Dolomites on your own, and check into your hotel in Alta Badia. Meet your bike guide for a trip briefing and equipment check. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the trip.
D… Hotel in Alta Badia (3-Star Superior)
Day 2 ~ Sellaronda Tour
First up is the Sellaronda, considered a classic ride in alpine cycling. This famous tour circumnavigates the Sella Massif, summiting all of the Dolomites passes around the Sella Group (Sella, Gardena, Pordoi and Campolongo) – four mountain passes, three of which are higher than 2,000 meters (6,600'). And, the ascent of Passo Pordoi, famous for its 30 hairpin turns, is often included as part of the Giro d’Italia.
This area is ideal for travel in both summer and winter as it can be accessed by bike, skis (it is one of the most spectacular ski tours in the world), car, and even by foot, and the views from each of the four passes that encompass the Sella massif and provide access to the different Ladin valleys (Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa and Arabba) are remarkable. (61km / 38 miles biking, 1,756m / 5,761' elevation change.)
B,D… Hotel in Alta Badia (3-Star Superior)
Day 3 ~ Monte Cristallo Tour
The Monte Cristallo (3,221m / 10,568'), near Cortina d'Ampezzo, is a breathtakingly steep mountain, and is famous for its two vie ferrate, including one featured in the movie “Cliffhanger”. Today we begin cycling from San Cassiano to Passo Valparola, and on through Passo Falzarego. Then head down a marvelous descent with many loops leading to Cortina from which you will continue to Passo Cimabanche and Carbonin. Follow the road to Lago di Misurina, which is used during the winter for polo championships on ice. Then climb to Passo Tre Croci and descend again to Cortina and bike back, passing by Passo Falzarego and Passo Valparola before finally arriving at San Cassiano. (98km / 61 miles biking, 2,520m / 8,268' elevation change.)
B,D… Hotel in Alta Badia (3-Star Superior)
Day 4 ~ Plan de Corones Tour
The Plan de Corones/Kronplatz is situated in the Val Pusteria valley and attracts thousands of skiers each winter who want to enjoy its beautiful terrain.
From the village of Badia you will cycle to Longega and continue to San Vigilio di Marebbe. From here you will bike up to the Passo Furcia and continue to Valdaora and Riscone. Once you reach Pieve di Marebbe, you’ll return to the beautiful San Vigilio di Marebbe and bike via Longega back to Badia. (91km / 56 miles biking, 1,847m / 6,060' elevation change.)
B,D…Hotel in Alta Badia (3-Star)
Day 5 ~ Day Off
Take a day off to rest your legs and spend a little time exploring your surroundings. Consider doing some hiking (which uses and stretches your muscles in a different way), and taking in the breathtaking peaks surrounding this incredible valley. Or, explore the villages of Alta Badia and witness the customs and traditions, and explore the crafts and cuisine of the ancient Ladin culture.
B,D… Hotel in Alta Badia (3-Star Superior)
Day 6 ~ Puez Tour
Time to get moving again! From La Villa, you will bike to Corvara and make the ascent to the Passo Gardena. Then descend to Selva/Wolkenstein and ride down the entire Val Gardena valley to Chiusa. From here you will climb to the beautiful Passo delle Erbe and then back down to San Martino in Badia before cycling back to La Villa. (103km / 64 miles biking, 2,796m / 9,173' elevation change.)
B,D… Hotel in Alta Badia (3-Star Superior)
Day 7 ~ Col di Lana Tour
Your final day of biking involves the Col di Lana, which overlooks the valley of Livinallongo and was the site of fierce battles during the First World War. In fact, to this day you can still see the enormous crater caused by one of the bombs.
From Corvara, cycle up to Passo Campolongo and then descend to Arabba. At this point you will continue to Colle Santa Lucia and make the ascent to Passo Giau. Finally, descend to Pocol and return via the Passo Falzarego and Passo Valparola to Corvara. (83km / 51 miles biking, 2,353m / 7,720' elevation change.)
B,D… Hotel in Alta Badia (3-Star Superior)
Day 8 ~ Depart
Time to reflect on the amazing journey you just took and the exquisite views you beheld while biking through one of the most beautiful places on earth.
B…
