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 8 days exploring breathtaking mountain roads, pedaling through ancient forests where Nature sets the rhythm of life. All the while enjoying traditional Tyrolean meals and top quality local wines.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Tour begins in Bolzano 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 included: Dinner

Day 2 – Loop ride to Caldaro, the heart of the wine region! (37 miles, 2,200 feet gain) 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 included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Bicycle to Fié allo Sciliar (29 miles, 4,700 feet gain) 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 Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 – Bicycle to Bressanone (Brixen) (34 miles, 3,700 feet gain) 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 included: Breakfast

Day 5 – Bicycle to San Candido (45 miles, 4,300 feet gain) 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 included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Loop ride to Lake Braies (37 miles, 3,600 feet gain) This morning we’ll visit a cheese maker as 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. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 – Bicycle to Cortina (34 miles, 4,600 feet gain) 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 included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 – Tour ends in Cortina Stick around and explore this lovely town! Meals included: Breakfast

Lodging

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