Dolomites Bike Tours
E xperience gorgeous, fairytale settings on this exhilarating and epic bicycle tour through the Italian Alps, featuring legendary climbs that have defined cycling history! Challenge your body while you explore a rich mixture of culture, and celebrate a sense of accomplishment on this quest through the heart of the Dolomites. This spectacular destination combines Italian passion for la dolce vita with European sensibility and efficiency. And even the most discriminating bon vivant will appreciate the area’s cuisine: the Trentino, South Tyrol, and Veneto regions offer much-loved dishes, toast-of-the-town wines, cozy hut food, and top rate dining.
Essence of the Dolomites
- Stay in authentic and unique hotels and inns
- Spectacular rides over some of the most famous passes in the Italian Dolomites
- Immerse yourself in this unique UNESCO natural monument
- Climb the famous and legendary cycling passes
- Visit World War I battlefields and learn the history
- Daily backdrop of soaring spires, waterfalls, and cool forests
- Best of mountain culture with gourmet dinners and the most amazing, undiscovered wines
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The Experience
Culture
As you cycle among the picturesque villages and rolling green pastures, you may notice a sturdy Italian Gothic tower and an onion domed Tyrolean steeple vying for ascendancy with the looming walls of dolomite. In many places, evidence of the grueling battle between Italy and Austria is still highly visible. It is an irresistibly fascinating, beautiful and photogenic land. Within the Dolomites exists a number of valleys, including the pastoral and lovely Val Gardena with its Tyrolean flavor, the unique Val Badia, where over 90% of the population speaks Romansch as a first language, and the Ampezzo region, with its strong Italian character. As a result of this, many street signs are written in three languages: Ladin, German and Italian.
Food & Wine
What began as simple, yet unique, food has evolved into widely respected haute cuisine that’s loyal to its tradition and local products. Among the regional specialties are cheeses from the Fiemme and Fassa valleys, speck (smoked raw ham), apples, and world-renowned wines—many from boutique and organic wineries. This eno-gastronomical exploration, combined with exceptional cycling in the breathtaking Dolomite landscape, is a bucket-list experience.
Landscape
The Dolomites owe their name to the 18th c. Frenchman Déodat Tancrè de Gratet de Dolomieu who “discovered” the chemical composition (stratified calcium magnesium carbonate) that renders this rock so different from all the rest. These fabulous vertical reefs glow in the changing light and present a startling and dramatic contrast to the pastoral beauty beneath. Comprising over 90,000 acres of mountainous terrain, the Italian Dolomites offer a unique corner of the Alps with distinctive geology and a fascinating blend of cultures.
Best Time to Visit
June, July and September
What to Bring on Tour
On the Bike:
- 2-3 pairs of cycling shorts with chamois lining
- Chamois cream
- 2-3 brightly colored bicycle jerseys (one will be provided by us)
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shoes and pedals (if you use them)
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof wind breaker or rain jacket
- Light weight jacket or vest
- Bicycle helmet
- Day pack/hip pack
- Arm and leg warmers
- Saddle (optional)
Off the Bike:
-
2-3 interchangeable evening outfits – our style is very casual and comfortable; jacket and tie not necessary
- We occasionally have a more formal evening, feel free to bring something for that occasion
- 1-2 lightweight sweaters
- 1-2 pairs of shorts or slacks
- Intimate clothing/sleepwear
- Comfortable walking shoes for evenings in town
For Alpine Tours:
Pack warmer clothing (layers), waterproof gear, warm gloves and hat
Personal Supplies:
- Passport and photocopies of your passport
- Wallet
- Airline ticket/e-ticket information
- Camera and camera charger
- Cell phone
- Electrical adapter and adapter plug
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions or other medications
- Bathing suit and sunscreen
- Cash for guide gratuity and meals on own
- Cash for wine kitty (optional)