The Ultimate Dolomites Bike Tour

Embracing a challenging route, our day is set amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites. Departing from Cortina, we head east, ascending the storied Passo Tre Croci. This 8.1km climb, with a 7.1% average incline, is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a journey through history, having been a part of the Giro d’Italia in 1966. According to legend, it’s named after a mother and her two children who tragically perished here.

After conquering Passo Tre Croci, we’re rewarded with a descent to the picturesque Lake Misurina, sitting at 1754m above sea level. It’s the perfect spot for a refreshing pause, surrounded by the lake’s tranquil beauty.

The day’s centrepiece is the formidable climb to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Spanning 7km, the last 4km of this ascent test your limits with an average incline just shy of 12%. We’ll channel the spirit of cycling legend Eddy Merckx, who triumphed here in 1968 amidst a dramatic snowstorm, capturing both the stage victory and the leader’s jersey in a single heroic effort.

With the summit conquered, a lengthy descent awaits, leading us back towards Cortina. But the challenge isn’t over yet—your final task is a 5km climb back to your hotel, a fitting end to a day filled with both arduous climbs and breathtaking scenery.

Today’s ride is a journey, that presents a double challenge with two iconic climbs: Passo Falzarego and the formidable Passo Giau. We begin with the relatively smooth ascent of Passo Falzarego, stretching 16.4km with an average incline of 5.6%. This climb serves as an ideal warm-up, preparing us for the more daunting challenge ahead.

The highlight of the day is the ascent of Passo Giau, a climb that falls into the rare category of Hors Catégorie, known for its potential to alter the course of stage races. This 10.2km climb boasts a relentless 9.1% gradient, culminating at an elevation of 2236m above sea level. For dedicated cyclists, reaching the summit of Passo Giau is more than a feat—it’s a trophy, a testament to endurance and determination.

Atop Passo Giau, we are greeted with panoramic views that stretch across the majestic peaks of Nuvolau and Averau, both towering above 2600 meters. Here, amidst the breathtaking scenery, we pause for a well-deserved cappuccino and snacks, savouring the moment in a mountain hut. This is not just any coffee break—it’s a cappuccino with a view, a moment to relish in the achievement and the stunning vistas that surround us.

With your spirits high and your bodies refreshed, you embark on the final leg of today’s journey: a thrilling 12km descent back to your hotel, where comfort and relaxation await.

Today’s route, spanning 59 km, reacquaints us with Passo Falzarego before introducing us to the daunting Passo Fedaia. We embark on Falzarego with a newfound familiarity, its smooth and steady slopes serving as a prelude to the day’s main challenge.

The ascent of Passo Fedaia is a test of both physical and mental strength, a climb renowned in the Dolomites for its steepness and awe-inspiring landscapes. Spanning 12.8km with an average gradient of 8%, the climb is demanding, but it’s the notorious Malga Ciapela section that truly defines this ascent.

This nearly three-kilometre segment, marked by an average incline of 12% and stretches peaking at 15%, is a formidable adversary, etched in the memories of amateur cyclists and professionals alike. It was here, on these gruelling slopes, where the Australian cyclist Jay Hindley overtook Richard Carapaz during the Giro d’Italia, snatching the Maglia Rosa and etching his name into cycling history.

With our spirits lifted and energy replenished, a short descent awaits, guiding us to Canazei, our second base in the Dolomites.

Today’s ride is a dream come true for every cyclist – the famed Sellaronda classic loop. This journey is a masterclass in Dolomites cycling. It’s an unrelenting sequence of climbs and descents, capturing the essence of what Italian amateurs adore about cycling: relentless ascents followed by exhilarating descents with no flat stretches in sight.

Our route today encompasses four iconic Dolomite passes, each with its unique allure. We start with the Passo Pordoi, soaring to 2,239 meters above sea level, a pass intertwined with the history of the Giro d’Italia and where Fausto Coppi, the legendary Campionissimo, triumphed six times. Next, we tackle the Passo Campolongo, the shortest of the day at 4km but with an average incline of 7.4%, leading us to the breathtaking heights of Alta Badia.

The Passo Gardena, our third challenge, is a steady 9km ascent through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the Alps. As we climb, we’re treated to panoramic views of majestic peaks, including the famous Sassolungo. The descent from Gardena is swift, setting us up for the final climb of the day to Passo Sella.

The last 5.4km push to the Sella Pass is a fitting finale, where we can take a moment at the summit to enjoy a well-deserved coffee, marvelling at the mountain that shares the pass’s name. This “rock castle” or “majestic island” reaching skywards provides a dramatic backdrop for our descent back to Canazei.

The beauty witnessed on today’s Sellaronda loop is unparalleled – a visual feast of mountain grandeur that will leave lasting impressions long after we cross the finish line.

Today’s journey, a lengthy 100 km ride with nearly 2,400m elevation gain, feels like a Grand Tour stage, blending endurance with breathtaking Dolomites scenery. Our route starts with a fast descent to the historical village of Predazzo, dating back to 1035, before confronting the first major climb of the day: the formidable Passo Rolle.

The 20.5km ascent to Passo Rolle can be divided into two parts. The initial 10km stretch leads to the serene Alpine Lake of Paneveggio, where the gradient eases alongside the lake’s edge. The challenge intensifies in the second half, with a steeper climb peaking at 10%. The reward for this exertion is the spectacular view of the iconic Pale di San Martino peaks.

After a brief respite in San Martino di Castrozza, we embark on a rapid 9km descent, only to face another ascent to Passo Valles, a 6km climb at an average of 8.2%. Once again, we find ourselves over 2000 meters above sea level, surrounded by the quintessential beauty of the Dolomites.

The descent from Passo Valles is followed by the climb connecting Cencenighe to San Pellegrino. This ascent begins with a challenging 2km stretch with gradients exceeding 12%, before easing slightly to an 8% average for the remaining 4km. Atop the pass, the sight of a charming church signals the end of our climbing for the day.

What follows is a long, rewarding descent to Moena, before retracing our morning route back to Canazei. As we conclude this ‘queen stage’ of our journey, relaxation and reflection await in the comfort of your hotel’s wellness area. Today’s achievements – three mountain peaks and nearly 2400 meters of climbing – rival the challenges of the Giro d’Italia, marking an extraordinary day in the saddle.

As we embark on our final ride with a substantial elevation gain, we’re reminded that our cycling adventure is far from over. Today’s route is a fitting grand finale, mirroring the intensity of the Giro d’Italia’s last stages, as we tackle three challenging passes with the most significant elevation gain of the tour.

Leaving the hotel, we immediately face the 11.7km climb to Passo Sella, ascending from the south road. Reaching the summit, we’re rewarded with a stunning panorama before descending and ascending again to Passo Gardena. Our journey then takes us on a delightful 26km downhill ride through the scenic Alta Badia valley, leading us to the beautiful and often overlooked Passo delle Erbe.

Passo delle Erbe, a climb known to connoisseurs, has only featured thrice in the Giro d’Italia, with American cyclist Andrew Hampsten claiming the first King of the Mountain title here in 1993. This part of the Dolomites presents a contrast to the rocky landscapes we’ve encountered earlier, offering lush greenery and an abundance of flowers. The pass, nestled between the grassy slopes of Luson and the meadows of Pütia, provides an idyllic setting for our final cappuccino stop, surrounded by the imposing mountain walls to the south.

The descent from Passo delle Erbe is a 26km journey of discovery, twisting and turning down a narrow road that traces the canyon carved by the Isarco River. This hidden gem, unknown to many, leads us to our final destination in the charming town of Bressanone, marking the end of an unforgettable tour through the Dolomites.