Best of the Alps & Dolomites

Unbelievable riding on Italy's greatest climbs and other lesser-known passes. Interspersed with fabulous hospitality in gorgeous mountain retreats.

The Dolomites and Alps are probably the finest places to ride your bike anywhere in Europe. Staggering scenery, challenging riding, and the warmest of welcomes will leave you with lifelong cycling memories. Two mountain ranges draped across Northern Italy, the Dolomites and Alps offer a majestic backdrop to the adventurous cyclist. The proximity to Switzerland and Austria makes them truly intriguing places offering a rich tapestry of languages, cuisine, and architecture. We have handcrafted a tour that allows clients to enjoy the most iconic mountains in Italy. This is a trip of a cycling lifetime and full of highlights. It is, however, not only on the bike that inspires. The Dolomites and Alps are rich with culture. Both very different and inspired by bordering countries. Indeed, the cuisines could hardly be any more different. So, if you are a keen rider or indeed wish to enjoy the fresh air of the Italian mountains join us for a trip that will give you a lifetime of memories. 

  • START LINE: Canazei
  • FINISH LINE: Bormio
  • TOTAL DISTANCE: 533km
  • TOTAL ASCENT: 14,285m
Passo Stelvio
Passo Gavia
Mortirolo
Sella Ronda
Passo Giau
Laghi Cancano
Passo Fedaia
Passo Pordoi
  • Activity level:         LEVEL 4 – Esperto.
    - Cycling is part of my daily thoughts.
    - I can’t get the Italian mountains and countryside out of my mind.
    - If I could, I would move to Italy and cycle every day and drink coffee.
    - Do wheelies all the time.
  • Duration: 10 days | 9 nights
  • Dates: June 08-17 | June 22-July 01 | July 06-15 | July 20-29 | Aug 17-26 | Sep 07-16 | Sep 21-30
  • Can't see the perfect one? Request dates here.
  • Price from: €3575
  • Single supplEment €750
  • Room upgrade available: Yes
  • What's included?
Book Now
 

The Perfect Cycling Holiday

Is this what I’m looking for?  

  • Are you in search of a cycling challenge of a lifetime with the most amazing scenery?
  • Do you want to ride some of the world's most famous climbs in the company of like minded cyclists?
  • Are you wanting a stress free holiday with all the logistics taken care of?
  • Do you enjoy great company when enjoying a nice glass of wine with a fabulous evening meal?
  • Travelling from Australia? Are you looking to add a cycling holiday to a wider European holiday?

Magical & Unforgettable

What to look forward to?

  • Ride the 48 hairpins on Passo Stelvio when climbing from the classic side.
  • The one-day Sella Ronda circuit over the Pordoi, Sella, Campolongo and Selva Val Gardena – perhaps the greatest day’s ride in the world!
  • A medley of headline climbs, inc. the Mortirolo, Gavia and Fedaia.
  • Savour a typical Alpine dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants.
  • Discover the secret climb which Italy Bike Tours considers to be one of the best in Northern Italy.
  • Relax and unwind in the hotels' excellent spas.

Stages of your Tour

  1. Canazei

    40km - 150m climb

    Your Alps and Dolomites cycling tour starts at Verona airport where you will be met by one of our friendly team, before being transferred north to our hotel in Canazei. On arrival our staff will be on hand to support those who have brought their own bike and bike fit those who are hiring bikes.  The afternoon ride will take in an easy 40km loop heading south towards Moena. This flat (ish) ride is perfect to stretch the legs and savour some spectacular scenery and enjoy a few km’s on one of the best cycle paths anywhere in Europe. Dinner this evening will be served in the hotel restaurant. 

    Hotel Andreas | Canazei

  2. Passo fedaia

    67km- 1900m Climb

    The joy of waking up, opening the window, and looking out over the Dolomites is unrivalled. The majesty of the mountains, the calm yet power of these spectacular peaks is something very special.   After breakfast we take on our first climb of the week. Passo Pordoi, 10km of steady 8% climbing before a long descent into Arabba. It is here that you will start the epic Fedaia Pass. A mythical climb that has one of the jewels of the Dolomites at the top - The Marmolada glacier. A place to take photos and enjoy the wonder of the glacier. 

    Hotel Andreas| Canazei

  3. Passo Giau

    77km - 2350m CLIMB

    There are few places more stunning and challenging to ride than Passo Giau. Postcard perfect riding awaits guests today as we leave Canazei and head north towards Arabba (30-minute transfer). The landscape and quality of the rides is a hallmark of the Dolomites as is the wildlife and wild flowers. The first 20km along the valley before climbing the ‘classic side’ of Passo Giau. The decent in towards Cortina is amongst the best in the Dolomites, the final climb of the day from the ‘easy side’ is Falzarego. 

     
    Hotel Andreas | Canazei

  4. SELLA RONDA

    64 km - 2075M CLIMB

    Another beautiful ride awaits you today, the amazing Sella Ronda. The world-famous route is cycling paradise for riders of all abilities. Of all the rides we do throughout the year none has the beauty and equal challenge of Sella Ronda. Starting with Passo Pordoi and finishing with the seemingly endless Campolongo this is a ride to test the stamina of any cyclist. The profile of the ride speaks for itself. Today you are either riding uphill or downhill! In truth, the appeal of Sella Ronda are the gradients. This is a day like no other. Those that complete Sella Ronda, will look back on this marvellous achievement for many years.

    Hotel Andreas| Canazei

  5. Lago di Carezza

    52km - 900m CLIMB

    After two back-to-back days in the saddle of epic challenge, today we offer something a little more tranquil. We once again head south along Val di Fassa before taking a sharp right and climb up to Lago di Carezza. No lake in the Dolomites says ‘please jump in’ more than Lago di Carezza. With crystal clear blue water, mountain back drop and Alpine trees surrounding the lake, this is the place to pause, take photos and soak in all that is good about the world. Tonight, we will enjoy a celebratory dinner and a glass of the best local wine as we celebrate together.


    Hotel Andreas | Canazei

  6. STELVIO CLASSIC

    55KM - 1980M CLIMB

    Sadly it is time to say goodbye to the Dolomites as this morning we transfer you to the foot of one of Europe’s most famous mountains - Passo Stelvio. After a gentle warm-up ride, you will start the ascent from Prato and make you way up the 48 hairpin bends. The last five 5kms is probably the most iconic riding anywhere in the world. Our staff will be on hand to take photos as you reach the summit. After a chance to enjoy a famous hot chocolate, we will descend to your next hotel. The beautiful Hotel Alpen. Dinner served in the hotel restaurant.

    Hotel Alpen | Bormio

  7. Valtellina cYCLING pATH

    30km - 150km Climb

    Even the pro’s need a more relaxed stage when they are riding the grand tours! Today we have a chilled ride along the picturesque Valtellina cycle path. A chance to rest the legs and recharge before the challenge in the coming days. The cycle path is the perfect place for coffee, photos and a chat with new friends about how much fun you are having! Dinner is served tonight in the centre of Bormio.


    Hotel Alpen | Bormio

  8. MORTIROLO & GAVIA

    111KM - 3330M climb

    The Queen Stage! From Bormio you descend down the valley to the legendary Mortirolo, tackled from Mazzo.  The hardest of hard climbs await. The stunning descent to Monno is followed by a lunch stop in Ponte di Legno. Here is where the second challenge of the day begins- Passo Gavia, unlike the Stelvio with its wider roads and excellent road surface, the Gavia is narrower and bumpy in places making the experience even more magical. The long sweeping descent from Gavia back to the hotel can be enjoyed knowing that you have achieved one of the toughest rides in cycling. Dinner tonight in the hotel restaurant.

    Hotel Alpen | Bormio

  9. Laghi di Cancano

    40km - 550m CLIMB

    The last ride of the epic holiday is a magical ascent to Laghi di Cancano. The climb is a hidden gem in the Italian Alps although recently featured in the Giro d’Italia. The views at the top of the dam are incredible. Instagram heaven for those of you documenting the trip! A final celebratory dinner awaits after some relaxing time at the hotel. A wonderful evening to celebrate the most magnificent cycling holiday.

    Hotel Alpen | Bormio

  10. arrivederci

    Not today!

    All good things must come to an end and sadly it is time to bid you farewell. Our staff will happily assist you with planning your onward travel. There will be one morning transfer to Milano airports.

    Onward destinations.

BIKE HIRE

The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you, we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire as a mail and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!


Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. Lightweight, aerodynamic and great handling.

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COLNAGO V3

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
  • Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
  • Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
  • Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
  • (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))

3T Primo - in our opinion 3T make the world’s finest gravel bikes. The Primo offers clients the very best in handling and comfort. If you love riding gravel you will love the 3T Primo.

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3T PRIMO GRAVEL

COMPONENTS:

  • SRAM Rival Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (42T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette)
  • Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
  • Pirelli Cinturato 35mm Gravel Tyres
  • SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • WTB SL8 saddle
  • (Sizes: S, M, L, XL)

Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guests looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars are perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.

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GUERCIOTTI BRERA TOURING ION

COMPONENTS:

  • SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
  • Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
  • SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
  • 500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
  • DPV Touring saddle
  • (Sizes: S, M)

Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. Assistant road bikes are a real ‘game changer’.

What’s included?

  • 9-nights 3* or 4* accommodation
  • Transfers
  • All breakfasts
  • 7 dinners
  • Guided rides
  • GPX routes
  • Van and mechanical support
  • Experienced team of professionals
  • Beautifully planned rides
  • Laundry service for cycling kit
  • IBT gift bundle
  • City taxes

What’s not included?

  • Travel Insurance
  • Flights
  • Bike hire
  • All beverages at meal time
  • Lunches
 
 

The nuts and Bolts

Useful information about your holiday

Still Undecided?

Here is what our clients say about this tour………

I am just back from an incredible 10 days of riding The Best of Alps and Dolomites tour. I can’t thank Italy Bike Tours enough. These guys day-in day-out went the extra mile for me and fellow guests. I have made friends I will keep for a lifetime on this trip. The Stelvio was on my bucket list for many years. It didn’t disappoint. I have been with several other operators but never returned. I will be returning to Italy Bike Tours as soon as I can. Thank you Alberto and the team!

Reggie | Best of Alps & Dolomites

Where to meet?

Please arrange to meet us at Verona Station (Porta Nuova) at 14:00 - Day 1. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additonal cost.

Drop off Location?

We can assist you with planning and booking of onward travel following the conclusion of your tour. We will run one morning transfer to Milan airports.

Transfer Time

Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Verona. The transfer time from Verona to the Dolomites is 2:30hrs (Day 1). We will stop for a coffee along the way. Transfer time (Day 6) from Dolomites to Oris is 2:00hrs.
Riding in the Alps & Dolomites

The general road conditions in the Alps & Dolomites are very good but can be affected by adverse weather, also at certain times of the year roads may be busy with cars and motorbikes. For these reasons we may adjust ride times.
Cuisine

The food is excellent in both the regions of Lombardia and Trento. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. Home made local wines and beer are a must to try.

Hotel Facilities

The hotels on this tour have spas and we recommend bringing swimming costumes. Hotels also have laundry service, good wifi and bar service. Hotels may charge extra to use some of these facilties.
Private Tours & Groups

We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements.

Weather

The weather in the mountains can be unpredicatble and our guides will monitor the weather on a daily basis and ammend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in Bormio and Canazei ranges from 17°C-23°C (62°F-73°F)

What happens next?

Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM / JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page.

 

Hotels

HOTEL ANDREAS ****

HOTEL ALPEN ***

 

Get In Touch

If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.

ITA: +39 320 638 4713

Or you can chat to us online also by clicking the button at bottom right of page.

Drop us a direct email to info@italybiketours.com