Overview

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Belluno Train Station at 11:00 AM on the first day of your Dolomites cycling tour. From there, your guides will shuttle you to Alleghe where, at the foot of these giant Italian mountains, your Trek Travel guides will discuss the rules of bike safety and specific tips for the Dolomites. After a leisurely lunch, they will spend time familiarizing you to your Trek Domane for the week, and ensure that you have a comfortable fit. The ride warms up in the valley to Caprile then turns onto a beautiful 6-mile (10 km) switchback road that joins up with the main corridor back to Arabba. From Arabba, you'll ascend the backside of Campolongo before enjoying a glorious descent to your home for the next three nights, Hotel La Perla in Corvara. Enjoy a pre-dinner stroll through this mountain village, as the sun casts its golden light on the beautiful peaks above. This evening, you’ll gather at the hotel and discuss the week ahead before you savor the diversity of flavors from the Italian cucina to fuel up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Overview

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, get ready for one of the most scenic loops in road cycling! Wake up to a mellow ascent of Passo Campolongo, then descend into Arabba. From there enjoy 12 miles (20 km) of rollers to the base of Passo Giau. After a demanding six-mile (10 km) climb up the pass averaging a 9% grade, enjoy a long sweeping descent and celebrate your efforts with a hearty lunch in a cozy mountain lodge while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Dolomites peaks all around. Your next climb is Passo Falzarego, a pass steeped in cycling history: people still speak of the incredible battle on this climb between Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali in the Giro d’Italia way back in 1946. At the Falzarego summit, push on for a little over a half mile (1 km) to reach the highest point at Passo Valparola, a strikingly beautiful pass rising up to to 7,113 feet (2,168 m) from dense woodland into a rocky landscape framed by giant mountains. Finally return to Corvara and take some time to relax at the hotel, maybe with a spa session. Tonight you'll dine at a restaurant of your choice—perhaps a pizzeria or a trattoria will satisfy your cravings this evening?

Overview

Today you'll experience one of the most memorable rides of your life as you cycle the famed Sellaronda, a classic tour over the most celebrated four passes. These four iconic passes: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, and Gardena are regular highlights in the Giro d’Italia, and three of them exceed 6,800 feet (2,072 m). The day will reward you with incredible views of the jagged peak of the Sassolungo and breathtaking descents into the valleys below. You'll ride through scenery that genuinely deserves the word "dramatic" as you circumnavigate the Sella Massif. The green pastures and beautiful fresh air will complement the vividness of the remarkable pale mountains. Whether it is skied or hiked, cycled on road or on trail, the Sellaronda is an achievement worth boasting about! Tonight we'll gather as a group for a fantastic dinner at Ladinia, the hotel's alpine restaurant standing proud in its sublime location overlooking the Sassongher. Enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner using local and organic produce where fine cuisine and comfortable mountain tradition meet.

Overview

A private morning shuttle will take you north toward the Austrian and Swiss borders. Along the way you'll see a gradual change in landscape and tempo from the serenity of the quaint mountains to the hustle and bustle where Venosta and Adige Valleys meet. Once deep into the Venosta Valley, Mount Stelvio awaits, and the opportunity to climb up its "classic" side. With over 14 miles (22 km) and 48 switchbacks, you'll rise from 3,100 to 9,045 feet (944 to 2,756 m) to conquer the highest road in the eastern Alps and one of the most beautiful passes imaginable, finishing with endless views into the mountains toward Switzerland from the summit. After celebrating at the summit, you'll descend to the lovely ski town of Bormio, where pasta al pomodoro awaits at our cozy hotel. This afternoon, relax in the hotel spa or maybe take a revitalizing dip in the town's extensive thermal baths to rest your body—and soul—in anticipation of tomorrow's epic double ascent of the infamous climbs of Mortirolo and Gavia. This evening, enjoy a hearty traditional dinner at the hotel at your leisure before a restful and well-deserved sleep.

Overview

Today is your chance to climb the mighty Mortirolo and Gavia, undoubtedly some of the most challenging climbs in the world of cycling. It's a serious challenge after a long week of cycling that will make reaching the top that much sweeter. The route will first take you south and as you loose elevation, you’ll have a chance to spin out your legs. Arriving at the base of Mortirolo’s classic side will inspire you to push yourself one more time. The narrow, winding road is incredibly steep in parts with an average grade of 10.5% - mercifully the climb is only seven and a half miles. Much of the road weaves through the forest with glimpses of the views below. Your guides will be close by to cheer you on and refill your water as you need it. However, one last climb remains for this trip—Gavia. It's a long steady climb and despite the pain its gradients put you through, its rugged landscape with the white lake at the summit will soothe your soul forever. We'll celebrate your successful ascent at the top with a warm beverage at the welcoming Rifugio Bonetta. You’ll descend back to Bormio and wrap up this epic day—and trip—with a cocktail at the hotel followed by a farewell dinner in town. Cin cin!

Overview

After filling up on a bountiful mountain breakfast, you're invited to take your pick from a range of different activities. Enjoy an early morning climb up to the Torri di Fraele, where every switchback rewards you with better and better views of the town of Bormio and the incredible scenery of the surrounding Italian Alps. Enjoy impressive views from the ruins of an ancient abandoned warning tower at the summit before descending back to the hotel. Alternatively, opt out of the ride for a leisurely morning at the hotel, with a slow breakfast and maybe head into Bormio to do some shopping. After your perfect morning, you will bid your guides farewell at 11:30 AM at the Hotel Baita dei Pini. You'll then shuttle about two hours to the Colico train station and arrive at approximately 1:30 PM. Trains run from here to Milan every hour, where there are easy connections to all major Italian cities. Please don't book any transportation before 2:00 PM. For further information please see www.TrenItalia.com.