Overview

It’s official, our guests have been saying for years, the Dolomites truly are one of the most beautiful places in the world and riding a bike there is spectacular.

UNESCO declares the DOLOMITES a “Natural World Heritage Site”. On 26th June 2009, UNESCO included these calcite mountains located in northeastern Italy on its list of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

The “Dolomiti Stars” tour starts in Cortina, one of the crown jewels of the region, and follows through the heart of the Dolomities and the best passes in the Alps. Experience climbing the legendary Passo Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena. Enjoy the Italian Alps and the highest paved mountain pass in Europe the Stelvio with its 48 switchbacks.

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Mileage: 40-70 mi / day

Dates:

July 13 - 21, 2020

Package Price:

$3,490

Single supplement:

$495

cycling in italy

Itinerary

Day 1: Warm-up ride around Cortina

Morning pick up in Venice Mestre followed by arrival in Cortina. Take a warm up ride through the town or surrounding hills. Tonight enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel’s chef, talk about the tour, and receive your tour maps.

Day 2: Climbs of the Tre Croci & Tre Cima

Starting from Cortina ride a long loop around the mountains with an optional climb up the passo Tre Croci and summit of the Tre Cime. Tonight we stay in town for another night, this is a great night to have a night out on the town if you desire.

Day 3: Sella Ronda Loop

After breakfast we ride from Cortina to La Villa around the sella massif for what is known as the Sella Ronda loop, a classic ride in alpine cycling. On this route you get to climb 4 mountain passes, 3 of which are higher than 6,600 feet. On this loop you are always surrounded by the awesome jagged peaks of the Dolomites. It is a rare opportunity in the cycling world to be able to tackle four such awe inspiring passes in single day! Passes: Gardena, Sella, Campolongo

Day 4: Passo Valparola, Pordoi & Fedia (Marmolada Massif)

After Breakfast we continue exploring the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. After climbing the passo Valporola we continue on to Passo Fedia located just below the Marmolada Massif. Finish the day with a final climb over the Pordoi from the back side, a true leg burner!

Day 5: Del Brennero canyon

Ride down the mountains to a stunningly beautiful ride down the valley and canyons of the Brennero. Then transfer to the medieval Glorenza at the where we will stay the night inside the ancient walls.

Day 6: 48 Switchbacks of the Passo dello Stelvio

Test your courage and stamina against today’s highest Alpine pass. Today will be an epic ride conquering the famous Stelvio Pass, first introduced into the Giro d’Italia in 1953 and made famous after Fausto Coppi’s victory. At the top we will enjoy the view of the Italian and Swiss Alps while sipping on cappuccinos and watching tourists from all over the world mill about in this exciting atmosphere. A German sausage sandwich from the cart vendor is always a favorite on this route. After some time at the summit we roll over the top and down to Bormio were we stay the next night.

Stelvio Pass – 2,758 m / 22 km / 7.5% Ave

Day 7: Passo Gavia climb

Today’s climb will include the beautiful Gavia Pass. Ride through the Santa Caterina Valley to the base of the Gavia pass which has been touted to be the most beautiful pass of the Alps. At the top of the pass send a post card to a friend at the outpost and enjoy a well deserved snack at the cafe.

Gavia Pass – 2,621 m / 26 km / 5.4% Ave

Day 8: Recovery ride and transfer

After breakfast we will transfer back to Venice with plenty of time to relay and explore the area. Our last dinner will be in Venice to conclude the trip.

Day 9: Departure

Departures from Venice airport (after 4:00 pm are possible.) Additional nights accommodations can be arranged by request.

Trip Details

Package Includes:

  • 3 & 4 star accommodations
  • Support vehicle
  • All Breakfasts and dinners included
  • Optional shorter or longer routes available most days
  • Entry into the Dolomiti Stars Gran Fondo
  • Pick-up & drop off in Venice Mestre / bike box storage

Climbing Highlights:

  • Passo Pordoi
  • Passo Sella
  • Passo Tre Croci & Tre Cime summit
  • Stelvio Pass
  • Gavia Pass

Our groups are kept small so reserve your spot soon. To make your reservation please submit your reservation form along with a credit card deposit of $300. Note: deposits are refundable within 3 months prior to the tour date minus a $100 processing fee. Final amount will be due 3 months prior to the tour departure date.

To Sign Up Please email  Tobias@gftours.com Please include tour name, dates, and how many are in your group.

Once you have reserved your tour an account will be created for you that will be used to track and update your customer information required for your tour. This will include your contact information, rider profile and various tour options. You will be able to view or update your information at any time.

Final payments are due 3 months prior to the tour date. These can be paid by check or credit card. Checks can be sent to the address below.

Checks:

Payable to: Granfondo Cycling Tours

9939 Hibert st #105

San Diego, CA 92131

Or by Credit Card (Visa / Master Card) (email for online payable invoice)

Travel insurance … also known as trip insurance, is recommended for anyone traveling in a foreign country. They are relatively low cost and can protect against unexpected cancellations and depending on the company can provide additional medical coverage, property damage, theft etc. For our tours we recommend CSA Travel Protection. When purchasing please mention that you are with our group. Agent initials CAP and producer code W8000182.

Airfare assistance … For a good source on tickets you can contact Connoisseur Consolidators 1-888-646-6522. If you call, please let them know you are with Granfondo Cycling Tours.

Cancellation Policy … In the event that you have to cancel your trip the following rules apply to regularly scheduled tours. Private tours may have additional guidelines.

    • 100% of deposit refunded within 30 day of payment
    • $100 administration fee within 3 months prior to tour start date
    • 50% refund within 1 month prior to the tour start date
    • Medical emergencies are on a case by case bases
    • Travel insurance is always recommended