|
|
Challenging Passes of the Dolomites
offered by supplier M09630 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 20
people
Destination(s):
Italy
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Sightseeing
Season: May - September
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 626 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 626 Euro (EUR)
|
|
Formed by the collision of the African and European continents approximately 60 million years ago, this natural gymnasium offers infinite types of routes and grades. The challenge of traversing these wonders is steep, but the feeling of triumph is even greater. And while the cheering fans of the annual Maratona dles Dolomites (one of the biggest, most chaotic bike races on Earth) may not be there to entice you further, the unbelievable sights sure will.
As the first natural monument in Italy protected by UNESCO, these mountains’ breathtaking landscapes are as varied as the numerous dialects and cultures still prevalent among them. We invite you to witness it all!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Toblach/Nieblerdorf/Weisberg
Set amongst luscious and verdant mountains under azure skies, your first hotel in Alta Pusteria provides a warm and friendly welcome upon your arrival. You’ll want to take in sights of the surrounding splendors before biking across them tomorrow.
Day 2: Hochpustertal - Cortina d'Ampezzo (approx. 80km and 1650m in altitude).
On today’s ride, you’ll race through the quaint alpine town of Toblach before dashing through the Sexten Valley, known as the heart of the Dolomites. Here, blooming fields compete with tumultuous mountain ranges for the foreground in the many surreal portraits around you. Dotted villages along the way provide rest and a cool-down before three Dolomiti passes really turn up the heat. At 1636m high, the Kreuzbergpass not only signifies the division between the Dolomites and the Carnic Alps, but marks your first triumph on this bike trip. Beyond the reach of the next two steep climbs – Passo San Antonio and TreCoci Pass – lies the former Olympic town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, where you’ll overnight.
Day 3: Cortina d'Ampezzo - Belluno (approx. 90km and 1100m in altitude).
Hopefully your quads aren’t still feeling yesterday’s burn because today’s bike ride gives new meaning to the saying, “Beauty equals pain.” The many towering peaks leading you to the province of Belluno may be dazzling to the eyes, but they’re certainly not easy on the legs. Natural wonders culminate around you while cycling from Cortina d’Ampezzo. On your right, the three-peaked summit of the Tofane and on your left, the Five Towers (Cinque Torri). Each drop of sweat rendered by the many passes on this route, including the treacherous climb up Passo Giau (2236 m), will be well-compensated with beautiful views and roaring descents. Overnight in Belluno.
Day 4: Belluno - Feltre (approx. 100km and 850m in altitude).
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave the ancient city of Belluno behind. Biking along a windy route, you’ll pass through Ponte Nelle Alpi to find yourself embraced in the Alpago valley beside the grandeur reflection of Lake Santa Croce. Several climbs ahead stand as reminders that today’s ride is more than just aerobic exercise, however the renowned Valdobbiadene – home of the Italian Prosecco (sparkling wine) – makes for the perfect warm-down. Be sure to get a taste of the region’s many vineyards before traversing the Piave River to the medieval town of Feltre where you’ll overnight.
Day 5:Feltre - Bassano del Grappa (approx. 65km and 1500m difference in altitude).
Although you’re almost to the plains where miles will slide easily under your wheels, the wrath of Mont Grappa – all 1,775 meters of it – still lies before you. Known as a famous site of the World War I battle between Italy, Austria and Germany, this mythic mountain is now the scene of your last uphill battle. No surrendering! With a steep, thrilling descent to the medieval Bassano del Grappa, victory never felt so good! Overnight in Bassano del Grappa.
Day 6: Bassono del Grappa - Treviso (approx. 110km and 600m in altitude).
Thrusting the Alpine regions behind your bike seat, you’ll pedal on routes where beautiful villas designed by the renowned Venetian architect Andrea Palladio come into view. Up ahead, you’ll be able to uncover another one of Italy’s hidden gems in the rustic town of Asolo before coasting along the “Vine Road” to Vittorio Veneto and Conegliano. The final destination for today’s ride is the fashionable and historic town of Treviso, where you’ll overnight.
Day 7: Treviso - Venice/Mestre (approx. 85km - 0m altitude).
After saying "ciao" to Treviso, the River Sile will finally usher you to the sparkling shores of the Venetian lagoon where you’ll cycle around its waters to the seaside resort of Jesolo and Cavallino. Once you reach Punta Sabbioni you may take a ferry to Mestre/Venice to admire it all!
Day 8: Departure
Note that we can arrange post-tour stays in Venice, if desired, in order to soak up more of its dreamy canal magic!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 7-night accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Meeting with our local representative on Sunday before your ride
- Detailed route notes
- Tourist information
- Luggage transfers
- Telephone assistance
- All tax and service charges.
Price Excludes:
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Bicycle rentals.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Sightseeing
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
|
|
|
, ext: 09630
