Dolomites' Secret Downhill Climbs

This does not mean you’ll be eating spaetzle-filled cannoli, but it does mean you’ll be experiencing the unique meshing of two cultures within the spectacular folds of Italy’s Dolomite Mountains. Beginning and ending in Bolzano, this five-day tour is unique in several ways. Besides the bilingual element, it’s one of the few alpine tours suitable for riders of all abilities. The lone mountain climb, atop Resia Pass, is accessed by vehicle. And the cruise down follows a designated cycle lane, eliminating car concerns. Most of the riding winds through lush green alpine valleys, mottled with orchards, vineyards and stretching shadows of surrounding snow-draped peaks, making for easy riding for the legs and eyes. Castles, some dating back to the 13th century, dot the surrounding slopes.

At night you’ll lodge in alpine villages that combine old world ambiance with resort town vigor, giving you the total South Tyrolean experience. And Bolzano, where you’ll spend two nights, is home to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, famous for housing Ötzi the Iceman, Europe’s oldest natural human mummy dating back to 3300 BC. As an added bonus, Bolzano is easily accessible by both train and plane. Nearby hubs, like Austria’s Innsbruck Airport and Italy’s Verona Airport, connect into Bolzano. Flights from Rome arrive daily.