Cycle Around the Dolomites

This self-guided hotel-to-hotel loop circles the Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage-listed for their "unique monumental beauty", keeping the peaks in view while riding comfortably at their feet on valley cycle paths and quiet side roads. Designed with e-bike riders in mind, it is also manageable on a trekking bike for fitter cyclists, starting and finishing in the Hochpustertal at Niederdorf or Toblach.

The first stage follows the former Dolomites railway between the Three Peaks and Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature parks, with views of the Three Peaks, crossing into the Veneto at Cortina d'Ampezzo, the historic Olympic town, before continuing through forests and tunnels to Pieve di Cadore. The route then heads south via Longarone, rebuilt after the 1963 Vajont disaster, and quiet Belluno to historic Feltre. A long day follows the ancient Roman Via Claudia Augusta through the Valsugana past Lake Caldonazzo, Trentino's largest natural lake, to Trento and its Buonconsiglio Castle, with the option to shorten the stage by train.

From Trento the Adige cycle path winds through vineyards and orchards past the Salorno Gorge, the language border between Italian-speaking Trentino and German-speaking South Tyrol, to Bolzano, home of Ötzi the Iceman. Riders then follow the Isarco River past Trostburg Castle and Säben Monastery to Bressanone, before the final climb past Franzensfeste fortress, Neustift Abbey and Brunico back into the green Puster Valley. Nights are in 3-star hotels, with luggage transferred daily.

Highlights:

• The former Dolomites railway trail with views of the Three Peaks
• Cortina d'Ampezzo, historic Olympic town
• Belluno's Piazza del Duomo and historic Feltre
• Lake Caldonazzo and Trento's Buonconsiglio Castle
• Bolzano's arcades and the Ötzi museum
• Säben Monastery, Bressanone and Neustift Abbey

Surface and terrain:
Mainly cycle paths, with some stretches on quiet secondary roads. Valley riding at the foot of the mountains, with daily ascent of 130 to 815 m. The biggest climbs are Feltre to Trento (Day 4) and Bressanone back to the Hochpustertal (Day 7).

Weather:
Expect generally warm summer days in the valleys, cooler conditions in the Hochpustertal and around Cortina, and possible afternoon thunderstorms.

Suitable for:
E-bike riders of average fitness, or fitter cyclists on trekking bikes, comfortable with 42 to 93 km days. Rated Medium by the operator; minimum age 14.