Dolomites Road Biking Traverse

Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo on your own (private transfer available on request) and check into your hotel. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts bikers, hikers and mountain climbers who challenge the rocky faces and the paths of the nearby mountains. It is also a destination for the international jet set, and offers many year-round social activities, shopping, and dining. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a short warm up bike ride around Cortina d'Ampezzo.

In the morning you will meet with your bike guide for a trip briefing and equipment check.
Start from Cortina cycling up to a famous mountain pass in the Giro d’Italia bike race. From here you’ll be able to admire the Marmolada, Civetta, and the Col di Lana Massifs, which held a strategic position during WWI. Descend through a colorful village, then climb to the foot of the Pelmo Massif, arriving at your rifugio for the evening.
(Bicycle ~38 km / 24 miles, 1,792m / 5,879' ascent, 1,230m / 4,035' descent.)

Because today is your first day of cycling, the tour is relatively short to allow you to acclimatize. For those with energy to spare, an additional ride is available.

In the morning, descend to the bottom of the valley, and then climb to the south-eastern mountains of the Civetta Group. Descend again to the Belluno area, and climb your last moutain pass for the day. Upon reaching the top of the pass, enjoy a great descent to the valley of Primiero and tackle the final uphill ascent to the town where your hotel is located, at the foot of the majestic Pale di San Martino mountain group.
(Bicycle ~ 80 km / 48 miles, 2,573m / 8,440' ascent, 2,883m / 9,457' descent.)

Just as the other Dolomites, the Pale di San Martino are ancient coral reefs that, once emerged, were modelled by the elements into their present sharp and rugged forms. Dozens of sharp rocky needles, with edges like knives, superb stone cathedrals, soaring towers with peaks that disappear into the sky: that's the Pale di San Martino, majestic and elegant.

Tackle three important ascents today with incredible scenic landscapes that bring you into the heart of the Dolomites.
En route you pass by the base of the Pale di San Martino, the peaks of Loagorai, the remains of ancient volcanic eruptions; and “La Foresta dei Violini” – the spruce fir woods that the world renown Stradivari violins wood comes from. Reach Val di Fassa and check into your hotel.
(Bicycle ~59 km / 37 miles, 2,382m / 7,815' ascent, 1,900m / 6,234' descent.)

Today is a big day with stunning sceneries. Cycle from the Catinaccio Latemar mountain group to the Renon Plateau across some of the most charming villages of South Tyrol.
Climb a famous mountain pass and descend into a scenic, popular Dolomite valley at the foot of the Sella Massif. As the day continues, you will explore many colorful South Tyrolean villages at the foot of the Sciliar mountain.
Then, one last, final push will take you to the Renon Plateau and the village of Soprabolzano.

This afternoon is free for you to relax and explore, visiting the city of Bolzano and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi (the Iceman), or the Ritten Earth Pyramids – famous obelisks of red earth formed by erosion of glacial moraines.
(Bicycle ~ 91 km / 55 miles, 2,007m / 6,583' ascent, 2,144m / 7,032' descent.)

Depart Renon with a spectacular view of the Dolomites descending intoto Val d’Adige. Cycle along the Adige River (the second largest river in Italy) toward Austria, and then on toward Costalunga Lake. After 28 kilometers (17 miles) and 1,515 meters (4,970') ascent, distributed over two mountain passes, reach your hotel in Val di Fassa, riding through small and isolated villages far from traffic. If you have the energy, it’s worth extending the itinerary to the vibrant turquoise Costalunga Lake.
(Bicycle ~ 55 km / 34 miles, 2,218m / 7,280' ascent, 2,106m / 6,909' descent.)

Today is not the longest but possibly the hardest ride of the week, though thanks to your well-trained legs, you will be ready to cycle up these Dolomite passes with little effort! 
Begin with a light ascent to the higher side of Val di Fassa and a climb over the mountain pass that leads to the foot of the Marmolada Glacier. Enjoy the descent on the other side, for next comes one of the steepest ascents of the tour: 12.5 kilometres (8 miles) with a 1,030 meter (3,379') elevation gain and an inclination up to 13%. Wow!  You’ll be overjoyed reaching a well-deserved drink stop before tackling the next two ascents over scenic mountain passes.
End your ride with a descent to Alta Badia with amazing views over the Lagazuoi and Set Sass mountains and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment in completing this fantastic week on wheels.
(Bicycle ~ 73 km / 44 miles, 1,941m / 6,367 ascent, 1,788 m / 5,865' descent.)

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).