Classic Climbs of the Dolomites… (trip)

Classic Climbs of the Dolomites • Explorer • Italy • Europe

  • Bolzano Airport, Bolzano, Italy
  • Culture & Nature
Italy, Europe

from $3,495* per person7 DaysJuly
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Trek Travel 24 people max
Astounding scenery, challenging terrain, and renowned Italian hospitality combine to create a cycling Shangri-La. The landscape of the famed Dolomiti is awash in contrast; from stoic, powerful cliffs framed by placid blue skies to lush green pastures backed by snow-capped peaks, the scenery in these mountains can confound reality. Likewise, the storied climbs of the Giro d'Italia tease the senses; curling to the sky like plumes of smoke clinging to the jagged horizon, these famous roads offer a mesmerizing backdrop for a truly historic and rewarding bicycle tour.

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Italy, Europe

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Itinerary

Day 1:
Road Bike | Nova Levante to Passo Costalunga to Moena | approximately 25 miles with 2,100 feet of climbing
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Bolzano Central Train Station (Piazza della Stazione, Bolzano) at 1:00 PM on the
first day of the trip. From there, your guides will shuttle you a short distance to Nova Levante, where you will meet the bike
you’ll be riding for the week. Surrounded by the mountains, your Trek Travel guides will discuss the rules of bike safety and
specific cycling tips for the Dolomites following a short round of introductions. They will spend some time familiarizing you to
the Madone you’ll be riding and make sure that you and your bike are a comfortable fit. You’ll ride out of town with your fellow
cycling companions and quickly begin your first climb, as you head east out of the Adige Valley and into the Eastern Dolomiti.
Stop to see the stunning colorful waters of Lago di Carezza in the forests approaching the summit. You’ll ascend the Val d’Ega
and reach an elevation of 1753 meters at Passo Costalunga before a great descent into the Val di Fassa and the town of Moena.
Enjoy a pre-dinner stroll through this mountain village, as the sun casts its golden light on the beautiful peaks above. This evening,
you’ll gather at the hotel and discuss the week ahead, before you savor the diversity of flavors from the Italian cucina to fuel up
for tomorrow’s adventures.
Hotel | Hotel Dolomiti | +39 0462 573 218 | www.HotelDolomitiMoena.it

Day 2:
Road Bike | Moena to Marmolada Loop | approximately 50 miles with 7,200 feet of climbing
Short Option | Moena to Passo Fedaia | approximately 30 miles
Avid Option | Passo Valles Add-on | approximately 65 miles
After a hearty breakfast at the Hotel Dolomiti, you’ll begin another day of spectacular riding by heading north up the valley,
through the ski village of Canazei where the climbing really begins. The climb? The formidable Passo Fedaia. You’ll pedal up in
the shadows of the well known Marmolada Glacier and, at the summit, enjoy views of the Lago di Fedaia and the endless peaks
in the distance. On the steep descent, the route shows off the great Monte Civetta and takes you through Alleghe—a picturesque
lakeside community. Prior to your next ascent, you will have the chance to refuel with a packed lunch and enjoy the lake views
in Alleghe or one of the surrounding villages. Shortly after your break, it will be time to climb Passo San Pellegrino. Not quite
reaching an elevation of 2000 meters (unlike Fedaia, which exceeded this mark), the Pellegrino has one particular section that
will be sure to exercise the lowest of your gears! At the top, all that is left to do is descend once more, and you’ll reach the front
door of the hotel in Moena without even one pedal stroke. Tonight you will have a chance to eat at a restaurant of your choice;
perhaps a pizzeria or a trattoria will satisfy your craving for the evening.
Hotel | Hotel Dolomiti | +39 0462 573 218 | www.HotelDolomitiMoena.it

Day 3:
Road Bike | Sella Ronda Loop | approximately 35 miles with 7,900 feet of climbing
Short Option | Moena to Passo Sella Return | approximately 17 miles
Avid Option | Passo Fedaia add-on | approximately 20 miles with 7,500 feet of climbing
The Sella Loop is one of the most memorable rides of your trip, if not your life. You’ll be riding in the shadows of the Sella Massif
and its dramatic sheer cliffs. You may spot rock climbers en-route as you ride under ski bridges and various ski lifts. The green
pastures and beautiful fresh air will complement the vividness of the remarkable grey mountains. The four passes that you will ride
are regular highlights in the Giro d’Italia. The first climb, Passo di Sella, is the most challenging, as it involves the most elevation
gain but also rewards us with an incredible view of the jagged peak of the Sasso Lungo. The following three passes - Gardena,
Campolongo, and the Pordoi - are still challenging, but luckily you don’t start from the valley bottom for these climbs. Three of
these four passes all reach above 2100 meters and command amazing views across the range. You can enjoy lunch at a restaurant
of your choice in the mountain town of Arraba or one of the other surrounding villages before the last ascent of the day, Pordoi.
The ride finishes with a breathtaking downhill into the valley toward Moena to prepare you for your dinner among friends, back
at the hotel.
Hotel | Hotel Dolomiti | +39 0462 573 218 | www.HotelDolomitiMoena.it

Day 4:
Road Bike | Moena to Passo Costalunga to Merano | approximately 50 miles with 2,400 feet of climbing
Short Option | Moena to Passo Costalunga to Bolzano | approximately 30 miles
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to descend many more meters than you climb. In fact, once you summit Passo Costalunga,
the remainder of the day is downhill and flat. This will be a great opportunity to flush out the legs. You’ll pick up a bike path in
Bolzano to head toward the town of Merano. The riding in the valley is a mixture of bike paths and small rural roads that wind
through endless fields of vineyards. Throughout this amazing route, you’ll be able to witness the change in atmosphere from the
serenity of the quaint mountains to the hustle and bustle of the region where the Venosta and Adige Valleys meet. You’ll also
witness the influx of the Germanic language from Austria as we move further north toward the border. Tonight you’ll reside near
the town of Merano—an area known for its spa resorts and seasonal hiking routes. Interestingly, Bolzano and Merano both sit at a
mere 300 meters, with surrounding peaks reaching upwards of 3000 meters. After a dinner on the hotel’s beautiful garden terrace,
relax this evening and absorb the beautiful surrounds before a restful sleep.
Hotel | Hotel Sittnerhof | +39 0473 446 331 | www.Sittnerhof.it

Day 5:
Road Bike | Merano to Passo Stelvio | approximately 45 miles with 8,200 feet of climbing
Short Option | Prato to Bormio | approximately 30 miles
Avid Option | Merano to Bormio via Passo Stelvio | approximately 55 miles with 8,200 feet of climbing
After refueling with a tasty breakfast, today’s route will take you west, further into the Venosta Valley. You’ll enjoy a gentle climb
up the valley, as we head deeper into the high mountain passes. Here you’ll meet Mount Stelvio and climb the classic side. The
Stelvio consists of 48 switchbacks that climb from 950 meters up to 2757 meters over the course of 23 kilometers. This is the
highest road in the eastern Alps and it truly is one of the most beautiful passes imaginable. From the summit, you’ll enjoy the
endless views toward Switzerland and into the mountains. After a much-deserved lunch, it is time to descend toward the town
of Bormio, located in the Sondrio province in the Lombardy region of the Italian Alps. Although known for both its skiing and
hot springs, it is becoming increasingly popular for cyclists. You’ll arrive at the picturesque hotel to find geraniums in the flower
boxes, creating a truly European mountain ambiance. You’ll have the chance tonight to enjoy a meal of your choice in town
before a peaceful night’s rest.
Hotel | Hotel Baita dei Pini | +39 0342 904 346 | www.BaitaDeiPini.com

Day 6:
Road Bike | Bormio to Passo Mortirolo | approximately 25 miles with 8,000 feet of climbing
Short Option | Passo Gavia | approximately 50 miles with 7,500 feet of climbing
Avid Option | Passo Mortirolo & Passo Gavia | approximately 75 miles with 11,100 feet of climbing
In case the Stelvio was not enough for you, your guides will offer you the chance to climb the Mortirolo and the Gavia. These
two climbs will really pose a challenge after a long week of cycling. However, this will only make the accomplishment of reaching
the top that much sweeter. This morning, the route will take you and your fellow cycling companions south and as you lose
elevation, you’ll have a chance to spin out your legs. Our arrival at the base of the Mortirolo’s classic side will inspire you to push
yourself one more time. The narrow, winding road is incredibly steep in parts and thankfully the climb is only 13 kilometers long.
Much of the climb weaves through the forest and there are chances to catch glimpses of the views below. Your guides will be close
by to cheer you on and refill your water as you need it. However, one last climb remains for this trip—the Gavia—a long but
steady climb, with quite the celebration at the top. This will be your last ascent for the trip and you will be both invigorated and
exhausted! You’ll descend back down to Bormio and wrap up this epic day - and the trip - with a cocktail at the hotel followed
by a tasty (and well-deserved) farewell dinner.
Hotel | Hotel Baita dei Pini | +39 0342 904 346 | www.BaitaDeiPini.com

Day 7:
You’ll say farewell to your guides at 9:30 AM at the Hotel Baita del Pini. You will then shuttle 45 mins to Tirano Train station and
arrive at approximately 10:15 AM. Trains run from here to Milan every 2 hours, where there are easy connections to all Major
Italian cities. For further information please see www.TrenItalia.com.



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