Overview
Rugged limestone spires and verdant green valleys make the Dolomites in Northeastern Italy a truly unique and distinctive destination. Home to some of the most famous mountain passes in the world, the Dolomites are a highlight of the Giro D’Italia each year, and the climbs in this wonderful region have attained almost mythical status.
This trip is based out of the lakeside town of Arabba where you’ll be able to unpack, relax and simply enjoy four days of epic cycling along some of the greatest tarmac in the world. Follow legends of Italian cycling – Coppi, Pantani & Gimondi – through this exceptional mountain range, and complete some of the classic climbs that have tested professional riders for decades.
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Venice, transfer to hotel in Arabba
Our tour begins in Venice airport where you’ll be met by the More Adventure team and transferred to our hotel in Arabba (approx 2 hours). Here you’ll be given a trip briefing, meet the rest of the group, and have the opportunity to freshen up and relax in our gorgeous hotel. Each ride will begin and end in Arabba, so you can settle in, unpack and concentrate on the cycling!
The following day we begin cycling and hope to complete the following routes as a minimum. However, due to the altitude and exposure of some of the passes, we may have to ride alternative routes in lower valleys that will be more sheltered. There will also be the opportunity to extend some of the rides, with plenty of extra passes to challenge even the fittest of riders. Either way, there will be plenty to do and see in this exceptional region of Italy.
Day 2: Falzarego (2117m), Valparola (2168m), Campolongo (1875m)
(42 miles & 7500ft ascent)
Our first route begins with a gentle descent following the Torrente Cordevole (river) Southeast to the foot of our first climb, the mighty Passo Falzarego (2117m). Nearing the top of this climb, we should get views of the shark-fin summit of Sass de Stria to our west and the five mythical towers of Cinque Torri to our east. After a coffee stop to admire the views, we’ll continue ascending for a short while to the top of Passo Valparola (2117m). There may be the option to explore Forte Tre Sassi, a fortress and war museum built by the Austrians that gives a fascinating insight to the history of the area. An incredible descent leads us to La Villa Stern which is home to the Gran Risa ski slope, where the annual World Cup giant slalom is held. From here we climb through Corvara-in-Badia, a small resort town nestled between countless spires of rock, then up and over the Campolongo (1875m) before a short descent back down to Arabba.
Day 3: Pordoi (2239m), Fedaia (2057m)
(37 miles & 7990ft ascent)
It’s straight up and out this morning so perhaps a few laps of Arabba may be in order to warm up our legs. There are two main climbs today, the first being the Passo Pordoi (2239m) which links Arabba with the Fascia Valley to the west in the heart of the Sella group of mountains. The route drops down to Canazei which is often a base for rock climbers wanting to scale the Marmolada & Sassolungo groups of mountains. It is also a popular ski resort over winter, with 26 miles of ski slopes. From Canazei our route climbs east up Passo Fedaia (2057m) to a well-earned coffee stop at the summit overlooking the magnificent Lago di Fedaia. From here, a long descent to Rocca Pietore is followed by a short gradual ascent back to Arabba and to our hotel.
Day 4: Sella Ronda Circuit – Campolongo (1850m), Gardena (2119m), Sella (2244m) & Pordoi (2241m)
(31 miles & 6050ft ascent)
This classic ride takes on one of the most famous circular routes in the Dolomites – the mighty Sella Ronda, climbing four classic passes in one day. Our ride begins Arabba from which we head north towards our first pass of the day – Passo Campolongo (1850m), which we descended on our first day’s ride. Our descent the other side takes us back to Corvara-in-Badia, and after a quick coffee in the town, we’ll begin our second pass of the day – Passo Gardena (2119m). This long, sustained climb is a real treat and the views from the pass are simply stunning. The descent takes us to the foot of our third climb of the day – Passo Sella (2244m) with the impressive Sella Towers looming overhead. Passo Pordoi (2241m) is our final climb of the day, over which is an epic descent (19 miles!) back to our hotel in Arabba.
Day 5: Giau (2236m) – Cortina D’Ampezzo
(32 miles & 6100ft ascent)
Our final day’s ride begins with a gentle downhill south-east before tackling one of the most famous passes in the Dolomites – Passo Giau (2236m). We follow the Torrente Cordevole to the village of Caprile before crossing over to head northeast, through Selva di Cadore to the top of the pass. This is a long and sustained climb, but by now your legs will have found the perfect cadence, powering you all the way to the summit! You’ll be rewarded by a coffee then a long descent down to Cortina d’Ampezzo, where our riding for this trip ends.
Once we’ve arrived in Cortina d’Ampezzo, we’ll load up the support vehicle with bikes and luggage, and you and the rest of the group will be transferred to Venice airport to catch your flight home.
Single room supplement for this trip is £235
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