Ten days of cycling through the Tyrol and Dolomite mountains of Austria and Italy. There are big climbs and descents, on paved roads with mountain scenery, and stays in family inns and mountain refuges.
If you’re searching for the ultimate ride, Freewheeling Adventures may have found it for you. They have combined unbelievable mountain scenery with the luxuries of small Italian and Austrian villages and then roughed up the edges with some classic climbs and descents. You will start at the edge of the Italian Dolomite range, cycling out of narrow, cobblestoned village streets into a succession of switchbacks between mountain summits. If the climbs don’t take your breath away the views of the spectacular white mountains certainly will. Staying in a combination of hotels and three-star mountain refuges, you’ll ride all of the major passes of the Marmolada, Grupa di Sella, and the Marmarole. As you approach Austria you will enter the Alps and the greatest challenge of the tour. On the last day, to cross the border between Italy and Austria, a 2491m (8,000ft.+) climb to the highest pass of the tour awaits you. During the trip you will climb twenty passes for a total of 16250m (over 53,000ft.) – almost twice the height of Mount Everest! In case this scares you too much, please keep in mind that for every up there is a down, and there will be some space for tired legs in the support vehicle. Some of the descents seem to go on forever and give your legs a break to let your eyes do the work.
If you come intending to ride the whole distance, it is strongly advised that you take your pre-trip training seriously. The better prepared you are, the more enjoyment you will derive from the experience. If you have always wanted more and bigger challenges, this trip just might leave you satisfied!
Tour Details
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Location
Tyrl and Dolomites
Season
August - September, or On Demand
Tour Type
Road Touring
Nearest City
Caldaro
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Dolomites, Italy Tyrol, Austria
Distance Traveled
57km to 99km per Day
Skill Levels Accommodated
Moderate - Advanced
Fully Guided
Yes
Support Vehicles
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
TREK
Accommodations
Inns, Hotels, and B&Bs with Private Baths
Dining
Most Meals Included on Guided Trips
About Liquor
BYOB
Rates
$4,795.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: 28km return Meet in Caldaro, just outside Bolzano – a village nestled in the vineyard-clad slopes of the Dolomiti foothills, early afternoon. Van transfer from Innsbruck is an option instead of the 1.5 hour train trip. There is an option to cycle through the vineyards or to Passo di Mendola (1361m). Dinner is included. (940m ascent, 940m decent).
Lodging: Seeleiten Wellness Hotel, Caldaro al Lago
Day 2: 70km Ride along the shore of Lago di Caldaro, then begin climbing into the Dolomites to Passo di Lavaze (1805m), Val d’Ega, and Passo di Costalunga (1745m). The support van will be near all day so that you can tailor the climbing to suit your ability and preference. Dinner is included. (2330m ascent, 1150m descent).
Lodging: Hotel Savoy, Passo Costalunga/Karerpass
Day 3: 75km Starting the day with a descent to the famous Val di Fassa, and a gentle ride along it, you’ll pass through Canazei, then begin climbing to Passo di Fedaia (2097m), beneath Marmolada – the highest of the Dolomites. You’ll descend once more, and then climb to the first of our mountain refuges at the top of Passo Giau (2233m). Dinner is included. (1985m ascent, 1365m decent).
Lodging: Because for the recent closure of the Rifugio Passo Giau in Passo Giau we will be staying at the Hotel Columbia in Cortina d’Ampezzo for two nights. This will affect the distance and altitude climb for today and tomorrow.
Day 4: 60km The day begins with a simple descent into Cortina d’Ampezzo – a small town in a beautiful setting, and host to the 1956 Olympics. You may choose to linger and relax there, otherwise the return trip to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (2320m), via Tre Croci and Lago di Misurina (“The Pearl of the Dolomites”), is a very pleasant ride. There are many options for an independent dinner in Cortina. (1250m ascent, 2250m decent).
Lodging: Hotel Columbia, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Day 5: 70km Leaving Cortina d’Ampezzo to the South, today’s loop takes you through interesting countryside to Selva di Cadore, via Passo Cibiana (1530m) and Passo Staulanza (1773m). Dinner is included. (1720m ascent, 1620m descent).
Lodging: Ca’ Del Bosco Hotel, Selva di Cadore
Day 6: 57km Crossing the backbone of the Dolomites via two close passes (2105m and 2192m), you’ll finish at another mountain refuge on the Great Dolomite Road at Passo di Gardena. Dinner is included. (1700m ?, 905m?).
Lodging: Rifugio Frara, Passo Gardena/Grodnerjoch
Day 7: 58km Today you’ll ride three quarters of the famous Ruta di Sella, covering Passo di Sella – perhaps the most scenic of the passes at 2244m, and Passo Pordoi at 2239m, before making your way back along the Val di Fassa to Passo di Costalunga (1745m). Dinner is included. (1430m ascent, 1851m descent).
Lodging: Grand Hotel Carezza, Nova Levante
Day 8: 99km Following the Road between overhangs and through tunnels down the Val d’Ega gorge, you will come to Bolzano, and after a brief exploration there, you will begin climbing the castle-studded Valle Sarentina through dozens of tunnels into the distinctly Tyrolean Val di Pennes. One big pass (2215m) later you will descend into the quaint village of Vipiteno, for a change of scenery. The cobbled, car-free streets are lined with magnificent Gothic and Renaissance houses with characteristic porticoes and protruding upper floors. The Austrian influence and German language will help create the impression that you have already left Italy behind. Dinner is included. (1950m ascent, 2745m descent).
Lodging: Hotel Aquila Nera – Schwarzer Adler, Vipiteno or Hotel Lamm, Vipiteno
Day 9: 91km By far the toughest day yet, this is the culmination of your challenge. There are two climbs, the second almost twice as high as the first, so you’ll have to pace yourself accordingly. The scenery today is absolutely awe-inspiring. You may end up above the clouds. You’ll certainly enjoy the sauna and swimming pool at the end of the day, and will remember the day for the rest of your life! Dinner is included. (2950m ascent, 2525m descent).
Lodging: Hotel Bergland, Sölden, Austria
Day 10: Departure End of trip.
Notes
Route Notes: This is primarily a tour of amazing mountain landscapes on long climbs and descents. The riding is difficult on paved, narrow, windy mountain roads. There are hiking options. You will experience small villages, wonderful food and shopping. A support van will accompany throughout the trip.
Reservation Policy
Pricing is in Canadian dollars. Payments can be made in US dollars, based on exchange rates at time of payment. US$ pricing is shown as a guide. Reservations can be made with VISA or MasterCard by fax, mail, email, or phone, or with a cheque or money order by mail. A deposit of 30% is required to reserve your space, and the balance is due 30 days before the adventure begins.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received in writing at least 60 days in advance of start date will receive a 50% refund of any deposit paid. Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days ahead will forfeit deposit. Cancellations within 30 days require full payment of the tour cost.
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