Trans Dolomites

Today’s ride features the Passo Mortirolo, one of the most iconic Italian climbs.

The Mortirolo is considered the “Alpe d’Huez” of the Giro d’Italia – except it’s significantly more challenging than its French counterpart! With an average of 10.5% over 11km (7 miles), this is one of the toughest climbs in Europe.

Tip: don’t miss the statue and tribute to Italian cycling legend Marco Pantani, 8km from the start of the climb.

Another classic Italian ride today over the legendary Passo Stelvio. From Bormio you’ll have a short transfer to start the ride just before the Passo Umbrail on the border with Switzerland. From the Passo Umbrail, the descent takes you through the beautiful Val Mustair before leading back into Italy and Prato allo Stelvio, where the northern approach to the Passo Stelvio begins.

Tip: with an average grade of almost 7.5% over 24 km (15 miles), the ascent of the Stelvio is a major challenge. Pace yourself on this epic climb!

You start your journey across the Dolomites today with a magnificent ride to Canazei. Leaving Bolzano, you’ll soon be challenged on the demanding slopes of the Hors-Categorie Oberölgart climb which boasts an average grade of 9% over 11km! From the Oberölgart, the ride continues through dense pine forests to the Passo Costalunga and the downhill stretch to your hotel in Canazei.

Tip: Stop for a coffee and some apple strudel at one of the many cafés on the summit of the Passo Costalunga!

The classic loop around the Gruppo di Sella mountain range is one of the most famous and most spectacular bike rides in Europe. From the hotel in Canazei, you’ll head over the Passo Sella, Passo Gardena and Passo Campolongo before the final climb over the spectacular Passo Giau!

Tip: With incredible photo ops at every turn, this is definitely one of those rides to enjoy without chasing Strava times or racing others up the climbs.

Today you’ll head over to the eastern edge of the Dolomites and the Carnic Alps. Leaving Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll soon reach the summit of the Passo Tre Croci before starting the 30km descent to Auronzo di Cadore and the start of your next climb to the Passo San Antonio and the village of Danta. This beautiful ride continues with the long, gradual climb to Cima Sappada, scene of several Giro d’Italia stage finishes, before the final short climb to our hotel in Ravascletto.

Tip: the stretch of road between the Passo San Antonio and the village of Danta features some of the most spectacular views in the Dolomites!

We’ve saved the best for the last day! Today’s ride features the most challenging climb of all the Grand Tours – the Monte Zoncolan. The climb starts under the “Porta dell’Inferno” banner and tops out after 10km (6 miles) at an average gradient of 12%.

Tip: a bottom gear of at least 34×32 is an absolute MUST for the Zoncolan!

Unfortunately, your trip across the Italian Alps & Dolomites has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Venice Marco Polo Airport.