Dolomites Bike & Hike Adventure

After a van transfer into the heart of the Dolomites, you will saddle up in Selva di Cadore and continue by bike into Corvara, your base for the next two nights. You have have a few options for reaching Corvara, from the relatively short Passo Campolongo to the epic Passo Giau. Destination reached, relax in the shadow of some of the most spectacular peaks in the world.

Today is your day to experience “the most beautiful bike ride in the world”, the Sellaronda, the ride around the Sella Group mountains. Whatever direction you choose, clockwise or anticlockwise, you will cover many of the most recognized climbs in the area, including the Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Campolongo (this would be the anticlockwise direction, the "Classic" Sellaronda from Corvara).

There is also the option to combine the Sellaronda with the Passo Falzarego or the Passo Giau, whose challenging ascent is rewarded by some of the most breathtaking views to be had in the Dolomites.

After a scenic 30-minute transfer from Corvara over the Valparola Pass, step out at Passo Falzarego and start one of the Dolomites’ classic high-alpine hikes. The path rises steadily to Forcella Averau (2,435 m / 7,989 ft), where the view opens up across the Ampezzo Dolomites.

Lunch can be had at nearby Rifugio Averau, a mountain hut known for its fantastic regional cuisine and terrace views. Then continue to the Cinque Torri, five dramatic rock towers that were once a WWI front line. Here you can walk through restored trenches, tunnels and lookout posts in the open-air museum of the Great War. The day ends with an easy descent through a larch forest to Pocol, high above Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Enjoy breakfast with mountain pastures as a backdrop. The hike starts from the refugio door, past the high pastures of Malghe Fedarola. The trail climbs steadily toward the huge south face of the Tofana di Rozes, one of the most striking rock walls in the Dolomites.

A great spot for lunch is on the panoramic terrace of Rifugio Dibona (2,083 m / 6,834 ft), right at the foot of the Tofana di Rozes. An optional steep climb up the scree to Rifugio Pomedes (2,303 m / 7,556 ft), offers wide views over the Ampezzo valley.

Take the chairlifts down via Duca d’Aosta and Piè Tofana or walk the whole way to your hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Back on the bikes, today’s cycling loop out of Cortina d’Ampezzo links two of the most famous climbs in the Dolomites. The day starts with a steady climb through Pocol to Passo Falzarego (2,105 m / 6,906 ft), where the hike started two days previous.

From Passo Falzarego, sweep down through the quiet valleys toward Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore. Then comes the day’s main event: Passo Giau (2,236 m / 7,336 ft). Often called one of the most beautiful passes in the Dolomites, Often called one of the most beautiful passes in the Dolomites, the Passo Giau is also one of the most challenging, with a steady 9% gradient that rewards with breathtaking views of the Nuvolau and Averau peaks.

The reward is a fast, flowing descent through Pocol and back into Cortina. Alternatively you can skip the Giau and return to Cortina directly from the Passo Falzarego. Enjoy the afternoon taking in the vibe of chic Cortina along the famed Corso Italia.

In addition to being a skiing and hiking mecca, Cortina also offers some great riding, and the loop that passes through Lake Misurina is a prime example. Heading North towards the Pustertal valley, the route then heads uphill to lake Misurina.

For those looking for a bigger challenge, the optional Tre Cime climb beckons. Don't let the average grade of 9% deceive you. The last 4 km (2.5 miles) hover around 13%! Descend back to Misurina for the final, less demanding Tre Croci pass which leads you back to Cortina.

After a last breakfast with a view, it’s time to say goodbye to the Dolomites and for your transfer to your next destination. How does your bucket list look today?