Special Departure: Dolomites + Alter Explorations with Chris Case

Leaving Treviso, it’s not long before the pavement ends as the route winds through farmlands until reaching the Montello, a key strategic battlefield of World War I that has become a haven for road, gravel and mountain bike riders from the area. The route skirts the edge of the Montello before crossing the Piave River and climbing up to Collalto, which rewards with fantastic views of the region. It then follows gravel and quiet paved roads through picturesque Pieve di Soligo, host of the 2023 Gravel World Championships and the ideal place to have an afternoon pick-me-up before heading back to Treviso for an evening aperitivo and obligatory Tiramisu.

The day begins with a transfer from Treviso to Pieve di Cadore, where it’s time to continue by bike toward Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Pearl of the Dolomites” and your home for the next two nights.

Our route for the day heads through Auronzo along a beautiful gravel path leading to Passo Tre Croci before fantastic paved descent drops you into Cortina. You'll have time for an evening aperitivo on Corso Italia, Cortina’s famous pedestrian street just steps from your hotel.

Leaving Cortina, the path soon turns to gravel before starting the switchbacks up to Prato Piazza, the perfect vantage point for viewing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and other Dolomite peaks. A mostly paved descent to the Val Pusteria and it's time for the mostly downhill stretch into Austria and the charming village of Lienz.

Leaving Lienz, the Isel Valley bike path soon turns to gravel and leads into another unspoiled valley, the Defereggen. The route continues to climb steadily into the Hohe Tauern National Park and up to the old border crossing at the Klammljoch, where you are rewarded with beautiful views of both the Austrian and Italian peaks.

The route then descends through the town of Taufers into Brunico where you can relax in the hotel spa and enjoy dinner in one of the region’s excellent restaurants, all within walking distance of your hotel.

Leaving the Val Pusteria, today's ride leads to another beautiful valley, the Val Badia. Final destination is the mountain village of Corvara, an outdoor activity mecca famous for its skiing, hiking, and for being the finish line of the Maratona dles Dolomites Gran Fondo.

After a flat start, the route climbs on quiet paved and gravel roads above the Gran Ega river valley. Corvara reached, relax in the modern spa facilities of your centrally located hotel.

For your final day in the Dolomites, you will take on part of a route made famous by a local legend, Igor Tavella. The YOLOmites tour is a yearly unofficial event that tackles 5000 m of elevation over its 128 km.

We are mercifully doing a more manageable distance and amount of climbing, while still retaining some of the best segments of this spectacular gravel tour. YOLOmites loop in the bag, enjoy a final evening in these magical mountains.

Your journey through the gravel roads of the Dolomites ends today, but we hope the memories and the climbs stay with you. After one last mountain breakfast, your transfer returns you to Treviso or Venice for your flight home or onward travels in Northern Italy.