Dolomites to Stelvio (M&L)

Leaving Treviso, a scenic transfer has you saddling up in picturesque San Vito di Cadore. From here, a dedicated bike path leads to the mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, where a quick Espresso on the Corso Italia will get you ready for the main challenge of the day, the Passo Falzarego. One last effort up to the Passo Valparola and you'll enjoy a spectacular downhill into La Villa for the last gentle uphill stretch into Corvara.

The mountain goats have the option of bypassing the Falzarego and taking on the 'easier' side of the Passo Giau before continuing to Arabba and climbing the Campolongo into Corvara.

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.

It's time to explore the Dolomites on foot!

ROUTE A: Pralongia loop from Corvara: This panoramic hike takes you to the plateau above Corvara, built by the collection of ash after the volcanic explosion of the Monte Cernera many millenia ago. A nice hut-to-hut hike with not much climbing if you take the lift up.

ROUTE B: Gardena to Colfosco: A scenic gondola lift from Corvara will take you up above the Passo Gardena and after a quick coffee at the Jimmy's Hut you start your hike at the foot of the Cir group. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of this path which will take you steadily downhill to Colfosco and back to Corvara.

ROUTE C: Boé loop to Rifugio Kostner: From Corvara a gondola takes you up to the foot of the Boé Group where you will start your hike up to Rifugio Kostner which rewards with a breathtaking view. You will then loop back to the gondola where you can either take another ride back down or choose to walk downhill back to Corvara via the Crep de Munt hut.

The main challenge on this day comes early, with a climb out of Corvara up to the Passo Val Gardena. From here it's all downhill until meeting the Eisack River Valley, where the route flattens out and follows a bike path to Bolzano.

Leaving Bolzano the route joins another riverside bike path, this time next to the river Adige, for a beautiful mostly flat run all the way to Merano. Round out the day with a visit to Merano's renowned thermal baths, or drop by the Forst beer hall for a cool one.

A steady uphill ride along the Adige River Valley to Prato allo Stelvio is a perfect warm-up for your challenge ahead. A shorter option is possible that involves a shuttle to the marble town of Lasa.

From Prato allo Stelvio the (in)famous switchbacks that lead to the Stelvio summit start. There are 48 of them in total, so manage your effort and leave something for the final push to the summit of one of the highest paved roads in Europe.

Congratulations, you have conquered one of THE iconic ascents of the cycling world! Take a moment to soak it all in before enjoying the equally spectacular descent into Bormio.

For your final day, it’s up to you how challenging you want to make it.

For some inviting switchbacks and great views, there is the loop out to Laghi di Cancano. A more challenging option is to take on the Gavia Pass from its easier side via Madonna di Campiglio.

The Queen Stage loop is nothing short of monumental, taking on first the relentless Passo del Mortirolo before following up with the grand finale, the Passo Gavia from the classic side out of Ponte di Legno.

Back in Bormio, enjoy one last evening of guilt-free culinary pleasures in this quaint, cycling crazy town.

Buon giorno, what does your bucket list look like today?

It is time to say goodbye to the mighty mountains and head back to Treviso or Venice. Ci vediamo presto!