Into the Dolomites-5 days

After breakfast, a short van transfer touches you down in the small town of Pieve di Cadore. From here there are three ways to get to our base in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Chill, Challenging, and Epic.

-The Chill option follows the dedicated bike path created from the old train route. There is climbing to be done, but it's fairly harmless. This is the perfect option for those wanting to have an easy day and spend the afternoon exploring Cortina.

-The Challenging option heads up the Cadore Valley through Auronzo and climbs steadily up to the highest point at the Tre Croci climb, before concluding with a spectacular downhill into Cortina.

-The Epic option starts easily enough on the same bike path as the chill option but then heads into the hills, tackling first the Passo Cibiana, followed by the Passo Staulanza, and finally the infamous Passo Giau before descending into Cortina. This is a beautiful but challenging route with over 3000 m of climbing.

Whichever route is chosen, the quaint chic of Cortina’s town center will offer a variety of options for an evening Aperitivo and dinner.

This day offers a wonderful loop that allows a lot of flexibility depending on ambition level. Leaving Cortina, all options head North on undulating terrain towards the Pustertal valley. 

The first decision comes at the intersection in Carbonin. You can head directly uphill towards Lake Misurina, or first continue further downhill to the valley town of Toblach (Dobbiacco), where the distinctly Austrian feel reminds visitors that there are only 13 more mostly flat kilometers to the Austrian border. 

After the uphill to Lake Misurina, a harder choice presents itself. Return directly to Cortina, or muster all your remaining strength for an attempt at the mythical Tre Cime di Lavaredo climb, which starts tamely enough, before heading skyward with gradients well into the two digits.

Whichever option is chosen, only one relatively minor climb to the Tre Croci pass remains, and it's a wonderful final downhill back to where you started in Cortina.

Leaving Cortina, it's time to head into the heart of the Dolomites. The climbing starts shortly after leaving town as the route heads up the Passo Falzarego. The mountain goats soon have the option of taking the turn off for the ‘easier’ side of the Passo Giau before finally ascending the Passo Campolongo and diving down into Corvara.

The shorter option meanwhile heads to the summit of the Falzarego before taking on the last extra step up to the Passo Valparola before descending into La Villa for a last gentle uphill stretch into Corvara. For something a little more challenging than the shorter option, but without the mighty Giau, is a route that combines the Falzarego and the Passo Campolongo. Lastly, for the bucket list hunters, an option that takes in the Passo Giau, the Passo Fedaia, and the Passo Pordoi is possible. You will definitely NOT arrive in Corvara feeling climb deprived!

Called the “Most Beautiful Bike Ride in the World”, the SellaRonda is the perfect way to round out a wonderful week of riding. Starting in Corvara, the first climb tackled is the Passo Gardena, which rewards with fantastic views of both the Alta Badia and Gardena valleys. A stepped descent down to Plan de Gralba and it's time for the Passo Sella, which winds its way past the “Città dei Sassi” or “City of Boulders” on its way to the top. After descending back down in the direction of Canazei, the route once again turns towards the skies for the third challenge, the Passo Pordoi, before a 33 switchback roller-coaster descent to Arabba. 

Those with relaxation on their minds can head over the last climb of the day, the Campolongo, and return to Corvara. Those wanting to stay out longer can continue down the valley to Andraz to take on the Falzarego climb, followed by the short but punchy “Mur de Giat” in La Villa before returning to Corvara. Those who want to leave it ‘all on the road’ can add on the Passo Giau before doing the Falzarego and returning to Corvara.

Head into town for a last taste of the hearty regional cuisine. You’ve earned it!

After a last breakfast, it’s time for the transfer back to Venice for your trip home or further explorations in the area. Giulan! (Ladin) = Thank you! (English)