Italian Dolomites & Stelvio
- Cycle in one of the world's greatest places to ride a bike
- Climb infamous Giro d’Italia passes: Passo di Giau, Passo di Campolongo, Passo di Motirolo, Passo dello Stelvio, and more
- Flexible itinerary to suit mixed ability groups: daily route choices so YOU choose how much you want to push yourself
- Ride the Maratona cyclosportive route at your own pace, with our full support
- Comfortable and friendly 3 & 4* hotels with superb Italian cuisine geared to cyclists
- Exceptional support: two customised support vans and two expert, proactive Marmot guides focused on helping you have the most unforgettable cycling experience
Days on the bike
Quote
Brilliant trip, incredible place to ride a bike, excellent value, great guides! I have 100% recommended this trip and Marmot Tours to my cycling club.
Introduction
Made infamous by the Giro d’Italia, the Dolomites region of northern Italy is one of the world's greatest places to ride a bike, every road leading to another exquisite climb, each with its own character. This Marmot Classic style road cycling holiday showcases the region perfectly, offering epic climbs, breathtaking scenery, delicious Italian food, and peerless support from two Marmot guides and our customised vehicles.
As with all our flexible-pace, flexible-route road cycling tours, there are two to three route choices daily. We've designed the 'Classic' route so that, taken steadily, it's manageable and enjoyable for fit cyclists regardless of your experience cycling in the mountains. However, this holiday also offers a fantastic challenge for those wanting to push themselves further: each day there are optional climbs and loops which increase the possible daily ascent to between 3,000 and 4,200 m on the 'Challenge' route.
With a tour size of around 20 riders, we find that smaller groups of cyclists tend to form, made up of riders with a similar pace and similar goals to one another. With the incomparable support of our two guides with support vans, we're able to support every rider, regardless of your pace, and it's our mission to help you achieve your goals across the week, leading to an unforgettable cycling experience. This is YOUR holiday after all! To get a flavour of this fabulous cycling tour in the Dolomites, head to our You Tube channel to watch our Cycling the Italian Dolomites video. It's sure to tempt you!
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Bormio, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* and 4* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included airport transfers at scheduled times during the day from from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to our start hotel on the lower slopes of the famous Passo Falzarego, just above Cortina (a journey of approx. 2 hr).
Check in, assemble bikes and share a hearty Italian meal in preparation for the adventure ahead!
Day 1: Tour of Monte Cristallo
You start this fabulous cycling holiday with a gentle descent to the historic town of Cortina, before heading out onto the gently-sloped forested roads that encircle the towering peaks of the majestic Monte Cristallo. After summiting the comparatively diminutive Passo di Cimabanche (1530m), a brief descent then sees you climbing up to Lago di Misurina. In summer the lake is a great spot for relaxing on a sun lounger, ice cream in hand, people watching, and admiring the magnificent views.
The horizon is dominated by the iconic towers of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which may lure you in if you fancy taking on the steep road to the Rifugio Auronzo (2362m). An exhilarating descent brings you back down to just above the lake and onto the gentle gradients of the eastern side of the Passo Tre Croci (1802m). Rounding off the ride, you descend back down to Cortina d’Ampezzo before ticking off the first 5 km of the Passo Falzarego, on the return to your hotel.
Now you have the choice of exploring the cosmopolitan town of Cortina or, should you wish to push yourself further, there is always the option of cycling on past the hotel and up to the summit of Passo Falzarego (2105m). You've already done the first 5 km, so why not?!
Classic : 50 KM with 1100m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 71 KM with 1670m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 85 KM with 2310m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: The classic Duo - Passo di Giau and Passo di Campolongo
Today is all about towering peaks, lush meadows and big views! You conquer the mighty Passo di Giau (2237m) from the north, one of THE classic climbs of the area. Apart from a (very) short section of downhill half way up, it is relatively gruelling!
From the top, descend to Caprile and choose whether to deviate onto a testing, yet rewarding loop that takes in the somewhat savage gradients of the Passo Fedaia (2057m) from the east, and then on to the somewhat kinder Passo Pordoi (2239m) with its 27 - yes, 27 - switchbacks!
A slightly less challenging option would be to meander uphill on the Classic route, up to and over the Passo di Campolongo (1873m) from the south. Regardless of your choice, La Villa is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of the Dolomites and we stay here for two nights.
Classic : 60 KM with 1700m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 90 KM with 3050m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Maratona Routes from La Villa
The Maratona dles Dolomiti is one of the world's greatest cyclosportive routes and happens to start in La Villa! Given the scenery, the number of legendary climbs and the quality of the roads, it is not surprising that it is so popular and sells out in hours. Today you get to take part in the Marmot Tours version of this great sportive! Have a look at the Maratona website for full details of the event, history, maps, profiles etc. However these are the routes (and stats) for you to choose from:
Sellaronda Course (Classic): Passo di Campolongo (1875m) from the north, Passo Pordoi (2239m) from the east, Passo di Sella (2244m) from the south and the Passo di Gardena (2121m) from the west.
Middle Course (Harder): Passo di Campolongo (1875m) from the north, Passo Pordoi (2239m) from the east, Passo di Sella (2244m) from the south and the Passo di Gardena (2121m) from the west, back up the north side of the Passo di Campolongo (1875m) and finishing off with the south side of the Passo di Valparola (2192m).
Maratona Course (Challenge): Passo di Campolongo (1875m) from the north, Passo Pordoi (2239m) from the east, Passo di Sella (2244m) from the south and the Passo di Gardena (2121m) from the west, back up the north side of the Passo di Campolongo (1875m). From here you take on the western face of the Passo Giau (2237m) and finish off with the Passo di Valparola (2192m) from the east!
Classic : 60 KM with 1780m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 103 KM with 3130m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 135 KM with 4230m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Transfer to Prato allo Stelvio and ride to Bormio
You'll have chance to recover a little during the three-hour transfer this morning, though before you know it you'll be back on your bike and counting off all 48 hairpins of the famous Passo Dello Stelvio (2758m) from the east!
Starting steeply, the climb continues in the same vein, ending with the iconic switchbacks just below the pass itself. Celebrate your climb with a photograph, a hot dog, a tacky gift, and a very rewarding descent all the way to your hotel in the centre of Bormio.
En-route to the hotel you have the option of also ticking off a less well-known, but equally impressive and hairpin-littered local favourite, the Torri di Fraele (1941m) (Torri being Italian for towers, built here in 1391).
Classic : 49 KM with 1880m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 76 KM with 2640m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Day ride from Bormio including Gavia and Stelvio
The Passo Gavia (2621m) has been stirring things up in the Giro d'Italia since 1960. With an overall elevation gain from Bormio of over 1400 m, you are sure to be rewarded with epic views over the glaciers of the Stelvio National Park as you twist and turn your way up this narrow mountain road.
Descending back down to Bormio, should you feel as though your appetite for climbing is yet to be satisfied, there is the option of ticking the Passo dello Stelvio (2758m) box once and for all by taking on this infamous climb again, this time from the south side. Having descended this road the previous day, you'll be well aware of the challenge ahead! But of course, the climb will reward you with a fresh perspective, as your journey to the top will certainly be at a more leisurely pace than yesterday's descent!
Alternatively or additionally, the Torri di Fraele (1941m), with its 21 hairpin bends up to the Cancano Lakes, and often known as the "Little Stelvio", is another great option.
If you fancy the day off the bike, there are lots of options for walks, a cable car taking you effortlessly up to 3000 m, medieval streets to wander, bike shops to peruse and the relaxing Thermal Baths.
**Tonight's dinner is not included, giving you the opportunity to try out some of the fine restaurants in town.**
Easier - Torri di Fraele : 31 KM with 760m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 52 KM with 1450m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 94 KM with 3000m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Livigno and Mortirolo finale!
The western approach to the Passo del Mortirolo (1852m) was described by Lance Armstrong as the 'hardest climb he had ever ridden’ - a fitting end to our week in this amazing part of the world! As always there are route options today.
With the Passo Foscagno (2288m), Passo Eira (2208m) and the Forcola de Livingno (2315m) under your belt, you take a brief excursion into Switzerland and enjoy almost 30 km of descent down the Poschiavo valley before crossing back into Italy again, emerging at the base of the infamous Passo del Mortirolo (1852m). Our Classic route continues up the valley and past the base of the Mortirolo to your final destination of Grosio.
For those with something left in the legs, this is your opportunity to climb the Mortirolo! With an average gradient of 10.5% over 12 km length and a maximum kick of 18%, the Passo Mortirolo is a real challenge and a fitting finale to an epic week.
Whatever you choose to do today, a celebration is in order tonight!
Mortirolo : 59 KM with 1430m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 101 KM with 2170m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 123 KM with 3370m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Sadly, that's the end of your epic holiday and it's time for home. We offer included transfers at set times (journey time of approx. 3 hr) from the end hotel in Grosio to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). We're sure your memories of cycling in the Dolomites will last a lifetime!
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Bormio, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* and 4* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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