[The guides] were first class. They were always on hand to offer advice and guidance. Their support on the routes was second to none. The tracking on the app allowed them to know exactly where everyone was at any given time. They helped with any bike issues and the range of snacks and drinks on the support vans really helped.
The name of this cycling holiday says it all - it is the ultimate tour of the Dolomites! You'll see why this breathtakingly beautiful region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exploring it by bike has to be the best way to do so! Towering columns of limestone, tranquil pastures and pretty villages nestled in green valleys will be your scenery for the week. This is awesome cycling territory!
We've crafted this holiday using our extensive experience of running cycling tours in the Dolomites and we've crammed as many dramatic climbs into this trip that we could! Not only can you cycle all the Sella Ronda passes made famous by the Giro and Maratona, but you can also ride them from different directions. What's more, our itinerary stretches to the edges of this incredible region, incorporating some wonderful, lesser-known climbs on quieter roads.
As with all our flexible-pace tours, you have the choice of two to three routes each day. Across the week, our Classic route covers 432km with 10,000m of ascent, with a daily average of 72km and 1,690m of ascent - manageable for fit road cyclists. On most days, there's also a Harder route with an average of 2,250m of ascent. At the toughest end of the scale, our Challenge route covers 601km with 16,000m of ascent, with a daily average of 100km and 2,665m of ascent. If you ride all the Challenge route options, you'll tick off 26 climbs in total - now that's really going to test your mettle!
While this is a group holiday, we very much treat you as an individual and it's your choice how much (or little) you choose to ride each day. With the peerless support of two Marmot guides and our bespoke support vans, we're able to support every rider, regardless of your pace. It's our guides' mission to help you achieve your goals across the week, leading to an unforgettable cycling experience in the magnificent Italian Dolomites.
It's important to us that you book the right holiday for you, so please click on the What’s Included, Essential Information, and Travel & Transfers buttons on this page for all you need to know about how this holiday works, including food, accommodation, travel and transfers etc. If you have any questions, you can get in touch using the Enquire Now button.
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
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.
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route 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.
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.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
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.
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.
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
We offer included transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) at set times during the afternoon. The journey time to the start hotel in Calalzo di Cadore is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
You can also get to the hotel independently by public transport, as it's just 350m from Calalzo train station which has train and bus connections to Venice - just click the Travel & Transfers button for more details.
Once at the hotel, there'll be time to set up your bike (one of our guides wil help you if you've hired a bike from us). Then enjoy a welcome briefing from our guides, mingling with your fellow cyclists, and dinner together at the hotel.
Today's Classic route provides the perfect introduction to your week in the Dolomites. A quiet road along the valley is a good warm up for the legs, before you begin the long, undulating and beautiful climb of Passo Staulanza (1773m) from the south.
From here you descend through Selva di Cadore and Caprile to our lakeside hotel in Alleghe, in the heart of the Dolomites.
Those who prefer a more strenuous first day can include Passo Cibiana (1530m) in the morning - an optional extra 10km of climbing. The choice is yours!
Classic : 79 KM with 1620m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 99 KM with 2350m ascent [ride profile]
Your route today traverses the most well-known part of the Dolomites, including the passes of the famous Sella Ronda circuit. From Alleghe you'll climb gently for 23kms to Arabba, where a strategic cafe stop might be of interest before continuing to Passo Campolongo (1875m). The descent from here to Corvara is spectacular - be sure to stop on the way down to fully appreciate the magnificent views!
From Corvara the road winds upwards for 9km to Passo di Gardena (2121m), surrounded by towering peaks of Dolomitic limestone. From here you descend around the north edge of the Sella Massif, then it's almost all downhill to our hotel in Santa Christina Valgardena.
Our optional extra climbs today are also classics of the region: Passo Pordoi (2239m) from Arabba in the morning, and Passo di Sella (2240m) in the afternoon. Whichever route you choose, today is likely to be one of the most incredible days of road cycling you've ever experienced!
Classic : 58 KM with 1590m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 77 KM with 2230m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 88 KM with 2600m ascent [ride profile]
Today you'll explore some lesser-known climbs on a route that skirts around the peaks of the Alpe di Siusi and Catinaccio Massif, which form the western edge of the Dolomites region.
After a downhill start, you'll soon enjoy the modest yet pretty climb of Passo di Pinei (1437m) before a lovely descent. We're sure you'll love the alpine meadows and picturesque villages with beautiful, far-reaching views to the west. Down at 860m above sea level, the road winds back up (with some pretty steep sections!) to Passo Nigra (1689m) and Passo di Costalunga (1752m). A short but scenic descent leads down to the high valley of Pozza di Fassa. From there you'll join a cycle path (avoiding the main road) which takes you to our hotel in Canazei.
The optional extras today are both wonderful climbs: the formidable Alpe di Siusi (1841m) in the morning and the slightly less steep side of Passo di Fedaia (2057m) from Canazei. It's a fantastic day on the bike, whatever route you choose.
Dinner is not included this evening, so you are free to explore the pretty town of Canazei and try out one of the local restaurants.
Classic : 77 KM with 1560m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 105 KM with 2200m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 124 KM with 2990m ascent [ride profile]
With the Sella Massif limestone towers once more in sight, today you've the chance to ride some of the renowned passes of day 2 from the opposite side.
The morning starts with you climbing almost immediately from the hotel (at 1,450m). Steady gradients lead you back to the junction with the Sella Ronda circuit, and the Classic route continues to Passo di Sella (2240m). Those who want extra will turn right at the junction for an optional out-and-back climb of Passo Pordoi (2239m).
Next, you'll descend from Passo di Sella, hugging the cliffs to climb Passo di Gardena (2121m) once more, this time from the west. Another spectacular descent leads to Corvara and a further optional extra: Passo Campolongo (1875m) from the north. Bear in mind there's still significant climbing to come, namely 800m of ascent to Passo di Valparola (2192m)! From here you'll descend via Passo di Falzarego (2105m) to our comfortable hotel in Pocol, a few kilometres outside Cortina d'Ampezzo, where we spend two nights. What a day!
Classic : 63 KM with 1890m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 76 KM with 2310m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 88 KM with 2670m ascent [ride profile]
Today's ride is a classic loop over two iconic passes of the Dolomites. First up is a 10km climb: the Passo di Falzarego (2105m). Enjoy a welcome break and appreciate the dramatic scenery before the long descent towards Caprile.
Next, you'll hop over the Belvedere Colle Santa Lucia (1471m), and then join the renowned climb to the infamous Passo di Giau (2236m). This is one of the steepest climbs of the week and one you'll never forget - the sense of achievement you'll feel at the top will be second to none! The views from the pass are incredible and there's a pleasant refugio cafe for refreshments and a well-earned rest. The descent is a delight, and takes you right back to our hotel in Pocol. Cycling doesn't get much better than this!
If you cycle the Challenge route, after the Falzarego but before the Giau, you'll take on the Passo di Fedaia (2057m) from the east. After climbing relatively gently through the Sottoguda gorge, things really turn up a notch with relentless, double-digit gradients over 10% that refuse to ease off - this is definitely Type 2 fun!
You also have the option of taking a day off the bike for some rest, or to check out stylish Cortina d'Ampezzo. If you wish to explore the mountains on foot, the cable car from Passo di Falzarego is a good option in fine weather.
Classic : 52 KM with 1670m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 85 KM with 2920m ascent [ride profile]
Today you'll explore the north-eastern corner of this incredible region and the beautiful Tre Cime National Park. A short descent to Cortina in the morning is hotly followed by the climb to Passo Tre Croci (1805m), then the undulating road to scenic Lago Misurina and the Col Sant'Angelo (1757m).
Here it's decision time: are you up for the Challenge route? It's an optional out-and-back climb to Rifugio Auronzo (2357m) and we think the tough gradients of this short but steep climb are worth it for the views of the spectacular Tre Cime di Laveredo!
If not, then the Classic route features a long, gentle descent to charming San Candido on the border with Austria. From here, you'll climb over the stunning Passo di Monte Croce di Comelico (1636m) and Passo di Sant'Antonio (1475m) before enjoying a final descent to the familiar territory of Calalzo di Cadore, where we started the week. This is another splendid day of cycling and a fitting end to a wonderful tour.
Classic : 104 KM with 1810m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 118 KM with 2460m ascent [ride profile]
Sadly, your cycling tour of the beautiful Italian Dolomites is at an end, although your legs might thank you! While your muscles will hopefully recover soon, we're sure your memories will last forever.
Our included transfers will return you to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) at set times this morning.
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.
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route 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.
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.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
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.
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.