Ultimate Tour of the Dolomites

Classic, flexible pace cycling holiday with daily route options
  • Cycle the classic, famous climbs of the Dolomites, plus lesser-known rides in this stunning mountain region.
  • Conquer all the Sella Ronda passes: Campolongo, Gardena, Pordoi and Sella.
  • Take on the infamous gradients of the Giau and Fedaia.
  • Flexible-pace tour with multiple daily route options, depending on how much you want to push yourself.
  • Exceptional support from two skilled (and fun!) guides with our customised support vehicles.
  • Stay in comfortable hotels that offer a warm welcome to cyclists.
  • Numerous flight options to & from Venice Marco Polo Airport plus convenient travel using rail or bus to our start and end hotel.

Days on the bike

6 days
cyclists climbing passo giau with dolomites peak backdrop on marmot tours guided cycling tour of dolomites

Quote

[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.

D. Durkan

Introduction

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

black and white image of pair of cyclists climbing hairpin bends through pasture on guided road cycling tour of Italian dolomites with marmot tours
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Departure Dates & Prices

13th Jun - 20th Jun
Amount
£1,990.00
Single Room Supplement
£490.00
4th Jul - 11th Jul
Amount
£2,040.00
Single Room Supplement
£490.00
29th Aug - 5th Sep
Amount
£2,040.00
Single Room Supplement
£490.00
12th Sep - 19th Sep
Amount
£1,990.00
Single Room Supplement
£490.00

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 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.

female cyclists climbing dolomites pass with limestone mountains backdrop on marmot tours road bike holiday

Day 1: Calalzo di Cadore to Alleghe

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]

cyclist climbing passo gardena with towering limestone peaks in background on marmot tours cycling vacation in Italian dolomites

Day 2: Alleghe to Santa Cristina Valgardena

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]

cyclist climbing mountain pass in Italian dolomites with high peaks above on marmot tours guided road cycling tour

Day 3: Santa Cristina Valgardena to Canazei

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]

cyclists climbing passo sella with huge dolomites peak backdrop on marmot tours ultimate dolomites cycling holiday

Day 4: Canazei to Pocol

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]

cyclists approach camera climbing passo giau on Italian dolomites road cycling holiday with marmot tours

Day 5: Day ride from Pocol

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]

cyclists descending mountain pass in Italian dolomites on guided road bike tour with marmot tours

Day 6: Pocol to Calalzo di Cadore

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]

dolomites limestone peaks with mountain road snaking through pastures

Day 7: Departure Day

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.

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