2023 will mark our tenth year of riding in the incredible Dolomites and our new and flexible ride format means it will be our best ever.
Seven fantastic days of riding in the most stunning scenery you will likely ever encounter.
All the classic climbs of the beautiful Dolomites and a dramatic climax to the trip on Stelvio, Mortirolo and Gavia.
Alpine Cadence is also excited to offer a 2-night extension option to this trip, where we’ll enjoy the spectacular and iconic riding around Lake Como.
The schedule, cycling Giro Dolomiti (Tour of the Dolomites)
Saturday, September 9
Arrival at Venice airport and a 1-hour 15-minute transfer to our ride start town of Bassano del Grappa.
Sunday, September 10
Bassano del Grappa to Agordo.
- The standard route is 100 kilometres and 2500 metres of climbing.
- The challenging route is 120 kilometres and 3300 metres of climbing.
The magnificent Monte Grappa will be our first challenge of this tour, providing a spectacular and tough start.
A long descent follows towards Feltre before our lovely afternoon of climbing takes us up to the Forcella Franchi before descending to Agordo.
Monday, September 11
Agordo to Cortina d’Ampezzo
- The standard route is 100 kilometres and 2500 metres of climbing.
- The challenging route is 120 kilometres and 3000 metres of climbing.
A valley ride to start the day as we pass through the beautiful lakeside town of Alleghe.
Then we’ll scale the epic Passo Giao before descending to Cortina.
From Cortina, we’ll climb the Passo Tre Croci (Cortina d’Ampezzo) before the dilemma of deciding whether to take the challenge of the fearsome Tre Cime di Lavaredo!
Whatever happens, you’ll face an enjoyable descent back to Cortina for our overnight stop.
Tuesday, September 12
Cortina – Canazei
- The standard route is 80 kilometres and 2300 metres of climbing.
- The challenging route is 115 kilometres and 3000 metres of climbing.
Today we’ll head out of Cortina and up Passo Falzarego.
Descending the other side will join the Sella Ronda loop at Arraba, where we’ll scale the Passo Campolongo.
A pretty descent down to Corvara will then lead us into the climb of the Passo Gardena.
Passo Sella will complete a stunning day of scenic and challenging riding.
We descend to Canazei for the first of two nights we stay here.
Wednesday, September 13
Canazei to Canazei
- The standard route is 70 kilometres and 2000 metres of climbing.
- The challenging route is kilometres and 3000 metres of climbing.
Passo Pordoi will be our first challenge of the day; we always look forward to its seemingly never-ending bends.
After a long descent to Caprile, we’ll tackle the infamous Passo Fedaia with its very tough climax.
Thursday, September 14
Canazei to Schlanders
The transition day!
A long and contrasting day as we ride away from the Dolomites and into the Sud Tirol area in preparation for our assault on Stelvio the following day.
Most of the climbing will be done early in the day, followed by lots of flatter riding through the apple orchards between Bolzano and Merano.
Friday, September 15
Schlanders to Bormio
- The standard route is 65 kilometres and 1800 metres of climbing.
- The challenging route is 100 kilometres and 2600 metres of climbing.
Stelvio is the day’s focus with its famous and spectacular 48 hairpins. Lunch on the top after a truly memorable morning.
We’ll descend to Bormio, where we’ll spend the next two nights.
The afternoon will be filled with more ride options to keep you busy, including the spectacular and lesser-known climb up to Lago Delle Scale.
Saturday, September 16
Bormio – Bormio
- 108 kilometres and 2700 metres climbing.
A stunning, iconic and very challenging day.
The fearsome Mortirolo will more than provide our morning’s entertainment, followed by the incredible and wild Passo Gavia.
A long descent back to Bormio will complete a memorable day.
Sunday, September 17
Transfers to Milan Malpensa airport for riders completing the trip.
For riders enjoying the Lake Como extension to this trip, we’ll ride down the valley from Bormio to the banks of the lake.
From Bormio, it is a fast, flat valley ride of around 120 kilometres which we’ll appreciate after the previous day’s exploits!
There will be some climbing options towards the end of the ride for those keen to maximise the stunning views fully.
Monday, September 18
Monday is all about Lake Como’s absolute highlights.
Beautiful lakeside riding to warm the legs up, followed by the iconic climbs of Passo del Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano.
These climbs are an integral part of the October Giro di Lombardia classic race.
The Ghisallo’s 10.6 kilometres at a 5.2 per cent incline will allow us to savour the stunning views of the lake.
At the top of the Ghisallo will be a chance to visit the world-famous cycling museum.
Muro di Sormano and its 2 kilometres at a 15 per cent incline will be a challenge for anyone and a fitting way to complete our adventures.
Tuesday, September 19
Return transfers to Milan Airport (for afternoon departing flights).
Who would enjoy this trip?
Giro Dolomiti is a challenging trip with some steep and sustained climbs.
The trip format means that riders will have plenty of flexibility on most days to take on a ‘standard’ route or an extra ‘challenge’ route.
This flexibility means that stronger riders will have the opportunity to be challenged if they wish.
In contrast, more moderate-level riders will still be able to enjoy riding in this incredible region.
Distances and amount of climbing will vary daily, but as a guide, each day will be between 70 – 130 kilometres with 2000 – 3000 metres of climbing.
Those riders taking the ‘standard’ route can expect to ride around 600 kilometres in the seven days with about 13000 metres of climbing.
Those taking on all the ‘challenge’ options will look at about 800 kilometres and 18,000 metres of climbing.
The Lake Como extension to this trip will add two extra days of riding, totalling approximately 230 kilometres of riding and 2000 metres of climbing.
Contact us to learn more or to book.
What we include
- Transfers from Venice Airport (Marco Polo) with the possibility of flying into Milan airport.
- 8 (10*) nights twin share accommodation in carefully selected 2-star and 3-star hotels.
- 7 (9*) days of supported rides (mechanical assistance, vehicle support and guidance on all days).
- All breakfasts and dinners.
- Informal evening lectures from a qualified cycling coach offering training advice in preparation for cycling events.
- Energy drinks and snacks are available at all times.
(* with the Lake Como extension)
What we don’t include
- Flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunches.
Price
£1845 for Giro Dolomiti plus Stelvio. (9-17 September)
£2095 for Giro Dolomiti plus Stelvio plus Lake Como. (9-19 September)
VAM rating
Riders on this trip should be capable of climbing at a rate of around 700 metres/hour on a long climb.
The measurement certainly does not mean that riders have to ride at this level for the duration of the trip.
Find out more about VAM in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Travel information
Flights into Venice Marco Polo Airport on Saturday September 9th should ideally land before 1400 to leave the airport at around 1500.
Transfer time from the airport at the beginning of the tour is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Departure from Milan Malpensa Airport on Sunday September 17th should ideally depart at 12 midday or later.
Transfer time at the end of the trip from Bormio to Milan Malpensa is around 3 hours.
Talk to us before booking flights to ensure they work conveniently with our transfer times.
Contact us to learn more or to book.