2026 will mark our thirteenth 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 5
Arrival at Venice airport and a 1-hour 15-minute transfer to our ride start town of Bassano del Grappa.
Sunday, September 6
Bassano del Grappa to Transacqua.
100 kilometres and 2500 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 the Croce d’Aune and onwards to the pretty town of Transacqua.
Monday, September 7
Transacqua to Misurina
120 kilometres and 3000 metres of climbing.
A big day of climbing starts with the Passo Rolle followed quickly by the Passo Vallees.
A huge descent follows and leads us to a lunch stop in the beautiful lakeside town of Alleghe.
Next comes the epic climb of Passo Giao before descending to Cortina.
From Cortina, we’ll climb the Passo Tre Croci (Cortina d’Ampezzo) after which we arrive in the idyllic lakeside settlement of Misurina
Tuesday, September 8
Misurina – Canazei
115 kilometres and 3000 metres of climbing.
First up today is the short but steep Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This tough and dramatic climb featured in the 2023 Giro d’Italia.
Next we’ll scale the Passo Falzarego followed by a finale of climbing the Passo Fedaia. Fedaia is a Dolomite classic and features a very tough final 5kms sometimes labelled as ‘the Graveyard of Champions’!
A fast descent follows taking us down to our hotel next to Canazei where we’ll stay for 2 nights
Wednesday, September 9
Canazei to Canazei
70kms and 2000m climbing
Today is allabout the spectacular Sella Ronda circuit. Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo and Passo Pordoi providing the challenges on this classic route.
Thursday, September 10
Canazei to Schlanders
120kms and 1400m climbing
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 11
Schlanders to Bormio
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 highlight will be the climb of the Torre di Fraele and onto the Laghi di Cancano.
Saturday, September 12
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 13
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 14
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 5.2% 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 1.7 kilometres at 15% will be a challenge for anyone and a fitting way to complete our adventures.
Tuesday, September 15
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
£2095 for Giro Dolomiti plus Stelvio. (5-13 September)
£2395 for Giro Dolomiti plus Stelvio plus Lake Como. (5-15 September)
VAM rating
Riders on this trip should be capable of climbing at a rate of around 700 metres/hour on a long climb when pushing themselves hard.
This certainly does not mean that riders have to ride at this level for the duration of the trip. It does, however, give us an idea of your fitness level and therefore gives you the reassurance that you can enjoy the trip and not simply survive it!
Find out more about VAM in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Travel information
Flights into Venice Marco Polo Airport on Saturday September 5th 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 flights from Milan Malpensa Airport on Sunday September 13th 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.