Self-guided: Grand tour of the Dolomites Plus! Garda

by ExperiencePlus!
Region
Dolomites
Duration
12 days
Guided Status
Self-Guided
Difficulty
Moderate
D-Score™
D2 - Intermediate

Overview

The best of our Dolomites and Alpine Valleys itineraries combined into one perfect cycling tour! Starting in Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the route heads north on gentle bike paths surrounded by verdant forests and incredible mountain scenery (with optional challenging rides available most days, including climbs to famous mountain passes.) Heading north towards the Austrian border, the itinerary enters the Sud Tyrol region - a unique corner of Italy where traditional culture is still preserved - eventually joining the ancient Roman Via Claudia Augusta, before entering the Trentino Alto-Adige region. After crossing Lake Garda, Valeggio sul Mincio, where love-knot tortellini, medieval charm, and riverside beauty await you at the conclusion of this itinerary. The tour is rated level 2 with 9 cycling days, offering level 1 and level 2 rides. Choosing longer, more challenging rides makes it level 3. Some routes can be shortened by train. This itinerary includes short stretches of bike paths with hard packed dirt/gravel sections. If you are not experienced on hard packed dirt/gravel, we recommend selecting the hybrid e-bikes, with thicker tires that make the bike paths easier to manage.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Tour begins in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Tour begins in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Day 2: Cycling to Dobbiaco and San Candido in the Val Pusteria

35 km 372 m

D1

Cycling to Dobbiaco and San Candido in the Val Pusteria

Day 3: Loop ride along the Drau River

87 km 830 m

D2

Loop ride along the Drau River

Day 4: Cycling the Val Pusteria to Brunico

51 km 569 m

D1

Cycling the Val Pusteria to Brunico

Day 5: Cycling Brunico to Bressanone

46 km 576 m

D1

Cycling Brunico to Bressanone

Day 6: Cycling Bressanone to Bolzano

43 km 236 m

D1

Cycling Bressanone to Bolzano

Day 7: Cycling loop into the Caldaro wine region

38 km 445 m

D1

Cycling loop into the Caldaro wine region

Day 8: Cycling Bolzano to Trento

74 km 334 m

D2

Cycling Bolzano to Trento

Day 9: Cycling Trento to Riva del Garda

45 km 294 m

D1

Cycling Trento to Riva del Garda

Day 10: Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda

Day 11: By boat across Lake Garda: Riva to Valeggio

39 km 274 m

D1

By boat across Lake Garda: Riva to Valeggio

Day 12: End of Tour in Valeggio sul Mincio

End of Tour in Valeggio sul Mincio

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Airport transfers
Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides

About the Dolomites

Read full regional guide