Unpaved Dolomites

Name: Ciclismo Classico
Address: 30 Marathon Street, Arlington, MA, 02474, US
Telephone: 1-800-866-7314
Price range: $$$

Quiet Trails along Peaks, Pine Groves and Canyons

Sustainable and traffic-free riding across the UNESCO magic mountains

Destination

Italy, Dolomites

Activity

Biking, Gravel Rides

Level

Advanced

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

This challenging ride is for cyclists who have experienced and enjoyed using a bike on loose and uneven terrain, uphill and downhill, and are physically ready to face long steep climbs and descents; e-gravel bikes are welcome only for those with good riding skills. This tour is not recommended for first-timers on unpaved or mountain cycling.

Create your own private tour! To learn more, call 1-800-866-7314.

From $5,280 PP 8 days / 7 nights

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Download Itinerary

The Unpaved Dolomites tour is an adventurous journey immersed in the breathtaking beauty of four natural parks within the UNESCO-protected Dolomites Mountains. The ride unfolds between sheer mountains, using paved roads, forest roads, and gravel mule trails, mixing physical challenge with mental serendipity.

Experience the profound and visible connection between nature and humans, built in the centuries by three ethnic groups: Italians, Germans, and Ladins, each leaving its indelible mark on this earthly paradise. The mosaic of villages, farms, small churches, and the remnants of World War I with inaccessible peaks, rocky canyons, and green meadows has no equals on the planet.

All of this is lived by the vantage point of a gravel bicycle, a perfect way to reach remote traffic-less valleys, tread lightly on the environment, and savor every fleeting moment of this extraordinary journey.

Tour Essence

Ride through four spectacular natural parks in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites
Conquer iconic mountain passes including Gardena, Valparola, and Nigra
Discover alpine cultures shaped by Italian, Ladin, and Austrian traditions
Stay in charming mountain villages and Cortina d’Ampezzo, host of the 1956 & 2026 Winter Olympics
Pedal along remote gravel and forest trails with dramatic views at every turn
Visit World War I battlefields and poignant historical sites
Savor hearty mountain cuisine and local specialties like “süpa da orč”(barley soup)
Take on thrilling climbs and descents across rugged, unforgettable landscapes

What to Expect

Terrain

Mountainous, 54% dirt, 46% pavement

Start Location

Bolzano

End Location

Prags

Mileage

Average Daily: 30/35 miles Total: 225/260 miles

Elevation

Average Daily: 4,600/5,400 ft Total: 32,300/37,700 ft

Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.

What’s Included

Service of professional guides throughout the program
Full van support
Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
Cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching

Use of our exclusive carbon gravel bike, La Ribelle Gravel (or Equivalent Carbon Gravel Bike)
Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
Two water bottles
Saddle bag with repair kit
Optional: map holder on handlebar

Pedal Options:

Flat pedals
Half-toe pedals (without straps)

What’s Not Included

Helmet
Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
Optional: your own saddle

High-performance red road bike suitable for Italy bike tours and avid cyclists.

Gravel Bike

Carbon Gravel Bike Included

All accommodations
All breakfasts
4 dinners

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural mosaic of the Dolomites, shaped by Italian, Ladin, and Austrian heritage. Discover ancient villages, traditional cuisine like süpa da orč (barley soup), and explore World War I sites that echo with history.

Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Start Location

Bolzano

Fly Into

Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Munich (MUC), or Bolzano (BZO)

End Location

Prags

Fly Out Of

Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Munich (MUC), or Bolzano (BZO)

Download Itinerary

STYLED MAP

Day1

Bolzano-Oberbozen Warm-up ride

Meet your guides at the hotel bike garage at 9:00 am on our first day, ready to ride. Following the bike fitting and essential safety instructions, we head to the cable car to the stunning plateau of Oberbozen for our first ride between forests and pastures. From the viewpoints atop the high plain, you are treated to breathtaking glimpses of the majestic Dolomites further east. We stop for a delightful snack at one of the many active “masos” (farms) in the mountains and then descend back to our hotel. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a stroll through the elegant medieval city and its vibrant, modern lifestyle. Dinner is at an ancient brewery, where we learn about local brewing traditions and savor traditional dishes.

Meals Provided

Dinner

Average Mileage

20 miles

Elevation Gain

2,800 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling

Meals Provided

Dinner

Accommodations

TBD

Luxury Level

Day2

Canazei

To avoid climbing the first 2100 steep feet, we take a cable car ride to Colle, overlooking Bolzano. Once there, we ride uphill towards the top of the high plan of Moso; at each turn, tiny villages of wooden homes and the rocky walls of Rosengarten and Latemar appear as the background of our day. In this region, the German language and Austrian culture still prevail among the locals. The ride unfolds over forest roads and pasture lands with some steep stretches of about 2.5 miles towards the Nigra Pass. A descent brings us to the Val di Fassa, where the primary language and customs are “Ladin,” an ethnic group with roots dating back to Roman times. We reach Canazei, a popular ski resort that is equally worth visiting in the winter months.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

45 miles

Elevation Gain

6,100 ft

Riding Terrain

Mountainous

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

TBD

Luxury Level

Day3

Canazei Loop

We head to the Alpe di Siusi, the largest mountain plateau of Europe, at the base of the spires of the “Rosengarten” mountains. We start riding early to avoid the rush hour while climbing up Val Duron, a gravel road with two steep sections at miles 3 and 6; a challenging stretch well worth the effort once at the top of the pass! From Passo Duron, we gently descend to the Alpe di Siusi on forest roads. We continue around the Sassolungo, a peak that holds a significant place in the history of mountaineering. Finally, we climb to the “Città dei Sassi,” the city of boulders, where the road winds between gigantic stones at the base of the mountain. A fast descent brings us back to Val di Fassa.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

30 miles

Elevation Gain

5,500 ft

Riding Terrain

Mountainous

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

TBD

Luxury Level

Day4

Sella Group and Arabba

Today, we conquer the Sella and Gardena Passes, mostly on paved roads. The stunning Sella group mountain is a breathtaking backdrop throughout the day as we cycle half of the renowned “Sellaronda” route – a picturesque loop encircling Sella. Along the way, we veer onto unpaved paths to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. Our journey leads us to Val Badia and its charming centerpiece, the ski resort of Corvara, renowned for hosting the prestigious Maratona of the Dolomites cycling event for 36 years. As we near the end of our expedition, a final ascent on magnificent pasture roads brings us to the captivating Pralongià plateau, offering a spellbinding 360° panoramic view that stands as one of the highlights of our entire trip. The Pralongià Alpine Hut in Alta Badia offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites. It is the oldest and highest mountain hut on the Pralongià plateau, often referred to as the amphitheater of the Dolomites due to its stunning beauty. The hut blends tradition with innovation, serving a mix of traditional Ladin flavors, Mediterranean recipes, and gourmet dishes. The rooms maintain the historic charm of the place while providing modern comfort and coziness.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

30 miles

Elevation Gain

6,000 ft

Riding Terrain

Mountainous

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Pralongià Alpine Hut

The Pralongià Alpine Hut in Alta Badia offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites. It is the oldest and highest mountain hut on the Pralongià plateau, often referred to as the amphitheater of the Dolomites due to its stunning beauty. The hut blends tradition with innovation, serving a mix of traditional Ladin flavors, Mediterranean recipes, and gourmet dishes. The rooms maintain the historic charm of the place while providing modern comfort and coziness.

Luxury LevelAlpine Hut

Day5

Cortina

Today’s ride is a captivating journey through history, mainly on pavement. We start with a thrilling downhill stretch before the main ascent towards the legendary Valparola Pass. Here, we delve into the fascinating history of the intense mountain warfare between Italians and Austrians during 1915 and 1916. A long descent leads us to Cortina, the host of the 1956 and 2026 Winter Olympics.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

25/35 miles

Elevation Gain

3,500/5,400 ft

Riding Terrain

Mountainous

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Hotel Menardi

Hotel Menardi is a charming 3-star mountain hotel in the heart of the Dolomites, located just a short walk from the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo and slopes. It blends historic family-run hospitality (dating back to the 19th century) with modern comforts, a peaceful private park, a wellness area, and welcoming common spaces decorated in traditional Ampezzo style.

Luxury Level3-star

Day6

Val Pusteria

We ride north from the Val di Landro to Pustertal, crossing the border between two stunning natural regional parks of the autonomous province of Bolzano: the Natural Park Fanes—Sennes and Braies and the Natural Park of the Sesto Dolomites. During the first part of the morning, our route unfolds without taking us through any villages but treats us to breathtaking vistas of the Dobbiaco, Landro, and Misurina lakes. Along the way, we encounter poignant reminders of World War I, such as small war cemeteries nestled at the base of the mountains.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

30/40 miles

Elevation Gain

3,200/5,200 ft

Riding Terrain

Mountainous

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

TBD

Luxury Level

Day7

Val Pusteria Loop

On our final day of riding, we ride through three different Natural Parks, beginning with a leisurely ride along the former railway connecting Dobbiaco to Cortina. As we ascend to the trailhead of Passo Limo, the landscape transforms into steep and rugged terrain, but the otherworldly beauty of the surroundings makes the exertion well worth it. Our route leads us to the breathtaking Fanes waterfalls, renowned as the most remarkable in the entire Dolomites. Continuing, we encounter the enchanting Limosee, a pristine glacial lake where the adventurous can take a refreshing plunge. Upon reaching the Pass, our descent carries us back to Val Pusteria in Brunico. From there, we can board the local train, departing every few minutes, or continue our ride for an additional 15 miles back to our hotel.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

45/60 miles

Elevation Gain

5,200/6,700 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with a few hills

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

TBD

Luxury Level

Day8

Arrivederci!

Ciclismo Classico provides one group shuttle at 8:30 am. to the Bressanone/Brixen train station, from where you can continue your travel towards Bolzano, Verona, or Austria. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and we suggest not planning your train before 10 am.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Scenic mountain biking on a trail through lush green hills with rocky mountain peaks in the background in Italy.

Unpaved Dolomites

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Unpaved Dolomites

Quiet Trails along Peaks, Pine Groves and Canyons

Download a Detailed Itinerary

Destination

Activity

Level

Duration

Tour Essence

What to Expect

Terrain

Start Location

End Location

Mileage

Elevation

What's Included

What’s Not Included

Gravel Bike

Itinerary

Start Location

Fly Into

End Location

Fly Out Of

Bolzano-Oberbozen Warm-up ride

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Canazei

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Canazei Loop

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Sella Group and Arabba

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Cortina

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Val Pusteria

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Val Pusteria Loop

Meals Provided