Stelvio & Dolomites Cycling Tour
Ride your bucket list of Italian climbs to challenge the body and inspire the mind on this 8-day guided cycling tour through northern Italy.
Overview of our Stelvio and Dolomites Cycling Holiday
If your bike bucket list includes many of the famous climbs of Italy, then our Dolomites cycling tour is for you.
Designed for experienced cyclists, you will test yourself across the north Italian mountains. After a warm up on the climb of Cancano, you’ll take on the iconic Passo dello Stelvio, and Gavia before heading to the Dolomites to tick off Passo di Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo di Campolongo, Colle Santa Lucia, Passo Furcia Passo Giau, Passo Falzarego and Passo Valparola.
Taking on these legendary passes and soaking up the incredible scenery and vistas that are in every direction you ride, is the perfect way to test yourself both physically and mentally, across these incredible 7 days of climbing.
The majestic rugged peaks of spectacular shape and colour provide the perfect backdrop for you to complete the challenging ascents and superb descents of climbs made famous by the Giro d’Italia.
Expect challenging days on the bike, in warm Summer mountain air and surrounded by lush green scenery that is a feast for the eyes and for the heart, followed by a food, wine and cultural experience that takes in the best of the regions produce and cuisine, and its magnificent wines.
Join us for this bucket list adventure of a lifetime.
Trip Highlights
- Climb the legendary Passo dello Stelvio, Gavia and the famous Sella Ronda circuit.
- Take in spectacular views from Passo Giau and Passo Falzarego
Ride through the scenic Ladin and Pusteria Valleys - Tackle the “mini Stelvio” climb to Torri di Fraele
- Follow roads made famous by the Giro d’Italia.
- Enjoy traditional Alpine cuisine and local wines
- Stay in beautiful mountain hotels and wake up surrounded by spectacular alpine views
Stelvio & Dolomites Cycling Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Stelvio & the Dolomites
On our Stelvio and Dolomites cycling tour, you’ll revel in daily rides that take us over the incredible mountainous landscapes and climbs of the Alps and Dolomites.
Challenging rides will be met with amazing post ride rewards for an overall experience that is a feast for the senses.
Welcome to Bormio We’ll start the week with a spin out of the village and along the valley, before riding up the hairpin laden road to Torri di Fraele, also known to the locals as ‘mini Stelvio’.
This ride will blow the cobwebs out of your legs after your travels, and also give you the chance to test your bike set-up and make any micro adjustments, as you require.
Highlight: Riding up “mini Stelvio” the the vista back to Bormio.
Distance: 36.3km
Elevation: 1074m
Mountain MagicRolling out of Bormio, we’ll go up and head towards Switzerland, taking in the beautifully long 22k climb up to the mountain top tax haven of Livigno. We’ll stop for a well-earned panino and espresso and absorb some of the magic from this delightful mountain top village, before enjoying the thrilling 20+k descent back into the village of Bormio.
Highlight: 22km of spectacular Alpine scenery
Distance: 77km
Elevation: 2179m
Passo StelvioAfter an early start and transfer to Bormio, it’ll be time for you to take on the iconic Passo dello Stelvio, sitting at an imposing 2750m. This is a climb like no other. With its 34 switchbacks, and at one point a 14%, it will challenge the mind and the legs, and open your heart. After passing the waterfall, you enter the Valle del Braulio and the expanse of open melting white, surrounded by two peaks.
On a quiet day, you’ll encounter marmots waking up after a long winter and scurrying out of your way, as you press on past the Umbrail Pass and up another ramp to get to the top of the pass. We’ll stop for a coffee and take in our surrounds, as we peer down in the direction of Prato and it’s 48 switchbacks before taking the long, technical and beautiful descent.
Highlight: Conquering the epic Stelvio
Distance: 46.4km
Elevation: 1684m
Passo di GaviaToday you’ll conquer another one of cycling’s legendary climbs, starting by heading towards Santa Caterina, which rises 600m before we even reach the base of the climb. You’ll have a few switchbacks to take care of early, before you ride along the edge of the mountain that sharply drops away before dramatically rising on the other side of a ravine.
Highlight: This is a truly spectacular landscape and possibly our favourite.
Distance: 45.1km
Elevation: 1533m
Dolomiti ExpressWe say hello to the roads of the Dolomites as ride up to and around Plan de Corones taking in the Passo Furcia and the Ladin & Pusteria Valleys along the way.
Highlight: The amazing vista of the villages in the valleys surrounded by rugged peaks.
Distance: 94.9km
Elevation: 2648m
Passo Giau & Passo FalzaregoThis is one of our favourite days on the bike. We roll out and start the first of our three ascents for the day, Passo di Campolongo. We all find our own rhythm and set about rolling over the top, before a fast 15km descent and the task of conquering the challenges of Colle Santa Lucia, Passo Giau, Passo Falzarego and Passo Valparola. After stopping to regroup and take in the amazing view of the valley below, we have a final 14km’s of utter joy left, as we descend into the valley and our villa below.
Highlight: The imposing peaks as you reach the top of the Passo Giau and Passo Falzarego.
Distance: 83.2km
Elevation: 2499m
Sella RondaThis is a superb day of climbing and descending on our Sella Ronda cycling experience, with spectacular landscape everywhere you turn.
Today we are either going up or going down, with four distinct passes. We start with a short and slight descent to the south, before our first challenge of Passo di Gardena, followed by Passo di Sella, Passo Pordoi and finishing with the beautiful, free flowing descent of Passo di Campolongo.
Highlight: The feeling of complete contentment after completing the truly beautiful iconic Sella Ronda cycling experience.
Distance: 61.2km
Elevation: 1808m
Pricing & Dates
Show Price As
8595
per person twin share / Maximum 14 guests
2027
Start Location & Details
City: Tirano, Italy
Pick Up Location: Tirano Train Station
Pick Up Time: 12:00pm
Finish Location & Details
City: Venice, Italy
Pick Up Location: Mestre Train Station, Venice
Drop Off Time: 11:30am
Inclusions & Details
Accommodation & Meals
- Our Stelvio & Dolomites cycling tours include 7 nights accommodation, twin share with private bathroom.
- Single occupancy available. Talk to us when booking
- All breakfasts
- Lunches on the road
- All dinners at a range of our favourite restaurants and osteria’s, including local wines at each dinner*
- *wine provided at dinner is to accompany meals / beverages ordered by guests will incur additional charges
Ride Support
- Professional bilingual ride guides with extensive cycling experience, local knowledge and first aid experience, ensuring your riding experiences are truly local and take in many of the undiscovered back roads and rolling hills of this spectacular and diverse region.
- Unique GPS routes, provided on tour as part of our bike tours in the Dolomites.
- Support van on daily rides, with mechanical support and your safety as our priority.
- Nutritious snacks and water are provided
Transfers & Activities
- All transfers / transportation from pick up to drop off, including baggage and bike transportation.
- Entrance fees to sites and tours / activities included in non riding partner program
Ride Kit
- 2 piece, Italian made A’QTO Cycling Kit including jersey and bib shorts.
- Laundry for your cycling clothing.
Not Included
- Airfare.
- Bike hire.
- Travel & International Medical Insurance
- Guide Gratuities
- Specific gels and energy bars
Have More Questions About Our Dolomites Cycling Tour?
Bike Hire & Gear
Carbon Road Bike with Electronic Shifting
You can choose to hire a Wilier Cento 10SL carbon road bike with Sram Rival Etap, a compact crankset, with a 32 rear cassette & disc brakes.
Carbon Road Bike with Mechanical Shifting
You can choose to hire a Bianchi Sprint with mechanical Shimano Ultegra groupset, a compact crankset, with a 32 rear cassette & disc brakes.
Hiking Program For Non-Riding Partners
As part of our Stelvio & Dolomites cycling tour, non-riding partners enjoy an active hiking and travel program, designed to deliver a diverse range of hikes that the regions of Lombardia and the central Dolomites have to offer. We’ll enjoy 5 guided hikes across Stelvio National Park and the majestic Dolomites and an optional cultural experience with a Ladin family. With an itinerary curated by Nancy and delivered together with a range of partners and guides whom she personally selects, It’s sure to be a holiday in the alps and Dolomites you’ll never forget.
Talk to us when booking about your preferred hiking and difficulty levels as our Dolomites hiking program can be tailored to a couple of different levels.
To learn more about this program, see our Non-Riding Partners page.
Accommodation
Food & Wine
Why Choose Us For Your Dolomites Cycling Tour
- Expertise: We have 10 years of guiding riders through Italy’s most iconic cycling regions, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience.
- We Ride With You: We don't just organise the tour and send you on your way. As owners of A’qto, we join you throughout the journey, along with our trusted guides, riding the roads, sharing meals, and experiencing Stelvio and the Dolomites with you. It’s a personal atmosphere and gives you direct access to the people who designed the tour, with local insights, stories, and recommendations that go far beyond a typical guided cycling holiday.
- Small Group Sizes: We limit our group sizes to 14 people. This means you will have a fully personalised riding experience with one guide for every 4-5 riders and full van support.
- Authentic food and culture: : We go beyond tourist restaurants, taking you to our favourite spots we’ve discovered from the connections we’ve made throughout the years. It’s a more authentic way to experience the Dolomites, and one of the reasons our guests often feel like they're travelling with friends, rather than following a tour.
- Safety: Experienced guides, support, and well-planned routes ensure you can relax and enjoy your cycling experience.
- Unforgettable Memories: from the incredible scenery, the daily reward of challenging climbs, to the authentic off-the-bike experience, you’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime.
Testimonials
A TRULY MEMORABLE WEEK
Thank you to Damian, Nancy, Mauro and Andrea for a truly memorable week through the Dolomites and the Prosecco region. Not just a cycling trip but more of an immersion into Italian culture, food and way of life. The cycling was tough but thoroughly worth the effort when you reach the top of the mountain passes. Hope to plan another trip with you again soon.
I ASSURE ALL NON-RIDERS YOU CAN GO ON A BIKE HOLIDAY & HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME
Thank you for a wonderful locally focused adventure. The accommodation was spectacular, the hospitality was awesome, the dining experiences were exquisite and the bike routes, as always were scenic and challenging. Thank you both so much.
THE RIDE ROUTES WERE SCENIC & CHALLENGING
Thank you for a wonderful locally focused adventure. The accommodation was spectacular, the hospitality was awesome, the dining experiences were exquisite and the bike routes, as always were scenic and challenging. Thank you both so much.
ENTHUSIASM, PROFESSIONALISM AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL
We were very excited about our trip to the Dolomites and Prosecco Road with A’qto in July, 2019. We had high expectations, but with Nancy and Damien’s enthusiasm, professionalism and attention to detail the whole journey far exceeded those and made the trip truly memorable. Mauro and Andre, our local guides added to our feeling of being cared for. It was the total Italian experience – cultural, gastronomic and the cycling and hiking mountain way of life. They catered perfectly to the various idiosyncrasies within the group and if an issue arose or something had to be quickly changed due to unforeseen circumstances they found the solution calmly and promptly. We would highly recommend A’qto to anyone contemplating a cycling tour to Italy, and especially those with a non-cycling partner who normally wouldn’t be included in such an adventure. Our best wishes to Nancy and Damien and their team for the continuing success of A’qto Cycling
Frequently Asked Questions
The Stelvio & Dolomites cycling tour includes some of the most iconic cycling climbs in Italy, made famous by the Giro d’Italia. So it’s no surprise that many of the climbs on this tour sit atop cyclists’ bucketlists.
The most famous is the Passo dello Stelvio. This is the king of Italian mountain climbs, known for its spectacular 34 hairpin bends, dramatic alpine scenery and summit at 2,758m.
Passo Gavia is another legendary climb. It reaches an altitude of 2,621m and offers another dramatic alpine experience with forests, mountain lakes and sweeping valley views.
Then there’s also the Sella Ronda. This is a spectacular loop that actually links four iconic passes: Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo. This is one for the thrill seekers. You climb, you descend, then you climb again, and descend again. It’s one challenge and one thrill after another.
You’ll also take on Passo Giau, one of the region’s most beautiful (especially from the Selva side). It is famous for steep climbs, 360-degree alpine views, and its regular inclusion in the Giro d’Italia.
You can read more about some of these famous bucket list climbs on this tour, and other tours, in our article the 5 Most Famous Italian Cycling Climbs.
Most cycling tours through the Dolomites focus on riding the same, well-ridden roads – ticking off the most famous climbs. While our Stelvio & Dolomites Cycling Tour, of course, includes these legendary routes, we take a slightly different approach. We’ve carefully selected routes that combine iconic Alpine climbs with quieter mountain roads. We also go at a time of year when the roads aren’t packed with other tours. So you’ll experience the famous passes that make cycling in the Dolomites so special.
We also put just as much thought into what happens when you’re not riding. We want you to experience a true, authentic taste of life in the Italian Alps. You’ll stay in accommodation and try local food, which we’ve hand-selected.
Lastly, we join you throughout the journey – riding the roads, sharing meals, and experiencing the Dolomites alongside you. This means you get much more than just a cycling tour; you get an experience that combines extraordinary riding with authentic culture.
