VéloSki Sports

Itinerary Summary:

Day 1 – Venice-arrival

Day 2 – Marostica

Day 3 – Levico-Terme

Day 4 – Levico-Terme

Day 5 – Mezzocorona

Day 6 – Bolzano

Day 7 – Bolzano

Day 8 – Brixen

Day 9 – Corvara

Day 10 – Corvara

Day 11 – Cortina

Day 12 – Cortina

Day 13 – Belluno

Day 14 -- Feltre

Day 15 – Castelfranco

Day 16 – Venice depart 

Gateway Airport:

Arrive:  Venice, Italy by

 8 September

Depart:  Venice, Italy 

23 September  

The Dolomiti (Dolomites) take their name from the scientist who first recognized the rock formations as different and distinct from all other formations in Western Europe.  Indeed, the Dolomiti are primarily formations resulting from the uplift of ancient coral beds of the nearby Mediterranean Sea.  The near vertical walls create stunning vistas and lens filling landscapes that are unparalleled.  The high pastures provide a beautiful green tapestry of contrasting color where herds graze and flocks migrate to higher ground during the hot summer months.  The herder and hiker huts provide refuge from sudden storms and a welcome respite for hungry travelers traversing historic trade routes linking remote valleys and villages. 

The fertile Veneto region is today the epicenter of Italian cycling manufacturers of clothing, components, frames, shoes and tires.   The prosecco grape grows in abundance on the hillsides of the Veneto and provides ample fruit for the sparkling prosecco wine that is prominently featured on dinner tables of Italian families.  Famous cities of the Veneto include Verona and Venezia (Venice) are known throughout the world for music, verse and handcrafts.  The ancient silk route passed through the Veneto and over the Alps to northern Europe leaving us with amazing roads to ride into the heart of the mountains.   Monte Grappa dominates the skyline to the north of Castelfranco and is a favorite route for cyclists of the Veneto. 

Leaving the Veneto plain we ride upstream along the beautiful Brenta river on roads designated for cycling enjoyment and where kayakers play amid riffles and rapids.  Our route passes between two massifs that separate the Veneto from the mighty Dolomite mountains.    

We continue our warm-up approach to the Dolomiti as we follow the “Wine Route” of the Alto Adige between Trento and Bolzano.  Along the way we traverse apple orchards and vineyards where we glimpse the stunning beauty of the Dolomiti.  We will sleep in the shadows of the Dolomiti and Brenta ranges and enjoy local wines produced from nearby vines of Mezzocorona, Val di Non, Caldaro and Bolzano.  Marketday is Saturday in Bolzano and we will have the day to explore this historical town at the confluence of Adige and Isarco rivers; a natural hub of trading and commerce.   

Rising high above the Adige River we finally arrive on the western shoulder of the Dolomiti beneath the Scilliar cliffs.  We are entering the heart of the Dolomiti as we climb passes made famous by il Giro della Italia.  The famous Sella Ronde becomes our domain for the next few nights before cycling further into the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Dolomiti.  The serpentine routes of Passo Pordoi, Passo Pellegrino, Passo Giau and the mighty Marmelade beckon us to press ever upward to view stunning scenery.  Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Aspen of Italian skiing circles, so we are treated to great meals and gracious hospitality from our Italian hosts. 

Completing our tour, we pedal along the picturesque strada della vino as we leave the Dolomiti behind us.  WE will arrive back at our hotel in Castelfranco in time to pack our bikes before a fond farewell dinner and a final gelato in the piazza.   

Included:

14 nights lodging, 14 breakfasts, 12 dinners with dinner drinks,  ride snacks and drinks, luggage transfers, van support (sag wagon), ride guides, detailed route maps and descriptions, gateway airport transfer on designated arrival/departure days 

Excluded: