Italy: The Dolomites, Bolzano to Ora

Depart home for Austria. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.

Upon arrival at the Innsbruck Airport, make your own travel arrangements to your hotel in Bolzano, Italy. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.

The Parkhotel Laurin is centrally located in Bolzano alongside a pretty green park, within walking distance of the railway station. A stroll through this capital of South Tyrol reveals onion-domed churches, pastel-hued townhouses, and riverside bike paths. Admire the Gothic and Romanesque churches in the medieval city center and enjoy Tyrolean cuisine in one of the city’s many fine restaurants.

After breakfast at Parkhotel Laurin, take time to explore this beautiful old city, perhaps browsing the food and flower market, the shops under the arcades, and the cafés. Consider visiting the Archeological Museum, where you can see Otzi the Iceman, the famous glacier mummy discovered fully clothed in 1991.

At 1:00 p.m., meet your Local host in the lobby of the Parkhotel Laurin for your Welcome Orientation, along with any other VBT guests arriving on the same day. Please be dressed and ready for cycling. Your Local host will be carrying a VBT sign.

During your first day’s ride, get to know your bicycle and ease into the rhythm of Italy and its efficient network of bike paths. Your route follows the Isarco River’s deep valley to Bressanone. Along the way, as you approach the soaring Dolomites, admire the 1687 Abbey of Sabiona perched high on an outcropping, and maybe stop to visit the red-roofed village of Chiusa.

The charming medieval town of Bressanone (known as Brixen in German) is located in South Tyrol, part of Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region. The province belonged to Austria until 1918. In fact, locals speak more German than Italian. This “Ancient Bishop’s City” is nestled between two rivers and enveloped by mountains sloping down to vineyards and lush orchards. Its pleasant center is a lovely tapestry of narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and historic buildings and bridges.

This evening, pick a restaurant and have a taste of South Tyrolean cuisine. Local Alto Adige wines, cured ham (speck) and cheeses, as well as handmade spinach-filled ravioli, river trout, local game, lamb, and of course apple strudel are some of the many local specialties that you can find here.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Bolzano to Bressanone — 43 km (27 miles)

What to Expect:

You ride from your centrally located hotel to Bressanone, along a well-marked and paved bike path. You steadily gain elevation throughout the day. If you wish, explore the small town of Chiusa on your way. We recommend planning to arrive in Bressanone so you have time to explore this medieval town on foot. See D1 Bressanone walk for Bressanone suggested walking route, services, and points of interest.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Linger over breakfast as long as you’d like. At your leisure, cycle out of Bressanone on a paved bike path, heading toward Fortezza. You leave the vineyard-draped valleys and approach the foothills of the Alps. In Fortezza you enter the Pusteria Valley, one of the longest east-west valleys in the Alps.

Continue straight to Brunico, or choose a longer option that leads you into the stunning Auer Valley and the charming old market town of Campo Tures, the Taufers Castle watching over from its perch. No matter your choice, it will be a rewarding day of cycling! Once you roll into Brunico, ride directly to your hotel on the historic main street, the via Bastioni. The magnificent trees you see here occupy the strip of land once taken up by a moat that surrounded the town’s castle. Today, the old fortification is home to the Messner Mountain Museum RIPA, established by the famed mountain climber Rainold Messner. It’s worth a visit if you have time. You might also explore the inviting shops and beautiful buildings along via Centrale and duck into the maze of vaulted narrow streets, where you can find local crafts and clothing such as felt hats, leather shoes, and even a Dolomites cycling jersey. As you plan your time, bear in mind that shops here close as early as 6:00 p.m.

Follow your nose—or the advice of your hotel—and pick a restaurant for dinner, perhaps sampling a South Tyrol specialty.

Today’s Ride Choices

Bressanone to Brunico — 43 km (27 miles) | OR Bressanone to Campo Tures to Brunico — 70 km (41 miles)

What to Expect:

Departing Bressanone, your route primarily follows well-kept bike paths to Brunico. You will have the choice between two routes, one shorter and paved, with a climb to the Novacella Abbey, the other one 3 miles longer and including a panoramic stretch on gravel path to the Fortezza fortress. After, you will climb very gradually to Brunico, with a few steeper hills. The path flattens out to your destination. Much of your ride follows the Rienza River. In Brunico, a longer loop on mostly country roads leads you into a wide green valley and through typical local villages to Campo Tures. Your route loops around this village, then through it, to retrace the same path before you continue to Brunico. It’s a scenic and relaxing ride with open views of the northern Alps. You can ride this loop tomorrow if you prefer to take time to explore Brunico today.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, ride to the nearby railway station and board a local train to San Candido in the Pusteria Valley. Your ticket is included and the trains are frequent. This ancient city on the doorstep of Austria rose up around its abbey, which was founded in 769. Visit the Romanesque Duomo della Collegiata—the oldest monastery in the Dolomites—and drink at one of the many stone fountains in the cobblestone pedestrian area. Consider browsing a local market or café for a takeaway lunch that you can enjoy later.

Set out on your mostly downhill route, arriving at the beautiful Toblacher Lake, the ideal spot for your picnic lunch. Continue to Brunico along riverside bike paths, through picturesque villages and sylvan forests. As you ride, you will notice that the main language here is German and the architecture and culture reflect an Austrian influence.

We suggest you put some time aside this afternoon to take a funicular to the summit of Plan de Corones, at 7,464 feet. The views of South Tyrol from the top of the plateau are incredible. If there is time, you can visit LUMEN, the unique Museum of Mountain Photography at the summit. Set in a stunning modern building inspired by its alpine surroundings, this unique space offers fascinating exhibits. You may dine here if you wish. Check the time of the last funicular up and plan your day accordingly.

Today’s Ride Choices

San Candido to Brunico — 42 km (26 miles)

What to Expect:

Expect a 30-minute train ride to San Candido. It’s easy to get your bike on the train as the region’s transportation infrastructures encourage an environmentally friendly and healthy lifestyle. The bike route is mostly downhill and well paved, with the exception of a few short hills and some stretches on unpaved paths along the river and in the forest.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart at 8:00 a.m. for a 60-minute drive up to one of the four most famous passes of the Dolomites. The scenic Badia Valley leads you to the heart of the Sella Group, where the Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes sprawl between majestic peaks.

There’s no need to hop on your bike right away once you arrive at the Pordoi Pass. If you’d like, you can embark the funicular that takes you to Sassolongo Peak, at 9,400 feet. Take in astonishing vistas here before returning to the pass. Pordoi is a bit of a cult site among cyclists; many come to pay tribute to Italian cycling legend Fausto Coppi, five-time winner of the Giro d’Italia in the 1940s and 50s. To honor him each year, the race committee bestows the prestigious Cima Coppi mountain bonus to the first rider who reaches the highest summit of that year’s route.

As you descend, you’ll be navigating the famous 27 switchbacks. Imagine that the champions cycle this mountainside uphill! The road is wide and the grade not too steep, which is a good thing because the dramatic panoramas of the Dolomites change at every turn and you’ll want to take it all in! You conclude your invigorating coast at Canazei, where you pick up a scenic bike path to the day’s final destination.

It’s possible today that you will hear locals speaking a different language. Don’t worry. It’s not the altitude! They are speaking Ladin, an old language spoken only in four valleys in this corner of Italy—including Fassa and Fiemme, where you are today. Locals are wholly dedicated to keeping their rare language alive, even teaching it in the region’s schools.

Nature and history interact in this region more than in other parts of northern Italy. The red spruce is king here. And most of the vast forests belong to the villages and to the Magnifica Comunita di Fiemme, an institution that ruled here for seven centuries until the 19th century as a sort of republic. Trees formed the basis of the economy back then. To some extent, they still do today as visitors come to enjoy nature, a clean environment and outdoor activities like cycling. The wood from these trees is used to build the finest violins and pianos in the world.

As you cycle the second leg of your ride along an easy path on the Avisio River, you’re sure to notice the colorful culture in the painted buildings of picturesque villages, all flanked by the Catinaccio, the Latemar, and the Lagorai mountain groups. Your destination is the village of Cavalese at 3,000 feet. You’ll have time to admire the Church of Assunta dating to 1112 and the Banco de la Reson, a sort of Parliament house of the Magnifica Comunita’ di Fiemme.

After a memorable day in the Dolomites, relax your muscles in the hotel’s fine spa and swimming pool, enjoying a superb view of Cermis Mountain. For dinner, try the hotel restaurant’s local specialties, like the cajoncie ravioli and pasta made from organic durum wheat.

Today’s Ride Choices

Pordoi Pass to Cavalese — 53 km (33 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride starts with a 10-km (6 mile) descent at an average gradient of 8%. The road is well paved and wide, with 27 switchbacks. Motorbike and car traffic, along with cyclists, may be numerous, so it’s important to pay attention. The next 45 km (27 miles) are very enjoyable, with occasional small hills. You follow a bike path through typical villages and meadows and past waterfalls and even an artificial lake (Biolago) where you can stop to swim and have lunch. At ride’s end, you have the option to ride gently uphill to Cavalese or take the Cermis funicular with your bike (open from mid-June to approximately September 25. Open until 5:00 p.m.).

Included Meals: Breakfast

Savor an excellent buffet breakfast on the hotel terrace, with sweeping views of the Lagorai group. Then head out to enjoy a beautiful new bike path to the Sanlugano Pass. This is a small pass that connects the Fiemme Valley with the Adige River Valley. Your route follows the former Vecia Ferrovia, an old railroad built during World War I by Russian prisoners and recently turned into a scenic bike path. Shortly after the pass you ride through a thick forest and descend into a rare alpine wine region known for its pinot noir. Along the region’s renowned Wine Route, stop at the wine village of Pinzano, admiring the frescoed houses and cobbled streets. This is a good place to get some lunch and taste the famous local wine.

The views open up as you enter the wide Adige Valley and approach the village of Ora. Here, you can opt to ride the last miles along the river on a flat bike path or take the local train to get to Bolzano more quickly.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the city from your centrally located hotel. Save some time to visit the Archeological Museum of Bolzano, where Oetzi or ‘the Iceman’, the natural mummy is displayed. About 5,300 years ago a man was crossing the Alps when he was killed. His body was preserved by the thick ice, and it is possible to see it here, together with an interesting number of different research studies around life and humans 5,000 years ago.

Today’s Ride Choices

Cavalese to Ora and Bolzano — 45 or 59 km (28 or 37 miles)

What to Expect:

After an initial gradual ascent departing Cavalese, you climb a short hill to the Sanlugano Pass at 3,300 feet. After crossing the pass, you coast mainly downhill and ride on a flat bike path. Part of the morning ride is on an unpaved bike path or country roads. From Ora to Bolzano, the bike path is perfectly flat and well-paved, and delivers you to the main square of Bolzano, very close to your hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Check-out is at 10:00 a.m. After, you make your own way to Verona to explore the romantic city of Romeo & Juliet. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.

VBT provides you with city information and recommendations for what to see and do in Verona. Your hotel is perfectly situated to take advantage of all the city has to offer. History echoes at every turn in splendid Verona, from its ancient Roman past to its medieval churches and piazzas. During your independent stay, you’ll find it easy and pleasant to explore by foot. View the city’s most famous monument, the Roman Arena—the third-largest amphitheater in the world. Stroll the Old Town, perhaps passing the balcony where Romeo and Juliet are imagined to have begun their ill-fated romance. Explore the Palace of Reason, the lively medieval Piazza Brà and Piazza delle Erbe, or the fine art gallery of the Castelvecchio fortress. It’s the perfect postlude to road cycling the Dolomites.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast* this morning, allow yourself a minimum of three hours prior to your flight departure to get to Verona Airport. This timeframe includes approximately 30 minutes (taxi) to a maximum one hour of travel (on public transportation) and around two hours of recommended pre-flight check-in time.

*For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Included Meals: Breakfast

We suggest arriving in Europe at least one day prior to the start date as your tour begins at 1:00 p.m. Make your own independent travel arrangements from Innsbruck to Bolzano, where you will begin your Self-Guided Bicycle Vacation. (If you travel by train from the Innsbruck International Airport, the journey is two hours; you can buy your tickets online at reiseauskunft.bahn.de//bin/query.exe/dn?protocol=https:. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.

If you arrive in Bolzano early, take a stroll downtown and admire the interesting architecture of the city. In the beautiful Old Town, explore narrow alleys, porticoed streets, and old manor houses. Many of the Romanesque and Gothic structures you’ll see were constructed by the renowned Schiche brothers from Augsburg, Germany. With its youthful vibe (thanks to its tri-lingual university) and its pretty setting among green hills, you’ll quickly understand why Italians have called it the most livable city in Italy.

At 1:00 p.m., meet your Local host in the lobby of the Parkhotel Laurin for your Welcome Orientation, along with any other VBT guests arriving on the same day. Please be dressed and ready for cycling. Your Local host will be carrying a VBT sign.

During your first day’s ride, get to know your bicycle and ease into the rhythm of Italy and its efficient network of bike paths. Your route follows the Isarco River’s deep valley to Bressanone. Along the way, as you approach the soaring Dolomites, admire the 1687 Abbey of Sabiona perched high on an outcropping, and maybe stop to visit the red-roofed village of Chiusa.

The charming medieval town of Bressanone (known as Brixen in German) is located in South Tyrol, part of Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region. The province belonged to Austria until 1918. In fact, locals speak more German than Italian. This “Ancient Bishop’s City” is nestled between two rivers and enveloped by mountains sloping down to vineyards and lush orchards. Its pleasant center is a lovely tapestry of narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and historic buildings and bridges.

This evening, pick a restaurant and have a taste of South Tyrolean cuisine. Local Alto Adige wines, cured ham (speck) and cheeses, as well as handmade spinach-filled ravioli, river trout, local game, lamb, and of course apple strudel are some of the many local specialties that you can find here.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Bolzano to Bressanone — 43 km (27 miles)

What to Expect:

You ride from your centrally located hotel to Bressanone, along a well-marked and paved bike path. You steadily gain elevation throughout the day. If you wish, explore the small town of Chiusa on your way. We recommend planning to arrive in Bressanone so you have time to explore this medieval town on foot. See D1 Bressanone walk for Bressanone suggested walking route, services and points of interest.

Included Meals: Dinner

Linger over breakfast as long as you’d like. At your leisure, cycle out of Bressanone on a paved bike path, heading toward Fortezza. You leave the vineyard-draped valleys and approach the foothills of the Alps. In Fortezza you enter the Pusteria Valley, one of the longest east-west valleys in the Alps.

Continue straight to Brunico, or choose a longer option that leads you into the stunning Auer Valley and the charming old market town of Campo Tures, the Taufers Castle watching over from its perch. No matter your choice, it will be a rewarding day of cycling! Once you roll into Brunico, ride directly to your hotel on the historic main street, the via Bastioni. The magnificent trees you see here occupy the strip of land once taken up by a moat that surrounded the town’s castle. Today, the old fortification is home to the Messner Mountain Museum RIPA, established by the famed mountain climber Rainold Messner. It’s worth a visit if you have time. You might also explore the inviting shops and beautiful buildings along via Centrale and duck into the maze of vaulted narrow streets, where you can find local crafts and clothing such as felt hats, leather shoes, and even a Dolomites cycling jersey. As you plan your time, bear in mind that shops here close as early as 6:00 p.m.

Follow your nose—or the advice of your hotel—and pick a restaurant for dinner, perhaps sampling a South Tyrol specialty.

Today’s Ride Choices

Bressanone to Brunico — 43 km (27 miles) | OR Bressanone to Campo Tures to Brunico — 70 km (41 miles)

What to Expect:

Departing Bressanone, your route primarily follows well-kept bike paths to Brunico. You will have the choice between two routes, one shorter and paved, with a climb to the Novacella Abbey, the other one 3 miles longer and including a panoramic stretch on gravel path to the Fortezza fortress. After, you will climb very gradually to Brunico, with a few steeper hills. The path flattens out to your destination. Much of your ride follows the Rienza River. In Brunico, a longer loop on mostly country roads leads you into a wide green valley and through typical local villages to Campo Tures. Your route loops around this village, then through it, to retrace the same path before you continue to Brunico. It’s a scenic and relaxing ride with open views of the northern Alps. You can ride this loop tomorrow if you prefer to take time to explore Brunico today.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, ride to the nearby railway station and board a local train to San Candido in the Pusteria Valley. Your ticket is included and the trains are frequent. This ancient city on the doorstep of Austria rose up around its abbey, which was founded in 769. Visit the Romanesque Duomo della Collegiata—the oldest monastery in the Dolomites—and drink at one of the many stone fountains in the cobblestone pedestrian area. Consider browsing a local market or café for a takeaway lunch that you can enjoy later.

Set out on your mostly downhill route, arriving at the beautiful Toblacher Lake, the ideal spot for your picnic lunch. Continue to Brunico along riverside bike paths, through picturesque villages and sylvan forests. As you ride, you will notice that the main language here is German and the architecture and culture reflect an Austrian influence.

We suggest you put some time aside this afternoon to take a funicular to the summit of Plan de Corones, at 7,464 feet. The views of South Tyrol from the top of the plateau are incredible. If there is time, you can visit LUMEN, the unique Museum of Mountain Photography at the summit. Set in a stunning modern building inspired by its alpine surroundings, this unique space offers fascinating exhibits. You may dine here if you wish. Check the time of the last funicular up and plan your day accordingly.

Today’s Ride Choices

San Candido to Brunico — 42 km (26 miles)

What to Expect:

Expect a 30-minute train ride to San Candido. It’s easy to get your bike on the train as the region’s transportation infrastructures encourage an environmentally friendly and healthy lifestyle. The bike route is mostly downhill and well paved, with the exception of a few short hills and some stretches on unpaved paths along the river and in the forest.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart at 8:00 a.m. for a 60-minute drive up to one of the four most famous passes of the Dolomites. The scenic Badia Valley leads you to the heart of the Sella Group, where the Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes sprawl between majestic peaks.

There’s no need to hop on your bike right away once you arrive at the Pordoi Pass. If you’d like, you can embark the funicular that takes you to Sassolongo Peak, at 9,400 feet. Take in astonishing vistas here before returning to the pass. Pordoi is a bit of a cult site among cyclists; many come to pay tribute to Italian cycling legend Fausto Coppi, five-time winner of the Giro d’Italia in the 1940s and 50s. To honor him each year, the race committee bestows the prestigious Cima Coppi mountain bonus to the first rider who reaches the highest summit of that year’s route.

As you descend, you’ll be navigating the famous 27 switchbacks. Imagine that the champions cycle this mountainside uphill! The road is wide and the grade not too steep, which is a good thing because the dramatic panoramas of the Dolomites change at every turn and you’ll want to take it all in! You conclude your invigorating coast at Canazei, where you pick up a scenic bike path to the day’s final destination.

It’s possible today that you will hear locals speaking a different language. Don’t worry. It’s not the altitude! They are speaking Ladin, an old language spoken only in four valleys in this corner of Italy—including Fassa and Fiemme, where you are today. Locals are wholly dedicated to keeping their rare language alive, even teaching it in the region’s schools.

Nature and history interact in this region more than in other parts of northern Italy. The red spruce is king here. And most of the vast forests belong to the villages and to the Magnifica Comunita di Fiemme, an institution that ruled here for seven centuries until the 19th century as a sort of republic. Trees formed the basis of the economy back then. To some extent, they still do today as visitors come to enjoy nature, a clean environment and outdoor activities like cycling. The wood from these trees is used to build the finest violins and pianos in the world.

As you cycle the second leg of your ride along an easy path on the Avisio River, you’re sure to notice the colorful culture in the painted buildings of picturesque villages, all flanked by the Catinaccio, the Latemar, and the Lagorai mountain groups. Your destination is the village of Cavalese at 3,000 feet. You’ll have time to admire the Church of Assunta dating to 1112 and the Banco de la Reson, a sort of Parliament house of the Magnifica Comunita’ di Fiemme.

After a memorable day in the Dolomites, relax your muscles in the hotel’s fine spa and swimming pool, enjoying a superb view of Cermis Mountain. For dinner, try the hotel restaurant’s local specialties, like the cajoncie ravioli and pasta made from organic durum wheat.

Today’s Ride Choices

Pordoi Pass to Cavalese — 53 km (33 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride starts with a 10-km (6 mile) descent at an average gradient of 8%. The road is well paved and wide, with 27 switchbacks. Motorbike and car traffic, along with cyclists, may be numerous, so it’s important to pay attention. The next 45 km (27 miles) are very enjoyable, with occasional small hills. You follow a bike path through typical villages and meadows and past waterfalls and even an artificial lake (Biolago) where you can stop to swim and have lunch. At ride’s end, you have the option to ride gently uphill to Cavalese or take the Cermis funicular with your bike (open from mid-June to approximately September 25. Open until 5:00 p.m.).

Included Meals: Breakfast

Savor an excellent buffet breakfast on the hotel terrace, with sweeping views of the Lagorai group. Then head out to enjoy a beautiful new bike path to the Sanlugano Pass. This is a small pass that connects the Fiemme Valley with the Adige River Valley. Your route follows the former Vecia Ferrovia, an old railroad built during World War I by Russian prisoners and recently turned into a scenic bike path. Shortly after the pass you ride through a thick forest and descend into a rare alpine wine region known for its pinot noir. Along the region’s renowned Wine Route, stop at the wine village of Pinzano, admiring the frescoed houses and cobbled streets. This is a good place to get some lunch and taste the famous local wine.

The views open up as you enter the wide Adige Valley and approach the village of Ora. Here, you can opt to ride the last miles along the river on a flat bike path or take the local train to get to Bolzano more quickly.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the city from your centrally located hotel. Save some time to visit the Archeological Museum of Bolzano, where Oetzi or ‘the Iceman’, the natural mummy is displayed. About 5,300 years ago a man was crossing the Alps when he was killed. His body was preserved by the thick ice, and it is possible to see it here, together with an interesting number of different research studies around life and humans 5,000 years ago.

Today’s Ride Choices

Cavalese to Ora and Bolzano — 45 or 59 km (28 or 37 miles)

What to Expect:

After an initial gradual ascent departing Cavalese, you climb a short hill to the Sanlugano Pass at 3,300 feet. After crossing the pass, you coast mainly downhill and ride on a flat bike path. Part of the morning ride is on an unpaved bike path or country roads. From Ora to Bolzano, the bike path is perfectly flat and well-paved, and delivers you to the main square of Bolzano, very close to your hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Check-out is at 10:00 a.m. Depending upon your final destination, it may not be possible to depart for the U.S. on the last day of the tour. Please check airline schedules carefully. If you plan to schedule return flights immediately following the tour’s conclusion, please call your airline directly for specific check-in requirements. Your VBT Handbook provides suggestions on onward travel options from Bolzano.

Included Meals: Breakfast