Dolomites Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Luxury & Deluxe Hotels
Dolomites Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Luxury & Deluxe Hotels
2026: Jul-Oct 2027: May-Oct
World-Class Routes in Italy & Austria
Embark on a world-class adventure cycling through Italy’s Dolomites, where a network of quiet cycling paths links Italy to Austria via lush valleys and limestone massifs. Gear up for hearty mountain cuisine, regional wines and extraordinary accommodations.
Highlights
- Bike through storybook villages and lush green valleys framed by the Alps' soaring peaks
- Delve into the colorful history, culture and welcoming spirit of Italy and Austria’s celebrated Alpine region
- Pedal scenic bike paths and cycling routes that wind past orchards, forests and wildflower‑filled meadows
- Connect with locals whose distinctive traditions bring depth and meaning to the journey
- Unwind each afternoon in luxurious hotels with restorative spas and panoramic mountain views
Start Bolzano
End Venice
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Welcome to South Tyrol, home to a captivating mix of Italian, Austrian and Tyrolean cultures • Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Most residents speak German in this sublime region • Bike up and down the spectacular Etsch Valley as you embark on a pleasant riverside ride past orchards, vineyards and castles • Pista ciclabile in Italy, Radweg in Austria—whatever you call it, these bike paths are idyllic! • Descend through the Venosta Valley, flanked by the jagged peaks of the Ortles and Ötztal Mountains.
Nights 1-2
This unique and stylish 17th-century lodge boasts unrivaled vistas of the surrounding landscape and restaurants curated by a Michelin-starred chef. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Day 3
Meadows, woodland and quiet hamlets set the stage for today’s ride along the Rienz River • A haven of tranquility, the Ahrntal (Ahrn) Valley greets you with gentle inclines and delights with majestic vistas of the Zillertal range’s snow-covered peaks • Soak up the scene of fairy-tale forests, barns and locals hand-cutting their lawns with traditional wooden scythes • Bike through the Puster Valley en route to Bruneck, a town with a well-preserved medieval core • Discover wonderful regional wines, including Vernatsch, Lagrein and Gewürztraminer • Taste delectable mountain specialties—polenta, funghi, local cheese, canederli and apple strudel.
Night 3
A chic mountain retreat featuring modern design with minimalist décor and views of the peak-ensconced valley. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 4-6
Behold hidden valleys and storybook villages surrounded by towering mountains • Following peaceful cycling routes, make your way through the countryside to Lienz, Austria, a charming cobbled town ringed by jagged spires • Spin along a picture-perfect route through a forested valley and small lakes nestled among the Alps • Savor the bounty of an alpine picnic in cozy Matrei • Back in Lienz, celebrate an unforgettable week of biking over a festive farewell dinner • Ride into the Drau River valley before saying auf Wiedersehen to South and East Tyrol.
Nights 4-5
Framed by the Dolomites and Austria’s highest peaks, this comfortable hotel features modern comforts yet also exudes old-world charm. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to access the most scenic biking routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the van. Please note that we have planned our itinerary to make the most of our time in this spectacular area. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Grand Hotel Lienz offers quality service and amenities, but please note that it’s not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can become warm during peak temperatures.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
Solo Room Savings
Solo Room Savings
Solo Room Savings
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
FAQs
Who is the Dolomites Bike Tour best suited for?
This trip is best suited for adults who enjoy biking at a level that offers a choice of rides ranging from approximately 18–54 miles, from moderate routes to longer rides with significant climbs. It's ideal for those who want to experience the Dolomites by bike while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery, picturesque villages and two distinct cultures.
How challenging is the biking on the Dolomites Bike Tour?
This is a Level 2–4 biking trip, offering a choice of routes ranging from approximately 18–54 miles, from moderate to longer rides with some steady climbs. See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain (in the itinerary) for more details, or learn more about Backroads descriptions of activity levels.
How does the Dolomites Bike Tour compare to other Dolomites trips?
This itinerary combines classic road cycling through both the Austrian Alps and Italian Dolomites, with stays at Luxury Hotels. Biking routes stay largely in the alpine valleys and on bike paths to avoid traffic and keep within the trip's level 2-4 rating. Explore our Dolomites trips category page to compare this trip with other Dolomites itineraries.
Are there options for stronger riders who want more climbing?
Yes. On several days, optional long rides head up into the mountains with sustained, steep climbs and wide‑open views. These routes are completely optional and designed for strong riders who want a more demanding alpine ride than the valley bike paths.
Where do we ride, and are there bike paths?
Most riding takes place on dedicated bike paths alongside rivers through alpine valleys. These paths are well maintained and clearly marked with very little traffic. There are a few short gravel sections that are firm and smooth and work well with road bikes.