Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
Biking
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Dolomites Bike Tour
World-Class Routes in Italy & Austria
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,299 - $5,649 pp dbl occ
($1,200 - $1,600 for sgl occ)
Welcome to a Dolomites adventure that will immerse you in one of the most picturesque corners of Italy and the crown jewels of Europe’s mighty Alps. Explore a network of quiet cycling paths linking Italy to Austria via lush valleys and limestone massifs. Connect with local people whose unique traditions enrich the journey. Savor exquisite meals, regional wines and cozy inns. Enjoy a world-class adventure cycling through the Dolomites with Backroads!
Italy Dolomites Bike Tour map
Italy & Austria
Start/End Bolzano
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Uncover the colorful history, culture and friendly denizens of Italy and Austria’s celebrated alpine region
- Bike through storybook villages and lush green valleys framed by the magnificent peaks of the Ortler Alps
- Discover bike paths and cycling routes past meadows strewn with wildflowers and filled with locals tending the rich soil
- Feel at home in luxurious family-run hotels and indulge in some of the region's finest high-mountain cuisine
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
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.
Accommodations
Castel Fragsburg
Merano
| Premiere Hotel This unique and stylish 17th-century lodge features unrivaled views of the surrounding landscape and restaurants curated by a Michelin-starred chef. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Description
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.
Accommodations
Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz
Brunico
| Premiere Hotel A chic mountain retreat featuring modern design with minimalist décor and phenomenal views of the peak-ensconced valley. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
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.
Accommodations
Grand Hotel Lienz
Lienz
| Premiere Hotel Framed by the Dolomites and Austria's highest peaks, this lavish hotel features plush modern comforts yet also exudes old-world charm. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
June 2024
July 2024
Jul 21 - Jul 26
Sold out
August 2024
September 2024
Sep 17 - Sep 22
Sold out
Sep 24 - Sep 29
Sold out
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
From our Guests
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Activity Level:
1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Shuttle Time
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 and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Air-Conditioning
The accommodations on this trip are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that some are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Shuttle Time
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 and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Air-Conditioning
The accommodations on this trip are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that some are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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