Dolomiti d'Italia -- Italian Dolomites
 |
Dates: 5-19 September 2010
SOLD-OUT -- reserve now for 2011 Gateway: Marco Polo Airport—Venice, Italy Rating: Moderate to strenuous
(depends upon daily options) Price: 2850 euro (double occupancy per person)
Single supplement 500 euro (limited) |
 |
|
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 – Arrival Venice Day 2 – Asiago Day 4 – Levico-Terme Day 5 – Kaltern Day 6 – Siusi Day 7 – Corvara Day 9 – Corvara – loop |
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 climb onto the Asiago plain where we enjoy cooler temperatures and delicious Asiago cheese. The epic battles of World War I are commemorated by an imposing memorial on a hill near the center of town. Since the plateau rises dramatically from the Veneto, there are a myriad of small roads zigzagging up the cliffs to provide us with more options for riding than we will have time to explore.
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 Kaltern.
Rising high above the Adige River we 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. Leaving Cortina we climb over the imposing Passo Giau and sleep high atop Passo Pellegrino on the shores of an alpine lake and enjoy hearty mountain meals. Completing our tour, we return to the Veneto and a final ascent of Monte Grappe after traversing tiny roads known to locals. We return to our host hotel in Castelfranco for a fond farewell dinner and a final gelato in the piazza. |
Towering vertical walls Italian hospitality
Fabulous meals Serene tranquility
Tiny smooth roadways to the sky
Delicate pastries
Giro d'Italia Climbs Passo Fedaia Passo Giau Passo Sella Passo Pordoi Passo Falzarego Passo di Campolongo Passo Val Gardena Passo San Pellegrino Passo Rolle Passo Manghen Passo Duran Passo Staulanza Passo Erbes Passo Brocon Passo Borcola Monte Grappa Passo di Valparola |
||
|
Accommodations:
3 or 4 Star Italian inns, B&Bs, rifugios and family operated hotels; always clean, always well situated for post-ride relaxation |
Included: 15 nights lodging, 15 breakfasts, 13 dinners, 2 grand picnics, luggage transfers, route maps and descriptions, on the bike ride guides, van support |
Excluded: 2 dinners, lunches, airfare, insurances, tips & gratuities |