Best of the Dolomites: 4 day mini-break
- The best cycling climbs in the Dolomites - enjoy the perfect cycling mini-break over four days
- Cycle the beautiful Sella Ronda and Marmolada loops of the Maratona - at your own pace!
- Climb the Passo di Giau and Passo di Falzarego, as well as other hidden gems
- Centre-based cycling tour, staying at a splendid 4* hotel on the shore of Lake Alleghe
- Flexible route choices every day - to suit a range of riding abilities from novice in the mountains to expert
- Two customised support vehicles and two experienced, proactive, and fun guides, focused on making your holiday the best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
We loved it all! Loved the group camaraderie! Loved the support vans and the way the guides moved bags around and were always there when we needed them! Loved how they accommodated riders of very different abilities so that we both had some great experiences!
Introduction
This Italian cycling mini-break gives you the chance to experience the best cycling climbs of the Dolomites over four days. Arguably one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, the Dolomites is a landscape of lush green valleys and rugged, towering limestone peaks. It is a cycling paradise, with numerous epic passes featuring regularly in the Giro d'Italia. We've crafted this itinerary to also include some lesser-known rides and climbs for you to discover with the full support of our two fantastic guides.
This centre-based minibreak showcases the region from the comfort of a fantastic 4* lakeside hotel in Alleghe, so you have the flexibility to cycle or relax as much or as little as you like, without moving on each day. You'll have three route choices to choose from daily, so this tour will suit all levels of cyclists: those new to cycling in the mountains as well as those with experience.
As with our other Marmot Classic style holidays, the unique thing about this type of tour is its flexibility - you really can ride as much or as little as you like, at a pace that suits you without fear of holding up or being held up by others in the group. With a typical group size of 20, you can be sure to find someone else on the tour with similar aspirations to you, whether that be riding at a more leisurely pace and sampling a glass of prosecco in a rustic village bar, or ticking off every optional climb on offer.
It is important to us that you book the right holiday for you, so please read the Trip Notes for all you need to know about how this holiday works, including food, accommodation, travel and transfers etc. You can also get in touch if you have any questions at all using the Enquire Now button.
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 4 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 5 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 5 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip Hire bike - titanium road bike with hi spec components, designed and built specifically for riding in the mountains, safety checked by your guides each day
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage to make sure this itinerary is right for you before you book. This trip is centre-based, so it is always an option to take a rest day if you wish.
Hotels
We stay in a comfortable 4* hotel with ensuite facilities. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact cycle@marmot-tours.co.uk for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
The hotel has WiFi but it can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotel restaurant can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you rest at the hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Non-cycling companions
Please get in touch if you would like to bring a non-cycling companion on this holiday. The Sporthotel Europa is a lakeside chalet hotel in Alleghe in the heart of the Dolomites. This is a fabulous area for those wanting four days away in breathtaking surroundings. Local walking, sunbathing, swimming or taking a pedalo on the lake are all options for non-cyclists.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Alleghe - a journey of about 2 hrs. Meet your guides, assemble your bike, relax at your lakeside hotel, and start getting excited!
The day rides listed here will not necessarily take place in the order given below. Your guides will check the weather forecast for your trip and will offer the routes in the sequence that allows you to get the most out of your holiday.
Day 1: NW - Sellaronda Circuit
After a brief lakeside warm up to Caprile, you take on the eastern slopes of the Passo Pordoi (2239m), which provides a perfect introduction to the Dolomites. It is a long climb (28.5km), but in general, the gradients are kind and there are even a few short downhill sections! The views from the top are magnificent and there is a great choice of cafes and restaurants at the top. From here all the route options are fantastic!
Option 1: Enjoy a great lunch and return back to Alleghe the same way. 68km with 1430m ascent
Option 2: Head back to the village of Arabba, then ride up the south side of the Passo di Campolongo (1875m). 76km with 1880m ascent
Option 3: Those who have heard of the Maratona dles Dolomites will be itching to complete the Sella Ronda route — one of Europe's great rides over four spectacular passes: Passo di Pordoi, Passo di Sella (2244m) from the south, Passo di Gardena (2121m) from the west, and the north side of the Passo di Campolongo (1875m). The altitude drop between the passes is not huge, but it is nonetheless a big day out! 101km with 2500m ascent
Option 1 - Easier : 68 KM with 1430m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d1-nw-ea-passo-pordoi-dolomites-minibreak-66cc85fcb5a51.gif){kind=link}
Option 2 - Classic : 76 KM with 1880m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d1-nw-cl-pordoi-campolongo-dolomites-minibreak-66cc85fcb95a2.gif){kind=link}
Option 3 - Challenge : 101 KM with 2500m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d1-nw-ch-dolomites-minibreak-pordoi-sella-gardena-campolongo-66cc861d895ff.gif){kind=link}
Day 2: SE - Hidden Gems of the Dolomites
The western side of the Forcella Staulanza (1771m) is a beautiful pass from the door of your hotel with varied gradients as you climb. Again the views from the road are stunning: today it is the triangular limestone peak of Monte Civetta that dominates the horizon.
Option 1: Enjoy the view from the cafe and head back to the hotel. You could take in the Colle Santa Lucia (1485m) en route! 44km with 935m ascent
Option 2: After a short descent to a village called Don't, the gradients turn a bit tougher as we take on the Passo Duran (1602m) from the north, another Giro favourite. The descent requires your concentration, then all you have to do is climb gently uphill on a quiet side road. 70km with 1750m ascent
Option 3: Once back in Alleghe there is a nice little loop that can be tagged onto the day taking you up the north side of the Forcella Franche (992m) and then the south side of the Forcella Aurine (1297m). 103km with 2700m ascent
Option 1 - Easier : 44 KM with 935m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d2-se-ea-dolomites-minibreak-forcella-staulanza-66cc85fde8f7c.gif){kind=link}
Option 2 - Classic : 70 KM with 1750m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d2-se-cl-dolomites-minibreak-forcella-staulanza-passo-duran-66cc85fdb154e.gif){kind=link}
Option 3 - Challenge : 103 KM with 2700m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d2-se-ch-dolomites-forcella-staulanza-duran-aurine-66cc85fd63fde.gif){kind=link}
Day 3: NE - Legends of the Dolomites
The vista from Passo di Giau (2238m) is one of the most magnificent in the Dolomites. The western side of the climb is relentlessly steep but it is a quiet road and in the cool of the morning is very pleasant. Yet again there are several options today:
Option 1: Linger at the Passo di Giau for a few hours to enjoy the incredible scenery and have a leisurely lunch before heading back to the hotel. 39km with 1270m ascent
Option 2: From the Passo di Giau descend towards Cortina, but soon join the road to the Passo Di Falzarego (2105m) which you climb from the east. After a pause at the top, it is downhill back to the hotel. 64km with 1850m ascent
Option 3: Descend from the Passo di Giau to Cortina d'Ampezzo, a high-altitude, attractive Italian town that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics. Then climb the Passo Tre Croci (1805m) which has a few 'testing' little sections before briefly descending to the well-known and very beautiful Lago di Misurina. After a pause for lunch, take on the Passo de Cimabanche (1530m) from the east back around to Cortina, from where the eastern gradients of the Passo Di Falzarego (2105m) still stand between you and the hotel. 116km with 3030m ascent
Option 1 - Easier : 39 KM with 1270m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d3-ne-ea-dolomites-minibreak-passo-di-giau-66cc85feb08c7.gif){kind=link}
Option 2 - Classic : 64 KM with 1850m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d3-ne-cl-dolomites-giau-falzarego-66cc85fe8b92f.gif){kind=link}
Option 3 - Challenge : 116 KM with 3030m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d3-ne-ch-dolomites-giau-tre-croci-lago-di-misurina-cimabanche-falzarego-66cc85fe5ee37.gif){kind=link}
Day 4: SW - Tour of Marmolada
Marmolada (3343m) is the highest mountain in the Dolomites and has been dominating the skyline all week - today we enter its shadow!
The Passo di Fedaia (2057m) from the east is pretty brutal - the average gradient of the last 5km is 11% with a sneaky section of 15% thrown in! Fortunately, the views are breathtaking, so there are plenty of photo opportunities - a.k.a excuses to stop for a breather! This is the toughest climb of the week. However, you are rewarded with views of glaciers and towering peaks, and a mercifully flat section of road along the vast reservoir just beyond the pass!
Option 1: It would be justifiable to return to the hotel for a massage or a lake swim. 37km with 1050m ascent
Option 2: Once over the other side, there's no turning back! You drop down into civilisation and the lush green valley floor of the Val di Fassa. This makes for some easy cycling on good tarmac before you turn east to take on the Passo di San Pellegrino (1914m) from the west. This is a lovely climb up into the pine forest and is often used by the Giro d'Italia. Once over the top you roll down into the Alleghe Valley and climb gently back up the valley floor to the hotel. 88km with 2151m ascent
Option 3: On the descent of the Pellegrino you may be tempted to take the steep, 8km detour up to the Passo di Valles (2033m), where the rugged peaks of the Dolomites give way to rolling green hills to the south. 103km with 2760m ascent
Option 1 - Easier : 37 KM with 1050m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d4-sw-ea-passo-di-fedaia-minibreak-dolomites-66cc85ff81f29.gif){kind=link}
Option 2 - Classic : 88 KM with 2151m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d4-sw-cl-dolomites-minibreak-fedaia-san-pellegrino-66cc85ff710b4.gif){kind=link}
Option 3 - Challenge : 103 KM with 2760m ascent [ride profile]
![[ride profile]](https://preview.marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rmd-d4-sw-ch-dolomites-fedaia-san-pellegrino-valles-66cc85ff384f2.gif){kind=link}
Day 5: Departure day
We're sure your memories of this whistle-stop tour of the Dolomites will last a lifetime! We offer included transfers back to Venice Marco Polo Airport (a journey time of approx. 2hrs).
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 4 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 5 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 5 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip Hire bike - titanium road bike with hi spec components, designed and built specifically for riding in the mountains, safety checked by your guides each day
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage to make sure this itinerary is right for you before you book. This trip is centre-based, so it is always an option to take a rest day if you wish.
Hotels
We stay in a comfortable 4* hotel with ensuite facilities. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact cycle@marmot-tours.co.uk for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
The hotel has WiFi but it can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotel restaurant can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you rest at the hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Non-cycling companions
Please get in touch if you would like to bring a non-cycling companion on this holiday. The Sporthotel Europa is a lakeside chalet hotel in Alleghe in the heart of the Dolomites. This is a fabulous area for those wanting four days away in breathtaking surroundings. Local walking, sunbathing, swimming or taking a pedalo on the lake are all options for non-cyclists.