Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

OVERVIEW

The postcard valleys of the Dolomites are a paradise for any outdoor activity, and the gentle bike paths that criss-cross the region are perfect for bicycle travel. Tucked in to the eastern corner of the Italian Alps, the stunning Dolomites have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site to recognize and preserve its “exceptional natural beauty”. Settled from pre- historic times (as evidenced by the now-famous Otzi mummy in Bolzano), this region is also the cradle of the South Tyrolean culture and people (and a politically autonomous region within Italy). Majestic landscapes and scenery, Italian and Austrian-German cuisine, a unique and incredibly preserved history and way of life, the Dolomites region provides all the elements of a great bicycle tour. On this flexible self-guided itinerary, you can choose to cycle on the rolling valley floors, or challenge yourself on epic mountain climbs.

______

HIGHLIGHTS

TOUR FACTS

Tour Style : Learn more about our tours at https://www.experienceplus.com/tours/bike-tour-styles/-tours WHAT'S INCLUDED 7 nights lodging in 3- and 4-star hotels, with breakfast GPS device with pre-loaded navigation tracks provided via Ride With GPS Navigation tracks and digital tour roadbook provided via Ride With GPS (the tracks can also be delivered via email prior to your travel, for use on your personal device). The tour roadbook including daily step-by-step cue guides, daily maps (high-level and detailed shots of route, as well as ins and outs of cities where needed), cultural and sightseeing information, daily lunch and dinner suggestions, emergency contact numbers, and more, all viewable on your phone Extensive pre-tour travel documentation, including detailed arrival, departure, and tour planning information Online introduction and tour briefing available in English, prior to travel, including detailed overview of itinerary, gps use and navigation, and more, ensuring traveler is ready for the adventure ahead Luggage transfers every day NOT INCLUDED Bicycle rental (see Prices tab) Airfare or transportation to tour starting point Airport transfers (can be arranged at additional fee - please inquire) Entrance tickets Meals or activities not specified Vehicle support Daily city tax (tassa di soggiorno) to be paid at every hotel, in person at check-out (usually between €1 and €4 per person, per night) Train, shuttle or taxi tickets Helmets (can be reserved prior to tour start) Clipless/SPD pedals Travel insurance

Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available - please inquire. Lodging Upgrade: Room upgrades are possible in some hotels - please inquire for prices and

1 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

availability

Extra nightsPlease inquire about adding nights along the itinerary or before/after the tour. Rates for extra nights as follows

PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included. Countries Italy Begin/End Cortina d'Ampezzo / Bolzano Venice or Treviso airports (and take the Cortina Express Bus to tour start), Verona airport (train to Arrive/Depart Treviso, then bus). Once you book your tour, we will send you detailed arrival and departure information to help you plan your travels Total Distance approx. 298 km (186 miles) 35-87 km (22-54 miles)
Difficulty Description: this tour is rated a 1 out of 3 if cycling the basic included rides Avg. Daily Distance every day.

Longer distance rides with higher difficulty levels are available on most days (as well as challenging road cycling every day). per riding day This tour is rated a 1 out of 3 if cycling the base rides every day. Longer distance rides with higher Tour Level difficulty levels are available on most days (as well as challenging road cycling every day). The above difficulty level description is for the basic cycling options provided every day. Includes We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour. Tour code: itbs3930 ______Navigation and roadbook: On our CLASSIC self-guided tours, detailed daily information and route navigation are provided through a GPS device (one included for every two cyclists), a smartphone application, as well as a printed roadbook with thorough daily descriptions and maps. Our app allows you to download the information into your smartphone, where you can the daily routes even in offline mode. Hotel itinerary, daily ride descriptions, cultural information, visit suggestions, elevation profiles, and emergency numbers are all stored in one organized place. Downloading maps and routes also allows you to navigate in offline mode. If you prefer, you can download the routes into your GPS device and print the detailed route notes before leaving home and use them on tour, or rely on the detailed roadbook that we will print for you and delivery before the tour start

For more information on the smartphone app, visit RideWithGPS Experiences.

For more information on the GPS tracks and roadbook, please see the Tour Factsheet .

______

Luggage transfers are included in your package. The luggage is normally collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 15.30. Every piece of luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag. Please make sure yours have correct tags. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may have to pay a local taxi for the service.

Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. 2 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

Normally, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange it for you.

Keep in Mind

Please Note: We may have small itinerary changes to this trip after you download this PDF document. If you have booked this trip and there are major changes, including changes to towns or activities, we'll email you directly. However, you should always be sure to refer to the online itinerary for the most up-to-date trip information including arrival and departure tips before you depart for your trip: https://www.experienceplus.com/guided-bike-tours/italy/dolomites-cortina-to-bolzano-sg

3 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Dates & Prices

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

DATES & PRICES

Dates Price Single Supplement* *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to Jun 18-25, 2022 €1175 per double room This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a person

€560 solo roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the traveler fee (only one conclusion of the tour. person on departure)

DAILY RIDE SUMMARY

Day Distance/Gain Terrain Day Level Notes

1 Test ride

2 35km / 350m (22mi / 1148ft)

3 87km / 400m (54mi / 1312ft)

4 50km / 575m (31mi / 1886ft)

5 45km / 540m (28mi / 1771ft)

6 43km / 300m (27mi / 984ft)

7 39km / 380m (24mi / 1246ft) Today's ride is an optional loop ride

8 Last day

4 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Day to Day Itinerary

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

Tour begins in Cortina d'Ampezzo DAY 1

Highlights Welcome to Cortina; Bike fitting Lodging Hotel Regina

Arrive in Cortina and pick up your bikes and equipment. An online pre-travel briefing and introduction, in English, can be scheduled - we'll introduce the tour in detail, show you how to use your gps and navigation tools, and answer all your questions, getting you ready for the adventure ahead. Among the renowned ski resorts in the Italian Alps, Cortina hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and still draws big crowds in the winter seeking great snow. This beautiful town, with a stone church and pleasant piazzas is also an outdoor paradise in the summertime, surrounded by mountains, forests and Alpine greenery.

Cycling to Dobbiaco and San Candido in the Val Pusteria DAY 2

Highlights Cycling through the Pusteria Valley Distance 35 km (22 mi) Gain 350 m (1148 ft) Leave behind the “Queen of the Dolomites” today to climb a gently graded rails-to- trails bike path through lovely forests and along small mountain lakes, reaching the Meals Breakfast small pass of Cimabanche. From here, the same path takes you gently downhill to one of the quintessential views of the Dolomites, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, before continuing to our destination in Dobbiaco or San Candido, in the Val Pusteria. Distance 30km, with 350m cumulative climbing (19 miles, 1150 feet)

Cycling along the Drau River DAY 3

Highlights San Candido, the Drau River, bike path, Austria Distance 87 km (54 mi) Gain 400 m (1312 ft) Spend a relaxing day bicycling toward (or into!) Austria, along the wonderful Drau River bike path. A tributary of the Danube several hundred kilometers downriver, the Meals Breakfast Drau is born here and is the setting for one of Italy’s most well-traveled bike paths. Pedal as far as you would like heading northeast before cycling back, or catch a train from one of the stations along the way to return to Dobbiaco (local trains are designed for cyclists to very easily board and use the train with bikes). Round trip distance 87km (54 miles) with 830m (2700 ft) cumulative gain (most of the climbing on the return, on a gentle grade). Or, cycle 43km (26 miles) to Lienz with (165m) 550 ft cumulative gain, and then return by train (hourly departures, takes one hour).

5 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Day to Day Itinerary

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

Cycling the Val Pusteria to Brunico DAY 4

Highlights Spectacular views of the Pusteria Valley; Brunico Distance 50 km (31 mi) Gain 575 m (1886 ft) Pedal along one of the Dolomites’ most important valleys into the heart of Trentino Alto Adige, one of Italy’s few autonomous regions. A gentle bike path takes you to Meals Breakfast Brunico (Bruneck), a delightful city and worth the visit with its two castles, city gates Lodging Hotel Corso and Alpine architecture. Your route today is 35km (22 miles) with little climbing. For more miles today, take a short detour to the wonderfully pristine Lake Braies on the way to Brunico, for a total of 50km (31 miles) and 575m (1886 ft) gain including Braies

Cycling Brunico to Bressanone DAY 5

Highlights Brenner Pass bike path; Novacella abbey Distance 45 km (28 mi) Gain 540 m (1771 ft) Continue west today to then veer due south along the Brenner Pass bike path (heading down valley!), once one of the most important passes crossing into southern Europe Meals Breakfast and a long-time trading route down the Eisack Valley. We highly recommend stopping Lodging Hotel Traube to visit the 12th century Novacella Monastery, which was the largest monastery in all of Tyrol and is still in function today - you can even visit their vineyards and sample their wine. Enter the small and vibrant town of Bressanone (Brixen) - as the oldest town of the province there are plenty of interesting sights in this picturesque city. Distance approx. 45km (28 miles) with 575m (1886 ft) cumulative climbing.

Cycling Bressanone to Bolzano DAY 6

Highlights The Eisarck Valley; Bolzano

Continue pedaling south along the Eisarck Valley, stopping for a break in the town centre of medieval Chiusa and enjoying the cycling through chestnut forests and the first vineyards which will accompany you today and tomorrow on your rides. Pause to admire Castel Forte (Trostburg Castle in German), one of the most striking castles of all of Sud Tyrol, as it dominates the valley from its rocky promontory. Once in Bolzano, the largest city of Sud Tyrol region and the capital of the namesake province, you can explore the lively centre and town market where Italian daily life naturally flows. We highly recommend visiting the archaeological museum with the famous Otzi the Iceman, a Neolithic mummy found in the nearby peaks and one of the most important archaeological finds to understand this region’s prehistory. Total distance approx.

6 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Day to Day Itinerary

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

43km (27 miles) with 224m (735 ft) cumulative gain.

Distance 43 km (27 mi) Gain 300 m (984 ft) Meals Breakfast Lodging Hotel Feichter

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Cycling the Majestic Dolomites! Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self-Guided

Cycling loop into the Caldaro wine region DAY 7

Highlights Caldaro lake and wine region Distance 39 km (24 mi) Gain 380 m (1246 ft) We recommend this lovely loop ride into the wine region of Caldaro, a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery (and perhaps a wine tasting in one of the many family-run Meals Breakfast wineries along the way!) Distance 38km (23 miles) r/t, with 1440m cumulative gain; Lodging Hotel Feichter more options for extending the ride will also be available.If you prefer a day off the saddle today, enjoy Bolzano and the many sights and activities the city has to offer. Or, take the train into the Venosta Valley (just west) to see some of the towns and sights along that valley, or take a taxi into the nearby Caldaro wine region to enjoy wine tastings and lovely scenery (we are happy to provide recommendations).

Tour ends DAY 8

Highlights Arrivederci! Meals Breakfast

Tour ends after breakfast. PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.

INCLUDED

WHAT'S INCLUDED You'll receive a highlighted route map each day or a briefing with the GPS tracks. On Classic, Bike and Boat, When you book a tour with ExperiencePlus! our goal is to Spotlight and Expedition tours we also navigate using our ensure your only focus each day is to hop on your bike and signature chalk dust arrows. Our arrows make navigating explore scenic cycling routes in new destinations. very easy—you may never need to look at the map. On Inclusions may differ depending on which tour style you Explorer tours the terrain and destinations are not always pick but all ExperiencePlus! tours include the three most conducive to using chalk arrows so we'll ride as a group or important aspects of a guided bike tour. you can navigate on your own with the GPS tracks. Superb tour leaders who are fun and multilingual, bi- Before each tour we offer the opportunity to download GPS cultural experts, and cycling enthusiasts. They will tracks of most tour routes to your personal GPS device or support you and help you navigate confidently on and off smartphone using RideWithGPS.com. We do not provide the road. GPS tracks for tours in South America. High quality bikes selected for the terrain you are cycling on and correct bike fitting to ensure comfortable cycling. On tour you will have a support van providing water and More details on our bikes page. snack resupply, mechanical assistance, a lift for tired cyclists, and luggage transfers. On some itineraries the van Thoughtfully designed itineraries and routes that take will not be able to follow sections of the route that stray advantage of stunning cycling destinations and the from the road for example onto cycling paths. freedom of bicycle travel. Need More Miles? On many days it is possible to add miles PRE-TRIP SUPPORT to the day, just talk to your tour leader about your options. Bicycle training programs designed specifically for your Need Fewer Miles? If you aren't sure about your abilities or tour and fitness level. how much you want to ride remember the support van is available to offer snacks, encouragement, a lift over the Planning tips on what to pack, hotel recommendations next hill, or to the next hotel. You are on vacation and we're and other helpful details from our Travel Planning here to help make it perfect for you. Pages. A gift of your choice (cycling jerseys, socks, or a t-shirt) TIPPING YOUR TOUR LEADER TEAM: as our way of saying thanks for choosing ExperiencePlus! If you feel your tour leader team has demonstrated great *Traveler services including assistance booking extra expertise and service, common practice within the travel nights at the tour starting and ending hotels. (*Not industry is to tip. Tipping is voluntary and greatly included on Explorer Tours.) appreciated, and gratuity amounts vary widely. Should you decide to leave a tip, as a guideline, we suggest 5% of the ON TOUR tour cost per traveler – this is for the entire tour leader team, not each tour leader. You can give the tip to any See "What's Included" on your tour Itinerary for tour- member of the tour leader team, as they share it evenly. In specific inclusions. order to avoid social tensions, we encourage you to tip as individuals and not as a group. If you feel your tour leaders BICYCLES did not quite meet your expectations, please let us know. For a full list of what's included with your bike see Our *Tips are included in Expedition pricing. Bikes page. If you would like to bring your own pedals and PHOTOS: shoes we recommend doing so. On Explorer tours we include a GPS device on all bikes. We ask that you bring By reserving space on tour, you agree that ExperiencePlus! your own helmet to ensure the best fit. Please ask if you may use, re-use and reproduce any images, photos or would like us to provide you with a gently used helmet and videos sent to us, or taken by our guides or travelers free of we will do so. charge and without your right to inspection. If you do not want us to use any images of you on tour, you must inform NAVIGATING, DAYSHEETS AND VAN SUPPORT: your tour leader in writing at the start of the tour. Each day you'll receive a daily briefing with a highlighted route map and daysheet (print or digital) that includes information on the day's activities, meals and ride. Daily information also includes Tour Leader phone numbers, hotel information and interesting historical and cultural information.

STYLES

OUR TOUR STYLES Spotlight Tours: Multi-nights stays, loop rides, choose from a selection of activities or enjoy hotel amenities during your We realize that one size does not fit all and there are as free time. many ways to travel by bike as there are different types of cyclists and travelers. No matter what you are looking for in Tour Length: 6-7 days a cycling vacation, we have a tour with just the right pace Hotels: 3-5 stars, typically 3-nights spent in one hotel for you. and 2-nights in the other. Classic Tours: Dream of traveling through a region by bike? Road Type: Pavement then our Classic style bike tours are for you! Our unique chalk arrows lead the way as you explore small villages and Multi-night Stays: Min 2 night stays world-class cities while traveling at your own pace. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-15 days Price: $$$ Hotels: 3-4 stars, most itineraries include at least one Tour Levels: 1-4 two-night stay at the same hotel. Bike and Boat Tours: Spend days cycling and your Road Type: Pavement, bike paths. evenings relaxing on a private boat as you cruise to your Multi-night Stays: Occasionally next port. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-8 days, some itineraries have land-based Price: $$$ extensions available. Tour Levels: 1-4.5 Barge/Boat: 3-4 star, same cabin for the entire boat trip. Road Type: Pavement Explorer Tours: Travel further off the beaten path - we let the destination dictate where we ride, not the road surface. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Length: 7-8 days Tour Levels: 1-4 Hotels: 2-3 stars, occasional multi-night stays at the same hotel. Expedition Tours: Multi-week tours where you spend long Road Type: 30-50% gravel or hard-packed dirt, the rest days on the bike with the added satisfaction of pedaling pavement. across multiple countries. Multi-night Stays: Occasionally Tour Length: 15-40 days Navigation: Group riding and GPS Hotels: 2-4 stars, typically there is a 2-night hotel stay Price: $$ every 5-7 days. Tour Levels: 1-4 Road Type: Pavement with occasional hard-packed dirt or gravel. Multi-night Stays: On rest days Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Levels: 4-5

LEVELS

We know that travelers have different cycling abilities and LEVEL 4 - 4.5 preferences for the number of miles, elevation gain, and Level 4 - 4.5 days are the best riding days for avid cyclists type of terrain they want on a bicycle tour. We have rated or very active individuals who are excited to challenge each day of our tours on a scale of 1-5. Our Tour Level's themselves on a bike. are an average of the day rating on tour. We recommend looking at the daily summary on the PDF and Website Average daily mileage: 70-90km (45-55 miles) Be sure Itinerary to see details about each day's ride. to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 1 - 1.5 Gain: 900-1000m (2800-3600 ft) Level 1 - 1.5 days will be mostly flat and the distance will rarely exceed 50 km. Level 1 - 1.5 tours are suitable for Terrain: Presents multiple steep climbs (6% to 8% beginner cyclists, those traveling by bicycle for the first grades), 1 to 3km long. Alternatively, 4 – 6% grades for time, or multi-generational groups with a desire for a nice 6 kilometers or more. and easy bike tour with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. LEVEL 5 (EXPEDITIONPLUS!) Average daily mileage: 20 - 50 km. (12-30 miles) Be Our ExpeditionPlus! tours designed for strong riders looking sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the for the challenge of riding across countries or continents. tour you are considering for specific mileages. Long daily mileages mean limited van support so we recommend these tours for riders who feel confident that Gain: 0-400 M (0-1200 ft) they can ride every mile. Terrain: Mostly flat with occasional gentle climbs at a Average daily mileage: 120 km (75 miles). Be sure to grade of less than 3%, that are sustained for a maximum check the day by day itinerary description for the tour of 3km. There might be a steeper but short climb. you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 2 - 2.5 Gain: 500-2000 m (1600- 6500 ft) Level 2 - 2.5 days are ideal for riders newer to bicycle Terrain: Expect and be prepared for any and everything. touring looking for a bit of a challenge. REMEMBER Average daily mileage: 30-60 km (18 - 38 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the A tour level is the average of the days so we recommend tour you are considering for specific mileages. you look at the day level on each day of the itinerary to help you better understand what to expect from your tour. Gain: 400 - 600 m (1200 - 2000 ft) Terrain: Mostly rolling terrain around 3%. Presents multiple 3% to 4% climbs. May present an occasional steeper climb.

LEVEL 3 - 3.5 Level 3 - 3.5 days are great for active individuals (who run, bike, swim etc. on a regular basis). Average daily mileage: 50-70km (30-45 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. Gain: 600 - 900m (2000 - 2800 ft) Terrain: Multiple Climbs with grades of 4 - 6%.

CHECKLIST

TO DO ONCE YOU'VE BOOKED! Read through your Reservation Confirmation (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip! Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country. Complete the Customer Information Form: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/customer-information-form/ We recommend you take out travel insurance. Find details at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/travel-insurance/ Choose a bicycle training program: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/bicycle-tour-training/ Peruse our country-specific Travel Planning Pages: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/

6 TO 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Review the arrival and departure information under the "Travel Information" tab to see meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure. Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Begin your chosen training program Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike & Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.

6 TO 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/. Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/ We'll email your Hotel Itinerary, the Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date.

DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack one day of cycling gear in your carry-on just in case. See you soon!