Italian Alps & Dolomites - Bike
Plus Stelvio Gran Fondo
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Details & Cost
Dates: June 3-10th, 2027
Location: Italian Alps (Bormio) and Dolomites (Ortisei)
Cost: $5,995.00 pp/twin-share; Single supplement (double for single use room). $1, 024.00; Bike Hire $800*
Room Upgrade: Cost upon request
Inclusions: 7 nights accommodation 4 & 5 star hotels, guided rides, Gran Fondo entry, support vehicle for rides, bus transfers, dinners x 4, breakfast daily, welcome drinks, Solo Bike hosts 24/7
Can be combined with the Italian Alps and Dolomites hike trip.*If you are bringing your own bike, there is a $350 surcharge for transport of bike due to being large luggage.
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Italian Alps
Cycling in the Italian Alps around Bormio is an unforgettable experience, combining spectacular mountain scenery with some of Europe’s most iconic cycling roads. Based in the heart of the Alta Valtellina, we ride through dramatic valleys and alpine villages before taking on legendary climbs, including the famous Passo dello Stelvio with its 48 hairpin bends.
The ultimate challenge is participating in the Stelvio Gran Fondo, a truly memorable cycling event that takes riders from Bormio to the summit of the Stelvio, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking alpine landscapes. With challenging climbs, exhilarating descents and plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere, this is cycling in the Italian Alps at its very best.
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The Dolomites
Cycling around Ortisei is a spectacular way to experience the dramatic beauty of the Dolomites, with quiet mountain roads winding through lush valleys, traditional villages and some of the region’s most iconic landscapes.
From Ortisei, we explore scenic routes beneath the towering peaks of the Seceda and the Alpe di Siusi, with challenging climbs rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views.
Whether winding through alpine meadows or tackling one of the famous Dolomite passes, every ride combines incredible scenery, rewarding cycling and the unique atmosphere of this beautiful mountain region.
Trip Itinerary
Experience the ultimate Italian cycling adventure, combining the legendary roads of the Italian Alps around Bormio with the spectacular Dolomites surrounding Ortisei. Ride iconic climbs including Passo Gavia, Lake Cancano and the magnificent Sella Ronda, before taking on the highlight of the trip, the Stelvio Gran Fondo, finishing high on the legendary Stelvio Pass. From dramatic alpine peaks and winding mountain roads to the breathtaking landscapes of the Alpe di Siusi, every ride offers something special. With superb 4 and 5-star accommodation, exceptional food, spa and wellness time, guided rides, support vehicle and the camaraderie of the Gran Fondo, this is a week of unforgettable cycling, scenery and Italian mountain hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Thursday June 3rd - Arrival Bormio and QC Spa Bagni Nuovi
Group transfer from Tirano Station to our hotel just outside Bormio. After check-in you have the pleasure of enjoying the famous spa attached to our hotel. The GC Spa Bagni Nuovi, a spectacular Art Nouveau spa set in the mountains and overlooking the town. Built around the natural thermal springs, the spa offers a wonderful collection of indoor and outdoor thermal water pools, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, all surrounded by the stunning Alpine landscape. It is the perfect place to unwind, immerse, and recover for cyclists following its spectacular surrounding roads.
Evening welcome drinks followed by a group dinner in the hotel's magnificent dining room, where you will feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Meals: Dinner and Welcome drinks
Day 2 - Friday June 4th - Passo Gavia
Our first ride showcases the best of the Italian Alps.
Riding from our hotel to Passo Gavia is a classic 60 km cycling journey that peaks at 2,621 metres above sea level. It begins comfortably on a quiet and lovely valley, passing through small mountain hamlets before turning into a raw, high-mountain ascent defined by jagged peaks, deep pine forest, and start glacial forest.
The summit of Passo Gavia offers the perfect place for a well-earned coffee and food in a café, as well as the opportunity to savour its enormous beauty.
Afternoon rest and recovery in a thermal facility and an evening opportunity to explore and dine in old Bormio town.
Distance: 60km loop, Time: 3.5-4hrs, Ascent: 1450m, Difficulty Moderate+; Maximum gradient: around 14%
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Saturday June 5th - Lake Cancano Ride
Loop Ride from Hotel to Lake Cancano covers approximately 30 km with 800 m of climbing. This scenic alpine ride scales 18 jaw-dropping hairpin switchbacks up to the historic Fraele Towers before opening onto the stunning turquoise waters of the reservoir.
Our return from Lake to hotel is via Bormio town, providing an opportunity for coffee and food replenishment, as well as time to soak up the atmosphere of the weekend Gran Fondo with its many cyclists in town and the cycling equipment and gear expo to be enjoyed.
Distance: 58km loop, Time: 3hrs, Ascent: 750m, Difficulty Moderate; Maximum gradient: around 8.5%
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Sunday June 6th - Gran Fondo Stelvio Santini.
Today we participate in Italy’s most iconic, breathtaking, and passionate single day cycling event in the Italian Alps – Gran Fondo Stelvio Santini.
Centered in Bormio, the event features 3 rides of varying challenge – 64km/ 108km/ or 130km – all culminating at the 2,758-meter summit of the Stevio Pass, considered the greatest and most spectacular road in Europe.
The 130km route is especially challenging as it includes the infamous Passo Mortirolo, considered one of the most difficult climbs of the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s famous professional cycling race.
The finish of the ride is celebrated with an event pasta party, encompassing everything that makes for us our favourite cycling and lifestyle destination.
Distance: Details here
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Monday June 7th - Transfer to Ortisei
Following breakfast we depart for the spectacular Dolomites, where we stay in the charming village of Ortisei.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 - Tuesday June 8th - Sella Ronda Loop Ride
Today’s ride take us on what is widely and justifiably considered to be the most beautiful ride in the World, the Sella Ronda.
The classic Sella Ronda loop circles the breathtaking Sella Massif, taking you over 4 legendary mountain passes in World Heritage listed landscapes: Gardena (2,121m), Campolongo (1,875m), Pordoi (2,239m), and Sella (2,244m).
The loop is 53km with a total elevation gain of near 2,000m. Our ride return from hotel will make our ride 75km with approximately 2,500m vertical gain.
Distance: 65km loop, Time: 5hrs, Ascent: 2100m, Highest Point 2281m; Difficulty Challenging; Maximum gradient: around 10-12%
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 - Wednesday June 9th - Alpe di Siusi
Our final trip ride takes us to highest alpine plateau in Europe, Alpe di Siusi.
Immersed in World Heritage listed landscapes, this classic out and back Dolomite cycling route takes us from village of Ortisei over scenic Passo Pinei, down through ancient market town of Catelrotto, and then upwards for 14km to the stunning high alpine plateau of Alpe di Siusi.
A total ride distance of nearing 60km with approximately 2,000m elevation gain caps off a spectacular week of riding in a truly spectacular place.
Distance: 60km, Time: 3-4hrs, Ascent: 1090m; Difficulty Moderate; Maximum gradient: around 10-12%
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 - Thursday June 10th - Departure
Following breakfast there will be a private group transfer to Bolzano station.
Meals: B
Check out all our trip pics on Facebook
Additional Information
This trip can be combined with the Italian Alps and Dolomites hiking trip.
We have full access to the QC Spa Bagni Nuovi during our stay.
All rooms can be upgraded at an additional cost.
Helmets are provided with hire bikes
Accommodation
Bormio - 5-star Hotel QC Terme Bagni Vecchi & 4-star
Hotel Baita dei Pini
We stay in two hotels in Bormio, the first is QC Terme Bagni Vecchi which is located 3km from the town. You will be blown away by the old world charm of this hotel along with its 11,000-square metre wellness area, including outdoor baths, hot tubs, saunas and Turkish bath. It is something to behold and a once in a lifetime experience to stay in such a stunning hotel. We then move to Hotel Baita dei Pini located in the heart of the town. This is a typical mountain hotel with beautiful wood interiors, it is well known for its cuisine.
Ortisei - 4 Star Hotel Alpenheim Charming Hotel & SPA.
Situated in one of the most spectacular locations, 1236m above sea level, is our 4-star accommodation - Hotel Alpenheim – Charming Hotel & SPA. Sitting a short walk above the charming village of Ortisei and with views to the surrounding Gardena Valley, you will not want to leave.
Our stay includes superior rooms, half board (breakfast and dinner), full use of the wellness and spa area, pools, and daily afternoon tea.
The food is one of the highlights of our stay, it’s nothing short of spectacular every night (and morning, and afternoon)!
What our guests are saying…
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The tour operated by Darren and Kerri is once in a lifetime for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate with the other riders. I thoroughly enjoyed my self with the challenges that were put to me and I will encourage other members of my cycling club and well as my wide range cycling friends who I feel should consider the Solo Bike Tour.
Jeff Hibberd 2017
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It was an absolutely terrific trip. So well planned and executed. Your team are first rate. I will (of course) be recommending you highly
Jeremy Shapiro (4 trips with SB)
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Out riding today, the second ride since returning home, we were discussing the trip and again commenting on how fortunate we were to have toured with the Solo Bike team, the quality of our fellow participants and new friendships we have made. Thanks.
Brad & Kate Sewell (4 trips with SB)
