At Italy’s North-eastern tip lie the vast and mighty peaks of UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Dolomites. The ‘Pale Mountains’, as they’ve become playfully referred too, become the perfect protagonist on this legendary road bike tour of the epic South Tyrol. A cycling holiday pedalled by many, if you; enjoy the very best food and wine; picturesque landscapes unlike any other; and areas dripping in history and culture; then this, my friends, is the cycle tour for you.

Arriving in the region’s capital city – Bolzano, you’ll get an instant insight into the rich history of South Tyrol. At its heart lies the medieval city centre, with Gothic and Romanesque churches standing side by side. Bilingual signage also hints at the crossover between Italian and Austrian cultures that makes this area so unique. Out of Bolzano, the cycle tour starts following nature’s own trodden path along the banks of the Adige River, among a landscape blanketed in orchards. Making your way you through the medieval gates of Merano, to the commune of Silandro (home to the highest church tower in South Tyrol at over 300ft tall!); you’ll find plentiful points of interest to explore at will on your journey.

One cannot express with words alone the views to which you will be privy, but guaranteed on this road bike tour are multiple breath-taking moments (and when the scenery isn’t taking your breath away, some of the ascents will step in and do so in the interim!). Bellissimo!

Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano

Dependent upon the time of your arrival; if you get the chance to wonder the capital city and its many delights you certainly won’t be disappointed. The medieval centre blends Italian and Austrian cultures seamlessly, and there are many wonderful café’s and restaurants to enjoy some local cuisine and/or wines.

Day 2: Bolzano – Silandro (or back): 60km

The first stage of your road bike tour sets off with a gentle warm up along the Adige Valley cycleway. Flanking the Adige River and through the orchard blanketed landscape you’ll arrive in the spa town of Merano. There’s plenty of time here to sample some more wines produced in the surrounding area or grab some delicious Italian coffee before mounting your saddle again for a 20km ride to your first night stop in Silandro.

Day 3: Silandro – Stelvio Pass: 90km + 2,000m

Today’s stage is the stuff of legends. Stelvio – the most celebrated of all the ascents in Italy, rewards its victors with views unparalleled anywhere else in the Italy (but not before a relentless 26km unbroken climb!). The last km brings with it an 11% incline, but once you’ve made it to the top and seen what’s around below from this perfect vantage point, the long descent back down to Silandro will no doubt be spent basking in the day’s achievement and rewards.

Day 4: Silandro – Bolzano: 90km + 1,700m

Heading back to Bolzano along the cycleway, you’ll once again pass through the medieval gates of Merano and have time for an espresso or two to get the legs going during the afternoon. A climb to 1,300m on the panoramic road of the Merano 2000 takes you through some of the quaintest hamlets dotted among the mountains that the area has to offer. (there is the option to end the tour here if you wish)

Day 5: Bolzano – Corvara/Badia Valley: 70km + 2,000m

In today’s stage you’ll head for the celebrated Gardena Pass. Leaving Bolzano and heading north along the River via the cycleway of the Isarco valley, a gentle climb will soon bring you to the Gardena Valley. Just 35km on (at 2,300m) you’ll arrive at the Gardena Pass, a hugely popular route for cyclists and mountaineers alike. Finishing the stage off with a spectacular free wheel into the Badia Valley, tonight’s stay over is in the picturesque commune of Corvara (or local vicinity).

Day 6: Corvara/Badia Valley – Sella Ronda: 55km + 2,300m

Today you are greeted by four highly celebrated dolomite (white rock) climbs/passes: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena – each of which are infamous in the world of cycling. For those looking to really push themselves today, once you’ve conquered Sella Ronda and arrive back in Corvara, you may wish to attack the famous Giau Pass. Overnight stay, once again, in Corvara (or local vicinity).

Day 7: Corvara/Badia Valley – Bolzano: 105km + 2,450m

Cycling out of Corvara you’ll climb onto the Campolongo Pass before diving down and leaving the Badia Valley in your mist. Just 30km on, the long descent leads you to the foot of the Marmolada Glacier, from where today’s real climb starts (inclines touching 18%). Once you’ve reached the summit, panoramic views across the artificial lake and the Marmolada Glacier are nothing short of mind blowing. Finally, when you’ve taken it all in, take the Campologno Pass back to Bolzano and celebrate the end of your tour with a much needed glass of wine (or three)!

Day 8 – Departure from Bolzano:

After breakfast, the tour ends.