Dolomites Magic

Dolomites & Italian Alps Tour

Embark on an Italian adventure with us for a week of epic climbs, spectacular scenery and panoramic viewpoints through the magical Dolomites and over the iconic Stelvio and Gavia mountain passes in the Italian Alps. You’ll have 2 different bases during your trip – Corvara in the Dolomites and Bormio in the Italian Alps. With its pristine beauty, rich cultural heritage, and charming mountain villages, the Dolomites offer something for everyone – on and off the bikes. Bormio is known for its thermal springs and ancient Alpine history, and is at the foot of the Stelvio Pass with its iconic serpentine switchbacks and majestic summit at 2757 meters altitude. 8/4/25 – 8/11/25

Mountain Magic

Enjoy a week of breathtaking mountain magic, fine cuisine, and incredible views in Italy's spectacular Dolomites and Alps!

An Overview

Here is an overview of our August Dolomites Magic tour. In the coming months, more details will be provided about your itinerary, rental bikes, and activities for non-cycling companions.

Premium 4 star accommodations
2 locations: Corvara & Bormio
Difficulty: Levels 2/3/4
Climbing: 500m+ - 3500m+ max
Cols: Sella, Pordoi, Giau, Gardena, Valparola, Stelvio, Gavia
Long rides: 70 - 100 km
Short rides: 40 - 50 km
8/4/25 - 8/11/25
Rental bikes: TBA
Non-cycling partners: activities
Tier 2 Pricing: see details below

Dolomites: Corvara

Our Italian Paradise

Follow the links below to learn more about the towns where we'll be staying.

Corvara and

Bormio

Italian Alps: Bormio

Your Cycling Itinerary

We’ve put together a cycling itinerary with suggested routes for each day, featuring the most iconic climbs of the Dolomites and Italian Alps. Please note that the routes may be modified as needed to best meet the needs of the group, or adapt to weather conditions.

Day 1 - Welcome to the Dolomites!

Short afternoon spin

Welcome to the Dolomites!

Welcome to Italy! Our arrival day schedule will be flexible to best accommodate the group. Our staff will be on hand to help with bike set-up. We will do a short and scenic spin in the afternoon for early arrivals who aren't too tired from the journey. Our dinner will be right in the hotel, so you can get an early night and feel fresh and ready to ride in the morning!

Day 2 - Sella Ronda

50 km / 1700 m+

Sella Ronda

We'll begin our epic Italian cycling journey with the Sella Ronda - one of the most well-known and spectacular rides in the Dolomites. Surrounded by stunning scenery from the very beginning, we’ll ascend the Passo Campolongo, followed by the Passo Pordoi, the Passo Sella, and Passo Gardena. While the ride is only 50 km in length, its four climbs (three of which are over 2,000 meters) make it a bucket-list ride filled with unforgettable Dolomite splendour!

Day 3 - Valparola & Giau

92 km / 2500 m+ or 56 km / 1550 m+

Valparola & Giau

We’ll head towards the town of La Villa Stern for today’s feature – the Passo Valparola with its majestic summit at 2,200 meters. Once we reach the mountain top, we will join the eastern face of the Passo Falzarego and continue towards Pocol for the start of the Passo Giau, taking us to 2,236 meters elevation. You’ll want to soak in the incredible views on our final ascent of Falzarego – or for those who prefer a shorter ride you can opt out of the last climb and get an early start relaxing at the hotel spa!

Day 4 - Ortisei via Gardena

55 km / 1500 m+ or 75 km / 2000 m+

Ortisei via Gardena X2

Today we are going to ride the Passo Gardena (2,136m) from 2 different sides. Starting from Corvara, we climb the opposite direction as our Sella Ronda ride, and descend to a lovely town called Ortisei - were we can stop for lunch and a visit before taking on Gardena from the westernmost side. We can include an option for non-cyclists to be transferred to the town and meet us for lunch. Once we've returned to Corvara, it's possible to extend the ride if anyone would like to continue cycling.

Day 5 - Transfer to Bormio

30 km / 900 m+

Transfer to Bormio

After four magical days in the Dolomites we'll take a short road trip to the Italian Alps where we’ll turn our attention to the highest road pass in Italy. In the afternoon we’ll ride the spectacular switchbacks of the Stelvio’s little sister up to Laghi di Cancano and the ancient Fraele Towers, built to fortify the area from invasion in the 15th century. Part of the old ‘salt and wine’ route that connected Valtellina with Switzerland, this road is a hidden highlight with a gentle gradient so we can recover and enjoy the beautiful views on our first afternoon in Bormio.

Day 6 - Passo Stelvio!

52 km / 1400 m+ or 90 km / 3500 m+

Passo Stelvio

Stelvio is definitely one of the most iconic climbs in the world, with its serpentine switchbacks and postcard perfect views! At 2,757m elevation it is the highest road pass in Italy, and the ascent from Bormio is 21.5 km long with an average gradient of 7.1%. We’ll wind our way up a series of hairpins, where panoramic views guarantee a fitting reward to your efforts! After soaking in the well-deserved and spectacular summit views, you can either descend back to Bormio, or if you're up for a double crown challenge, descend to Prato and make it a doubly epic double Stelvio day!

Day 7 - Passo Gavia

52 km / 1500 m+

Passo Gavia

While the Stelvio often steals the limelight, the Passo di Gavia (2,621m) is no less of a challenge and, in our opinion, one that out trumps the Stelvio for pure ruggedness and beauty. The Gavia feels more wild and forgotten, and is really the perfect way to end a bucket-list trip in this stunning part of the world! Take your time, this is another long one at 25.6 kilometres in length - but it is guaranteed to be as rewarding as it is challenging!

Day 8 - Ciao Italia!

Transfer to Airport

Ciao Italia et Bon Voyage!

We will have a final breakfast together in the morning before seeing off our guests after an unforgettable and epic week of Italian cycling beauty!

Non-Cycling Activities

The Dolomites and Italian Alps offer many activities besides cycling in a truly spectacular setting. Here are some different local activities for non-cycling companions, or to enjoy after riding on shorter days:

Spa services (our hotels will have spas)
Lake excursion: swim, canoe, lunch, hike
Day trip to Ortisei: guided or self-guided
Hiking: different options depending on level
Museum visit: several local options
Golf with a panoramic view
Wine tasting: Participate in scenic outdoor tasting
Gondola to the mountain summit
Thermal springs in Bormio
Request an activity you don't see on the list

Your Guide - Mike Cotty

There are few that know the mountains of Europe better than your ride guide Michael Cotty. As founder of The Col Collective, Mike has made a career out of riding, filming and telling the story of epic rides and mountains across the continent. Mike has ridden the iconic passes of the Dolomites and Italian Alps, raced them, hosted cycling tours on them, and has captured them on video with The Col Collective – so he is truly the perfect guide to help you make the most of your Italian cycling adventure!

Watch The Col Collective’s videos about the mountain passes featured in our tour to get a better idea about the epic climbs that await!

The Col Collective

The Col Collective is an online resource dedicated to providing cyclists with the inspiration, education and support needed to reach the summit of the greatest mountain passes in the world. Through the years, Mike has created captivating videos in some of the world’s most incredible cycling destinations. Here are a few of his videos that feature climbs on our tour. You can visit Mike’s YouTube channel for the complete Dolomites and Italian Alps playlists, and for more mountain inspiration in other destinations.

Pricing

A 30% deposit is required to confirm your trip reservation, and the balance of the payment is due 90 days prior to the trip start date. For more information about our reservation and cancellation policy, please see our Terms & Conditions.

Included:

The following services and amenities are included in the tour pricing. Please note that your flight and transportation to the tour start and finish is not included. However, we are happy to assist with the arrangement of your airport transfers. Please let us know at the time of reservation if you would like assistance.

7 nights at 4* premium accommodations
2 locations: Corvara & Bormio
Cycling guide: Mike Cotty from The Col Collective
7 days guided rides
GPX files & ride information
Welcome meet and greet
Mechanical assistance / bike set-up
Private vehicle assistance
All breakfasts
All lunches (for cycling participants)
5-7 dinners
Snacks and ride nutrition
Activity suggestions for non-cycling guests
Transfer to Bormio
Complimentary Azur Vélo jersey
Complimentary travel bag
Digital photos from your tour

Please Note: If you are considering the tour but to ready to book, a $100 non-refundable pre-booking fee will hold your tour slot for 30 days. If you wish to proceed with booking after the 30 day period, we ask for the 30% trip deposit (minus the $100 pre-booking fee) to confirm your reservation. Former guests: We will hold your tour slot for 30 days free of charge. After 30 days, if you wish to book, we ask for a 30% trip deposit to confirm your trip reservation.