Welcome to the beautiful Dolomites. The tour begins in the charming village of Ravascletto and takes you in a western direction towards the epic mountains known as the Dolomites. This is an extraordinary tour for the cyclist who loves to challenge themselves. Three of the seven nights are point to point and in Colfosco and Bormio, we stay two nights at each hotel. This gives riders a chance to take a rest day if needed and to explore the respective villages a little bit more.
The tour offers excellent hotels, most of which include massage and spa services that can be booked as an addition to the tour. Each hotel offers something special about it’s region and are well equipped to take care of cyclists.
Dine out each evening at local restaurants and at your hotel on the more challenging ride days. For lunch, there will either be a time-efficient picnic set up with plenty of carbs and fuel to keep the legs pedalling. On quieter days or in case of poor weather, cafe alternatives will be used. Breakfast is provided each morning at the hotel.
Rated 4 out of 4 our Epic tours are designed for people who train 3 or 4 times a week and are looking to push themselves on back to back challenging days on the bike. Riders should be confident riding in a small group, comfortable on extended climbs (at your own pace) and have good bike handling skills on corners and descents. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.
Welcome to the Italy! The tour kicks off at the forst hotel with a light lunch. After getting sorted, riders head out on a warm up ride to ensure everytihing is ready for the week ahead. The Zoncolan is an epic climb The climb lasting 10.8 km & has an average gradient of 11.7% with a max of 23.3%! Fortunately, this is only optional. For riders who want to take the tour at a more relaxed pace, there is a beautiful alternative spin up and down the valley.
Ride point to point from Ravascletto to Cortina & the Italian Dolomites. The ride begins with a short descent before tackling the first climb of the day, the Sella Campigotto, a 29 km climb with an average gradient of 4.3%! After reaching the summit enjoy the descent before tackling your second climb of the day, the Passo Tre Croci. Enjoy stunning views of this unique rock formation before descending home to the ski town of Cortina.
A spectacular point to point ride which pays homage to the iconic route of the Maratona. Climb from Cortina up the Passo Giau a viciously steep climb with sublime views of the Ampezzo basin at the top. Descend & reach the bottom of the second climb of the day, the passes of Falzarego & Valparola. Enjoy a fabulous & fast 14 km downhill to la Villa Stern. One final sting comes in the shape of the Mur dl Giat (wall of the cat!), the traditional finish of the Maratona sportive. It’s a 400 m, 12% wall (max gradient of 19%), sure to hurt after 3 days of riding – a great finish to today’s mountain epic!
Today’s ride is a showstopper & features on the bucket list of cyclists from all over the world. The Sella Ronda is a string of 4 passes starting and finishing in Corvara. Warm-up for the ride on the Passo Campolongo, descend and climb again to the Passo Pordoi. Next up is the Passo Sella & finish with the gorgeous Passo Gardena & a spectacular descent back to Corvara. Enjoy steady gradients, well surfaced roads and switchbacks constructed by the god’s of cycling.
It’s time to say farewell to the Dolomites & Corvara & continue our journey east to the Italian Alps. Start the day with the long climb to the summit of Passo Gardena (10 kms @ 7%). After warming up the legs a glorious 35 km spin downhill is your reward. The village of Ponte Gardena marks the end of the downhill road. From here you will begin another long climb of 16.5km and an average gradient of 4.7% Finish the day with a 15 km descent into the buzzing city of Bolzano
The Queen Stage! Start the day with a short transfer to the village of Lasa, where we begin our ride. From Lasa ride 10 kms along the valley to Prato Allo Stelvio, the village at the base of the mighty Stelvio. The Stelvio itself needs little introduction. Over 25 km climb to an altitude of 2,760 m. The average gradient is 7.4%, the maximum gradient is 11% and the vertical drop is more than 1800 m. There are 48 hairpin bends on the way up! Enjoy hot food at the top and cheer your fellow cyclists over the summit. Enjoy a breathtaking descent to the ski town of Bormio where a warm welcome awaits.
The last ride of our adventure tackles two giants of the Giro D’Italia, Passo Mortirolo & Passo Gavia. Ride south & downhill for the first 30 kms to the base of the Mortirolo & the village of Mazzo de Valtellina. The Mortirolo lasts for 12 kms and is incredibly steep, averaging over 10%. Descend to Monno and enjoy a flat(ish) valley road the the final challenge of the tour. The Passo Gavia stretches over 18 kms from Ponte di Legno. The climb averages 8% and has a max gradient of 12%. Expect beautiful views as you near the top. From the top descend to Bormio and enjoy a very well earned rest!
Sadly, the tour has come to a close. Let us know your departure plans and we will organsie any necessary transfers for you.
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy full ride support from our professional guide team & support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
The 4-star Hotel La Perla offers a complete wellness centre and a restaurant serving a varied breakfast and Friuli specialities. The property is in Ravascletto, 28 km from the Austrian border
Stay in the heart of the buzzing ski-town of Cortina in this pretty, family run hotel with Alpine views.
Stay in the heart of the Dolomites in this fabulous 4* hotel and spa. Enjoy regional cusine and a perfect place to relax and recover after the ride.
Stay in this quiet hotel on the edge of Bolzano & enjoy great views of the Dolomites. Relax in the pool or head out to soak up some city culture!
Stay in the centre of Bormio in this traditional hotel dedicated to sport, good food and wellness.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €40 per day
The best all-rounder for long-distance comfort, the Basso Astra as a Campagnolo 12spd Wireless Groupset (48-32 || 10-29) and a Microtech RE38 Wheelset
The ulitmate Italian climbing bike from Basso. Equipped with Campagnolo 12spd Wireless Groupset (48-32 || 10-29) and Campagnolo WTO Wheelset
Gethyn is from Wales but has been living in Catalonia for 14 years, and having found a quiet spot in the forest not far from Girona, he has no intention of leaving. Gethyn’s been a part of the ESC team since the early days and loves the job. He rides road and gravel with friends and MTB with his dog.
During the past 10 years, Mario has lived in different countries, but now he’s back home in Conegliano to ride every steep hill in the area! Despite his focus on road cycling, he’s had some amazing moments with his beloved steel gravel bike! Mario has been a member of the ESC Team since 2019 and couldn’t be happier! He looks forward to seeing you on the road soon!
Italia! Pizza! Pasta! The Giro! Italy is a classic destination for cycling holidays, with a huge variety of landscapes to explore & a history steeped in cycling culture. Italy is best enjoyed from April through to June and in the Autumn months.
Italy cycling tours offer something special for every cyclist. Whether you're looking for mountain ranges, excellent food or to ride around the lakes, our cycling holidays in Italy have you covered.
From the high mountains of the Alps and Dolomites in the North, to the Italian Lakes of Lombardia & Piemonte, to the rolling hills of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, and off-shore to the islands of Siciliy & Sardinia, Italy promises to wow!
If you have any questions about our tours, dates, or anything else, contact us here
