DOLOMITI gravel
LIFE EXPERIENCE
july 3 - july 11, 2023
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This week covers everything on your cycling bucket list! If you’re looking for gravel riding in the gorgeous Italian Dolomites, this week has it all, including beautiful landscapes, stunning views, and 20% gradient climbs.
But don’t forget the food! Because you’re going to earn it. Each evening, award-winning Chef Fabio will prepare an incredible meal or select a local restaurant to savor the best in authentic, local cuisine. Grab a friend, and don't miss the chance to ride in the Italian Dolomites with Fabio Tours! 
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itinerary |
cuisine |
lodging |
preparation |
itinerary
- 1.00pm - Pick up at the Venice Airport (ground floor short term parking lot)
- Departure for Cortina d’Ampezzo, Hotel Argentina
- 3.00 - Arrive at the Hotel
- Check in and bike set up. Short 60 minutes ride optional
- 7.00 - Welcome Cocktail, Itinerary Q&A
- 8.00 - Dinner at the Hotel
- 8.00am - Breakfast and briefing
- 9.00am - Start Ride - 40 miles, 4600 feet of vertical elevation, 70% gravel, 30% secondary roads, riding through Prato Piazza, ending the ride at Valdaora
- 12.00pm - Lunch at Rifugio Prato Piazza
- 3.00/3.30pm - Arrive at the Hotel in Valdaora
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner at the Hotel
- 8.00am - Breakfast and briefing
- 9.00am - Start Ride, 45 miles, 3800 feet of vertical elevation, 50% gravel, 50% secondary roads with no traffic, back to Valdaora, through Val Pusteria, Brunico and Valle Anterselva
- 1.00pm - Picnic along the way
- 4.00pm - Arrive back at the Hotel in Valdaora
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner and Grappa in Town
- 8.00am - Breakfast and briefing
- 9.00pm - Start Ride 45 miles, leaving Valdaora, 4600 feet elevation gain, 70% Gravel, 30% secondary roads with no traffic, through two most beautiful Valleys, arriving in Dobbiaco
- 1.00pm - Lunch at the Rifugio
- 3.00/3.30 - Arriving at the Hotel in Dobbiaco
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner at the Hotel
- 8.00am - Breakfast and briefing
- 9.00pm - Start Ride, 45 miles, 3800 feet elevation gain, 60% gravel, 40% secondary roads, no traffic, Ending the ride at Pieve di Cadore, riding through Lago di Misurina, and Auronzo
- 12.00pm - Lunch at Lago di Misurina
- 3.00/3.30 arrival at the Hotel in Pieve di Cadore
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner at the Hotel
- 8.00am - Breakfast and briefing
- 9.00pm - Start Ride from Pieve in Cadore, 40 miles, 4400 feet elevation gain, 30% gravel, 70% secondary roads, arriving in Pocol, riding below the Marmolada
- 12.00pm - Picnic Lunch along the way
- 3.00/3.30 - Arrival at the Hotel Argentina
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner at the Hotel
LAST DAY OF RIDING
- 8.00am - Breakfast and briefing
- 9.00pm - Start Ride, 40 miles, 5500 feet of elevation gain, 60% gravel, 40% secondary road, riding the most breathtaking gravel loop around the valley of Cortina, Cristallo, Faloria Mountains
- 1.00pm - Lunch at the rifugio
- 3.00/3.30 - Arriving back at the Hotel Argentina in Pocol
- 6.00pm - departure for Cortina for walk in town and Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner at “La Prosciutteria dall’Ava”
- 8.30a - Breakfast and check out
- 10.00 - Depart for Venice Airport
- 12.00 - Arrival at the airport.
Cuisine
The food is a key ingredient of this adventure. Chef Fabio will provide a mix of hand-picked restaurants and his own cooking throughout the week. All meals will feature locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, legumes, beef, and seafood bright with flavor. Meals may include: Traditional South Tyrol/Venetian Cuisine, Hearty dishes, Homemade Ravioli and Gnocchi, wonderful soups, soft cheeses, braised meats and amazing tarts and Strudel. In addition to incredible food, you’ll drink wine that represents the history and personality of the region.
To respect and reflect Italian culture, meals will be served at the appropriate times of day.
To respect and reflect Italian culture, meals will be served at the appropriate times of day.
- Breakfast will be served each morning at 8.00am.
- Lunch is planned each day around 1.00pm.
- Dinner will be served around 8.00pm.
lodging
For the first 5 nights, we'll stay at the exclusive Hotel Villa Argentina in Cortina d'Ampezzo. This hotel is situated in the pleasant resort of Pocol, in the middle of the Dolomites and surrounded with meadows and conifer forests. The next 3 nights, we'll situate ourselves in Bormio at the Hotel Cristallo.
Preparation
With daily routes between 40 - 70 miles and 4,000+ feet of elevation gain, Cycling Dolomiti Gravel is for the serious cyclist. The terrain varies between long roads with switchbacks averaging 2-4% grade, plus difficult sections of ascent and descent up to 20% grade. The route consists of 70% dirt roads, 29% paved roads, mainly secondary, 1% single track, perfect for gravel bikes with 40mm tyres. Leading up to the trip, we recommend that guests consistently ride 4 or more days a week with long rides of 50+ miles to be comfortable in the saddle for 4-6 hour rides. Riders should be accustomed to climbing and descending, as well as bike handling on hills and curved roads.
