Bicycle Tours & Trips in Italian Alps
What if you could ride your bike through the Italian Alps and climb famous mountain passes that you've seen in the Giro d'Italia? The Dolomites have steep limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and mountain passes that really work your legs. Depending on your route and fitness level, you can ride through valleys like Val Gardena and up hills like Passo Giau or Stelvio. Mountain villages are great places to stop and take in the views.
10 best bicycle Italian Alps tours
Compiled by
MelissaItalian Alps travel expert at TourRadar
- Trans Dolomites Challenge
- Trans Dolomites Challenge
- Lake Garda, the Dolomites, Bormio ~ Guided *CYCLE* (All Inclusive)
- From the Dolomites to the Stelvio Bike Day
- The Alps & Dolomites ~ North Italy ~ Guided *ROAD CYCLE* (All Inclusive)
- Classic Climbs of the Giro (4 destinations)
- Mountain Biking in the Nature Parks of the Dolomites 7 Days
- The Pearls of South Tyrol - On River Cycle Paths to Bressanone, Bolzano and Merano 7 Days
- Star Tour South Tyrol - Wine & Pleasure 7 Days
- Adige Cycle Path: Lake Reschen - Verona with Charm 8 Days
Take on the Italian Alps' most challenging passes, featuring the 25km Stelvio climb to 2,760m and the intense Mortirolo averaging 10%. The 8-day route includes stays at Hotel San Lorenzo in Bormio and La Perla in Ravascletto, with support through 48 legendary hairpin bends.
Duration 8 days Destinations Ravascletto, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Corvara in Badia, Bolzano, Bormio Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 121 mi Operator Eat Sleep Cycle From
- NZ$8,922
The legendary Italian Alps await with iconic climbs including Stelvio (2,760m) and Mortirolo (10% grade). The 8-day challenge showcases the famous 48-hairpin Stelvio ascent and Passo Gavia's 18km climb. Riders recharge at the luxurious Hotel San Lorenzo in Bormio and Hotel Gran Ciasa.
Duration 8 days Destinations Ravascletto, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Corvara in Badia, Bolzano, Bormio Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 121 mi Operator Eat Sleep Cycle From
- NZ$8,922
Duration 10 days Destinations Verona, Torbole, Moena, Corvara in Badia, Silandro, Bormio, Sondrio, Milan Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 262 mi Operator Climbing Mountains From
- NZ$18,296
Duration 8 days Destinations Treviso, Corvara in Badia, Bolzano, Merano, Stelvio, Bormio, Venice Age Range Ages 14+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 263 mi Operator CyclingHero From
- NZ$5,851
The Italian Alps' most legendary passes beckon, including the 21km Stelvio climb and Mortirolo's brutal ascent. Pristine Alpine roads connect Passo Gavia to Lake Cancano. Traditional mountain cuisine and wellness facilities await at Hotel Alpen in Bormio.
Duration 10 days Destinations Verona, Moena, Passo Fedaia, Arabba, Canazei, Carezza, Bormio, Livigno, Milan Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 294 mi Operator Climbing Mountains From
- NZ$8,799
The mighty Italian Alps beckon with iconic climbs, including the 25km Stelvio ascent from Laas. Riders face Passo Mortirolo's demanding 10% gradient and Passo Gavia. Luxurious recovery awaits at Albergo San Lorenzo in Bormio after each day of epic climbing.
Duration 7 days Destinations Corvara in Badia, Passo Gardena, Bormio Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Distance 78 mi Operator Eat Sleep Cycle From
- NZ$6,741
Duration 7 days Destinations Niederdorf, Kronplatz, Cortina d’Ampezzo Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Distance 39 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$1,585
Duration 7 days Destinations Brixen, Bolzano, Merano Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 36 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$1,981
Duration 7 days Destinations Bolzano, Merano, Caldaro, Trento, Brixen Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 150 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$2,338
Duration 8 days Destinations Reschen am See, Silandro, Merano, Bolzano, Trento, Lake Garda, Verona Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 140 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$2,973
What people love about Bicycle Tours in Italian Alps
- Cycling the Majestic Dolomites - Cortina to Bolzano - Classic Self Guided
We had an incredible 7-day bike trip through the Dolomites with Cycle Europe. They were extremely responsive to our questions and went above and beyond to help us navigate our train and bus travel to the start location. The Ride with GPS experience they provided was outstanding, with detailed information about the area, towns, and excellent dining recommendations. We would definitely book with them again!
What our customers ask about Bicycle Tours & Trips in Italian Alps
What are the most scenic cycling routes in the Italian Alps?
The Italian Alps features several notable cycling routes where the Sella Ronda stands out with its four mountain passes circling the Dolomites. Cyclists following the Lake Reschen to Lake Garda path encounter a mix of Mediterranean scenery vineyards and cultural stops in Merano and Bolzano. The Adige Valley route takes riders past medieval landmarks including Juval Castle which belongs to mountaineer Reinhold Messner. A TourRadar traveler remarked: "Fantastic trip to a beautiful part of Italy. The daily routes were planned well with stunning views and good restaurant recommendations along the way."
When is the best time to do a cycling tour in the Italian Alps?
The optimal cycling period spans April to October with the best conditions from June through September. Summer brings warm temperatures to the Dolomites often reaching 40°C in valley areas. For high-altitude routes like the Stelvio Pass (2760m) July and August provide snow-free paths. South Tyrol's apple orchards draw cyclists in spring for their blossoms while September offers steady weather and harvest activities. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "We went in September and the weather was perfect for cycling with clear views of the mountains."
How challenging are the cycling routes in the Italian Alps?
The routes accommodate all skill levels. The Adige Valley stretch from Merano to Lake Garda offers a gentler experience with a 1500m descent. More demanding options include the Trans Dolomites Challenge featuring climbs like Mortirolo (12km at 10% gradient) and Passo Gavia (18km at 8%). New cyclists often choose South Tyrol tours using Hotel Villa Alpina in Cortina as a base before attempting harder routes. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The routes were varied and well-marked with options to make rides longer or shorter depending on your ability."
What cultural highlights can I experience while cycling in the Italian Alps?
The routes connect riders with local culture through stops at the Messner Mountain Museum in Sigmundskron Castle the Ötzi Museum in Bolzano and preserved towns like medieval Glurns. South Tyrol presents its Italian-Germanic heritage through wine tastings in Caldaro and regional dishes at places like Hotel Gran Ciasa in Corvara. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The combination of cycling culture and cuisine was perfect - we especially loved stopping at the mountain villages and trying local specialties."
What type of accommodation can I expect on Italian Alps bicycle tours?
Tours typically provide 3-4 star hotels positioned along cycling routes. Key accommodations include the historic Hotel Parkhotel Laurin in Bolzano Villa Laurus in Merano with its gardens and Hotel Mondschein offering Dolomite views. Services include luggage transfers between stops letting cyclists travel light. As noted by TourRadar travelers: "The hotels were perfectly positioned for exploring both the cycling routes and historic town centers."
What's included in the meal arrangements for Italian Alps bicycle tours?
Hotels provide daily breakfasts featuring South Tyrolean and Italian dishes. Hotel San Lorenzo in Bormio serves regional specialties and substantial breakfast buffets. Routes pass through food destinations like the South Tyrolean Wine Route and traditional trattorias in the Dolomites. Cyclists can find local treats like the renowned pistachio gelato at Gelateria Bologna in Mori. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food was excellent throughout the tour especially the local specialties and wine tastings in South Tyrol."