Short description
Savour the dramatic mountain scenery of the Dolomites, while avoiding the need to ride up any long climbs. We explore the beautiful valleys of the Alta Pusteria on two wheels, visiting Brunico, Lake Toblach, Cortina dAmpezzo and crossing into the Austrian Tyrol to explore mediaeval Lienz. The area is criss-crossed by a network of quiet lanes and purpose-built cycle paths, perfect for enjoying at a steady pace. Adding to the relaxation is the family-run three-star Hotel Tschurtschentalerin Dobbiaco, where we stay. The centre-based itinerary offers the opportunity to unpack, settle in and unwind in the hotel spa.*Temporary changes due to COVID-security measures. **Last updated: 16th July 2020*At Exodus we acknowledge our responsibility to have the most up to date information on anything that will affect our customers on holiday, and to communicate this to our customers as effectively as possible.Our general global COVID security measures are described in ourTravel">https://www.exodus.co.uk/travel-safety-charter">TravelSafety Charter, and changes will be made to these measures as required by the global pandemic situation.However, we also expect there to be *specific* requirements, measures and sometimes itinerary changes that apply to certain trips only, and may well be temporary measures. We have highlighted all known changes in the section below.*Entry requirements. *There are */no known changes/* to entry requirements that may affect your joining this trip.However for all trips, having the correct documentation and visa, if required, remains the customers responsibility based on their own nationality. We therefore encourage all travellers to check entry requirements using the travel advice of their home nation for the relevant destination. For UK passport holders that ishttps://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice*Local">https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice">https://www.gov.uk/foreign-tra... COVID restrictions*There are likely to be some local requirements (some of which may be local law) in your host destination, related to face-masks and social distancing, details of which, will be explained by your leader on arrival. *Itinerary changes*There are */no planned itinerary changes/*. However, customers should be prepared for occasional short notice changes as required by local authorities or recommended by the Exodus Leader to maintain COVID-security for the group.
The itinerary
Day 1
Start Dobbiaco in the South Tyrol. We stay in the family-run Hotel Tschurtschentaler, a firm favourite with our summer walking and winter snowshoe groups for over 10 years.
Day 2
Today our scenic route follows the Rienz River as it winds its way down the Val Pusteria to the town of Brunico (Bruneck). After a look around the pretty town we visit the South Tyrol Museum of Cultural Anthropology at Teodone (Dietenheim). This fascinating open air museum depicts local rural life and culture over the ages, contrasting life in a wealthy manor house with that on a remote rural farm. We then transfer back to Dobbiaco to relax or visit the hotel spa.
Day 3
This morning we transfer to the stunning Fiscalina Valley and get on the bikes at the Talschlusshutte mountain refuge. After a drink and some magnificent views we head down past Sesto (Sexten) to the larger market town of San Candido (Innichen) along a network of excellent cycle paths. Here we will see the 8th Century Innichen Abbey, before following quiet cycle paths back to Dobbiaco.
Day 4
Todays ride is the classic route of the entire region. Riding from the hotel we pick up the lovely Drau cycle path, a scenic traffic-free route that follows the river gently downhill into Austria. We finish the ride in the charming medieval town of Lienz, known as the Pearl of the Dolomites. Here we have plenty of time to explore the old town with its elegant squares and caf culture. A transfer returns us into Italy and our hotel in Dobbiaco.
Day 5
Today we have a day off the bikes in order to relax and make the most of the area. As well as the inviting hotel spa, there are also a huge number of local walks that will get you in amongst the spectacular mountains surrounding Dobbiaco. It is also easy to take the train to the beautiful city of Bolzano, the capital of the South Tyrol, with its pretty network of winding alleys and upmarket shops to explore. The world-famous Museum of Archaeology with the Otzi Iceman and the Reinhold Messner Mountain Museum at nearby Sigmundskron Castle make Bolzano a city of mountaineering history and culture.
Day 6
In the morning we have a transfer to the chic alpine town of Cortina dAmpezzo where we have some free time to explore or visit the Bunker Museum before getting on the bikes and enjoying a great ride along an old railway track that has been converted into a cycle path. Today's route takes us through illuminated tunnels towards Lake Landro and on to the wonderful panoramic vista of the iconic Tre Cima di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen), these three dramatic rock formations are the emblem of the Dolomites. Finally we pass the beautiful Lake Dobbiaco before arriving back at our hotel.
Day 7
This morning we start with a transfer to the head of the tranquil Casies (Gsies) Valley. The scenery here is a little different with more rolling countryside and plenty of agriculture. Our ride follows a mix of road and cycle paths as we make the gentle descent through a number of traditional villages en route. We rejoin the main valley at Monguelfo (Welsberg) with its impressive castle (depending on your departure date there may be the opportunity to visit), before finishing the day back at Dobbiaco.
Day 8
After breakfast our trip ends in Dobbiaco.
Key information
- Highlights
- Immerse yourself in spectacular mountain scenery
- Indulge in world renowned Dolomiti cuisine
- Relax at the family-run 3-star Hotel Tschurtschentaler
