Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
★★★★★★4.6/5 (7)
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
Self guided from EUR € 949
Bike tour in Italy
Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour
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Explore an enchanting landscape of valleys, peaks, and picturesque towns
Enjoy peak levels of adventure on this dynamic cycling tour to the Dolomites. At the feet of these domineering peaks, you'll cycle without meeting steep inclines, following well-built cycle paths including the 'Toblach/Dobbiaco - Lienz' and 'Drava/Drau Bicycle Path'.
The sight of the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) from Lake Toblach is sure to stay in your memory for a very long time, whilst your affection will endure for the typical valley towns long after you leave Italy.
You'll be based out of one hotel in Hochpustertal, leaving your room each day for your bicycle tour. This family-friendly route will lead you into the surrounding valleys of Hochpustertal, Sexten and Gsies, and on to the old Dolomites railway track that runs towards Cortina d'Ampezzo. The program gives you space for individual organization and guarantees fun for all cyclists, whether you're an ambitious road racer or a pleasure-seeking tourist.
Highlights
- Cycle path network of Hochpustertal, perfect for a bicycle tour with the whole family
- The Drava/Drau bicycle path, with the classic Toblach/Dobbiaco-Lienz cycle path
- Dobbiaco, in the heart of the Dolomites
- Lake Toblach and the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks)
- Cycle path along the old Dolomites railway track
- Cortina d'Ampezzo
- The cities of Brunico and Lienz
- The tradition-steeped Gsies Valley
- The Sexten Valley
Learn More
Learn more about our self-guided tours or see more bike tours in Italy.
Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Milan and Verona. -
![Biking the Dolomites, Italy]()
![Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy. Matthias Schroder, Unsplash]()
![Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy. Daniel Sebler, Unsplash]()
![Cortina Dampezzo, Italy. Julian Villella, Unsplash]()
![Biking the Dolomites, Italy]()
![Cortina Dampezzo, Italy. Mauro Grazzi, Unsplash]()
![Biking the Dolomites, Italy]()
![Biking the Dolomites, Italy]()
Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival in Hochpustertal (Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco)
Individual arrival at the hotel in the heart of the Dolomites. Free (unguarded) parking facilities are available close to the hotel.Day 2: Along the Pustertal cycle path and the Rienz River: Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco – Bruneck/Brunico (16-miles or 34-37 miles/25-30 km to Bruneck or 55-60 km if going to Sand in Taufers/Campo Tures)
Starting from the highest point, the cycle path winds along the Rienz River through the villages of the valley to Brunico. Visit Bruneck Castle with its Messner Mountain Museum or the open-air museum of Dietenheim.Ambitious cyclists have the possibility to continue on the cycling path to the Tauferer Ahrntal and to visit Taufers Castle. There will be a return transfer from Brunico to your hotel in the afternoon.
Day 3: The Sextner Valley: From the Sextner Dolomites to Hochpustertal (25 miles/40 km)
The cycle path will bring you into the valley of Fischleintal. Pedal your way through the Sexten Valley as the famous Dolomite peaks tower over you.Once out of the valley, you'll cycle to Inninchen/San Candido, with its famous Romanesque dome. After a refreshment at the source of the River Drau/Drava, you'll return to your hotel.
A longer cycling option is available if you wish to add more distance.
Day 4: Drava/Drau cycle path: the classic Toblach/Dobbiaco–Lienz, consistently slightly downwards(31-34 miles/50-55 km)
You'll make your way towards San Candido before crossing the nearby Italian-Austrian border right after Prato Drava. You'll cycle on to Lienz, located on the confluence of the Isel and Drava. The historic center and the Schloss Bruck (castle) are worth seeing before the return transfer to your hotel in the afternoon.Day 5: Cycling path along the Dolomites railway track – Cortina d’Ampezzo (19-22 miles/30-35 km)
Board the shuttle transport to Cortina and ride along a unique road with illuminated tunnels designed specifically for cyclists. This path leads you from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Cimabanche, the highest point of the tour.Following the cycle path, you'll pass Lake Dürrensee, where you can park up your bicycle for a breathtaking view of the massif of Cristallo. Shortly afterwards, you'll be struck by the stunning sight of the world-famous Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) - an unforgettable moment in your adventure. You'll return to your hotel via Lake Toblachersee.
A longer cycling option is available if you wish to add more distance.
Day 6: Gsies Valley (34 miles/55 km)
The Gsies Valley is characterized by traditional farms and supreme tranquility. In Monguelfo, there's the possibility to visit the castle or take a break in Niederdorf/Villabassa for refreshments in the Kneipp facility.Day 7: Departure
Individual departure or extension of your stay.Surface and terrain
The itinerary runs consistently on valley cycle paths without steep inclines. On most days, there is the possibility to choose the desired length of the route and to adapt it with transfers by minibus or train. You can also add rest days.
The tour is very suitable for families with children. The cycling route has been planned for relaxed, relatively easy riding. More difficult routes are also available.
Hotels
You will be accommodated in a 3 or 4-star hotel.
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Hotel Laurin, Dobbiaco
www.hotel-laurin.com
Hotel Hubertushof, Dobbiaco
www.hotelhubertushof.itPlease note: You will have to pay a visitor's tax at hotel reception upon checkout each day (€2-6 per person).
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Treviso, Venice Marco Polo, Trieste Ronchi dei Legionari, and Innsbruck.
Nearest train station: Toblach or NiederdorfBy train:
Take the train from Innsbruck over the Brenner/Brennero to Franzensfeste/Fortezza. Change the train to the valley Pustertal/Valle Pusteria - Lienz and get off either at Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco depending on the location of your hotel. We can organise your airport transfer to the first hotel (on request and not included in the price).Timetable available on:
www.deutschebahn.de
www.oebb.at
www.trenitalia.comTips on getting to and from your tour.
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Dates
Daily: May 25 - Aug 02, 2024, Aug 25 - Sep 21, 2024 (minimum 2 persons)
Season 1: May 25, 2024 - Jun 14, 2024, Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
Season 2: Jun 15, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
Prices
Tour package
Season 1 Season 2 Per person, double occupancy €949 €1079 Single use room* (1 person/1 room) €1178 €1308 *Single use rooms are intended for individual travelers, they are smaller than double rooms and contain only one twin/single bed.
Bike Rentals
Trekking bike, 21-gear unisex frame €99 Trekking bike, 21-gear men's frame €99 TOP Standard Bike, 21-gear €149 Electrically assisted bike €219
Extra night, Villabassa/Dobbiaco
Season 1 Season 2 Per person, double occupancy €89 €95 Single use room* (1 person/1 room) €118 €124 Included services
- 6 nights accommodation in 3- or 4-star hotel in Villabassa or Dobbiaco
- Breakfast
- Detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers)
- Telephone service hotline for the entire tour
- 3-course evening meal
- Personal tour information
- All transfers according to the program, before or after the daily tour (the tour order might be changed depending on the arrival day)
- Navigation App
- Video tour breifing
Please note: You will have to pay a visitor's tax at hotel reception upon checkout (€2-6 per person, per day).
Bike rentals
Bikes available to be rented (reserved in advance at time of booking) include:
- Women's 21-speed trekking bicycles: Shimano Alivio/Deore, Royal saddle, step-through frame
- Men's 21-speed trekking bicycles: Aluminum, water bottle holder, Shimano Alivio/Deore, Royal saddle
- TOP Standard Bike: Aluminum, Shimano Deore XT 21-speed, freewheel
- Electrically-assisted bike (unisex bike)*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All bikes are equipped with:
- Waterproof rear saddle bag
- Waterproof handlebar bag with map compartment
- Bicycle computer (tracks average speed, distance, time) per room
- Repair kit, inner tube, pump, and bicycle lock (per room)
The bikes will be at your disposal in the arrival hotel. At the end of your bike tour you simply leave the rental bike at the last hotel.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available to rent for €15. For safety and hygiene purposes, we recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Linda Croft 3 months ago
A Scenic Paradise
What an outstanding cycling paradise! The Dolomites are breathtaking. The bike tour operator in Italy was fabulous. I rented an e-bike and it was brand new! The information package was well organized and the trail maps were great. I had no problems with the shuttle on the day I took it. The cycling paths were very well marked with no question as to which way to my destination. The hotel was beyond expectations! I stayed in Dobbiaco at Hotel Laurin’s. The staff were fabulous. The breakfasts were delicious and the 5 course dinner was outstanding every night! The garden, spa and pool area were so relaxing. The value for a solo traveller like myself was unbelievable. I highly recommend this trip!
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★★★★★ Daniel Villegas 6 months ago
Great rides, not so great organization
The rides to beautiful valleys was amazing and very enjoyable. The company FunActive was not well organized in terms of transfers to start or end points. Bicycles required better maintenance and bicycles were misplaced by the company on the first day. In hindsight if I was to do this again, I would book my own hotel, rent the bikes for a week and do the routes independently.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Catherine Cram 7 months ago
Convenient Way to Explore!
We enjoyed our self-guided bike trip in the Dolomites, with great support from BikeTours.com. We appreciated the detailed route information and app support. My only complaint is that I would liked to have had a better bike to ride instead of the heavy, upright positioned bike provided. The bike didn't make the hills easy and it would have been more enjoyable to be on a lighter, more responsive bike.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 31st-June 6th, 2023.
- How many tours have you completed?
- One
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Dotty October 12, 2019
Our favorite bike trip ever!
This was a beautiful bike tour on bike paths of the Dolomites. So nice to not have to navigate on busy roads. Each day we either started or ended with a shuttle or train. Some of the paths were paved, others were gravel. Spectacular mountain scenery.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/15/19 - 9/20/19
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Slick October 9, 2017
Wonderful scenery
Some directions going through the towns were difficult to follow. Also some of the starting points of the bike route were difficult to find and our driver was vague.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 22 to Sept 29
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany October 10, 2017
Thanks for letting us know about the directions. We'll work with our local partner on the maps for future clients!
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★★★★★ Becca August 26, 2017
Dolomite Area Bike
Varied rides with extensions for adding more sites and miles. Great local company. Bikes are best for easy bike rides. Adding all extensions to day ride made it better for us. FYI, there are two names for everything here. One in German, one Italian. The culture and food is mostly German. This trip begins in Niederdorf/Villabassa, not Toblach/Dobbiaco. That was confusing and biketours.com should update that.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 20
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Retired Teacher September 28, 2016
Great Scenery, but... poor bikes
The rental bikes were NOT up to standards. One bike had defective derailluer and and to be substituted. Pedals and seats were hard to replace with ours, mechanic had to return next day with WD430 and oversized wrenches to get pedals off.
The hotel was very cute and nice, but across plaza from 2 churches that ran LOUD bells. Hotel room had no AC and no screens on windows and we spend time killing flies! The breakfast was good, dinner was good except for one night...do not get venison (2 of 4 of us could not cut with serrated knife!) There was an alternate choice most nights had we know that is better choice.
This is NOT traditional Italian food. Villabassa and Toblach are in the German speaking section of Sud Tyrol. It is an interesting combination of Austrian and Italian 'fusion' food. White table cloths and waiters. Lots of local wines to choose from.
The bike routes were VERY Scenic and for the most part enjoyable. We got lucky and only had rain at night, but bring your rain gear just in case! There is some
gravel surface that gave some of the group tour we bumped into a little trouble, but we had no problems. Most of the rides do not take most of the day, so stop and take all the photos you want. The weather in Dolomites is about 10-15 degrees cooler than Lake Garda because it is about 4000 feet. We started with layers and soon got down to short sleeves on most days in late September.- What was the date of your tour?
- Mid-Late September
- How many tours have you completed?
- Lots
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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