Wide shot of Ramez Castle, large mountain in background.

View Gallery

Dolomites Bike Tour

World-Class Routes in Italy & Austria

Embark on a world-class adventure cycling through Italy’s Dolomites, where a network of quiet cycling paths links Italy to Austria via lush valleys and limestone massifs. Gear up for hearty mountain cuisine, regional wines and extraordinary accommodations.

6 days, 5 nights

Luxury & Deluxe Hotels

See itinerary with Casual Hotels

Activity Levels 2-4

Couples, Friends & Solos

From $6,099 - $6,399/person

Itinerary Where You’ll Stay What to Know Bikes Reviews

Compare

Saved

Save

View Dates & prices

Snapshots from the Trip

Trip at a Glance

Highlights

Bike through storybook villages and lush green valleys framed by the Alps’ soaring peaks
Delve into the colorful history, culture and welcoming spirit of Italy and Austria’s celebrated Alpine region
Pedal scenic bike paths and cycling routes that wind past orchards, forests and wildflower‑filled meadows
Connect with locals whose distinctive traditions bring depth and meaning to the journey
Unwind each afternoon in luxurious hotels with restorative spas and panoramic mountain views

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Bolzano Airport & Travel Details

Welcome to South Tyrol, home to a captivating mix of Italian, Austrian and Tyrolean cultures
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Most residents speak German in this sublime region
Bike up and down the spectacular Etsch Valley as you embark on a peaceful riverside ride past orchards, vineyards and castles
Pista ciclabile in Italy, Radweg in Austria—whatever you call it, these bike paths are idyllic!
Descend through the Venosta Valley, flanked by the jagged peaks of the Ortles and Ötztal Mountains.

Castel Fragsburg

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

ivy covered hotel entrance with bistro tables out front

table on balcony with view of mountain range

dining table under chandelier next to big windows with view of greenery

pool with lounge chairs and view of mountains

Nights 1-2

Castel Fragsburg

Meran

Luxury Hotel

This Relais & Châteaux property occupies a 17th-century castle above Merano with views across the Adige Valley and five hectares of gardens. Its 20 suites blend Alpine and Mediterranean influences, while the spa, heated outdoor pool and whirlpool provide space to unwind after an active day. The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant showcases regional South Tyrolean ingredients. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Meadows, woodland and quiet hamlets set the stage for today’s ride along the Rienz River
A haven of tranquility, the Ahrntal (Ahrn) Valley greets you with gentle inclines and majestic vistas of the Zillertal range’s snow-covered peaks
Soak up a scene of fairy-tale forests and locals hand-cutting their lawns with traditional wooden scythes
Bike through the Puster Valley en route to Bruneck, known for its well-preserved medieval old town
Compare and contrast regional wines, including Vernatsch, Lagrein and Gewürztraminer
Taste traditional mountain specialties like polenta, funghi, local cheese, canederli and apple strudel.

Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz

(Luxury Hotel, 1 night)

Activity Options & Terrain

Exterior view of Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz

Indoor seating area with two cushioned chairs and a stone fireplace in the background

Indoor bar and lounge, with an illuminated bar counter and brown bar stools

Sky view of outdoor pool, surrounded by chairs and umbrellas

Large, indoor lobby with a glass ceiling and a large red tree in the middle

Night 3

Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz

Bruneck

Luxury Hotel

This design-forward mountain retreat in Bruneck pairs minimalist interiors with views of the Kronplatz and surrounding valley. Rooms feature natural wood accents, rain showers and private balconies or terraces, while the extensive spa includes a 25-meter sports pool, a rooftop pool, saunas, a hammam and dedicated wellness spaces. The hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Pedal through hidden valleys and storybook villages guarded by towering mountains
Following peaceful cycling routes, make your way through the countryside to Lienz, Austria, a charming cobbled town ringed by jagged spires
Spin along a picture-perfect route through a forested valley and past small lakes nestled among the Alps
Pause for an Alpine picnic in cozy Matrei
Ride into the Drau River valley before saying auf Wiedersehen to South and East Tyrol.

Grand Hotel Lienz

(Deluxe Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Large hall and seating area with large, cushioned red chairs and a fireplace in the back

Restaurant dining area with woven chairs and tables with white cloths

Exterior view of illuminated hotel building with a large lake in front

Seating and lounge area with cushioned bean bags and a centerpiece with a flower

Nights 4-5

Grand Hotel Lienz

Lienz

Deluxe Hotel

Framed by the Dolomites and Austria’s highest peaks, this comfortable hotel features modern comforts yet also exudes old-world charm. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Venice Airport & Travel Details

Start
End
Overnight stay
Trip direction

View & Download

This trip has an activity level range of 2-4

Route & Terrain Notes

The biking on this trip is primarily on paved bike paths with occasional dirt and gravel sections. Our routes follow quiet roads through valleys, vineyards and orchards. Terrain is mostly level to rolling, with bigger climbs available on some of the days.

Biking

Level 1

15 miles

500 ft. gain

Level 2

18 miles

1100 ft. gain

View Dates & Prices From $6,099/person

What to Know

What's Included

See Everything Included

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Shuttle Time

In order to access the most scenic biking routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the van. Please note that we have planned our itinerary to make the most of our time in this spectacular area. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.

Air-Conditioning

Grand Hotel Lienz offers quality service and amenities, but please note that it’s not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can become warm during peak temperatures.

FAQs

This trip is best suited for adults who enjoy a choice of moderate rides, with some bigger climbs available on the long options. It’s ideal for those who want to experience the Dolomites by bike while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery, picturesque villages and two distinct cultures. E-bikes available.

This is a Level 2–4 Biking trip, with shorter options covering roughly 15–30 miles and the longest options reaching around 55 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. A typical day includes multiple flexible route choices—see this trip’s Activity Options & Terrain in the itinerary for day-by-day details or learn more about Backroads’ activity levels.

This itinerary combines classic road cycling through both the Austrian Alps and Italian Dolomites, with stays at Luxury Hotels. Biking routes stay largely in the Alpine valleys and on bike paths to avoid traffic and keep within the trip’s level 2-4 rating. Explore our Dolomites trips category page to compare this trip with other Dolomites itineraries.

Yes. On several days, optional long rides head up into the mountains with sustained, steep climbs and wide‑open views. These routes are completely optional and designed for strong riders who want a more demanding Alpine ride than the valley bike paths.

Most riding takes place on dedicated bike paths alongside rivers through Alpine valleys. These paths are well maintained and clearly marked with very little traffic. There are a few short gravel sections that are firm and smooth and work well with road bikes.

Trusted by Travelers Since 1979

7,000+ 5-star reviews.
Your Day, Your Way

Route and activity options to match your pace and preferences.
24/7 Local Support

Experienced leaders on every trip backed by a dedicated service team.
Never Outsourced

Expert trip design rooted in five decades of local knowledge and relationships.
Small Groups

More access, flexibility and connection, with an average of 14 guests.