From South Tyrol to Venice Coast

Individual arrival in Niederdorf/Toblach in Puster Valley (option: transfer from Venice/Mestre on Wednesdays and Saturdays, see “Extras”). The charming village has small and historically interesting churches and is located in a German-speaking area. Overnight in a comfortable South Tyrol hotel.

Breakfast and start of your first day stage that is a promising one. Riding through Prags Valley, you reach the breathtaking Lake Prags. You keep on to the high plateau Plätzwiese from where you have an amazing view to the mountains Dürrenstein and Hohe Gaisl. Through and old military route you reach the Höhlenstein valley from where you can already see Tre Cime di Lavaredo – UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. Cycling up the world famous massif is tough and absolutely worth the effort because the landscape makes you feel like being on another planet. To go down after a break is a lot of fun, and at the end of the day, you reach the Olympic city of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Altitude difference: 2.330 – Level of difficulty: 3/5

After breakfast, you follow the Dolomite Cycle Route across a former railroad line. Don’t forget looking around, because on your left and ride side you will see the climbing mountain Sorapiss and the Cinque Torri rock formation. Through Boîte Valley you reach Longarone. In 1963, this town was completely destroyed by a tidal wave provoked by a landslide from Monte Toc; afterwards, the town was rebuilt. You cycle around the popular Lago Santa Croce and finally reach Belluno, where you stay overnight.

Altitude difference: 1.140 – Level of difficulty: 3/5

For today, we recommend to have a hearty breakfast, because right at the beginning of the day’s stage, you follow the route of the cycling race Giro d’Italia cycling up to Nevegal mountain. On the Nevegal, you are rewarded with a beautiful view over the valley of Belluno. You continue on the ridge. You can slowly and appropriately say goodbye to the Dolomite Alps, riding in the direction of blue Mediterranean Sea. You pass many alpine cabins inviting you to rest and enjoy. Today, your stage finish is the historical Feltre on the foothills of the Dolomites.

Altitude difference: 1.160 – Level of difficulty: 2/5

Today, you cycle up Monte Grappa, the mountain that gave its name to the world famous pomace brandy. Nice to know: Monte Grappa is popular with racing bikers, but hardly known by cycle tourists. The mountain is historically known especially for the battles between thousands of Austro-Hungarian and Italian soldiers in World War I. A massive monument reminds on these battles on top of the mountain, and this area can be visited only by foot for respect reasons. The view to the Alps on one side and to the fertile plain of Veneto on the other side is beautiful. Over endless twisting roads you ride down to Bassano del Grappa where you can try some grappa because the next two day’s stages will be more relaxed.

Altitude difference: 1.920 – Level of difficulty: 3/5

After breakfast, you cycle over hilly vineyards to Asolo. If you want, you can visit the historical palace or the castle that is above the town. Surely, you can also try the typical Asolo Prosecco. Afterwards, you ride over winding paths and small hills through the nature reserve of Montello. Finally, you reach Treviso, a city known for its diocese and cultural life.

Altitude difference: 700 – Level of difficulty: 1/5

Starting in Treviso, you follow Sie River through the Venetian plain. The natural reserve of Sile that you cross is characterized by small lakes, peatland and water courses. It’s a paradise for numerous bird species. Through the peninsula Cavallino Tre Porti you cycle towards the ferry. On one side of the peninsula, bathers scrimmage on the beaches. You, indeed, ride on the more calmer side that is characterized by the view to fishermen’s boats and the unique and natural lagoons of Venice. Today, your finish is Venice. Since this last day of your gravel bike tour is very easy-going, you reach Punta Sabbioni in good time, so you can take the ferry to Venice to drift along this legendary city.
Your last night, you spend on the mainland in Mestre which you can reach by bike through a bridge. Optionally, you can stay in Lido di Jesolo / on the peninsula Cavallino Tre Porti to bring your vacation to a close on the beach (see “Extras”).

Altitude difference: 150 – Level of difficulty: 1/5

After breakfast you can check out and visit Venice again, if you have time before departure. Individual departure or extension of stay.