Dolomites Centre-Based Cycling

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. Stay: Comfortable Hotel.

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. Stay: Comfortable Hotel.

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. Stay: Comfortable Hotel.

Today's 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 café culture. A transfer returns us into Italy and our hotel in Dobbiaco. Stay: Comfortable Hotel.

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. Stay: Comfortable Hotel.

In the morning we have a transfer to the chic alpine town of Cortina d'Ampezzo 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. Stay: Comfortable Hotel.

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. Stay: Comfortable Hotel.

After breakfast our trip ends in Dobbiaco.