Guided Dolomites to Venice Bike Tour
From the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to the quiet canals of Venice, this journey traces a gradual descent through some of northern Italy’s most diverse landscapes—both in terrain and in mood.
It begins high in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where dramatic alpine scenery defines the first rides. Here, cycling paths carved from old railway lines and mountain valleys offer a gentle introduction, with views of iconic Dolomite formations and glacial lakes. As the route unfolds, the mountains soften. The sharp edges give way to rolling hills, vineyards, and open countryside, marking a clear transition from alpine wilderness to cultivated Italy.
Midway through, the rhythm shifts again in the Prosecco region—where cycling becomes less about elevation and more about immersion. Vineyards stretch across undulating hills, villages appear unexpectedly, and the pace naturally slows, culminating in a local wine tasting that anchors the experience in place.
The final stretch carries you across quiet plains toward the Venetian lagoon, where the landscape flattens and the air changes. The journey ends not with a ride, but with a walk—through Venice itself. No bikes, just narrow streets, open squares, and the quiet complexity of a city built on water.
This is not a tour of extremes. It’s a transition—mountain to sea, effort to ease, nature to culture—stitched together through steady, purposeful riding.
Guided
moderate
40 km / 25 mi
7
casual Inns
Min. 6, Max. 14
Highlights
Iconic Dolomite Scenery
Cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, passing the legendary Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) and dramatic alpine valleys that showcase some of Europe's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Prosecco Wine Region Discovery
Explore the rolling vineyard hills of the authentic Prosecco region with a dedicated circular route and wine tasting experience, learning about the protected designation wines produced from the traditional Prosecco grape.
Venice Cultural Experience
Conclude your journey with a guided train excursion to Venice, where you'll have a full day to explore the enchanting canals, historic palaces, and iconic Piazza San Marco of this world-famous floating city.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Cortina d'Ampezzo | Hotel Menardi | D | cycling | |
| DAY 2 | Cortina d'Ampezzo | Hotel Menardi | B, D | 35 km / 22 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Pieve di Cadore | Hotel Al Pelmo | B, D | 30 km / 19 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Vittorio Veneto | Hotel Le Macine | B, D | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Vittorio Veneto | Hotel Le Macine | B, D | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling, culinary |
| DAY 6 | Quarto d'Altino | Borgo Ca dei Sospiri | B, D | 85 km / 53 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Venice (day trip from Quarto d'Altino) | Borgo Ca dei Sospiri | B, D | walking | |
| DAY 8 | Quarto d'Altino | B | cycling |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Make your way independently to your hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the starting point for your cycling adventure in the heart of the Dolomites. Take time to settle in and explore this charming alpine resort town at your leisure. Meet your tour guide and fellow cyclists in the evening for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2: Cortina d'Ampezzo
A morning transfer brings you to Dobbiaco where you'll collect your bicycles. Begin pedaling through the scenic Höhlenstein Valley, passing Lake Toblach and a World War I cemetery that serves as a poignant reminder of the region's history. Continue past Lake Dürrensee with views of the iconic Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) rising dramatically to your left. The route climbs gently to the border crossing at Gemärk/Cimabanche before descending southward back to Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Day 3: Pieve di Cadore
Today's ride follows a gentle downhill trajectory, predominantly along a converted railway track that offers smooth, scenic cycling. Marvel at the Sorapis mountain range extending along your left while the distinctive Cinque Torri (Five Towers) stand guard to your right. The route continues southward through the peaceful Boite Valley, gradually descending to reach the historic town of Pieve di Cadore, birthplace of the renowned painter Titian.
Day 4: Vittorio Veneto
Depart Pieve di Cadore and head south through increasingly varied terrain as the dramatic Dolomite peaks gradually give way to softer hillsides and verdant valleys. The route descends steadily from the mountains, passing through charming villages and alongside picturesque countryside roads. By day's end, you'll arrive in Vittorio Veneto, a historic town surrounded by vineyards and undulating hills that mark the gateway to the Prosecco region.
Day 5: Vittorio Veneto
Cycle into the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region today, where rolling hills are lined with neatly patterned vineyards and quiet country roads connect charming villages. The route undulates gently, offering rewarding views at every turn and a sense of rhythm that defines this landscape. Along the way, pause to experience the region more deeply with a local wine tasting, discovering the character behind Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine. It’s a day that blends cycling with culture, where the journey is as much about the surroundings as it is about the ride.
Day 6: Quarto d'Altino
Leave Vittorio Veneto behind and cycle through increasingly flat terrain as the hills gradually fade into expansive rural plains. Follow peaceful secondary roads that wind through agricultural lands and traditional villages, experiencing the authentic rhythm of rural Venetian life. The landscape becomes progressively flatter as you approach the coast, eventually arriving in Quarto d'Altino, positioned at the edge of the historic Venetian lagoon.
Day 7: Venice (day trip from Quarto d'Altino)
Leave your bicycles behind today and take a short train journey into Venice for a full day of exploration. Wander freely through the labyrinth of narrow streets and over elegant bridges spanning the city's famous canals. Visit the magnificent Piazza San Marco, admire stunning palaces, and immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of this unique floating city. Return to your hotel in Quarto d'Altino by train in the evening.
Day 8: Quarto d'Altino
Your cycling journey concludes after breakfast. Depart independently at your leisure, or consider extending your stay to further explore the Venetian region and its many attractions.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water during activity.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.
KTM Life or similar
Included in your trip price
KTM Macina or similar
Available at a surcharge
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Quarto d'Altino / Venice
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Arrival
The nearest international airport for this tour is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). From here, Cortina d’Ampezzo—the starting point of the tour—can be reached in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Regular bus services (such as Cortina Express) operate between Venice Airport and Cortina, or a private transfer can be arranged for a more direct and comfortable journey.
Alternatively, you may travel by train to Calalzo di Cadore (the closest railway station), followed by a short bus or taxi transfer to Cortina.
Departure
The tour ends in Quarto d’Altino, located near Venice. From here, Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is easily accessible in approximately 20–30 minutes by taxi or private transfer. Alternatively, frequent train connections from Quarto d’Altino to Venice Mestre provide convenient onward travel options.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Mixed
May
Good
June
Best
July
Best
August
Good
September
Best
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website.
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.
Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.
On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:
- Adjusting saddle height
- Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
- Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
- Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
- A short test ride to check comfort
Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.
During the Tour
Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.
What to Expect
Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.
For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.
Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
We’ve carefully planned the route so that most rides follow peaceful countryside roads, scenic bike paths, and quiet lanes well away from heavy traffic. On rare occasions, short stretches on busier roads may be necessary, but your guides will ensure these sections are managed safely.
While your tour price covers most of the main expenses, including accommodations, daily breakfast, and many meals, you may wish to budget for a few lunches or dinners not included in the itinerary, as well as drinks, snacks, or personal treats along the way. As a general guide, allow around US $20–40 per person per day for these additional expenses.
Our guided bike tours typically have 6–14 guests, allowing for a personalised experience.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Tours run rain or shine, but we may adjust the route or schedule for safety. The support vehicle is always available.
Popular tours can sell out months ahead, especially in summer. Booking at least 9 months in advance ensures best availability.
We require a 10% deposit at booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
For full details, please see our cancellation policy here.
Yes. About 4 weeks before your trip, you’ll receive a Pre-Departure Information Pack with daily ride profiles, packing tips, meeting locations, and detailed itinerary.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
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