Perfect for active travelers looking to enjoy one of Italy's most picturesque regions, this cycling trip will take you along snowy peaks and tranquil lakes in the Dolomite Mountains. Begin and end your trip with a bit of relaxation in the charming town of Pian dei Pradi before beginning your adventure through this lush region's hills, valleys, vineyards, farms, and quaint villages. Along your loop, you'll have time to sample authentic cuisine, soak in thermal baths, explore a nature preserve, and sip wine by the lake.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Caldonazzo
  • Explore the resort town of Levico Terme
  • Summit Mount Panarotta and see Mount Marzola
  • Experience Valle dei Mocheni and its mix of Italian and German cultures
  • See the earth pyramids of Segonzano

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Verona - Transfer to Pian dei Pradi Pian dei Pradi
Day 2 Pian dei Pradi to Centa San Nicolò Loop Pian dei Pradi
Day 3 Pian dei Pradi to Compet Compet
Day 4 Summit Mount Panarotta Compet
Day 5 Ride to San Cristoforo al Lago Valcanover
Day 6 Valcanover to Segonzano Loop Valcanover
Day 7 Mount Marzola - Pian dei Pradi Pian dei Pradi
Day 8 Departure via Verona  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Verona - Transfer to Pian dei Pradi

Relaxing area on the shore of Lake Caldonazzo
Relaxing area on the shore of Lake Caldonazzo

When you arrive at Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) in nearby Verona, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to Pian dei Pradi. Once you check in and drop your baggage at your hotel, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Caldonazzo, take a stroll around the small town, and enjoy an authentic Italian meal. You'll have the night free to rest for the cycling journey ahead of you.

Day 2: Pian dei Pradi to Centa San Nicolò Loop

See one of the natural wonders of Italy by bike
On the trail through the Dolomite Mountains

Today, you'll start the cycling portion of your trip with a short and easy loop ride of about 2.4 miles (4 km) to admire the surroundings of Pian dei Pradi. Begin your ride with a descent through dense forests leading to the small village of Vattaro on your way to the hamlet of Campregheri. Here, you can stop and explore the town or have a coffee before continuing on to Centa San Nicolò, a larger village where you'll have spectacular views of the valley below. If you'd like, you can have lunch at one of the local restaurants or explore the eco-adventure park, Acropark Rio Centa, before circling back to your hotel. As you continue your final descent through the forest, you'll see some typical Italian farms before circling back to Pian dei Pradi.

Day 3: Pian dei Pradi to Compet

The town of Levico Terme
The town of Levico Terme

Today, you'll have a longer day of riding as you make your way to the town of Compet, about 13 miles (22 km) north of Pian dei Pradi. The ride begins with a descent into the Brenta Valley which provides excellent views of Lake Caldonazzo. You'll pass many vineyards, the charming village of Tenna, and Lake Levico on your way to the thermal spa town of Levico Terme. This quiet getaway doesn't attract as many international visitors as comparable destinations like Lake Como, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of this under-the-radar gem.

In Levico Terme, you can choose to take a swim in the lake, relax on a terrace to enjoy the mountain views, or visit a park. After the rest period, you'll ride up to Compet, where you'll spend the night.

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Day 4: Summit Mount Panarotta

A cycling path on Mount Panarotta
A cycling path on Mount Panarotta

Today, you'll venture further up into the mountains as you cycle from Compet to the Passo della Bassa, near the summit of Mount Panarotta at 6,568 feet (2,002 meters). You'll have breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, and a small path through farms and meadows will mark your descent. After passing a forest, you'll come to Valle dei Mocheni, with views of small Italian-Germanic villages along the way. A paved road will bring you down to Pergine, where you can rest and grab a bite before your final climb back to Compet.

Day 5: Ride to San Cristoforo al Lago

A view of the Valle dei Mocheni
A view of the Valle dei Mocheni

Today, you'll have an 8-mile (13 km) ride through the Valle dei Mocheni to San Cristoforo al Lago. You'll pass charming farmland and cycle along a small river that winds through the mountains until your route ends in San Cristoforo al Lago, at the impressive Lake Caldonazzo. You'll have the rest of the day free to take a dip in the lake, sample some wines, or explore the town.

Day 6: Valcanover to Segonzano Loop

The natural pyramids at Segonzano
The natural pyramids at Segonzano

You'll have another beautiful loop ride today, which starts in San Cristoforo al Lago and takes you through Segonzano, which is a town famous for natural rock formations that look like pyramids. 

After crossing the busy municipality of Pergine, you'll cycle through orchards, arriving in the village of Madrano. Here, it'll be an easy climb through Cembra Valley as you pass by the clear Lases Lake. The climb continues up to Lona and then descends to the impressive earth pyramids of Segonzano. After you see the pyramids, you'll begin the steepest part of the climb up to the Piazze Lake and Lake Serraia. After a dip in the lake and a bit of relaxation, it's time to descend again through the religious village of Montagnaga. From there, you'll head back to your hotel in Valcanover.

Day 7: Mount Marzola - Pian dei Pradi

A mountain path in the Dolomites
A mountain path in the Dolomites

Today will be your last day on the bike, so be sure to take in the scenery and bring a camera for your final snapshots. You'll ride around Mount Marzola, which towers above Lake Caldonazzo at 5,698 feet (1,737 meters). You can stop and see a historical fortress on the mountainside before heading back to Pian dei Pradi. On your final leg, you'll pass Vigolo di Vattaro and peaceful meadows that are filled with flowers in the springtime. When you arrive in Pian dei Pradi, you'll have the evening free after you check in at your hotel.

Day 8: Departure via Verona

A chapel in the Dolomite Mountains
A small chapel in the Dolomite Mountains

It's time to say goodbye to Italy! Today, your cycling adventure comes to an end, and a private transfer will be arranged to pick you up at your hotel and return you to the airport in Verona for your flight.

Map

Map of Cycling Tour of the Dolomites - 8 Days
Map of Cycling Tour of the Dolomites - 8 Days