GOURMET BIKING TOUR

The  below sample itinerary utilizes mostly 5-star hotels and most meals are included. We also have access to less-expensive 3 to 4 star bicycle tours as well.

Venture to the heights of the Italian Alps by e-bike and on foot to discover the South Tyrol’s wine country followed by the Dolomites—a breathtaking mountain range often regarded as the most beautiful in the world. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, verdant valleys, and picturesque alpine villages, this gorgeous region beckons to be explored. On your e-bike, begin your journey in the charming town of Bolzano, pedalling through the Adige Valley toward the prestigious vineyards of Lake Caldaro. Immerse yourself in the beautiful Alpe di Siusi, where a cable car whisks you toward peaceful high alpine meadows. Conquer new heights as you e-mtn bike through the enchanting village of Ortisei, and hike atop the Fassa and Duron Valleys, where an incredible backdrop of the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto peaks accompanies you. After a day of adventure, retreat to luxurious hotels and rejuvenating spas, where you’ll quickly feel the serenity of this beautiful pocket of Italy. 

Bolzano

Our journey begins in the town of Bolzano.

Ready to bike, your B&R guides will meet you at Castel Hortenberg for an introduction and to fit your E-bike. Begin cycling through this charming Tyrolean town, immediately connecting with Bolzano’s well-designed network of bike paths. Our route leads us through the Adige Valley, encountering acres of apple and pear orchards while riding along the rushing Adige River, perfect terrain for today’s warm-up ride. We’ll stop for lunch in a unique setting, where the owner’s family and traditions are as respected as the dishes we’ll be served.

The afternoon ride passes through a series of small villages and hamlets before we reach our final destination, the regal Schloss Freudenstein. Gather for an official South Tyrolean welcome by the owner, who will share insights about the incredible restoration of this 13th c. castle.

Dinner follows, prepared by Freudenstein’s chef, Danilo d’Ambra, who creatively combines his native southern Italian cuisine with traditional regional dishes. Buon appetito!

Lake Caldaro

Set off on two wheels directly from Schloss Freudenstein’s cypress-lined driveway into the attractive wine country straddling Europe’s warmest alpine lake, Lago di Caldaro. The route covers mostly asphalt roads, however, there are sections of packed gravel stretches or along bike paths where van support is intermittent.

By midday, we’ll reach one of Caldaro’s prestigious wine producers and savour lunch on the terrace overlooking the vine-covered slopes that descend to Lake Caldaro.

Post lunch, opt for a brief detour to the lake before pedalling to nearby Caldaro for a wander through its cobblestone lanes, and perhaps an artisanal gelato before cycling back to Schloss Freudenstein. Once back at the hotel, relax in the garden or refresh in the heated infinity edge pool overlooking the broad valley and mountains encircling the property.

Tonight, we’ll dine off property for a private evening at a nearby residence designed in the Middle Ages for nobility seeking comfort in the countryside.

Wine country to the Alpe di Siusi

This morning, bid farewell to Schloss Freudenstein and head out for a 45-minute ride to the Bolzano-Renon tram station. The 12-minute, 1,000 m (3,280 ft.) ascent brings us to the village of Soprabolzano on the Renon Plateau with breathtaking views, including the Catinaccio massif and the Sciliar spire set next to today’s final destination.

Rolling away from Soprabolzano, our route leads us through a few of the 17 villages that comprise the high plateau. Vineyards to our left and sweeping views across the Isarco Valley to our right accompany us throughout the morning ride.

As midday nears, we’ll descend to the valley joining the Isarco bike path which leads to a tranquil road ascending sharply through farmsteads and small hamlets to reach our lunch destination. The afternoon ride provides a dramatic entrance to the Sciliar-Catinaccio nature park, the first of the seven protected parks to be established in the Dolomites. We’ll continue along a gently rolling route, with the Sciliar massif coming into sharper focus as we reach the base of the Siusi gondola. Here, we’ll embark on a final gondola ride up to the Alpe di Siusi, bringing us directly to our hotel for the next three nights.

The limited access to the high alpine meadows of the Alpe di Siusi ensures an exceptionally peaceful mountain environment. The incomparable beauty and incredible variety of alpine meadow’s flora and fauna are truly unique in the world. The irresistible charm of such a special environment is sure to bring you outdoors to admire the surrounding natural wonderland.

This evening, gather for an alpine aperitivo followed by a fabulous meal in the hotel’s Sassolungo dining room.

Hiking the Alpe di Siusi

This morning, we set off from the hotel to the hamlet of Saltria, where we’ll catch a chairlift for a swift ascent into the high alpine air for today’s hike. Our route leads us to a spectacular ridge, offering vistas of the Fassa and Duron valleys, with the impressive backdrops of the Gruppo del Sassolungo and Sassopiatto.

Continuing along the path (shared by some grazing, bell-ringing milk cows), our hike takes us past a small stream where we’ll take in views of yesterday’s hike and reflect on the rewarding vistas of the day. After lunch at a mountain cabin favoured by locals, our journey leads us along a tranquil path back to Compatsch and the Alpina Dolomites.

Enjoy vistas of the pale peaks from your balcony or the hotel’s panoramic terrace before indulging in a delightful dinner at the hotel’s dining room.

Alpe di Siusi – options to e-mtn bike or hike

Today’s activities include a hike for those eager to explore the trails on foot or a final day’s bike ride aboard e-mtn bikes. The bikes are equipped with wider tires and a more stable ride to assist with the mixed terrain we’ll cover throughout the day.

If opting for a day on two wheels, experience both the high alpine and charming Gardena Valley town of Ortisei. We’ll depart from the Alpina Dolomites and within a few miles, will traverse hard-packed gravel trails through lush meadows. The route is breathtaking, with stunning views from the foot of the Sciliar peak, the Alpe di Siusi’s iconic symbol boasting the Santner and Euringer peaks. After crossing the verdant plateau, the route leads to the top of the Mont Seuc gondola, connecting the Alpe di Siusi with Ortisei. Here, you can lock your e-mtn bike outside the gondola top station or take it aboard if you intend to bike back at the end of the day.

Ortisei, with under 5,000 residents, is the most populated town in the Gardena Valley and is worth checking out for its lively pedestrian streets and cafés. Following a visit to Ortisei and lunch, the remainder of the bike route is a considerable challenge, but the electric-assist mountain bikes will make the journey easier (plus, the ride through the tranquil forest and hamlet of Bulla is well worth the effort). If instead your e-mtn bike awaits you at the gondola top station, hop in the gondola and be whisked up the 800 m (2,624 ft) cableway. Both options ultimately lead back to the Alpina Dolomites, where a refreshing dip in the outdoor/indoor pool or a spa treatment awaits.

For the hikers, this half day hike starts directly from the hotel, with an initial climb, though your efforts are rewarded with gorgeous views of the valley towns of Castelrotto, Ortisei and Santa Cristina along a path that loops 360 degrees. The hike is led by a wonderful nature guide, happy to impart insights about the wide range of flora, much of which is protected, and hear tales of the mythical ‘witches’ benches passed along the route. Mid day lunch is served at a marvellous hut overlooking the vast alpine meadow. A short downhill path leads back to the hotel.

No matter if the day was spent on foot or in the saddle, enjoy time relaxing on your balcony and taking in the splendid views of the pale peaks surrounding us.

This evening, we’ll regroup for a special night, commencing with a traditional mode of transportation. Our host and charming chef welcome us to his mountain cabin, a remarkable location set in the heart of the Alpe di Siusi’s pastures. Take in the alpenglow then savour a specially prepared farm-to-table meal in the tranquility of this magical alpine setting.

Farewell

Enjoy a final breakfast at the Alpina Dolomites before returning to Bolzano and its train station (1-hour drive) for your onward travels. Our guides are on hand to ensure a smooth departure.

Cost

2025 prices start at $6,995 per person. Most meals are included as are 5-star luxury hotels. Trips are capped at 14 travelers.