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The Dolomites are perfectly
located within yodeling distance of Austria and just a quick pedal to
Venice. Their close proximity to such diverse surroundings make this an
ideal bike tour if “experiencing it all” tops your priority
list.
The Grande Strada delle Dolomoti (Great Dolomites Road) make the
mountains extremely bike tour friendly. This snake of asphalt coils in
and around the Dolomites’ 30-plus massifs, affording the eyes the type
of views that make even the Matterhorn appear ho-hum. The road accesses
many of the Dolomites’ famous resort towns, including Cortino d’
Ampezzo, the Dolomites’ most popular ski area, and multicultural
Bolzano. This German-speaking village permanently feels as if it is
just one tuba player away from an impromptu Oktoberfest. Despite its
altitude, Bolzano is also part of the region’s famous wine road,
allowing you to taste some surprisingly impressive vintages in tiny
farmhouse settings. Tram rides and hiking trails line the entire length
of the Great Dolomites Road, presenting plenty of side-trip diversions.
It also gives you the option, if your legs are willing, to pedal into
Austria.
Or, if you want to balance the Dolomites’ natural wonder with man-made
wonder, you can steer south into Venice. The city’s overflowing
collection of artistic and architectural genius – Piazza San Marco,
Santa Maria della Salute, Basilica di San Marco, the Gallerie
dell’Accademia – is so overwhelming that it almost reduces the famed
canals to feeling like secondary attractions
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