Dolomiti Alps Tour 2026

Summary Tour Itinerary

*subject to change

DAY 1 – Aosta
Saturday 23 May 2026

Guests will be picked up from Milan Malpensa Airport before heading west to one of Gruppetto’s favourite regions. Our destination is Aosta, a stunning alpine town surrounded by towering mountains.

After settling into the hotel, we’ll walk just minutes to the Giro d’Italia stage start. Enjoy lunch while watching the riders roll out for their big day in the saddle. Bikes will then be built and it’s time for our first ride — there’s no easing into it here, as flat roads are scarce. While riding, we’ll catch views of the pros tackling the Pila climb.

Post-ride, enjoy exploring Aosta’s charming cobbled streets or find a bar for a well-earned drink. Dinner will be in the old town, surrounded by mountains — this spot is truly sensational.

Accommodation: Duca D’Aosta Hotel

DAY 2 – Varese
Sunday 24 May 2026

We head east today, riding straight from the hotel along a fast valley road before tackling the Pantaleon climb — a challenging ascent and a perfect warm-up for what’s ahead. Mid-ride we’ll stop at a small family-run café for panini and a drink.

After the ride, we continue east, catching up with the Giro just outside Milan before arriving in Varese. This is a first-time visit for the Gruppetto team. Settle in, relax, and enjoy the surroundings during our two-night stay.

Accommodation: Crystal Hotel, Varese

DAY 3 – Varese 
Monday 25 May 2026

It may be a Giro rest day, but not for us. Today we ride into Switzerland, tackling part of tomorrow’s gruelling stage — a circuit featuring two solid climbs.

We’ll return to Varese via a relaxed route, stopping for a quality lunch along the way. The afternoon is yours to unwind — perhaps with a spritz or two.

Accommodation: Crystal Hotel, Varese

DAY 4 – Salo, Lake Garda
Tuesday 26 May 2026

From Varese we ride toward Lake Como, the first of two lakes today. We’ll follow the shoreline before reaching Bellagiofor lunch — an unforgettable town (and yes, very romantic).

After lunch, we climb the legendary Madonna del Ghisallo, spending time at the chapel and cycling museum — a must-see for any cycling enthusiast.

Post-ride, we transfer to Lake Garda, our second lake of the day. Dinner may feature seafood as we prepare to head north into the Dolomites tomorrow.

Accommodation: Villa Sofia Hotel, Salò

DAY 5 – Canazei
Wednesday 27 May 2026

Today we head north with Madonna di Campiglio on the menu — a long but steady climb. After cresting the summit, we’ll position ourselves to watch the Giro riders fly past near the northern end of Lake Garda.

Once the race has passed, we continue into the Dolomites, arriving in Canazei. Tonight offers a complete contrast to the night before — alpine food, drinks, and views of snow-capped peaks. This location is always a Gruppetto favourite.

Accommodation: Hotel Cristallo, Canazei

DAY 6 – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Thursday 28 May 2026

Today we ride accommodation to accommodation, beginning with the mighty Passo Pordoi, followed by the iconic Falzarego climb.

Arriving in Cortina d’Ampezzo, we settle in for a two-night stay. There’s plenty of time to wander the cobbled streets, find a café, and soak up the serenity of this spectacular mountain town.

Accommodation: Hotel Olimpia, Cortina

DAY 7 – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Friday 29 May 2026

Fuel up with a big breakfast — today is a big one.

We’ll climb the opposite side of Falzarego, followed by the monstrous Passo Giau, one of the Giro’s most feared ascents. After the climb, we’ll settle in to watch the riders charge past during what promises to be an epic mountain stage.

Tonight we’ll enjoy more regional cuisine and perhaps a cheeky vino at one of Cortina’s many bars.

Accommodation: Hotel Olimpia, Cortina

DAY 8 – Conegliano 
Saturday 30 May 2026

We head into the Veneto region, a Gruppetto staff favourite. Today’s ride winds through vineyards producing the world-famous Prosecco grapes.

We’ll then position ourselves on the Piancavallo climb, watching the Giro pass not once — but twice.

Tonight’s town is an absolute gem. Pizza is on the menu, followed by drinks in the lively local bars. Take time to explore the cobbled streets and boutique shops.

Accommodation: Hotel Canon d’Oro, Conegliano

DAY 9 – Conegliano
Sunday 31 May 2026

This morning we tackle the spectacular Passo San Boldo. As you approach the summit, you’ll understand why this climb is so special — the famous tunnel section is unforgettable.

After the ride, we’ll stop for lunch and a well-earned drink before returning to town. Tonight is our farewell dinner at the castle, offering incredible views. There’s one final climb left — a beautiful cobbled alley up to dinner — before last drinks and story-sharing.

Accommodation: Hotel Canon d’Oro, Conegliano

DAY 10 – Farewells
Monday 1 June 2026

After breakfast, we transfer to Venice Airport for a 10:00am drop-off. Guests continuing their travels can collect cars, catch onward transport, or check in for flights home.

Good memories, great riding — and goodbye, for now.