The Dolomites
From Innsbruck over the Alps into South Tyrol: big climbs, speck and strudel, and two nights in Val Gardena.
Get first accessSee the daysWhere the Alps meet Italy at the table
This trip starts in Innsbruck, Austria, and crosses the Alps into South Tyrol, Italy, where the food is half Austrian, half Italian and all mountain. We ride over the Reschen Pass, down the apple valley to Merano, and up into the Dolomites for two nights in Val Gardena. Think speck, knödel, apple strudel and some of the best mountain roads in Europe.
- Two countries in one rideFrom Austria's Tyrol over the Reschen Pass into Italy's South Tyrol.
- Lake ResiaThe church tower standing in the middle of the lake.
- Down the apple valleyAn easy day through orchards and vineyards to Merano.
- Two nights in Val GardenaA free day to ride the Sella Ronda, hike the Seceda ridge, or rest at the pool.
- Over the Gardena PassThe big day: into the heart of the Dolomites, then the Val di Funes.
The route
A one-way ride from Innsbruck to Sterzing, then the van brings everyone back over the Brenner Pass to Innsbruck for the last night. Two big climbing days in Tyrol, an easy day down the Val Venosta to Merano, a climb into Val Gardena, a free day, and a final day over the Gardena Pass and through the Val di Funes.
- Nights
- 7 (2 in Val Gardena)
- Distance
- 250 mi · about 50 mi a day
- Climbing
- About 35,500 ft
- High point
- 6,960 ft at the Gardena Pass
- Fly in / out
- Innsbruck, or Munich and train
Eight days, at a glance
Breakfast every day. On nights without a group dinner, I'll point you to my favorite spots nearby.
This is for strong, regular riders: think training three or more times a week and enjoying long mountain climbs on back-to-back days. The van makes the big days optional, so you can choose how much you take on.
- Big alpine climbs on back-to-back days
- Daily rides of roughly 40–65 miles
- A free day in Val Gardena, plus one easy day
Good to know about the riding
This is a mountain trip, and the hardest trip of the season after Corsica. The climbs are long but well graded, and the van is always behind you if you want a lift for part of a day. September mornings in the mountains are cold, so bring warm layers and gloves.
What a typical day looks like
Breakfast together, then we roll out mid-morning. We stop for coffee and a long lunch along the way, and arrive at the next stay in the afternoon with time to shower, explore or nap. Evenings are for dinner, whether it's a group dinner or one of the places I've picked for you to try on your own.
How the riding works
- I ride with the group every day.
- A support van carries your luggage, follows the ride with snacks and water, and can pick you up anytime.
- You'll get every day's route ahead of time for your GPS or phone.
- Ride at your own pace. We regroup at coffee and lunch stops.
Can the plan change?
Routes, stays, restaurants and daily plans may change. We reserve the right to update the itinerary for weather, road conditions, availability or safety, and if something changes we'll swap in something just as good.
Where we eat, where we sleep
The food
South Tyrol is where the Alps meet Italy at the table: speck and mountain cheese, knödel, schlutzkrapfen, apple strudel with custard, and very good wine from the vineyards around Merano and Bolzano. Expect cozy wood-paneled stuben, big alpine breakfasts, and an apple orchard day where you can eat your way down the valley.
The stays
Small, characterful 3–4 star stays: a hotel in Innsbruck's old town at the start and end, a family hotel in Fliess, a guesthouse in the upper Val Venosta, Ottmanngut in Merano, and two nights at a mountain hotel with a pool and sauna in Val Gardena.
Book it, then just ride and eat
- 7 nights of hand-picked stays
- Breakfast every day
- Three group dinners
- Luggage van between stays, and van support on every ride
- Van transfer from Sterzing back to Innsbruck
- Snacks and water on rides
- Rider jersey and cap
- Alex riding with you every day
- Pro photos and video of the trip
Not included
- Flights
- Airport and train transfers
- Most lunches
- Dinners on free nights
- Drinks beyond the wine at group dinners
- Bike rental (offered as an add-on)
- Travel insurance (required)
Be first in line
Pricing is announced Nov 16, and each trip has just 8 spots. Leave your name and email and I'll send you pricing and first access before booking opens to everyone on Nov 19.
How booking works
- Deposit
- $1,500, non-refundable
- Balance due
- 120 days before the trip
- Rooms
- Shared, or your own room
- Bike
- Bring your own, or rent one
- Group
- 8 riders max, 5 to run
- Trip confirmed by
- May 21, 2027
Alex Blosil, chef and ride leader
I'm a chef from Utah who cooked in Paris and speaks French fluently. I plan every trip around the best tables in each region, and I ride every mile with the group. More about me
Good to know
How do I get there?
Fly into Innsbruck, or into Munich and take the train to Innsbruck (about 2 hours). Zurich and Verona also work. We meet at the start hotel on Saturday afternoon for the opening dinner, and the trip ends after breakfast the following Saturday, back in Innsbruck. I'm happy to help you book extra nights.
Do I need to ride the Sella Ronda?
No. The free day is yours: ride it, hike, take the lifts up to the Seceda ridge, or relax at the hotel.
How fit do I need to be?
See “Is this trip for me?” above, under Your days. You don't need to be fast. The van can pick you up anytime, so you choose how much you ride.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. Or rent a quality bike from us as an add-on, fitted and ready when you arrive.
Can I get an e-bike?
Not on our 2027 trips. The van follows every ride, so if you need a break, you can hop in anytime.
I'm traveling solo. Can I have my own room?
Yes. You can choose your own room, or a shared room if you're booking with a friend or partner.
I have dietary needs. Is that OK?
Of course. Tell us when you book. I'm a chef, and I'll make sure you eat well.
Can a non-riding partner come?
Get in touch and we'll see what we can work out.
When do I pay?
A $1,500 non-refundable deposit holds your spot. The balance is due 120 days before the trip.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's required. Choose a policy that covers cycling and trip cancellation.
What should I pack?
We'll send a packing list after you book. Plan on cycling kit for each riding day, a rain jacket, warm layers and casual clothes for dinners.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Yes. Just ask and I'll help you book extra nights.
How big is the group?
8 riders at most, plus me, our support driver and our filmmaker.
Still have a question? Email alex@chefalextours.com.