Dolomite Alps & Adriatic by gravel bike

Individual arrival at the hotel in Hochpustertal. Free, unguarded public car park near the hotel.

The more challenging variant first takes you into the Braies Valley. Here you can make a detour to the idyllic Lago di Braies Lake. The stage takes you to the high plateau of Prato Piazza, with the Dürrenstein and the Hohe Gaisl towering majestically above. The route then descends along the old military road into the Höhlenstein Valley and along the old railway line „Ferrovia delle Dolomiti“ over the Cimabanche Pass to the Olympic town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The easier variant leads directly along the railway track through the Höhlenstein Valley to Cortina d‘Ampezzo.

For the more challenging variant, first follow the „Lunga Via delle Dolomiti“ cycle path along the former railway line. On the left, the view falls on the Sorapis mountain range and on the right on the rock formation of the Cinque Torri. After a steep climb, you reach Zoppè di Cadore, the highest municipality in the municipality of Belluno. From there you continue to Longarone. Longarone was completely destroyed in 1963 by a flood wave caused by a rock fall into the reservoir. Within a very short time, the village was rebuilt. You cycle past the Ponte nelle Alpi to the stage destination Belluno. The easier variant leads you along the cycle path to Pieve di Cadore, Longarone and then to Belluno.

On the more challenging variant, you will reach the well-known high plateau of Nevegal after a long climb right at the beginning. You will follow in the footsteps of the Giro d‘Italia - in 2011 it led from Belluno up to Nevegal. From there you can see Santa Croce and Lake Morto. Along the ridge you can enjoy an impressive 360° panorama. To the north you can still see the Dolomites and if the visibility is good, you can already make out the blue Adriatic Sea to the south. Surrounded by vineyards, you cycle further south through the Prosecco region. A highlight of today‘s stage is the Molinetta della Croda, an old water mill from the 17th century. Then cycle on to the stage destination Pieve di Soligo/ Susegana. The best way to end the evening is with a glass of good wine. The easier option is to stay in the valley and cycle through hilly terrain, first past Lago di Santa Croce and then through the Prosecco region to the stage destination.

There is only one option for this stage. The route takes you along the Piave. You have almost left the mountains behind - it continues hilly in the direction of Nervesa della Battaglia. You leave the Montello nature reserve. On the way to the lagoon beaches, the town of Noventa di Piave is particularly popular with cyclists to take a break, as there are good shopping opportunities with fashion and sports outlets. The stage continues to the beaches of the Venice lagoon. You will pass by Eraclea. The Pineta di Eraclea pine forest is one of the largest pine forests on the Adriatic coast and it is located directly behind the sea shore. Eraclea Mare is also known for its beautiful flat sandy beach and the dunes behind the beach. At the end of the stage you will reach Caorle, one of the most picturesque towns in eastern Veneto.

Caorle has beautiful golden sandy beaches, many places of historical, cultural and scenic interest, but also ideal opportunities for relaxing and entertainment. The historic centre of Caorle is divided into two halves, around which dozens of narrow alleys wind. The atmosphere you experience when strolling through the alleyways is unique at any time of the year. In the old town, just a few metres from the sea, stands an ancient cathedral and next to it the very special cylindrical bell tower, built in 1100, both in Romanesque style. In front of the cathedral square, there is a beautiful and unique seafront promenade lined with stones, known as „Scogliera Viva“ (Living Cliffs). One of the most important buildings in Caorle is the church of the Madonna dell‘Angelo, a small church right by the sea.

You can spend the day on the beach, enjoy the culinary delights and the sun. If you prefer to spend the day in a sporty way, there is the option of cycling to Jesolo or Venice and then back to Caorle. There are also numerous bathing and refreshment stops along the way.

Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.