2023 Dolomites, September 10 to September 17
- Dates: 10/09/2023 - 17/09/2023
- Tour length: 8 Days, 7 Nights
- Start / End: Milano Malpensa
- Terrain: Mountains at times steep
- Price Per Guest:
$ 5,500
$ 800 Single Occupancy Supplemental Fee
10% Discount for returning guests
10 Guests Maximum
Please contact for Road and Road E-bike rentals
- Non-Cycling Guest: $ 4,500
- Book Now
This tour will take us on some of Italy’s most epic climbs located in the Dolomites . We will spend 7 days at Hotel Melodia del Bosco in the heart of the Dolomites. You will experience some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world that will certainly leave an indelible memory in your minds, hearts and souls. In addition to fantastic cycling we will enjoy delicious meals and wines of the region at our dinners.
We will be riding routes that will be a first for us and we are totally excited about this new tour format.
We will miss our friends at Hotel Funivia in 2023 as they will closed for maintenance, but we will be back in 2024!
Marco Saligari and Daniele Righi raced the Giro d’Italia several times in their professional careers. They are always very gracious about sharing their experiences during those grueling days in Dolomites. So just ask!
Marco Saligari, Daniele Righi, Willie Joffroy and Roberto Batoni will be your guides. Their knowledge of the roads and their charm will make your cycling experience a very memorable one.
Our guests will enjoy beautiful accommodations, local cuisine and wine a well as the personalized service that Willie’s World Cycling has become so well known for.
Food & Wine
As always we will be treated to delicacies of the region. Below are a few examples of the abundant local cuisine.
Canederli are Italian bread dumplings that can only be found in the north-east of the country (Trentino-Alto-Adige, Friuli, and parts of Veneto) and in the Austrian region of Tyrol, where they’re called knödel. The dumplings are a part of cucina povera due to the fact that they’re made with very simple and inexpensive ingredients such as stale bread, flour, milk, and eggs.
The name canederli is derived from the Austrian and German knödel, which means dumpling. The most typical way of serving canederli is in a rich broth or in a dry version with melted butter and grated cheese. There are different versions of canederli enriched with speck (speckknödel or canederli con speck), cheese (käseknödel or canederli con formaggio), spinach (spinatknödel or canederli di spinaci), and mushrooms (pilzeknödel or canederli ai funghi).
Speck, lighter in flavor than its heavily smoked Alpine counterparts, but more robust than the delicate Mediterranean prosciuttos, Speck is the most prized food product of the autonomous Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy’s northernmost region also known as Südtirol or South Tyrol.
With the region sharing not only a border but also strong cultural connections with the neighboring Austria, this distinctly flavored, smoked and cured ham represents the character of Alto Adige’s cuisine, which is an interesting blend of Northern European and Mediterranean traditions.
Produced in the province of Bolzano, gently smoked over low-resin wood and finally cured in the crisp Alpine air, Speck Alto Adige takes on a mildly smoky flavor yet remains sweet, which brings its tender saltiness to the fore.
Even though Speck is featured in countless traditional recipes of Alto Adige, it is most often sliced as thinly as possible and enjoyed in the most simple way: eaten by hand together with some bread, cheese, and washed down with a glass of hearty red wine.
Mezzelune or schlutzkrapfen is a unique pasta variety that is popular both in Italy and Austria, especially in the area of South Tyrol. The pasta has a semicircular shape, which is the reason why it is called mezzelune (half moons in Italian).
The dough is typically made from wheat and buckwheat flour, semolina, eggs, and olive oil. The pasta is stuffed with various ingredients, just like ravioli. Common fillings include ingredients such as cheese, mushrooms, potatoes, meat, or spinach.
Mezzelune are often served with sauces such as pesto and paired with seafood, sausages (salsiccia), or fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes.
We will also enjoy some of the wines of the Alto Adige.
They include Whites, Pinot Grigio, Mueller-Thurgau, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Veltliner to name a few.
The Red wines include, Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet.
Needless to say, there will plenty of food and wine to enjoy!
Guides
Marco Saligari
Marco Saligari
Former Professional Cyclist
Marco has an impressive resume including stage victories in the 1992, 1993, and 1994 Giro d’Italia and overall winner of the 1993 Tour de Suisse. He has also been Directeur Sportif of Team Landbouwkrediet-Colnago and Team Crelan-Euphony from 2002 to 2013. Marco has been a race commentator of the Giro d’Italia for Gazzetta Dello Sport Radio, Eurosport Television, and has had his own show, The Coach, on the Bike Channel. Marco is currently a commentator for the Italian network RAI Sports for several races including the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Strade Bianche to name a few. He was part of the RAI 2020 Tokyo Olympics commentary team for the cycling events. He is affectionately know as Il Commissario. In addition to all of his accomplishments in the world of professional cycling, Marco is a great guy with a beautiful family. We are honored to collaborate with Marco. He brings a slice of cycling history to share with our guests.
Marco is married to Lela and they have two children, Martina and Giacomo.
CloseDaniele Righi
Daniele Righi
Cycling Guide
Daniele started bicycle racing at 8 years old and turned professional at age 24. He competed in the Junior category for various teams and secured several victories. His professional cycling career started with Alexia and after 3 years he participated in his first Giro d’Italia where his teammate Paolo Savoldelli won the tour. For the next 10 years, he rode with Lampre and was part of the team that participated in Michele Scarponi’s victory of the 2011 Giro d’Italia.
He has always played a support role for Lampre and participated in five Giro d’Italia, five Tour de France, four La Vuelta a Espana, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold, Coppi e Bartali, and the Tour of Poland. In the 2004 Giro d’Italia, he won the Piaggio Trophy for the most miles cycled by any participant that year. Literally, he has cycled almost all over the world in most of the races of the World Tour. In 2013, he retired from Lampre as a rider and subsequently was a Director Sportive with with UAE Team Emirates. He is currently a Director Sportive with Drone Hopper Androni Giocattoli.
Daniele is married to Francesca and they have two children, Chiara and Alessandro.
CloseWillie Joffroy
Willie Joffroy
Founder & President
I combine nearly 30 years of experience in international logistics planning with a quarter-century of cycling experience in Italy. My expertise allows Willie’s World Cycling to offer some of the finest cycling tour experiences in Italy. From the choice of simple elegance and intimacy in accommodations, to the delectable regional cuisine of carefully chosen local chefs, (we) my wife Margarita and I impart international style and pay careful attention to detail.
I accompany every Willie’s World Cycling tour, sharing the extensive knowledge I have gleaned from 25 years of cycling in Italy. This storehouse of information includes: Italy’s premier cycling regions, scenic wine-growing regions and small wineries, unique and private accommodations, and fine regional cuisine.
Prior to establishing Willie’s World Cycling, I spent 29 years in cross-border logistics services along the U.S.-Mexico border. Throughout my business career, I have focused on providing my clients with the very best in professional and personalized service. I have instilled this commitment to the client into the values of Willie’s World Cycling.
I have been an avid cyclist for more than 35 years and regularly start my day cycling up and down Mount Lemmon, a 6,800-foot climb from my home in Tucson, Arizona. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, I have a great passion for the cycling, food, and wine unique to Italy, and take great pleasure in sharing that passion. I am a believer in the health benefits that flow from regular exercise such as cycling, fresh and wholesome local food, and fine wine. A consummate host, I make certain that each of my cycling tours inspires treasured memories.
CloseAccommodations
Hotel Melodia del Bosco
The Hotel Melodia del Bosco is located in the very heart of the Alta Badia region, surrounded by the stunning Dolomites. You can be sure of a warm welcome from the Irsara family in the renovated hotel where design is combined with natural materials for maximum comfort. You cannot help but fall in love with the uncontaminated countryside around Badia twelve months a year; inducing you to relax, make the most of the peace and quiet and enjoy the wide range of sports on offer.
Epic cycling!
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Sunday, September 10,
We will pick you up at entrance of the Sheraton Malpensa Hotel located at Milano Malpensa Airport at 9:30am and transfer to Melodia del Bosco with lunch on the road. After check in and final bike fitting adjustments we will go for a short ride. About 30-40km. Dinner at Melodia del Bosco.
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Day 2:
Monday, September 11,
Melodia del Bosco, Corvara, Campo Longo, Passo Falzarego, Val Parola, San Cassiano, Melodia del Bosco. Total distance 57.11km and 1,481m elevation gain. Lunch on the road and dinner at a restaurant.
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Day 3:
Tuesday, September 12,
Melodia del Bosco, Campolongo, Arabba, Passo Pordoi, Canazei, Passo Fedaia (Marmolada), Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Melodia del Bosco. Total distance 104.43km and 2,918m elevation gain. Lunch on the road and dinner at Melodia del Bosco.
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Day 4:
Wednesday, September 13,
Today is an active rest day. We will go for a short hike and have lunch at a refugio. Dinner will be at Melodia del Bosco.
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Day 5:
Thursday, September 14,
Melodia del Bosco, Passo Campolongo, Passo Giau, Val Parola, San Cassiano, Melodia del Bosco. Total distance 92 Km and 2,874m elevation gain. Lunch on the road and dinner at a restaurant.
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Day 6:
Friday, September 15,
Melodia del Bosco, Passo Delle Erbe Melodia del Bosco. Total distance 50.89km and 1,489m elevation gain. Lunch on the road and dinner at a restaurant.
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Day 7:
Saturday, September 16,
Sella Ronda Bike Day. No cars on the road! This ride cannot be supported with the van. We will make a coffee, water and lunch stop.
Melodia del Bosco, Passo Campolongo, Arabba, Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella and Val Gardena. Total distance 67km, 2,104m elevation gain. Lunch on the road. Dinner at Melodia del Bosco
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Day 8:
Sunday, September 17,
Transfer to Milano Malpensa. Please schedule return flights after September 17.
Pricing
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Included:
4 to 5 cycling guides and van support
Lodging 7 nights
All breakfasts
All lunches
All dinners
Wine pairings with dinners
Wine tastings as part of the tour
Cooking Class if requested at least 6 weeks before the tour
Colnago or similar quality Bicycle
Cycling kit (jersey and shorts)
Snacks and water on bike rides
Cycling guide, driver, and mechanic services
Tips for cycling guidesNot included:
Road or Road E-Bike Rentals
Airfare
Non-tour hotels
Any rental car or train service you may use outside of tour activities.
Any purchases of a personal nature including bar and hotel mini-bar.
Any incidental expenses associated with non-cycling activities, such as cost of guide, museum entry fees, spa services, archaeological site entry fees, etc.
Laundry service at hotel
Post ride massage if availablePlease note that a check or wire transfer is preferred. We also accept, ZELLE Quick Pay or Apple Pay. We do not accept payment by PayPal.
Payment Instructions:
Willie’s World Cycling prefers payment by check payable to:
Willie’s World Cycling LLC
4231 E. Pontatoc Canyon Dr.
Tucson, Arizona 85718
Or
Wire transfers, ZELLE Quick Pay or Apple Pay please contact us.
A *non-refundable deposit is required in the amount of $1,000 with the balance to be paid in full 60 days before the start date of the tour unless otherwise noted. Tour prices are based on double occupancy per cyclist or non-cyclist. A single occupancy supplement may apply to those traveling alone and requesting their own room. Please make checks payable to Willie’s World Cycling or pay via wire transfer. If your party includes a non-cyclist, please notify us when you register and submit your deposit so we can begin planning stimulating and rewarding activities while cyclists are on the road.
Our prices are in U.S. Dollars and are based on exchange rates in effect at the time of publication. While we make every effort to avoid adding surcharges, Willie’s World Cycling reserves the right to do so should the U.S. Dollar lose substantial value against the Euro.
After your deposit is received, you will be sent more information regarding the sizing for your bicycle, liability waiver, and general information that will be helpful for your visit to Italy.
We recommend obtaining travel or trip cancellation insurance. Please speak to your travel agent for further assistance.
Willie’s World Cycling reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. We will refund any payment received by Willie’s World Cycling which will constitute full settlement.
Although we make every effort to contract the very best in outside services, we do not guarantee services provided by third parties.
Preparation:
Please make sure you have a valid passport.We count on our clients to ensure they are healthy and adequately fit for this tour. This tour is rated Activity Level C Challenging.
*Cancellation Policy:
Deposits are non-refundable if a guest cancels. If the guest signs up for a tour during the year of the cancelled tour or the following year then the deposit will be credited to the tour. After 1 full year the deposit is forfeited to Willie's World Cycling. Final payments are not refundable. Exceptions to this policy will be considered in cases of illness or family emergency45 Days or less: Cancellation charge of 100% of the total cost of the tour.