The Dramatic Dolomites is the third in our series of Switchback Challenges, which are designed for riders wishing to maximize the time spent riding the spectacular motorcycling roads of the Alps, while minimizing hotel changes. This 7-day Club Class Adventure begins and ends in Munich, with the remaining nights spent in the same biker-friendly hotel, situated in the heart of the Dolomites, a motorcyclist’s playground.
A World Heritage Site, the Dolomites feature vertical rock walls and spectacular brightly-colored, block-like mountains that distinguish it from other Alpine regions. The itinerary includes almost 20 peaks with elevations exceeding 10,000 feet and 16 mountain pass roads ranging from 4,500 to 7,400 feet. Our native tour leaders consider this their backyard playground where they know even the most hidden roads. Riders will experience some of the most technical on-road riding as they encounter countless hairpin turns, but there will also be numerous opportunities to take a break at local cafes, relax and enjoy the impressive mountain scenery.
- In addition to incredible riding, optional activities include:
- From Falzarego Pass take the cable car up to Lagazuoi, which was the location of heavy combat in WWI. The tunnel that the Italians built under the Austrian lines is open to the public.
- Spend an afternoon or evening in the nearby city of Bolzano and visit the Oetzi Museum which is built around the oldest known natural human mummy (more than 5,000 years old).
- Stroll around the streets of upscale Cortina d’Ampezzo where the 1956 Winter Olympics were held.
- Take a ride to legendary Venice, which is less than 3 hours from our base hotel.
The ride to/from Munich to our base hotel in the Dolomites crosses exciting motorcycling territory and, if weather permits, will include crossing Austria’s highest pass road, the Grossglockner.
At a Glance Your Dolomites Switchback Challenge Adventure
Today we head south toward the Alps, crossing the border to Austria and passing Innsbruck. On the old Brenner Pass road we approach Bolzano, Italy and then dive into the very heart of the Alps – the Dolomites!! Our “biker friendly” hotel for the next four nights is perfectly located to access our playground for the next few days. It is appointed with comfortable amenities and all necessary services and conveniences. Our luggage will have arrived by van.
We head east to ride the most famous and challenging roads of the Dolomites, crossing up to 10 high elevation passes! We will pass through the villages of Corvara, Cortina d’Amprezzo, Valle di Cadore, Forno di Zoldo, Caprile and Canazei. The roads between them are simply breathtaking!
Today we will make a big loop around the Fleimstaler Alps, leading us into the Trentino region of Italy. Though the mountains will look different, the roads are as challenging as the ones we experienced yesterday. If you would like to spend some time exploring the city of Trento, you can do so, and then take the short route back to the hotel.
After breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
The route is entirely paved, but includes many challenging sections, particularly on narrow and twisty pass roads in the mountains. The tour is best done by experienced riders.
Please contact us about low frame and/or low seat options for our bikes.
- Includes BMW F750GS
- Additional charge of $150 for a BMW F850GS
- Additional charge of $150 for a BMW F850GS Adv
- Additional charge of $450 for a BMW F900XR
- Additional charge of $550 for a BMW S1000XR
- Additional charge of $450 for a BMW R1250R
- Additional charge of $650 for a BMW R1250GS
- Additional charge of $1,000 for a BMW R1250GS Adv
- Additional charge of $860 for a BMW R1250RS
- Additional charge of $1,230 for a BMW R1250RT
- Personal motorcycle: deduct $600 from the rider price.
Standard Inclusions
- Late model, low mileage motorcycle
- All accommodations
- A’ la carte dining
- One Ayres Adventures professional tour leader
- Airport arrival/departure transfers
- Luggage handling
- Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
- Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
- Two commemorative shirts
- Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
- All breakfasts
- 4 dinners
2024 Schedule
Date | 2024 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 17 - 23 | Dolomites Switchback Challenge | 7 days | $3,600 | $2,400 |
2025 Schedule
Date | 2025 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 16 - 22 | Dolomites Switchback Challenge | 7 days | $3,600 | $2,400 |
2026 Schedule
Date | 2026 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 15 - 21 | Dolomites Switchback Challenge | 7 days | $3,900 | $2,600 |
Cancellation fee and refunds
FROM DATE OF SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT | AMOUNT FORFEITED |
---|---|
More than 60 days | 50% of deposit |
60 days or fewer but more than 45 days | 100% of deposit |
45 days or fewer but more than 30 days | 50% of full tour payment |
30 days or fewer | 100% of full tour payment |
Ayres Adventures provides an exceptionally well organized, professional and fun tour schedule.
Ayres Adventures provides an exceptionally well organized, professional and fun tour schedule. The really nice attribute of joining an organized tour like Ayres is that they do all the pre-work in finding interesting local hotels, restaurants, routing and skilled tour guides, so all you have to do is show up with your gear and just ride. They know the map and the territory and can take you to enchanting places you would never find on your own.
Jeffrey's Adventures include:
Dolomites Switchback Challenge
Granger, IN
Our overall expectations were exceeded!
What an experience! Traveling through Germany, Austria and northern Italy while enjoying a variety of breathtaking landscapes was truly amazing. Our guide was fantastic, our group was composed of wonderful people and our overall expectations were exceeded. What my wife and I thought would be a once in a lifetime trip has opened our eyes to the joys of motorcycling in remarkable locations so much so that we are now planning on continuing the adventure in the future with Ayres Adventures as our guide. Thank you Axel!
Joe and Mary’s Adventures include:
Dolomites Switchback Challenge
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
START CITY: MUNICH
- Nearest international airport: Munich Airport
- Airport code: MUC
- Approximate distance from city centre: 18 miles/29 kms
END CITY: MUNICH
- Nearest international airport: Munich Airport
- Airport code: MUC
- Approximate distance from city centre: 18 miles/29 kms
Private Tour Inquiry
We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tour as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes, or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.