September is an ideal time to head to the Dolomites for a cycling holiday where you’ll still be able to enjoy the last days of summer. For this travel feature, we’re taking a look at what the region has to offer for cycling fans and the bicyclist-focussed packages at the Hotel Croce Bianca Leisure & Spa.
At this present time, and if you’ll excuse the pun, travel is a bit ‘up in the air.’ However, depending on where you live, there are still some amazing places to experience, and one of them is the Dolomites. With health and fitness being at the forefront of people’s minds, for this article, we’re focusing on one of our favourite pastimes, which is cycling.
Given what the world is currently experiencing, we can think of few better places to take a vacation than the mountains. Not only are the landscapes breathtaking, but the air is also fresh, and you’re unlikely to bump into the crowds more commonly associated with cities and the beachfront.
Where to stay
One of the best places to base yourself in the Dolomites is Canazei which sits in its heart and home to the Hotel Croce Bianca Leisure & Spa. It’s a lovely, safe hotel family-owned hotel where you enjoy nature and head off exploring. The Detone family has managed the hotel for five generations and over the years, they’ve managed to combine luxury relaxation, excellent cuisine and wellness packages, allowing guests to experience a holiday of true Alpine charm.
What September has in store for cycling fans
September 2021 will also see the eagerly-awaited return of the Sellaronda Bike Day’s autumn edition, which is scheduled to begin on the 18th of September. It’s a non-competitive event taking place on some incredibly scenic roads and is essentially a 55-kilometre long celebration of cycling.
If you’re not up for taking part in the Sellaronda Bike Day, the Hotel Croce Bianca has some alternatives, which also include organised excursions, and two of them have been tailor-made for cycling fans.
The Long Weekend Offer – 16th/19th September
The 3-night Thursday-Sunday package (price per person from €314) includes a guided tour on the Friday. This is the Sellaronda MTB track tour. It is a world-famous panoramic tour around the monumental Sella Group. On it, guests will take ski lifts over the Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella passes and from this high altitude, set off on breathtaking trails and descents to enjoy unique landscapes, accompanied by an expert mountain bike guide. On the way back, they’ll be able to tuck into a tasty “Cyclist’s snack” provided by the hotel.
The full week offer – 11th/19th September
Those opting for a full week stay (Saturday-Saturday or Sunday-Sunday), which starts from €705 per person, also get to experience the Sellaronda MTB TOUR on Friday. In addition to this, they can enjoy an e-bike tour on the Wednesday to explore the Sassolungo Massif. They will be accompanied by an experienced guide and will ride up to Col Rodella and through the Città dei Sassi to Monte Pana, up to the Duron Pass and down through the valley of the same name. Once again, a tasty snack will await cyclists on their return to the hotel.
Making the cycling fans life a little easier
The Hotel Croce Bianca is well set up for guests who have a passion for cycling. In addition to including tours of different levels of difficulty and gradients, the hotel also provides partnerships with local bike rentals, which offer discounts for its guests.
There is also a bike storage area for all-around care of your bike, with a fully equipped workbench with maintenance products and a time-controlled camera system for peace of mind for visitors who choose to bring their own special bike from home. In addition to this, there is a bike wash where you can get your bike ready for the next day and a laundry service for sports clothing. For more information, see bike.hotelcrocebianca.com.
Images used in this article are courtesy of Hotel Croce Bianca, Orler Images and Bianca Piscina Esterna.
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