Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

Day 1: Arrival in Hochpustertal
Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco

Arrive at your hotel in the Hochpustertal Valley, located between the Dolomite peaks. Villabassa and Dobbiaco are well-known for their central position in the valley and easy access to cycle routes. A free public car park is available near the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a short walk to see the town center, visit a local café, or explore nearby parks.

Overnight in Hochpustertal.

Day 2: Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco – Cortina D'Ampezzo
19-22 mi / 30-35 km

Begin cycling on the path through the Höhlenstein Valley, passing Lake Toblach, a popular spot for photography and short walks. You will also pass the World War I cemetery, a reminder of the region’s history as part of the front line. Continuing along the route, you will see Lake Dürrensee with the Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen) visible to your left. The route climbs gently to the Gemärk/Cimabanche Pass, which marks the border between South Tyrol and Veneto. From here, the path descends toward Cortina d’Ampezzo, a town known for hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics and its role as a hub for mountain sports.

Overnight in Cortina D'Ampezzo.

Day 3: Cortina d'Ampezzo – Belluno
47 mi / 75 km

Cycle mainly downhill on a converted railway track, with the Sorapis range on your left and the Cinque Torri rock formation on your right. The route continues south through the Boite Valley to Pieve di Cadore, birthplace of the Renaissance painter Titian. A new cycling path takes you to Longarone, a town rebuilt after the 1963 Vajont Dam disaster, when a landslide caused a flood that destroyed much of the area. From Longarone, the route becomes slightly hilly before reaching Belluno, the provincial capital with a historic center and views of the southern Dolomites.

Overnight in the Belluno area.

Day 4: Belluno – Feltre
30 miles/ 40 km

Leave Belluno following tree-lined roads and rolling terrain. The route passes through small villages typical of the Veneto countryside, with views of the southern Dolomites to the north. The day ends in Feltre, a walled town with Renaissance architecture and a historic center located on a hilltop.

Overnight in Feltre.

Day 5: Feltre – Bassano del Grappa
34 mi / 55 km

The first section is mostly level before descending into the Brenta Valley. At the meeting point of the river and the plains lies Bassano del Grappa, named after nearby Monte Grappa. The town is known for its production of the grappa spirit and its wooden covered bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, designed by Andrea Palladio. Points of interest include the Museo Civico and Piazza della Libertà.

Overnight in Bassano del Grappa.

Day 6: Bassano del Grappa – Treviso
34 mi / 55 km

The route leaves the Alpine foothills and passes several Palladian villas, examples of Renaissance architecture by Andrea Palladio. A stop in Asolo offers an opportunity to see its medieval center and panoramic views. Continue across the plains to Treviso, a city built around canals with frescoed buildings and a historic center. Treviso is also a well-known fashion hub and home to brands such as Benetton.

Overnight in Treviso.

Day 7: Treviso – Venice/Mestre
28 mi / 45 km

Follow the River Sile toward the Adriatic coast. The route leads directly to Mestre, on the mainland near Venice, from where you can see the outline of the historic city. Mestre is the main gateway for visiting Venice while staying outside the lagoon.

Overnight in mainland Mestre.

Day 8: Departure from Mestre

Individual departure or an optional stay extension to visit Venice. The city offers museums, historical landmarks, and access to its islands such as Murano and Burano.