Dolomites Switchback Challenge Map

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

Dramatic Dolomites Motorcycle Tour in the Alps, Day 1
Welcome to the beer capital of Germany! We will pick you up at the Munich airport and transfer you to our hotel in Ismaning, located half way between the airport and downtown Munich. For those wishing to explore Munich, Ismaning has very good public transportation to Munich City Centre. Those arriving early may want to visit the BMW Museum, try out one of the famous Bavarian beer gardens, or do sightseeing in downtown Munich. Later in the afternoon we will have the motorcycle handover, followed by a kickoff meeting and our first dinner together!

Dramatic Dolomites Motorcycle Tour in the Alps, Day 2

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.

Dramatic Dolomites Motorcycle Tour in the Alps, Day 3

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!

Dramatic Dolomites Motorcycle Tour in the Alps, Day 4

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.

Dramatic Dolomites Motorcycle Tour in the Alps, Day 5
Today we will explore the hidden gems off the beaten track, northeast of our hotel! A good part of today’s loop will be on very small, twisty roads through the backcountry of the Dolomites region.
Dramatic Dolomites Motorcycle Tour in the Alps, Day 6
Our last riding day features another highlight of this trip: Austria’s highest pass road, the Grossglockner, topping out at 8,215 ft! As we leave behind the high mountains of the Alps, we’ll descend into Austria and southern Bavaria, which also offer very nice riding. Upon our arrival, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved reward: refreshing Bavarian beer!
Dramatic Dolomites Motorcycle Tour in the Alps, Day 7

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.

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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
Deposit per person: $800

Single room supplement – $600

2024 Schedule
Date2024 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
August 17 - 23Dolomites Switchback Challenge7 days$3,600$2,400
2025 Schedule
Date2025 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
August 16 - 22Dolomites Switchback Challenge7 days$3,600$2,400
2026 Schedule
Date2026 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
August 15 - 21Dolomites Switchback Challenge7 days$3,900$2,600
Cancellation fee and refunds
FROM DATE OF
SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT
AMOUNT FORFEITED
More than 60 days50% of deposit
60 days or fewer but more than 45 days100% of deposit
45 days or fewer but more than 30 days50% of full tour payment
30 days or fewer100% 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

Jeffrey Bernel
Granger, IN

Our overall expectations were exceeded!

Joe and Mary Penney, Testimonial, Motorcycle tour Dramatic Dolomites in the Alps, Italy and Switzerland

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

Joe and Mary Penney
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.

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