Granfondo Cycling Tours are designed around experiencing the Italian and French cultures and their enthusiasm towards cycling. In addition to cycling most of our vacations highlight walking tours of the art, architecture and culture of each region.
We offer a variety of cycling choices for the intermediate to advanced cyclist. We have our traditional “climbing” tours exploring the mountain ranges of the Alps, Dolomites and the Pyrenees featuring the classic climbs of the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. Also offered are breathtaking tours through Tuscany’s rolling hills, medieval villages, and lush vineyards. Custom & group tours are available.
As part of a Granfondo tour we like to offer something a little more special than your average bike tour. In addition to our regional cycling tours of Italy and France we offer a series of tours that provide the opportunity to participate in a very special event called a Granfondo as part of your tour experience. Granfondo events are similar to century rides and done by everyday Italian folks. These can be found in many of our Italian Tours.
Many of our tours are designed so that non-riding spouses and friends can enjoy vacationing together. While the cyclists are on the road optional activities are available depending on location and tour such as hiking, boating, spas, shopping, additional walking tours, exploring castles, gondola rides and more.
- Intermediate and advanced rides are available depending on individual fitness levels
- We alternate rides and recovery for optimal cycling performance and the chance to tour the various regions of Italy and France
- Multiple guides allow flexibility in routes and difficulty levels for each rider. Most days offer a longer route or a shorter route from which to choose
- Non-riding spouses and friends are welcome and additional activities are available which vary by tour. See the detailed itinerary for more details.
- Complementary tour jersey is provided.
- Hand selected 3 and 4 star accommodations
- Custom & group tours are available
- Italian Century and half century organized rides are available through our Granfondo series
Travel arrangements are made individually to arrive at the specified airport location and dates noted on your individual tour itinerary. Arrivals and departures outside of the listed dates can be arranged but are not included in the package price and additional fees may apply. When reserving tickets also review our Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Schedule.
Please let us know your itinerary as soon as your tickets are booked. For a good source on tickets you can contact Connoisseur Consolidators 1-888-646-6522. If you call, please let them know you are with Granfondo Cycling Tours. You may also want to try www.aa.com American Airlines web site. You have to click on the more options button and then select All One World Carriers button.
When booking your airfare make sure you do not have to change airports in London. There are two airports Heathrow and Gatwick and you must take a bus in between which takes a lot of time and can be difficult with a bicycle.
We are all individually responsible for making sure we have a passport and that it is up to date. If you need to purchase one please allow several months. Passports are very important while in Italy and will be used every day. It is also important to make a photo copy to keep on your bike.
Final payments are due 90 days prior to the tour start date. This will include the trip amount minus the deposit paid plus any additional items purchased or extra nights stayed. The prices shown are fix in US dollars however they can change in the event of extreme shifts in the dollar value.
A check payable to “Granfondo Cycling Tours” may be sent to:
Granfondo Cycling Tours
13753 Woodgate pl
Poway, CA 92064
Or Visa / Master Card on line
In the event that you have to cancel your trip the following rules apply to regularly scheduled tours. Private tours have additional guidelines.
- 100% of deposit refunded within 30 days of tour reservation.
- $100 administration fee 91+ days prior to tour start date.
- 50% refund of full payment 31 - 90 days prior to the tour start date. Deposit is non refundable.
- 0% refund 0 - 30 days prior to the tour start date.
- Medical emergencies are on a case by case bases.
- Travel insurance is always recommended.
$300 Payable now for tour reservation. Deposit is refundable within 91 days of the tour date minus a $100 administrative fee. Deposits amounts and policies differ for custom or specialty tours.
Travel insurance, also known as trip insurance, is recommended for anyone traveling in a foreign country. They are relatively low cost and can protect against unexpected cancellations and depending on the company can provide additional medical coverage, property damage, theft etc. For our tours we recommend CSA Travel Protection. When purchasing please mention that you are with our group. Agent initials CAP and producer code W8000182.
We will try to follow our itinerary as closely as possible as it is laid out on the itinerary. However there may be some changes due to unforeseen circumstances or opportunities to make things better.
Other than during Granfondo events our tours are not intended to be competitive in nature. In the Alps or dolomites we should expect to stay together on the flats and regroup at the top of each climb. On tours with more rolling hills, such as Tuscany, we can stay in smaller groups depending on what is desired. If someone gets a flat and we are already all together then we should all stop and help out. On many of the tougher days we may split into two groups for those that would like to go a little faster and for those that just like to relax. In this case we will re-group within our respective groups decided at the beginning of each day.
Our Alps and Dolomite tours are considered difficult and do take previous training and riding experience. Other tours such as Tuscany are more relaxed with less climbing. Please take note that in the mountains the roads can be steep and sometimes narrow. Good bike handling skills are essential. Some of our tours travel over very hilly terrain so it is also important that your back and knees are built up enough for the challenge. Even the shortest routes can be steep and difficult at times depending on the tour. If you have any questions with regards to individual training programs or tour difficulty levels please ask. We have a coach on staff that would love to help you prepare for your tour.
Adequate gearing is also a must for any Alpine tour. A triple front gear is highly recommended for most people. At a minimum you should have your bike set up with no less than a 39 tooth front and 27 tooth rear. This is a standard gear and should work with any 9 speed system. However, it is highly recommended for most double systems to have a 39 front with a 32 rear, or perhaps a compact crank set providing a 34 front ring along with a 27 or 29 rear. If you need help deciding on the best gearing for you please call.
Prior to any tour please make sure your bike is in perfect working order with the following.
- Bike tune-up
- New Tires
- New brake pads
- New chain
A bike frame pump and extra tubes are required equipment. There is a van for support on many days however they may be up the road or at the bottom of the hill helping someone else. You may not want to wait that long while everyone else is sipping cokes at the bar on top of the climb.
The best advice on luggage is not to bring too much. There is laundry service available at many of the hotels so you do not have to bring 15 pairs of bike clothes. What we recommend is one medium to large size duffle bag (not a hard case type) and a regular size back pack. A 4 to 5 day supply of clothes should be plenty along with 3 sets of riding cloths. These are usually washed by hand each day anyway. We recommend bringing small travel packets of woolight.
Helmets are required on this tour and must be worn at all times while on the bike. They also need to be in good working order and up to current helmet codes.
If you would like to purchase any additional clothing for yourself or friends just let us know. We will provide one tour jersey however you may like to purchase the matching bib shorts ($65) and socks ($7). Sizes run standard - S / M / L / XL / 2XL. All sizes come in women's specific designs.
Breakfasts and dinners are included on the trip however you do need to bring some extra cash for lunches and snacks. Most lunches are on the go in between various events or during longer rides. We carry a decent supply of snacks for the rides but if you need anything particular it would be best to bring it along.
Beverages other than water are not included on the tour. This would include wine, beer, soda etc.
Granfondo Cycling tours operate rain or shine so make sure you bring the proper clothing. It’s especially nice to have booties to keep the feet dry. In rainy situations the tour may be modified to include the climbs and not some descents for safety reasons. Leg warmers and jackets may also be needed at some of the higher elevations.
Bike transportation to another country is a fairly simple task however certain precautions do need to be made. Most important is to make sure your bike is packed with plenty of bubble wrap, preferably the large cell kind. Also recommended is to purchase some hot water pipe insulation to use to put over the bike tubes. Just remember that anything touching your bike even slightly can wear through the paint, even something as simple as a water bottle. Also remember to remove any compressed air cartridges or aerosol spray lubes and degreasers. Finally remember to let the air out of your tires when shipping.
Given the availability of places, bicycles may be brought on Surburban, Regional, Direct and Interregional trains, marked in the Timetable by the appropriate pictogram. A supplement of Euro 3.50 must be paid or, alternatively to the supplement ticket, a second class full price ticket having the same characteristics of the ticket in the passenger's possession. On some Intercity, Eurocity and Euronight trains, also marked in the Timetable with an appropriate pictogram, a supplement of Euro 5.00 and Euro 12.30 (for international trains) is to be paid for such transport. The supplement is not refundable.
Furthermore, on all trains free transport of bicycles are admitted in appropriate sacks, with the following limitations: in the SL (sleeping cars) and carriages with bunks they are allowed only in specifically allocated compartments; they are admitted on board of Eurostar Italia trains provided they are placed in the areas situated in halls of the carriages. If there is no further space, they may be placed elsewhere, provided they do not cause hindrance or inconvenience for other clients or personnel on board. In any case the sacks are transported at the risk of the client. The insurance policy, foreseen for luggage situated in hallways and in bunk and sleeping car compartments, covers, in case of theft, a maximum of Euro 260.00. This policy is outlined at www.trenitalia.com/en/area_clienti/con_trasp/viaggio10.html#10 we suggest this police should be printed and available for reference during travel.
For detailed train schedules go to Trenitalia
All tour participants are required to sign a Participant Release form prior to your tour. These can be downloaded from our website or we can send one via email.
Participant Release Form - Please fax to 1-310-344-0000
For those tours starting end ending in smaller cities such as Verona it may be more convenient and lower cost to fly in and out of larger airports such as Venice or Milan. For this option we may have a special pick-up point near some of the larger airports. These options will be specified for each tour if applicable.
When you sign up for a tour you will be provided the starting hotel for each tour. Please budget about 50 euro each way to get a shuttle to and from the airport or train station. Each tour group is responsible for their own shuttle or taxi to and from the airport or train station. Large minivan shuttles and taxis are in large supply and transporting large bike boxes has been no trouble at all.
- For arrivals account for approximately 45 minutes to exit the airport with baggage.
- For international departures allow 2-3 hours prior to take-off.
- Budget approximately 50E each way for the airport or train station shuttle / taxi.
In addition to our spectacular rides and mountain top views GranFondo Cycling Tours also utilize 3 and 4 star accommodations throughout our journey across Northern Italy. Below is a sample of some of our hotels. Actual hotels vary based on location and tour.
Verona – On Lake Garda
Our home base while in Verona is perched among one of the several hillsides nestled amongst gardens and orchards and enjoys a spectacular view over the Gulf of Lake Garda. Along with a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere there are swimming pools both indoor and out along with a whirlpool, gym, sauna and massage rooms. We are located walking distance to various shops, our local bike shop and only 3 km to the center of Lake Garda, also accessible buy shuttle.
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Bormio – The Italian Alps
Bormio is well regarded as one of the best spots for championship skiing however this town is also perfectly positioned to conquer some of the best climbs Italy has to offer. It’s located only 14 miles from the Swiss border and in the center of the Italian alps. From here we challenge the Alpine classics of the Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo and Umbrail Pass.
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Bolzano – The Dolomites
“Tranquility has become the most important good to the holidaymaker. Tranquility means, being able to listen to the murmur of the wind or the weird call of the tawny owl. Weather you will be sitting on the hotel’s terrace or riding a mountain bike – this unique tranquility will be your permanent companion.”
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Feltre – The Dolomites
“Set in the magnificent countryside of the Dolomiti Bellunesi Park, in the ancient town of Feltre, this comfortable villa is the ideal base for exploring the Dolomiti Alps”. We stay here several nights to prepare for and participate in the Granfondo Campagnolo.
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GranFondo Cycling Tours are intended for the intermediate to advanced recreational rider. Depending on the tour, some days can be quite challenging and require a good training background. Even so, less-experienced riders join our groups and have a wonderful time, provided they are comfortable descending the sometimes steep and winding roads. Many rides start and return to the same hotel, making shorter days always an option for anyone.
For our typical climbing tours in the Alps & Dolomites we recommend at a minimum to be able to climb at least one 5,000 ft pass and train preferably up to at least 100 miles per week prior to the tour. Our tours through Tuscany are more rolling terrain with less climbing. However we still recommend riding at least 100 miles per week prior to these tours as well.
For Granfondo events group riding skills and century rides are highly recommended but not required.
Coaching Services
For those that have signed up for one of our tours you are more than welcome to contact one of our guides and professional coaches directly at www.cyclingscience.org for some basic training tips or a custom training plan designed specifically for your upcoming tour and individual fitness goals.
All our cycling jerseys and shorts are top quality fabrics made in Italy from the same company that makes Hincapie Sports Apparel. All jerseys and shorts come S / M / L / XL / 2XL with an optional women’s specific cut. Men’s shorts are bib cut and women’s are regular cut.
Jerseys: One Free
Additional jerseys are $65
Shorts: $65
Men's Cut
Women's Cut
Socks: $7
Our socks come from Sock Guy in sizes Med/Large and XL
Water Bottles: $3.50
Top of the line Specialized 28 oz bottles
Clothing orders can made in the tour Registration Package or contact us directly. Additional clothing can be ordered at any time however delivery is subject to shipping to USA.
Tobias not only guides trips but also is the head of all logistics and tour planning and the co-founder of Granfondo Cycling Tours. Having given up his career in mechanical engineering, he now focuses on guiding tours, route planning and logistics. As an avid cyclist, Tobias continues to ride year-round and still races semi-professionally as a USCF category 2 racer. Tour guiding and trip logistics began in 1994 with mountaineering expeditions to various parts of the world. European bike touring began in 1999. Since, Tobias has logged thousands of miles in Italy, Switzerland, France and Greece.
Carrie is the co-founder of Granfondo Cycling Tours and is the activities leader and office manager. She spends most of her time on tour coordinating day-to-day events and planning our additional activities throughout the trips. In addition, she provides support during the rides, driving the follow van and handing out food and water along the routes. On days when she is not needed for van support, she loves riding with the group or enjoying other activities with the non-riders. She manages the office, coordinating hotel reservations, finances and customer relations.
Gaetano has been actively involved in almost every aspect of cycling for many years. He currently sponsor two race teams, one an amateur team and the other a junior team. Gaetano love the sport of cycling and everything about it. “I look forward to guiding the tour and all that I will be able to bring to the trip.”
Sean is a professional cycling coach living in San Diego, California, and works with riders of all different abilities. He has enjoyed cycling for a dozen years now and raced mountain, road, and track events for over half of that. He is currently coaching the San Diego State University cycling team and is active with the local cycling club and junior riders, as well as the San Diego Velodrome Association. “The favorite part of my job is seeing others enjoy the sport as much as I do. I look forward to helping you get the most out of your cycling experience.”
Everyone loves Massimo! His joy of life and enthusiasm are contagious. Massimo is a professional cycling guide in the summer and an Alpine hiking guide in the winter months. He also teaches a cycling physical education course in the local school. In 1996 Massimo participated in the Mountain Bike World Championships in Vail Colorado representing Italy. Massimo is a constant source of encouragement and his favorite word is …”Fantastico!”
Anna currently races professionally and regularly participates in the Giro, the Tour and the Vuelta. Anna still enjoys touring and getting plenty of base miles with our groups. Anna’s racing schedule keeps her busy, but when she has some free time it’s nice to have her with us.
Roberto was a former professional cyclist for four years with the Italian team, Amore E Vita, Roby currently works both in Italy and the USA with Rich Hincapie, manufacturing cycling apparel for Hincapie Sports.
