Type: Italian Alps / Dolomites
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Experience Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Mileage: 40 to 60 mi / day
Description… Travel northern Italy exploring the Italian Alps and the Dolomites. Experience the epic climbs of the Giro d’Italia and world championships while enjoying the quaint, picturesque mountaintop villages and spectacular views. In addition to cycling, this tour provides an afternoon of wine tasting, and sensational local Italian cuisine. Climbing highlights include the challenging passes of the Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo and many others.
The tour begins in the beautiful Lake Garda area of Italy which is between Milan and Venice. This region is located at the base of the Alps mountain range and offers a wealth of spectacular climbs, incredible scenery, fantastic wine, and also is home to many of the world’s best professionals. On this tour cyclists will have the unique opportunity to participate in the famous GranFondo Campagnolo / Sportful cycling event. An experience your will never forget! This tour offers a healthy mix of both challenging climbs and some easier rides for rest and recovery. We spend multiple days in various locations which makes it a great tour for non-riders as well. If you would like to learn more about GranFondo events go to our Cycling Events page.
Package Includes:
- Fully supported with 3 & 4 star accommodations
- Participation in the GranFondo Sportful cycling event
- Featuring the classic climbs of the Giro d’Italia
- Wine tasting with winery tour
- GranFondo Cycling Tours jersey included
- Follow vehicles for rides and Granfondo Event
- Multiple routes available
- Breakfasts and dinners included
Climbing Highlights:
Including the GranFondo Campagnolo / Sportful cycling event offers Passes through the Dolomites with three categories to challenge every skill level.
Course Description
Day 1: Light climbs around lake Garda
We will meet at our four star boutique hotel with it’s wonderful view over Lake Garda to settle in for a few days. Build the bikes in our well equipped bike room and purchase any last-minute items from the local bike shop. Take an easy spin through the wineries and orchards or one of the more challenging routes prepared for the day. After the ride take a refreshing dip in the pool, grab a beer in the bar, enjoy a sauna, or treat yourself to a message. Tonight we will enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel’s chef, talk about the tour, and pass out maps and Jerseys.
Day 2: Valpolicella wine route – Pre Alps / Wine tasting in Bardolino
Today will be a moderate intensity ride with a longer climb through the mountainous vineyards of the Valpolicella wine region. This afternoon we will enjoy wine tasting and appetizers in the lush green vineyards of Tre Colline. We will tour their wine production facilities and have a short lessen in the making of wine and olive oil. Tonight we have a special dinner planned at a reservation only agriturismo, “La Zerla.” This restaurant offers a variety of local culinary delights and a good selection of wines including their own wine produced in the vineyard that surrounds the restaurant.
Day 3: Climb the 48 Switchbacks of the Passo dello Stelvio
After breakfast we drive up the valley to test your courage and stamina against today’s highest Alpine pass. Today will be an epic ride conquering the famous Stelvio Pass, first introduced into the Giro d’Italia in 1953 and made famous after Fausto Coppi’s victory. At the top we will enjoy the view of the Italian and Swiss Alps while sipping on cappuccinos and watching tourists from all over the world mill about in this exciting atmosphere. A German sausage sandwich from the cart vendor is always a favorite on this route. After the short break we roll over the top and down to Bormio were we stay the next 3 nights.
Day 4: Gavia pass
Bormio is a resort town nestled in a valley surrounded by the majestic Italian Alps. This town boasts a series of natural hot springs and as a result it is home to five hot spring resorts and wellness centers. Today’s climb will include the beautiful Gavia Pass. Ride through the Santa Caterina Valley to the the base of the Gavia pass which has been touted to be the most beautiful pass of the Alps. At the top of the pass send a post card to a friend at the outpost and have a snack.
Day 5: Mortirolo Pass
Next we head south down the valley to the notorious Mortirolo Pass. Climbing an astonishing 4,000 ft in 7 miles!, see why when Lance rode this pass in 2005 he said it was the most difficult one he had ever done. Just below the top we find the new memorial commemorating Marco Pantani.
Marco Pantani Memorial
Day 6: Recovery – easy spin
After several tough days of riding, today is a short recovery ride after the drive to the site of our Granfondo in the town of Feltre. Feltre is a historical quaint town buried deep in the Dolomite mountains which is the start of the GranFondo Sportful formerly called the Campagnolo. This event is known for its epic climbs and beautiful mountains that draw some of the best climbers of Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. We will take an easy spin around the area and take in the fresh mountain air. After the ride we will go to the Granfondo registration area, pick up our ride bags, have lunch and enjoy the cycling expo. The Granfondo organizers offer for sale a variety of ride souvenirs including jerseys and tee shirts. Tonight we will have a pre-ride dinner at our hotel.
Day 7: GranFondo Sportful event
The GranFondo Sportifulis very well run and is known throughout Italy as a very challenging event. Due to its difficulty there are 3 courses offered. There is a short course of 55 miles. This route is very beautiful and yet not too tough with only one long climb. The medium course of 70 miles is much more difficult with at least 3 long climbs. The long course is regarded as the premier event and can be compared to a professional race. This route is 130 miles with over 15,000 feet of climbing over 4 major mountain passes. After the ride we’ll relax in town and stay for the pasta dinner.
Day 8: Adige valley ride (pre Alps)
After the GranFondo we’ll travel back to the lake area and finish with a spectacular loop through the Adige valley to conclude our vacation.
Day 9: Departure
Additional rides based on departure time
Dates:
June 11 – 19, 2012
Package Price:
$3,095
Single supplement:
$550
Options:
Shuttle from Venice: Call for pricing
Our groups are kept small so reserve your spot soon. To make your reservation please submit your reservation form along with a credit card deposit of $300. Note: deposits are refundable within 3 months prior to the tour date minus a $100 processing fee. Final amount will be due 3 months prior to the tour departure date.
To Sign Up Click Here:
Register Now!
Once you have reserved your tour an account will be created for you that will be used to track and update your customer information required for your tour. This will include your contact information, rider profile and various tour options. You will be able to view or update your information at any time.
Final payments are due 3 months prior to the tour date. These can be paid by check or credit card. Checks can be sent to the address below.
Checks:
Payable to: Granfondo Cycling Tours
13753 Woodgate Pl,
Poway, CA. 92064
Or by Credit Card (Visa / Master Card)
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.
Airfare assistance … 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.
Cancellation Policy … In the event that you have to cancel your trip the following rules apply to regularly scheduled tours. Private tours may have additional guidelines.
- 100% of deposit refunded within 30 day of payment
- $100 administration fee within 3 months prior to tour start date
- 50% refund within 1 month prior to the tour start date
- Medical emergencies are on a case by case bases
- Travel insurance is always recommended
