Type: Climbing / Dolomites
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Mileage: 40-70 mi / day
Description … It’s official, our guests have been saying for years, the Dolomites truly are one of the most beautiful places in the world and riding a bike there is spectacular.
UNESCO declares the DOLOMITES a “Natural World Heritage Site”
On 26th June 2009, UNESCO included these calcite mountains located in northeastern Italy on its list of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
The “Dolomiti Stars” tour starts in Cortina, one of the crown jewels of the region, and follows through the heart of the Dolomities. Experience climbing the legendary Passo Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena. Enjoy the Italian Alps and the highest paved mountain pass in Europe the Stelvio with its 48 switchbacks. This tour will culminate with the Dolomiti Stars Gran Fondo in Arraba, an event not to be missed!
Package Includes:
- 3 & 4 star accommodations
- Support vehicle
- GranFondo cycling Tours jersey
- All Breakfasts and dinners included
- Optional shorter or longer routes available most days
- Entry into the Dolomiti Stars Gran Fondo
- Pick-up & drop off in Venice Mestre / bike box storage
Climbing Highlights:
Special Event: The GranFondo Dolomiti Stars
The Gran Fondo Dolomiti Stars will challenge you through passages through the Dolomites. There are two categories to choose from:
- Mediofondo – Medium Event – 80 mi (130 K)
- GranFondo -Long Event – 130 mi (150 K)
View route map and altitude profile for the GranFondo.
Day 1: Warm-up ride around Cortina
Morning pick up in Venice Mestre followed by arrival in Cortina. Take a warm up ride through the town or surrounding hills. Tonight enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel’s chef, talk about the tour, and receive your tour maps and GranFondo Cycling Tours Jerseys.
Day 2: Climbs of the Tre Croci & Tre Cima
Starting from Cortina ride a long loop around the mountains with an optional climb up the passo Tre Croci and summit of the Tre Cime. Tonight we stay in town for another night, this is a great night to have a night out on the town if you desire.
Day 3: Sella Ronda Loop
After breakfast we ride from Cortina to La Villa around the sella massif for what is known as the Sella Ronda loop, a classic ride in alpine cycling. On this route you get to climb 4 mountain passes, 3 of which are higher than 6,600 feet. On this loop you are always surrounded by the awesome jagged peaks of the Dolomites. It is a rare opportunity in the cycling world to be able to tackle four such awe inspiring passes in single day! Passes: Gardena, Sella, Campolongo
Day 4: Passo Valparola, Pordoi & Fedia (Marmolada Massif)
After Breakfast we continue exploring the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. After climbing the passo Valporola we continue on to Passo Fedia located just below the Marmolada Massif. Finish the day with a final climb over the Pordoi from the back side, a true leg burner!
Day 5: Del Brennero canyon
Ride down the mountains to a stunningly beautiful ride down the valley and canyons of the Brennero. Then transfer to the medieval Glorenza at the where we will stay the night inside the ancient walls.
Day 6: 48 Switchbacks of the Passo dello Stelvio
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 some time at the summit we roll over the top and down to Bormio were we stay the next night.
Stelvio Pass – 2,758 m / 22 km / 7.5% Ave
Day 7: Passo Gavia climb
Today’s climb will include the beautiful Gavia Pass. Ride through the Santa Caterina Valley to 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 enjoy a well deserved snack at the cafe.
Gavia Pass – 2,621 m / 26 km / 5.4% Ave
Day 8: Recovery ride and transfer
After several tough days of riding we will have a recovery ride after the transfer to the location of our GranFondo in the town or Arabba. 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 carbo-loading dinner at our hotel.
Day 9: Granfondo Dolomiti Stars
Epic GranFondo in the heart of the Dolomites. The Gran Fondo route will be 135 km and will include the Duran, Staulanza, Giau and Falzarego passes (ouch!), while the Medio Fondo of 70 km will climb the Giau and Falzarego passes. After the ride enjoy the post race pasta party and GranFondo fan fair. Tonight we will have our Farwell dinner.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast we will transfer back to Venice Mestre and conclude the tour. Late flight departures from Venice airport (after 4:00 pm are possible.) Additional nights accommodations can be arranged by request.
Dates:
September 1 – 10, 2012
Package Price:
$3,395
Single supplement:
$495
Options:
Additional nights available upon request
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
