Type: Italian Alps / Dolomites
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Experience Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Mileage: 40-70 mi / day
Description… This tour is chalked full of long rides, challenging climbs along with the unforgettable memories of past legends. After getting in some rides around the hills near beautiful Lake Garda, one of our first stops is Lake Como for some great riding and the legendary accent of the Madonna di Ghisallo considered to be more of a cyclists museum and a hall of fame than a chapel. It’s walls are adorned with past leaders jerseys from the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.
Also featured in this tour is our classic Italian Alps trilogy featuring the legendary passes of the Stelvio, Gavia and the Mortirolo. The Gavia is where Andy Hampsten battled though a fierce snow storm to gain his tour victory. The Stelvio is the one of the highest paved passes in Europe and is ranked as the worlds most popular alpine accent. While climbing the legendary Mortirolo, we will visit the new Marco Pantani Memorial located on steep switchbacks of the climb.
Package Includes:
- 3 & 4 star accommodations
- Support vehicle
- Assistance with bike building and re-packing
- Local wine tasting (A must in Italy)
- GranFondo Cycling Tours jersey
- All Breakfasts and dinners included
- Optional shorter or longer routes available most days
Highlights:
- Pilgrimage Ride to the Madonna di Ghisallo – Cyclist Museum & Hall of Fame
- Italian Alps Trilogy – The Passo Stelvio, Passo Gavia & Mortirolo Climbs
- Marco Pantani Memorial – A tribute to greatness
Day 1: Warm up 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 a warm up ride through the wineries and orchards or on one of the more challenging routes prepared for the day. After the ride have a refreshing dip in the pool, grab a beer at 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
Ride 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 favorite local agriturismo farm restaurant, “Ca Persane.” 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: Lake Como loop / Pilgrimage to the Madonna di Ghisallo cyclist hall of fame
In the morning we transfer to Lake Como for a spectacular loop through the canyons and climbs overlooking the lake, we make our final assent from Bellagio to the Madonna di Ghisallo. Here sits a tiny chapel that has become know as the cyclist hall of fame where you’ll find leaders jerseys and bikes from both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France surrounding the walls; along with the bikes of past legends such as Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain.
Day 4: Passo Gavia
After breakfast we’ll drive to Bormio, a resort town nestled in a valley surrounded by the majestic Italian Alps. Bormio boasts a series of natural hot springs and as a result it is home to five hot spring resorts and wellness centers. Today’s major 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 well deserved snack at the cafe. Time permitting, you have the option of riding down the back side and back up.
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. This is a ride your legs will never forget!
Marco Pantani Memorial
Day 6: Passo Stelvio
Test your courage and stamina against Italys’ 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. We have an optional loop descending the Umbrail and up the 48 switchbacks of the North side. Afterwards we make our way to Corvara.
Day 7: Adige Valley
After Breakfast we transfer back to the lake Garda area and finish with a spectacular loop through the Adige valley to conclude our riding. we will celebrate our accomplishments and reminisce at our Farewell Dinner. No it’s time to start dreaming about next years trip!
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye. Additional rides in the Lake Garda area are available based on your departure time.
Dates:
June 26 – July 3, 2012
Package Price:
$2,795
Single supplement:
$495
Options:
Optional pick-up from Venics. 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
