Type: Italian Alps / Dolomites
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Experience Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Mileage: 40-70 mi / day
Description… This tour is chalked full of long rides and 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. Included is a visit to the new Marco Pantani Memorial located on the epic Mortirolo climb. Afterwards we finish in the Dolomiti mountains and challenge such passes as the Pordoi, Sella, Giau and Erbe.
Package Includes:
- 3 & 4 star accommodations
- Support vehicle
- Assistance with bike building and re-packing
- Local wine tasting (A must in Italy)
- Complementary tour jersey
- Breakfasts and dinners included
- Optional shorter or longer routes available most days
Highlights:
- Pilgrimage to the Madonna di Ghisallo – Cyclist Museum & Hall of Fame
- Italian Alps Trilogy – The Stelvio, Gavia & Mortirolo Climbs
- Marco Pantani Memorial – A tribute to greatness
- Best of the Dolomiti – The Pordoi, Sella & Giau
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 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, “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 / 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 snack. 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.
Marco Pantani Memorial
Day 6: Passo 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. Afterwards we make our way to Corvara. We have an optional loop descending the Umbrail and up the 48 switchbacks of the North side.
Day 7: Passo Pordoi, Sella & Giau
After Breakfast we get on our bikes and explore the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. We take in the grand loop over some of the most famous passes including the Pordoi, Sella and Giau.
Day 8: Passo Valparola
In the morning take in a beautiful climb up to Passo Valparola and back. After our ride we have one final transfer back to Verona.
Day 9: Departure
Additional rides in the Lake Garda area are available based on your departure time.
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
