Overview

Travel northern Italy exploring the Italian Alps, the Swiss 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, Sella, Pordoi 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 Pinarello 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.

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Experience Level: Intermediate / Advanced

Mileage: 40 to 60 mi / day

Dates: July 13 - 21, 2020

Package Price:

$3,490

Single supplement:

$495

gavia climb on bike tour

Itinerary

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 / 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: Monte Baldo

A return of an Italian classic. Not as widely known but still one of the best long climbs overlooking the lake and a great warm up for the Dolomites.

Day 4: Climb of the Sellaronda – Dolomites

Today we travel to region of the Dolomiti with our first ride around the Sellaronda massif. This moderate loop will take us over the Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes.

Day 5: 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 pass of 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.

Day 6: Recovery – easy spin

After an early breakfast we’ll pack up and take a drive to Treviso. This town is located at the base of the Dolomite Mountains which is the start of the Granfondo Pinarello. We will go to the cycling expo and pick up our ride numbers. The cycling expo is a great place to buy souvenirs and see the newest cycling gear. After checking in, we’ll take an easy spin around the area. Today we will go to the Pinarello’s main factory outlet store.

Day 7: Granfondo Pinarello

The Granfondo Pinarello is a very well run event and offers two routes, the medium route is 80 miles and the long route is 125 miles. Both rides go through the Dolomites for breathtaking climbs and countless small villages. After the ride we’ll relax in town and enjoy a great pasta dinner.

Day 8: Adige valley, 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 times. 

Trip Details

Package Includes:

  • Fully supported with 3 & 4 star accommodations

  • Participation in the GranFondo Pinarello event

  • Wine tasting with winery tour

  • Follow vehicles for rides and GranFondo Event

  • Breakfasts and dinners included

  • Arrival and departures from the Verona VRN airport

Climbing Highlights:

  • Mt Baldo (Lake Garda)

  • Sella Ronda

  • Pordoi

  • Valporola

  • Fedia

Special Event:

The Granfondo Pinarello cycling event offers Passes through the Dolomites with two categories to challenge multiple skill level.

  • Medium Event 80 mi (128 km)

  • Difficult Event 125 mi (202 km)

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 Please email  Tobias@gftours.com Please include tour name, dates, and how many are in your group.

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
9939 Hibert st #105
San Diego, CA 92131

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

    1. $100 administration fee within 3 months prior to tour start date

    2. 50% refund within 1 month prior to the tour start date

    3. Medical emergencies are on a case by case bases

    4. Travel insurance is always recommended