Inclusions
Not included
Bike within the storybook villages that make up the Italian Alps and Dolomites while staying in 3&4 star lodgings after exploring a regions renowned throughout Italy for its Cycling culture, culinary delights and complex history. Our Italian Mountains Classics bike tour explores a couple of Italies most fascinating northern regions, it not only Incredible road cycling and beautiful vistas and villages, but also offers a remarkable history that will make you wonder if you are in Italy, Austria or a country unto itself.
Milan is the ideal meeting place to stay for your pre-trip, and is easily accessed from other areas of Europe by plane or train. Upon meeting, you we will transfer Bormio, enjoy a lite snack, help you reassemble your bike, and immediately engage in a warm up ride that gives you an overall impression of the variety of landscapes you encounter during the week.
Bormio (1225m), located in the province of Sondrio, Lombardy (Italy), is a small town with population of less than 5,000 people. It’s a popular destination, which has been attacking tourists for centuries. Wealthy Roman citizens flocked to the town to enjoy its thermal baths, many of which are still functional today.
Giro d’Italia also visits the region regularly. The Stelvio Pass or the Gavia Pass are included in most of its editions, taking the “Cima Coppi” title for the highest climb of the race. The proximity of other big climbs like Mortirolo, Foscagno, and Umbrail means that you can spend multiple days in Bormio and ride a new, challenging route every single day.
Our warm up ride takes us up towards the Lago di Cancano and summits at the Torri di Fraele. A steady climb with many switch backs allows us to stretch our legs. The climb itself at just over 9KM @7% it will get our bodies well warmed up for the week ahead.
Dinner tonight in our fabulous family run hotel in the heart of Bormio.
Lodgings: 4 nights in Bormio.
After a long and relatively easy spin down the valley we arrive at Mazzo and attempt a climb that Lucho Herrera (1991) called the "Queen's Climb of Europe" and Lance Armstrong called it the most difficult climb he had ever ridden., The Passo Mortirolo. At 12.4km it may not seem that long but averaging 10.5% with many ramps over 15% it is certainly a real challenge. The climb is relentless from the get go as it winds its way up out of the village and through the trees, eventually summiting at 1852m.
After a moderatly technical descent, we ride up the valley towards Ponte di Lengo and begin our ascent of the Passo Gavia. 17.3km @ 7.9% and topping out at a whoping 2621m. The climb has feautred multiple times in the Giro d'Italia in all weather conditions, including snow.
At the Summit of the Gavia, we pass for a well deserved break in its famous cafe before making our way back to Bormio.
Dinner tonight in our fabulous family run hotel in the heart of Bormio.
Lodgings: In Bormio.
Our ride today takes us up both sides of the Passo dello Stelvio. Shortly after derparting from our hotel in Bormio we begin our first climb of the Stelvio. This side is 21.5km @ 7.1% and feathrues many switchbacks and often appears in photos of the area. It is definitely one of the great Alpine climbs. After a descent down the Passo dell'Umbrail we loop around to Prato and tackle the other side of the Passo dello Stelvio. This side is longer at 24.3km @ 7.4% and is sure to feel more challenging.
A well earned rest and warm up in one of the cafes at the summit before descending back to bormio.
A free night tonight to explore Bormio and discover some of its wonderful restaurants.
Lodgings: In Bormio.
Our final day in Bormio. We head out to in the valley to the town of Tirano, where we climb the Passo Bernina and pass through switzerland for a moment. Passo Bernia is 36 km @ 5.1% and takes us through some stunning Swiss countryside on our way back to Italy and the summit of Passo Forcola. From the summit we descend down to the ski town of Livigno before attempting the Passo di Foscagno and our return to Bormio.
Dinner tonight in our fabulous family run hotel in the heart of Bormio.
Lodgings: In Bormio.
This morning we depart Bormio an dmake our way to the Italian Dolomites. After a morning transfer, we check into our hotel in Corvara and enjoy a light lunch before seting out to ride the Sellaronda.
The Sellaronda is incredibly well known amongst road cyclists for ts breathtaking scenery and incredible winding roads. The loop itelf is only 58km but is comprised of 4 main climbs, The Passo di Campolongo, Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella and Passo Gardena.
Dinner tonight at the hotel.
Lodgings: 3 Nights in Corvara.
Our loop today takes us in a different direction and out to the Passo Giau.
After departing Corvara, we head over the Passo di Campolongo and head down valley, passing through a few spectacular moutain villages before reaching the start of the Passo Giau. The Passo Giau at 10km @ 9.1% is a real challenge, fortunately it is broken up into many switchbacks. A well earned coffee at the summit restaurant awaits, before a great descent takes us over to the next climb Passo Falzarego 9km@ 5.9% and finally up the Passo Valparola 3km@ 7%. A long descent then takes us to the town of La Villa and loops us back around to Corvara.
Dinner: Free night out tonight to explore the town.
Lodgings: in Corvara.
Saving the best for last, or possibly the hardest! The Passo Fedaia was described by Two-time Giro champion Gilberto Simoni as ‘probably the hardest climb in Italy.
The Passo Fedaia 14.1Km @7.5% may not seem too bad on paper but alot of the gradient comes in sections of over 10% and a few at 18%. The summit gives us great views of The Marmolada, which is the highest mountain in the Dolomites at 3,343 metres.
Dinner, Our final farewell feast will be a great moment to share stories from the weeks great rides.
Lodgings: in Corvara.
After breakfast we will head to Venice airport.
Family run hotel with a Passion for Hospitality.
During 200 years of history, Posta Zirm Hotel gave refuge first to wayfarers and adventurers than to generals and sergenats and at last, it became the hideaway for visitors from around the globe. Embraced by the warmth of the Kostner family, Posta Zirm Hotel has been a long standing certainty for every guest.
*Please note: while these hotels are typically featured, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality due to availability. Please call us if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.
DAY-TO-DAY DISTANCES & HIGHLIGHTS
All the towns & lodgings we stay are highlights in themselves
KEEP IT PRIVATE ON AN EXISTING TOUR or CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you have at least 6 participants we can keep it private on any of our sheduled tours or on an alternative date (subject to availability). For less than 6, prices may vary and for more than 12 discounts may apply.
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Sometimes a custom trip is participating in one of our exisitng trips on a private basis with a few alterations to trip length, activity level, or adding some side trips. Other times we get to work to create a unique itinerary specific to your groups desires or budget. We then use our expertise to organize a tour especially tailored to your vision.
The first thing we do is get to know you a little. We learn your interests and preferences, find out who’s going and why. Family, friends or associates? Birthday, reunion or corporate retreat? When you speak with our tour designer he/she will work together with you to design a trip that is sure to create great anticipation and excitement for all.
