GIRO D ITALIA & THE GREAT CLIMBS

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1 GIRO D ITALIA & THE GREAT CLIMBS 18th-26th May 2018 Experience The Best of the Giro

2 L Eroica Giro d Italia 2018 A Letter From Your Hosts Welcome to A QTO and thank you for enquiring about our Giro d Italia Tour. If you love climbing, awe inspiring scenery and a race of mythical status this Tour is definitely for you. We first visited the Italian Alps to ride Stelvio, Mortirolo and Gavia fours years ago and thought it was the pinnacle in terms of the great climbs of Italy. Until in 2017, we ran our first Giro d Italia tour across the Alps and the jaw dropping Dolomites, which left us believing that possibly the Dolomites do reign supreme. It truly is a cyclist s paradise, in a very unique landscape. The world s most beautiful race is special, not just because of the beauty and brutality of its storyline or its racers searching for glory in the toughest race on the planet, but because of the parcours: the Apennines, Alps, Prealps or Dolomites, and the excitement each year of learning which climbs have been selected. For us now, the excitement is in knowing that we ll be challenging ourselves on the same beautiful climbs very soon. With the 2018 route now officially confirmed, we are pleased to present our tour of the final week of the Giro. We will take you through the Dolomites, into Lombardia and culminate with some awesome climbs in Piemonte, and we have developed our itinerary to maximise each of these amazing regions. Over 9 days, expect intense, challenging climbs with the most number of switchbacks you ll ever ride, plus fast and thrilling descents, and jaw dropping mountainous landscapes all around. Combine this with a food and wine experience that takes in the very best of the regions we traverse, and provides a cultural journey of the mountains. The magic of the Giro and the Great Climbs of Italy will captivate as you arrive and stay with you forever. Join us in celebrating the 101st Edition of the Giro d Italia on this breathtaking adventure, Damian and Nancy

Your Trip at a Glance Duration 9 days / 8 nights Start & End Location Venice & Turin Group Size 12 Days Riding 8 Price AUD $5995* Total Riding Distance: 614km Total Elevation: 12 900m Accommodation

3 Your Trip at a Glance Duration 9 days / 8 nights Start & End Location Venice & Turin Group Size 12 Days Riding 8 Price AUD $5995* Total Riding Distance: 614km Total Elevation: m Accommodation Style: Boutique family run Hotels in each location / Twin share with own bathroom (single occupancy available) Meals: All included (except during free time). Non-Riding Partners: Very Welcome! Full non-riding program available & hosted by Nancy. Bikes/Bike Hire: Carbon & Steel Road Bikes can be fully arranged for you. Travel Assistance: We are affiliated with an experienced and knowledgeable Travel Agent who can assist with flights, all pre and post travel and insurance. * Prices are per person twin share -

Giro d Italia & The Great Climbs The Alps, the Dolomites the Apennines; they all define the Giro d Italia and there can be nothing more rewarding than taking on the same challenge yourself,

4 Giro d Italia & The Great Climbs The Alps, the Dolomites the Apennines; they all define the Giro d Italia and there can be nothing more rewarding than taking on the same challenge yourself, conquering the iconic climbs of Italy. Expect amazing days on the bike with jaw dropping mountainous landscapes, thrilling free flowing descents and climbs where you ll need every bit of your will to keep the pedals turning. The route of our tour will ensure that your experience of the Giro traverses the same mountains and valleys as the Pro's. Our 2018 tour will see us spend 3 days in Cortina in the Dolomites taking on the iconic climbs of Falzarego, Tre Croci, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Sella Ciampigotto and Monte Zoncolan, the Queen Stage for the Giro, before transferring to Bormio for 2 nights to take on Stelvio and Mortirolo. We'll then transfer to Piemonte and finish with 3 days in the region, giving us easy access to the beautiful Le Langhe and the iconic climb of Colle delle Finestre. Join us for a 9 day adventure that will see you tackle many of the famous climbs of Italy by day, while relaxing into a wonderful food, wine and cultural journey that we ll take you on each night. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1: Falzarego 35km & 970m Welcome to Cortina d Ampezzo. We start this week with Falzarego as our first ride and it s the perfect introduction to the Dolomites.

5 Day 1: Falzarego 35km & 970m Welcome to Cortina d Ampezzo. We start this week with Falzarego as our first ride and it s the perfect introduction to the Dolomites. You make your way out of the quintessential Alpine village and out of the valley surrounded by towering rocky peaks and head up to the sensational Pian Falzarego. This ride should blow the cobwebs out of your legs after your travels and also give you the chance to test your bike set-up and make any micro adjustments to the bike as you need. The descent is open and fast before becoming a little technical with the hairpins further down the mountain and then opening up again, allowing you to coast into the centre of Cortina on your way back to the chalet. After we freshen up, we will make our way in to a traditional little bar in the centre of town for an aperitivo, before venturing out to enjoy an exquisite welcome dinner. This is a true highlight for any afficionados of Italian cuisine.

6 Day 2: Monte Zoncolan 63km & 2100m or 110km & 2620m It s time for you to take on the iconic Monte Zoncolan. Sitting at an imposing 1750m, this is the Queen stage for this year s Giro and we will be right amongst the action. At 10.1km long and an average of 11.9%, this climb will challenge the mind and the legs, and open the heart, when you see the lansdscape at the top. We ll depart Cortina early and track East, stopping for the local torta and caffe along the way, before heading for the base of the climb at Ovaro. We ll tackle the climb at our own pace and then regoup on the mountain to watch the race come up to the finish. After a little passegiata through Cortina s cobble stoned streets, we ll settle in for aperitivo at our favourite local bar, before meandering on to a very special dinner, featuring the local cuisine.

7 Day 3: Tre Croci 60km & 1790m Today you ll conquer another one of cycling s legendary climbs. Starting by heading out of the village on quiet and tiny roads flanked by tall pine trees, we circle our way towards Tre Cime di Lavaredo where another spectacular landcsape awaits you at the top and where we ll regroup and stop for a well earned panino. A fast and fun descent awaits for the return journey, until we reach the pass of Tre Croci and wait for the arrival of the Giro as they motor over the top. After the last rider passes, we ll get underway again for the final 12k descent. This afternoon you ll have the opportunity to enjoy the pool and restore the legs with a massage, before enjoying another very typical local Alpine dinner of authentic, honest food and wine. This is the locals go to place.

Day 4: Mortirolo 50km & 1560m We say goodbye to Cortina this morning and start to make our way west towards Bormio, but we ll first stop in Incudine which will be our launching point to take on

8 Day 4: Mortirolo 50km & 1560m We say goodbye to Cortina this morning and start to make our way west towards Bormio, but we ll first stop in Incudine which will be our launching point to take on another mystical climb of the area, Passo di Mortirolo. It is one of the most feared climbs in cycling due to its mercilessly steep gradients that hit 18% and has average 10.4% for the duration. On conquering the Cima Pantani, you ll regroup and ensure that you re refuelled and refreshed for the beautiful descent and gentle climb into Bormio, and your new home for the next ftwo nights. After taking the time to relax after another successful day on the bike, you re staying local tonight as we enjoy the magnificient food at our agriturismo. All food served is home grown and home made and we savour there substantial tasting menu, complimented by home made cheese and local wines.

9 Day 5: Stelvio 45km & 1591m or 95km & 3455m It s time for you to take on the iconic Passo dello Stelvio, sitting at an imposing 2750m. This is a climb like no other with its 34 switchbacks, and at one point a heavy 14%, and will challenge the mind and the legs, and open the heart. After passing the waterfall, you enter the Valle de Braulio and the expanse of open melting white, surrounded by two peaks. On a quiet day, you ll encounter marmots waking up after a long winter and scurrying out of your way, as you press on past the Umbrail Pass and up another ramp to get to the top of the pass. We ll stop for a coffee and take in our surrounds, as we peer down in the direction of Prato and it s 48 switchbacks, deciding if today s the day to go long. This is a long and technical descent. After a little passegiata through Bormio s cobble stoned streets, we ll settle in for aperitivo at our favourite local bar, before meandering on to dinner at a very beautiful restaurant situated in a 14th century stable,

Day 6: Barolo 58km &1330m We transfer out of Bormio today and keep tracking west heading into Piemonte, and the little wine village of Monchiero in the Barolo region.

10 Day 6: Barolo 58km &1330m We transfer out of Bormio today and keep tracking west heading into Piemonte, and the little wine village of Monchiero in the Barolo region. We ll check in to our magnificent castle, unpack the bikes and head out for an afternoon roll around the iconic Le Langhe wine region, taking in Monforte d Alba, Grinzane Cavour and Barolo, with it s rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see, it s ancient villages and castles perched atop hills, and the succession of gentle slopes planted with rows and rows of vines. The late afternoon will see you relax by the pool, before preparing for dinner with our friends at a family run restaurant, which has been in the family for over 100 years and who are renowned for their regional specialties.

Day 7: Torino 100km & 1095m Today will see us with a late start as we time our ride to dissect the race at Novello before rolling further into the heart of Piemonte and true to the meaning of its

11 Day 7: Torino 100km & 1095m Today will see us with a late start as we time our ride to dissect the race at Novello before rolling further into the heart of Piemonte and true to the meaning of its name (foot of the mountain), we will be back in a land of mountains, which rise to the northwest of the city of Torino where will stay for our final two nights. After watching the carnival pass us by in picturesque hilltop Novello, we ll the take the next sixty flat k s at a good tempo, rolling past open fields of apples and chestnuts, the icoinc art city of Bra that is now most famous for being the birthplace of the slow food movement, and onto the Po river and the edge of the majestic city of Torino. You will make your way along the medieval cobblestoned streets for a little shopping and sightseeing and then on to a favourite entoteca for aperitivo, before moving on to a local restaurant for some splendid Piemontese cuisine that will cap off another perfect day.

Day 8: Finestre 135km & 1992m We roll straight out of the Peimontese capital today heading for the mountains and the pass of Colle delle Finestre. This is going to be a cracking day.

12 Day 8: Finestre 135km & 1992m We roll straight out of the Peimontese capital today heading for the mountains and the pass of Colle delle Finestre. This is going to be a cracking day. Colle delle Finestre with a maximum grade of 14% along its 18,6 km, over 37 hairpin corners and featuring a 9km dirt section at the top. Happy days. You ll set off at your own pace at the base of the climb and once at the top, we ll all regroup and enjoy some refreshments as we wait for the race to follow us up. We ll then retrace our steps back to the boulevards of Turin with their stately baroque buildings and old cafes. After your outstanding effort today, your celebratory and farewell dinner will be at a local and superb Osteria which will complete an amazing adventure on and off the bike through some of Italy's premieralpine villages and gastronomic food and wine regions.

Day 9: Torino After another sumptuous breakfast, we have the option to drive out to Susa through the picturesque valley to watch the start of the final mountain stage.

13 Day 9: Torino After another sumptuous breakfast, we have the option to drive out to Susa through the picturesque valley to watch the start of the final mountain stage. You will have a short transfer to the train station for your departure. Buon viaggio & Salute! In the words of our guests. My partner and I had the pleasure of participating in the A QTO Giro100 tour, me as a rider and Mary as a non-rider. We had previously experienced Damian & Nancy s excellent weekend tours in regional Victoria and the Giro100 tour was a further example of their attention to detail and organizational skills. We wanted for nothing, from the ride routes with knowledgeable local guides, quality accommodation, exceptional regional restaurants and wines and activities for non-riding partners. In a bike tour market increasingly crowded with similar products, A QTO offer a small group tour that is well researched, resourced and rich in local knowledge and culture that s hard to beat. The whole experience was unforgettably brilliant, so much so that we are already saving for next year s edition. We would unequivocally recommend an A QTO tour to anyone. - Michael F

14 Get in touch. We d love to host you for the 101st edition of the Giro d Italia in While we outline each day here, there s still a lot we haven t detailed because what s an adventure without some surprise? If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We would be happy to help. Nancy: Damian: customerservice@aqtocycling.com Live chat with us, visit:

SLOVENIA from Salzburg to Ljubljana (June 2018) SIERRA SPORTS & TOURS. AUS: ESP:

SLOVENIA from Salzburg to Ljubljana (June 2018) SIERRA www.sierrasportsandtours.com AUS: +61 3 9016 9830 ESP: +34 679 236 928 SLOVENIA. Slovenia the land of majestic rivers, lakes and mountains! This adventure