2018 Giro d Italia Classic Climbs of Northern Italy With an exciting Giro d Italia race route announced, we re thrilled to be able to showcase many of our favourite places through Northern Italy and for you to be immersed in la dolce vita You will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of the Giro action up close and personal with our partnership with Allan Alby Davis, former PRO TOUR R. Your Giro holiday will include seeing live action on the mystical slopes of the Zoncalan, be in the thick of things at the start of a stage in the outskirts of Venice and spend some quality time with the riders and their crew at the start of the time trial at Trento. As for your riding this tour has it all. You will discover many classic cycling routes of Northern Italy, highlighting some of our greatest rides, and as always, several daily ride options that cater for the super fit through to the weekend warrior. During this holiday we are also thrilled to include the Passo dello Stelvio, Italy s highest pass plus the Sella Ronda Loop in the Dolomites both of which are some of the worlds most iconic climbs. and sure to make a big tick on your bucket list With so much to see and do off the bike, this tour is also about enjoying your time out of Lycra, relaxing in luxury accommodation, ambling through quaint, ancient villages, savouring local delicious regional produce including superb 3 4 course dinners complete with hand picked delicious regional Italian wines on all but one evening. Not forgetting our exclusive access to the PRO TOUR PELOTON FOR THE ULTIMATE Giro d Italia Experience, ONE LUCKY GUEST WILL SPEND A DAY IN A PRO TEAM CAR ON THE RACE ROUTE DURING A STAGE All guests will enjoy VIP access to the riders, their crew and even a PRO TOUR TEAM BUS And all return guests receive FREE BIKE HIRE as part of our We re Back campaign for 2018 DATES: 18 25 May 2018 (8 days / 7 nights) PRICE: GROUP SIZE: START & Finish: CONTACT: $4,590 AUD Limited to only 12 guests & 4 professional staff Venice (Venezia-Mestre Train station or Venice Marco Polo Airport)) info@procyclingtours.com
DAY$1$$$$$$$ BENVENUTO$AL$GIRO$D ITALIA$ $$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$18$MAY$ We will collect you from either the train station or Venice Airport and take you to our 4 star hotel conveniently located a short distance by train from the old town. Once checked in, we will be available to help set up your bike or introduce you to your hire bike. Depending on time we may have the opportunity to ride to the stage finish at Nervesa della Battiglia or perhaps a ride in the nearby countryside to stretch out our legs and make sure your bike is in perfect working order. Either way, a beautiful start the holiday and a great way to get to know your fellow guests and the procyclingtours team. Venice is a vibrant city, full of wonderful architecture, fine restaurants, squares and pedestrian only streets where you can shop to your hearts content. There is so much to see and do here for those guests not riding. Few cities can claim such a priceless art and history heritage as Venice. This unique city with its magical, spectacular scenery is not just beautiful; it is a real miracle of creative genius: a city built on mud, sand and the slime of a difficult, inhospitable landscape. Tonight we will enjoy getting to know our fellow guests over a wonderful welcome dinner with flowing food and wine. STAY 2.5 hours / 50km / flat Venice (Mestre) - 4* star hotel
$DAY$2$ $ THE$MIGHTY$ZONCOLAN$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$19$MAY Today we head to the base of the famous Monte Zoncolan, and watch the riders take on this mighty climb and maybe even give it a try for ourselves. After our delicious buffet breakfast, we make a short transfer to the start of todays ride. We will take the picturesque route to the base of the Zoncolan. Here some of you might wish to see how far up you can get on this steep and unrelenting monster, position yourselves to watch the pros do it with ease, or simply stay in the town of Ovaro, soak up all the festivities and settle into a great little bar or café after the riders go past and watch them tackle the climb in record time on TV. Following the stage finish, we will transfer to the stunning town of Cortina d' Ampezzo, in the heart of the Dolomites, where we will be based for the next two nights. A long day filled with plenty of excitement and action, we will certainly enjoy relaxing and chatting about the amazing day we experienced over a superb dinner. 40km /1200mt elevation/ 3.5 hours plus Monte Zoncolan if you choose Cortina d' Ampezzo - 4* star hotel
$$DAY$3$ $ WELCOME$TO$THE$DOLOMITES$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$20$MAY $ $$$$$$$$$$ $ $ $ $ $ $$$$$$$$ After watching yesterday s incredible stage up the Zoncolan, you ll be hungry for some climbing action of your own and it s today we venture deep into the Dolomites. A coral reef, many millions of years ago, the Dolomites are considered by many to be THE most spectacular of all mountain ranges in the world, with their jagged edge limestone cliffs towering over lush green mountainous landscape. Breathtakingly beautiful, this UNESCO world heritage site is an adventure for both riders and non-riders alike. We can t let the peloton have all the fun and with no less than 4 categorised climbs for the Pro s today, we will certainly outdo them in the picturesque stakes. Today we introduce you to the Passo di Giau. Arguably the most stunning standalone climb in the Dolomites and a regular pass climbed in the Giro d italia. The climb literally begins from our hotel and after 16km of pedalling; you will have climbed a 1000m (to over 2200m). The surrounding fields and 360 views of the Dolomites will make the effort well worth it There is a longer option, if your legs can take it, and we can climb the Passo Fedaia, before returning to Cortina over the Falzarego. For those not riding, today you can join Michelle in the support vehicle and take in the dramatic beauty of the region, or spend the day completely relaxing at your leisure. Cortina is a lovely village with lots of shops and great restaurants, bars and cafes or after taking in a beautiful mountain walk why not pamper yourself to a massage. Tonight we will enjoy a fabulous meal once which again will showcase the local cuisine and wines. 3-6 hours / 60-110km / 1500 3000m Cortina d'ampezzo - 4* star hotel
$$$DAY$4$$ SELLA$RONDA$LOOP$ $A$MUST$IN$ITALY$$$ $ $21$MAY$$$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$ $ Waking up this morning in the picturesque village of Cortina, you ll be all systems go for one of the real cycling hi-lights of the tour and one of the most beautiful rides in Europe - the classic Sella Ronda. As with all days, you will have at least a couple of riding options. After breakfast we will drive the short distance to Arabba where we start our riding loop and when all passes have been covered, we will make our way to the amazing town of Bolzano. Depending on how you feel, you can choose to ride as much or as little of this loop as you like. Our guests not riding, can once again, take front row seats over the majestic mountain range or spend the day in either Arabba or one of the other villages along the way, before being collected en route to our fabulous destination for the next three nights. Passes to tick off today include the Falzarego, Val Gardena (Campagnolo) Valparola, Pordoi and Sella are all on offer today and with the luxury of van support you can pick and choose how many you would like to conquer And so we enjoy another brilliant day and no doubt one of your favourites, ending with a fabulous meal in Bolzano s most luxurious and beautiful hotels. Bolzano is nestled between the foothills of the Alpes and the base of the Dolomites. It is a German-speaking town with an architectural appearance mixed between German and Italian. It is bustling and picturesque with several impressive town squares filled with busy shoppers and outdoor markets. A sightseeing must is in the museum containing the "iceman" Otzi, the oldest preserved human. Bolzano is located in a broad valley basin, in just a few minutes, the three cable cars, leaving from town, take you up to the mountain woodlands and meadows to above 1000m altitude. Here you can enjoy magnificent views of the Dolomites and a refreshing mountain walk. With so much to do, you won t want to leave. 4 6 hours / 40 60km / 1700 mt elevation Bolzano 4* Luxury city centre
$$$DAY$5$$ GIRO$TIME$TRIAL$ACTION$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$22$MAY $ $ $ Today we see the Giro again in full form. From our fabulous location, we head out by bike to watch the Pro s take on the Individual Time Trial. With direct access to the course via the picturesque valley bike path, we will experience our very own ITT or TTT depending on how friendly you are feeling. No doubt former PRO TOUR R Alby will keep you in check along the path, which follows the beautiful Adige River. It s a pretty and gentle 60kms (or shorter ride option) right into the heart of Trento, where, upon arriving, we will spend the day rubbing shoulders with the PRO TOUR RS and their teams, coveting autographs, photos and getting up close and personal is the order of the day. We then head back to Bolzano where you will have the evening free to enjoy this vibrant Italian town and all the gastronomic delights it has to offer. Almost our second home, we can certainly suggest a restaurant to fit your desire. 60km or 30km / flat and fast or not Bolzano 4* Luxury city centre
$$$DAY$6$$ PASSO$STELVIO$AND$ALL$THOSE$SWITCHBACKS$$$$$$$$$$$$23$MAY We will feel the excitement build this morning as we prepare to ride one of the most epic and iconic alpine roads in the world, the Passo dello Stelvio We will climb the classic side, negotiating its 48 switchbacks to reach the summit at 2760m and making it one of the highest passes in the Alps. July is a wonderful time to climb the Stelvio (24km / 1700m), with some remnants of snow capped mountain remaining; this will be a day you will remember forever. We will leave our hotel early today for the drive to the base, another pretty little village of Prato allo Stelvio where will begin the climb. A true achievement both on and off the bike.this is one epic climb. It is highly recommended for guests not riding to spend the day in the support vehicle the Stelvio really is that spectacular. Or of course a day spent exploring Bolzano is a highlight too. 30km / 1800mt elevation / 8% average gradient Bolzano 4* Luxury city centre
$$$DAY$7$$ EXPLORE$BOLZANO$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$24$MAY $ $ Our final day in the mountains today, you have the opportunity to take some time off the bike and explore the fabulous sites Bolzano has to offer. If you have not already done so, you might like to pay a visit to Otzi the Ice Man or some last minute shopping or even a spectacular cable car trip up to the nearby mountains. For those who would like a little more riding fun, we will offer an early morning loop ride to the beautiful town of Lana. A gentle ride and a way to thank your legs for all the climbing they have done over the past week. This afternoon we will transfer to Venice and enjoy a superb farewell dinner in the heart of city of canals. 25 kms / flat ride Venice (Mestre) - 4* star hotel
$$$DAY$8$$ ARRIVEDERCI$AMICI$ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$25$MAY $ $ $ Today we bid farewell to what has been an amazing holiday following this edition of the Giro d Italia. Should you have time, we can enjoy one last stretch of the legs in the morning around Venice finishing in the old town for one last fantastic Italian coffee. We will provide any assistance disassembling and packing your bike or remove your pedals, garmin etc from your hire bike. Otherwise we will arrange for your transfer to either the train station or nearby airport, or perhaps you wish to stay on at the hotel a little longer. Just let us know. We thank you for entrusting us in taking you on a journey through the stunning Italian Dolomites and Alps and the Giro. We really do hope to see you again very soon. Happy travels. Cheers your hosts Michelle Heuss owner procyclingtours Allan Alby Davis owner Allan Davis Cycling
$$$$$$$$$$$TOUR$HIGHLIGHTS$AND$KEY$INCLUSIONS " Slumber in splendid 4 star accommodation and sample mouth-watering cuisine through some of Italy s most scenic mountain locations " Offering money cant buy extras such as viewing inside a Pro Tour bus, ride in a Pro Team Car * and meet the riders and managers unprecedented access. Pro Tour Team Vehicle Ride on one day " All airport and hotel transfers " Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings " 6 delicious dinners including selected beverages with one night free for you to enjoy in Bolzano " The OWNER of procyclingtours creates and personally hosts your holiday experience along with former PRO TOUR rider and current Director Sportif, Allan Davis, owner of Allan Davis Cycling " Up to 4 staff and a max of 12 guests to ensure you receive the pro treatment the highest ratio in the industry " Modern, fully equipped, air-conditioned 9 seater vans with WI-FI and more " On-road PERSONAL coaching and advice with Allan Davis, former PRO TOUR rider. " Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of luggage, expert handling of your bike but doesn't stop at handing you your room keys we are here for any request you have " We provide you with many precious photo memories of your holiday " Printed ride maps and detailed itinerary " Picnic lunches on selected days, where café lunch stops are not possible " Free procyclingtours.com or Allan Davis Cycling jersey and option to purchase extra clothing " All on road supplements and spare tubes " Flexible ride options each day - ride as much or as little as you like " FREE BIKE HIRE TO ALL PAST PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM GUESTS AS PART OF OUR WELCOME BACK CAMPAIGN. New guests can hire at a flat rate $495 Option to buy the bike at a discounted rate. " Plus much more view our what s included page on our website * one lucky guest will ride in a team car for a stage chosen at random at welcome dinner
HOW$TO$FINALISE$YOUR$BOOKING To guarantee your place on this procyclingtours holiday, simply register online through the tour page and arrange your deposit of $1,000. Balance of payment is due 3 months prior to tour start. For any questions please feel free to email us at info@procyclingtours.com and remember to visit our FAQs page for all trip inclusions, bike hire details etc. For full terms & conditions, refer to our website at procyclingtours.com Bike Hire rates remain unchanged since 2014 $495 (with an option to purchase Theft & Damage Insurance for only $100) Single Supplement $1,500 for all returning guests BH or Orbea (or similar), includes compact or triple chain ring, ultegra, helmet, water bottle, saddlebag with multi-tool, spare tube, leavers. As a unique procyclingtours benefit, we offer Theft and Damage Insurance for complete piece of mind. Travelling alone and do not want to share a room? We provide you with the option to go it alone. Just let us know.