Northern Italy s Lakes, Alpes, Dolomites. We re once again delighted to present a 10 day fully supported holiday incorporating the 3 classic regions of Northern Italy. The beauty and serenity of the Italian Lakes District, the awe inspiring Dolomites and the breathtaking Alpes, including the mighty Passo dello Stelvio (2770m). Experience the best Italy has to offer through deluxe hotels, plus savour quintessential Italian & South Tyrolean cuisine. As for the cycling, no stone has been left unturned, capturing the classic cycling routes within these 3 regions. With all the support you need, you will cycle up, down and along many of our favourite roads, including around Lakes Maggiore, Lugano and Como, the classic Sella Ronda Loop in the Dolomites, the sublime Gavia and legendary Passo dello Stelvio With so much to see and do off the bike, this tour is perfectly suited to partners who ride a little or not at all. We hope you enjoy the read, and if you have any questions whatsoever, we d love to hear from you. DATES: 8 th 17 th August 2014 (10days / 9nights) PRICE: $5,490 AUD (subject to exchange rate review 30/11/1, all bookings prior are confirmed at this price) GROUP SIZE: START/FINISH: CONTACT: Limited to 14 guests Milan, Italy (Malpensa International Airport) info@procyclingtours.com
DAY$1$$$$$$$ BENVENUTI$IN$ITALIA$ $$$$$$$$$ $ $$$$$(Luino) We will collect you from Milan Malpensa International airport and travel the short distance (1 hour) to our beautiful lakeside hotel in Luino on the Italian and Swiss border where we will spend the next 3 nights on picturesque Lake Maggiore Once checked in we will be available to help set up your bike or introduce you to your hire bike, then depending on how you feel, we will go for a ride along the lake and perhaps take in a little climb of the region so to stretch out the lungs and legs. The city of Luino is located in the spacious plain at the end of Valtravaglia and is the most important city on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore. The first thing to do in Luino is to stroll down the grandiose lakeside promenade, dotted by gigantic plane trees and the harmonious architecture of the buildings delimiting the old Napoleonic harbour. Palazzo Verbania, which is home to the library and Civic Museum of Archaeology and Palaeontology. A stroll through the historic centre is also pretty, with its ascending streets, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, loggias on the inner courtyards, crafts shops and stores. Our 4 star hotel is a charming villa dating back to the late nineteenth century, located on the prestigious lakefront boulevard, just a few miles from the Swiss border as well as from tennis courts and beaches an outstanding hotel for outstanding guests and considered one of the finest and most comfortable hotels in the region. Tonight we will enjoy a delicious welcome dinner. RIDE 2.5 hours / 50km / flat
$DAY$2$ $ GIRO$DE$LAGO$MAGGIORE$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$(Stay$Luino) With a number of challenging mountains ahead of us, today we will take in a flatter ride around Lake Maggiore, taking in two countries. However there is an option to climb for those looking for it Riding north into Switzerland, we ll circumnavigate our way through Lacomo and Ascona (pictured right) where we may like to relax for a lakeside lunch before riding back into Italy to the beautiful village of Cannero Riviera. From here, we you will have the option to ride to Piancavallo (1300m) on a wonderful back road riding through dense forest and arriving on a natural balcony that takes in some of the most beautiful scenery of the region, including the majestic Monte Rosa (4600m). Those looking for a gentler ride today will follow the lake to Verbania where we can regroup. Descending into Verbania, we ll explore this ancient town before taking in a ferry ride over Lake Maggiore to Laveno before riding the short distance back to our hotel. Those not riding today will be chauffeured around Lak Maggiore, stopping in the many villages and taking in a walk. The afternoon, relax in the old town of Luino. RIDE 4 6 hours / 80 110km / some hills
$$DAY$3$$ LAKE$LUGANO$&$BORMIO$ $$$$$$$$$$ $ $$$$$$(staybormio) $ $ $ $ $$$$$$$$ Today we will bid farewell to Luino and Lake Maggiore and head deep into the Italian Alpes to the alpine village of Bormio and the Passo dello Stelvio So to shorten the drive time, and for those interested in pedaling today, we will ride to Lugano for a morning coffee, before making our way along Lake Lugano and to the stunning lakeside village of Maggiore, where Lake Como and Lecco meet. Maggiore is indeed a place where the rich and famous call their second home, be careful not to rest your bike up against a Ferrari or Lamborghini It s a 50km ride, but you will have the option to simply relax in the van this morning, driving the same route and enjoying the scenery. After some time in Maggiore, perhaps a Panini and bierre, we ll transfer by van up the valley to Bormio (2 hours) and start the carb preparations for our assault of the Passo dello Stelvio (2758m) tomorrow Once in Bormio, and settled into one of our favourite speciality deluxe bike hotels in Europe, a chance to become familiar with his wonderful town, perhaps a look at one of the bike shops to grab some Stelvio memorabilia before an early night for an epic day on the bike tomorrow. We will enjoy a group dinner tonight at our hotel, which offers magnificent regional cuisine. RIDE OPTIONS 3.5hrs / 80km / mostly flat
$$$DAY$4$$ PASSO$DELLO$STELVIO$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$ $ $$$$$$(Stay$Bormio) We will feel the excitement build this morning as we prepare to ride one of the most epic and iconic climbs in the world, the Stelvio A challenging climb ahead of us we will start our day driving the short distance over the Passo d Eira (2208m) and our ride the final 7km of the (Pass dal Fuorn) to warm up the legs, before a wonderful descent through Swiss countryside and to the more famous the classic side of the Passo dello Stelvio. For those interested in a truly epic day, the option will exist to climb the Passo d Eira from our hotel and along the Lago di Livigno but it will need to be a very early start. The Stelvio is not just a mecca for cyclist, it is also the highest pass in Italy and one of the highest roads in Europe. The entire climb is within the limits of the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, Italy s biggest national park and the largest protected are in Europe. Once we reach Trafoi you will be ready to replenish before your epic climb. As pretty much the last stop to get food we will fill up here(although Michelle will be strategically stationed on the climb if you wish to take a breather) Hotel Bellavista, run by former Olympic skiing champion, Gustav Thoni, is a great suggested stop and be sure to ask for cyclist discount. From Trafoi, the almost surreal succession of switchbacks heads for the pass, quickly climbing above the tree line and affording remarkable views over the surrounding mountains and glaciers and even the stunning road itself. At Passo dello Stelvio (2758m) the largest summer ski area in the Alpes, allows for a celebratory drink or perhaps a personally printed colour certificate of your achievement from the Tourism Office including the time you did it in so be sure to time yourself from Trafoi Tonight we will enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant. RIDE OPTIONS 5-7 hrs / 80km to 130km / 3000m
$$DAY$5$$$$$$23 $$$DAY$5$$ rd $September$$$$$$$PASSO$DI$GAVIA$/$BORMIO$BATHS$$$$$$$$$(Stay$Bormio) PASSO$DI$GAVIA$/$BORMIO$BATHS$$$$$$$$$$ After a relaxing start to the morning, today we have the envious opportunity to ride the Passo di Gavia, which starts from the doorstop of our hotel Featuring countless times in the Giro d Italia, the Gavia is a magnificent Italian pass. Often the highest point of the Giro d Italia at 2610m, this is a legendary climb, sometimes with ample walls of snow lining the road at the summit. With an average of almost 8% over the 17km, there are snippets of gradients up to 12km. The magnificence of the Gavia comes to the fore near the summit, with it s natural lake and many a marmot to be spotted Perhaps a relaxing lunch at the summit, before returning to Bormio. As an afternoon option, when in Bormio you have the option to enjoy one of it s beautiful spas so to give those sore muscles some pampering they deserve There are three thermal spas to choose from in Bormio. One is Bagni di Bormio Spa Resort, famous for its thermal baths and spa treatments, a trip to Bormio wont be complete without tending to those weary legs A dive into more than two thousand years of history, from the Roman baths to the centuries-old grottos, which lead from the hot water spring to the panoramic open-air pool, overlooking the valley of Bormio. The Roman baths which have been famous since the first century B.C. Tonight you have the opportunity to explore one of the many restaurants in Bormio at your leisure. RIDE OPTIONS 3 hrs / 50km / 1800m
$$$DAY$6$$ $ STELVIO$&$BOLZANO$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$(Stay$Bolzano) Our last ride in the region will see us climb up the Stelvio the way we descended 2 days ago. They say you haven t truly conquered the Stelvio until it has been ridden up both sides It also means we get to descend through the amazing 48 switchbacks that were previously climbed. After we have descended the 48 switchbacks and taken in a wonderful valley ride through the famous apple orchards of Tirol, we take a short transfer to Bolzano and the Dolomites. Bolzano is in the upper middle of Italy in the foothills of the Alpes. It is a German-speaking town with an architectural appearance mixed between German and Italian. It is bustling and picturesque with several impressive town squares filled with busy shoppers and outdoor markets. A sightseeing must is in the museum containing the "iceman" Otzi, the oldest preserved human. Bolzano is located in a broad valley basin, in just a few minutes, the three cable cars, leaving from town, take you up to the mountain woodlands and meadows to above 1000m altitude. Here you can enjoy magnificent views of the Dolomites and a refreshing mountain walk. Our 4 Star hotel is situated right on the edge of the old town, and considered the most stunning hotel in Bolzano. Past clients raving about it s charm, beautiful gardens and superb facilities and restaurant. RIDE 3-4 hours / 50-80km/ 2000m
$$DAY$7$$$ $ A$DAY$IN$SOUTH$TIROL$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$(Stay$Bolzano) Today will be an official rest day, and a chance to recharge the batteries for the Sella Ronda tomorrow With castles, museums, cable cars, cafes and restaurants abound, Bolzano has so much to offer. You ll be tempted to take a peak in the real estate windows. A cable car ride above Bolzano and an alpine walk may just be the ticket. For those interested, we could drive 30 mins to Merano to visit the largest brewery in the region, Forst you ll love this beer Bolzano and the South Tirol region are responsible for 1/10 th of the production of wine and produces some of the finest wines Italy. Today we may also like to visit some of the local wineries to see for ourselves A day where the options are plenty and we can talk through in greater detail before the tour begins. RIDE rest day
$$DAY$8$$$ $ SELLA$RONDA$DOLOMITES$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$ $$$$$(Stay$Bolzano) After exploring the beautiful village of Bolzano and surrounds yesterday, you should be feeling quite relaxed and ready for one of the rides of your life. Today sees us tackle some beautiful riding through the Dolomites in fact some have even said the most beautiful ride in Europe, the classic Sella Ronda in the Dolomites - We ll let you be the judge It s a challenging and rewarding 100km loop taking in 4 famous passes in the heart of the Dolomites leaving from the village of Selva di Val Gardena. With the beauty of van support, you can also pick and choose how many of the passes you would like to ride. The first climb for the day is Passo Gardena a most picturesque climb which will have your jaw dropping, showcasing classic dolomite geology. The next pass we climb is Passo Valparola where the last part of the climb takes us through the forest. Before World War I, there was only a trail over the pass, but the area was heavily contended during the war. A remaining fort has been made into a museum. Moving on we descend onto Passo Falzarego, the name Falza Rego means false king in ladin, a dialect spoken in the Dolomites, and refers to a King of the Fanes, who was supposedly turned to stone for betraying his people. We then climb one of our favourites, the Passo Pordoi where a memorial to Fausto Coppi stands at the summit of the pass. Our final climb takes us over Passo Sella and on our way back to Selva di Val Gardena. Located on a grassy saddle that separates the Sassolungo from the Sella Group, the Sella Pass links Valle di Fassa with Val Gardena. One of the mostfamous passes of the Dolomites, it is overlooked by the majestic Torri del Sella and by the Mesules barrier. Finally we make our way back to our starting village of Selva di Val Gardeno. RIDE 5-7 hrs / 50-100km / up to 3000m
$$DAY$9$$ $$$$$$LAKE$GARDA$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$ $ $ $(Stay$Malpensa) This morning after a memorable final breakfast in our hotel (you ll love the home made bircher muesli), we make a short transfer to Riva del Garda and the entrance to this great Lake of Italy. We ll enjoy time exploring this glorious town, walk along the foreshore and savour a cappuccino or two as we prepare the bikes for our leisurely lakeside ride. (provided of course we don t confront a head wind) This is one of Italy s finest treasures and the perfect finale to our time on the bike. As we ride along the lake to Garda, there will be the option to climb up above to take a ridge road so to enjoy the wonderful views and take a breather, before descending back down into Garda for a LONG lunch. It s then a snoozy transfer to our charming family run hotel on hotel on Lake Maggiore (conveniently located near Milan Malpensa Airport) for our final farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on this great cycling holiday. RIDE OPTIONS 2 3 hrs / 50-80km / up to 500m
$$$DAY$10$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$BOUN$VIAGIO$$ $ $ $ Today we bid you farewell to what has been an amazing holiday. We will provide any assistance disassembling and packing your bike or remove your pedals, garmin etc from your BMC hire bike We will provide all the assistance you need in checking into the airport or provide advice and support for you onward holiday plans in Europe. Our travel partner can also assist with all pre and post tour logistics for you so please ask if you would like further information. We thank you for entrusting us in taking you on a journey through northern Italy and we really do hope to see you again very soon. Take care and buon viaggio $ TOUR$HITLIGHTS$and$KEY$INCLUSIONS Slumber in splendid accommodation and sample mouth-watering cuisine through some of Northern Italy s most scenic locations. All airport and hotel transfers Ride classic climbs of the Italian Lakes Alpes and Dolomites. Visit some of Italy s most beautiful villages and ride along the many great lakes. Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings. 6 delicious dinners including selected beverages Designated rest days, with many sights, bars and restaurants to explore. The OWNERS of procyclingtours create and personally host your holiday experience. Up to 4 staff and a max of 14 guests to ensure you receive the pro treatment. Modern, fully equipped, air-conditioned 9 seater vans with WI-FI connectivity, portable shower and change rooms and DVD player. On-road PERSONAL coaching and advice. The support you need to get the best out of your cycling. Option for massage on designated nights by our qualified guide. Pre-tour training and holiday preparation advice. You receive the PRO treatment. Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of luggage, expert handling your bike right but doesn't stop at handing you your room keys and taking care of any dietary needs. Photography by procyclingtours. We provide you with up to 1000 precious memories of your holiday. Printed ride maps and detailed itinerary. Picnic lunches on selected days, where café lunch stops are not possible. Free procyclingtours jersey and option to purchase extra clothing at reduced rates. On road supplements including energy bars, drinks, mechanical, first aid and vehicle support throughout your ride (not just at the start and finish). Flexible ride options each day - ride as much or as little as you like Quality BMC hire bikes available at the special price of only $495 including full set-up, helmet, spares, bottles and plenty of gears to get you up any climb. Travel ASSIST, pre and post tour support.
TO$FINALISE$THE$BOOKING To assure your place on this custom tour, simply register and place your deposit of $1,000 through the 2014 Lakes Alpes Dolomites Tour Page Balance of payment 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 @ procyclingtours.com BMC Bike Hire $495 (with option to purchase Theft & Damage Insurance for only $100) BMC GF02 (or similar), includes compact or triple chain ring, ultegra, helmet, water bottle, saddle bag with multi-tool, spare tube, leavers. As a unique procyclingtours benefit, we offer Theft and Damage Insurance for complete piece of mind. Single Supplement $1200 Travelling alone and do not want to share a room? We provide you with the option to go it alone. Just let us know. Travel ASSIST Our preferred Travel partner, Oliver Travel will help you with all your travel needs, including insurance, airfares and pre and post tour travel arrangements. Please let us know if you will like Oliver Travel to help you and we ll put you in touch with them.