Classic Passi of Italian Alps
Private Trip
From US$4,495 (single supplement $400)
Italy’s Alps have been the theatre for many memorable cycling moments — most famously in the Giro d’Italia, but also other events such as the Giro del Trentino, the Marathon of the Dolomites and numerous grand fondi. Whether it’s the Dolomites to the east or the Ortles range to the west, the allure is the same: beautifully paved roads, switchbacks as far as the eye can see, exhilarating plunges into verdant valleys, and friendly welcomes wherever you go.
This itinerary is available on request for private groups. Link here to learn more about Private Trips and call us to put yours in motion.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
After a night-before bike fitting at the rendezvous hotel in Venice-Mestre, transfer north to ride from Longarone to Cortina d’Ampezzo via the Passo Staulanza and Passo di Giau, following much of the route the race will cover the next day. We’ll settle into our 4* hotel in central Cortina, the “Queen of the Dolomites.”
Day 2
We loop through the gorgeous mountain country around Cortina via Lake Misurina, with the option to tackle the daunting Tre Cime di Lavaredo, from the last part of the Giro in 2007 but whose most famous victor was Eddie Merckx in 1968.
Day 3
Our route today covers much of the famous Marathon of the Dolomites, traversing the Falzarego, Pordoi, and Sella Passes, all in the shadow of the Dolomites’ spectacular jagged pink peaks. Rolling terrain takes us directly into Bolzano, with time to explore this wonderful little bit of Austria within Italy.
Day 4
We begin with a short drive, then a warm-up section precedes the north-side ascent of the mythic Stelvio, at 2751m the highest paved mountain pass in Italy. From here it’s a long downhill bomb into Bormio, a fantastic Alpine base town.
Day 5
We finish with the most challenging day. After a 20km warm-up, we tackle the fearsome Mortirolo, whose grades average more than 10% over its duration. After lunch in the Valcamonica beyond, we return to Bormio via the Gavia Pass, where a snowstorm famously conditioned a 1988 Giro stage.
Day 6
After an early breakfast we drive directly to Milan Malpensa airport for outbound flights.
Story of the Ride
Coming soon.
Accommodation
Hotel Montana
Located in the centre of the pedestrian precinct of Corso Italia in Cortina d’Ampezzo close to ski-lifts, cable cars, and other sport facilities. The hotel features comfortable rooms with satellite TV.
Hotel Greif
Rooms were individually designed by contemporary artists and have air conditioning, satellite TV and Wi-Fi. Hotel Greif is in the heart of Bolzano, a modern European town full of trendy boutiques, historic museums, and numerous cultural events.
Hotel Mirella
This is a quiet and private hotel with spacious, mountain-view rooms with satellite TV and Wi-Fi access. Located in the heart of Ponte di Legno, the Hotel Mirella resides in a convenient location for reaching the old town centre by local shuttle bus.
What’s Included
- All accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis
- Most meals
- All transfers and baggage handling
- Use of a Cervélo R3 Team
- Cervélo Pro Travel kit by Castelli
- The opportunity to test ride an Cervélo S5 Team bike
- Use of a Garmin Edge 800 with preloaded routes
- Services of a Ride Leader and soigneur
- Full ride support from a support vehicle
- All gratuities to porters, drivers, restaurants and other service staff
What’s Not Included
- Hotel early check-in & late check-out
- Other meals where not mentioned in the program
- Overweight luggage
- Personal expenses, laundry, mini bar, etc.
- Travel insurance
- Travel visas
- Other services not listed in inclusive column
- Gratuity for your local guide(s) and Ride Leader
