2020 The best of Northern Italy Tour Lakes, Alps & Dolomites
The best of Northern Italy Tour Lakes, Alps & Dolomites We are excited to again offer our most popular cycling holiday through three of Italy’s most picturesque
regions. A fully support 10 day extravaganza of cycling and sightseeing. No matter what level or rider you are, we have your back, with plenty of support both on and off the bike. You will be captivated by the beauty and serenity of the Italian Lakes, the awe-inspiring and ancient jagged
Dolomites and not forgetting the breathtaking Italian Alps. You will ride some of the world’s most famous climbs including the amazing Passo dello Stelvio (2760m) , the Passo di Gavia (2621m), the four passes of the Sella Ronda in the Dolomites and a few more for good measure. Experience the best Italy has to offer with unquestionably the best team in the industry. Slumber in superb accommodation, dine on classic Italian & South Tyrolean cuisine matched with plenty of local wines and travel in peace and comfort both on and off the bike, assured in the knowledge that we take care of everything for you from the moment you arrive to the moment we bid you ‘arrivederci’.
cycling, no stone has been left unturned. All levels of riders are catered for as well as non-cycling As for the partners, who are considered with alternative daily activities. We explore the classic cycling routes within
these three iconic regions whilst providing you with all the support you need. You will achieve your goals and cycle up, down and along many of our favourite roads, including Lakes Maggiore, Lugano and Como, the
classic Giro d’Italia routes in the Dolomites, the sublime Italian Alps, which have featured may times in the Giro d’Italia.
With so much to see and do off the bike, this tour is also the perfect holiday for partners who ride a little or
not at all.
We hope you enjoy our Best of Northern Italy Tour itinerary and if you have any questions whatsoever, we’d love to answer them! As with the past years, this tour will sell out. We look forward to welcoming you to Italy in 2019. Let yourself be ‘treated like a PRO by the PROS’.
DATES:
3 – 12 August 2020
(10days / 9nights)
PRICE:
$6,150 AUD ($5,950 AUD for non riders)
GROUP SIZE:
Maximum of 14 guests with 4 staff
START/FINISH:
Italy (Malpensa International Airport)
CONTACT:
info@procyclingtours.com
DAY 1 BENVENUTI IN ITALIA We will collect you from Milan Malpensa International
3 AUGUST
airport and travel the short distance to our beautiful
lakeside hotel in Luino on the Italian/Swiss border where we will spend the picturesque Lake Maggiore.
next 2
nights
on
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
Museum of Archaeology and Palaeontology. A and Civic stroll through the historic centre is also pretty, with its
steep narrow pedestrian alleyways, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, loggias on the inner courtyards, craft
shops and cafes.
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 and a stones throw from fresh water beaches. A real favourite
with our guests this is an outstanding hotel and considered one of the finest in the region. Tonight we will enjoy a very generous and delicious welcome dinner right on the waters edge as we watch the beautiful sun set over this stunning Italian lake.
RIDE
2.5 hours / 50km / flat and rolling
STAY
Luino 4* deluxe lakefront hotel
DAY 2 GIRO DE LAGO MAGGIORE 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 Lake Maggiore, stopping in the many villages and taking in a walk.
This afternoon and evening will be free for you to relax in the old town of Luino. Alternatively, the hotel is equipped
with fabulous spa facilities and even a jetty to take a swim from – so you may simply prefer to lounge around.
RIDE
4 – 6 hours / 80 – 110km / some hills
STAY
Luino 4* deluxe lakefront hotel
4 AUGUST
DAY 3 LAKE LUGANO & BORMIO Today we will bid farewell to Luino and Lake Maggiore and head deep into the Italian Alpes to the alpine village of
Bormio and home base of 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
this morning, driving the same route and in the van enjoying the scenery. After some time in Maggiore,
perhaps a Panini and bierre, we’ll transfer by van up the valley to Bormio and start the carb preparations for our
the Passo dello Stelvio (2758m) tomorrow! assault of
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 serves magnificent regional cuisine.
RIDE
3.5hrs / 80km / mostly flat
STAY
Bormio 4* star deluxe chalet
5 AUGUST
DAY 4 THE EPIC PASSO DELLO STELVIO We will feel the excitement build this morning as we
6 AUGUST
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.
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 assent. Remember our support vehicles will be strategically positioned all the way up the climb if you wish
to take a breather!
Hotel Bellavista, run by former Olympic skiing champion, Gustav Thoni, is a great suggested alternative 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!
A filling and very well deserved dinner will be enjoyed by the group.
RIDE
5-7 hrs / 80km to 130km / 3000m
STAY
Bormio 4* star deluxe chalet
DAY 5 PASSO DI GAVIA or 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 and again this year, 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 its natural
many a marmot to be spotted! lake and
Perhaps a
relaxing lunch at the summit, before returning to Bormio.
As an afternoon alternative, ‘when in Bormio’ you have the
enjoy one of the beautiful spas to give those sore option to 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, in 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, you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 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
3 hrs / 50km / 1800m
STAY
Bormio 4* star deluxe chalet
7 AUGUST
DAY 6 MARMOT SPOTTING ON STELVIO, THE OTHER SIDE 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 in the old town, and considered the most stunning in Bolzano. Our guests always rave about its charm, beautiful gardens and superb facilities but most of all the amazing breakfast. Tonight we will enjoy a truly delicious and filling dinner to talk about all things Stelvio.
RIDE
3-4 hours / 50-80km/ 2000m
STAY
Bolzano 4* star elegant hotel
8 AUGUST
DAY 7 A DAY IN SOUTH TIROL be an official rest day, and a chance to recharge Today will
9 AUGUST
the batteries for the Sella Ronda tomorrow!
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 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
and meadows to above 1000m altitude. Here woodlands you can enjoy magnificent views of the Dolomites and a
mountain walk. refreshing
With castles, museums, cable cars, cafes and restaurants abound, Bolzano has so much to offer. You’ll be tempted to
in the real estate windows. take a peak
interested, we could take the short drive to For those Merano and visit the largest brewery in the region, Forst –
this beer! you’ll love
is also responsible for producing one tenth of The region the wine in Italy and certainly some of the best. Today you
like to visit some of the local wineries to test that may also theory for ourselves!
Today is a day where the options are plenty and we know very well so will have lots of ideas for your day off this town the bike.
That said, if you are keen to stretch the legs, we can take
an early morning ride along the beautiful bike path along the river.
RIDE
rest day or a gentle 45km ride in the morning
STAY
Bolzano 4* star elegant hotel
DAY 8 THE BREATHTAKING SELLA RONDA, DOLOMITES 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
links Valle di Fassa with Val Gardena. One of Sella Pass the most famous 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
STAY
Bolzano 4* star elegant hotel
10 AUGUST
DAY 9 PICTURESQUE LAKE GARDA 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
into Garda for a LONG lunch. back down
It’s then a snoozy transfer to our charming final hotel villa, conveniently located near Milan Malpensa Airport, for our
final farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our fabulous holiday.
RIDE
2 – 3 hrs / 50 - 80km / up to 500m
STAY
Malpensa 4* star hotel
11 AUGUST
DAY 10 MORNING COFFEE RIDE AND ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA bid you farewell to our amazing journey through Today we
12 AUGUST
the beautiful regions of Northern Italy and our new life-long friends.
Should flight times permit, we may indulge in one last espresso ride in the morning.
We will provide assistance disassembling and packing your bike or remove your pedals, garmin etc from your 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!
RIDE
2hrs / 40km / gentle
TRANSFERS
Milan Malpensa Airport
WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR SPECIAL l
We guarantee more inclusions, more support and the best professional service in the industry
l
Slumber in stunning 4* star or deluxe 3 *accommodation throughout this holiday and dine on mouthwatering local cuisine and local wines.
l
Explore some of Italy’s most amazing ‘off the beaten track’ scenery.
l
All transfers from the moment you arrive at Malpensa for the duration of the tour to the moment you depart, in our modern and comfortable vehicles.
l
Ride some of the world’s most classic climbs including Passo dello Stelvio (both sides), Passo di Gavia, Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi and plenty more climbs.
l
Visit and play in many of Italy’s most beautiful mountain villages and ride along spectacular lakes.
l
Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings.
l
6 delicious three or four course dinners including carefully selected local wines.
l
The owner of PRO CYCLING TOURS creates and personally host your holiday experience along with dedicated and experienced professional team. Let yourself be treated like a PRO by the PROS.
l
Up to 4 staff and a max of 14 guests to ensure you always receive the pro treatment. Hands down the highest guest to guide ratio in the industry. Whatever level of rider you are, you have support all the way.
l
Modern, fully equipped and fully air-conditioned 9 seater vans with WI-FI connectivity, portable showers, change room, and more. We don’t use large impersonal coaches, the use of our vans allows us to provide more support and faster transfer times.
l
Pre holiday training program, perfect to prepare you for the mountains that await you in Europe.
l
At PRO CYCLING TOURS we dedicated to making your holiday with us one of your most memorable. You receive the PRO treatment from the moment you contact us to well after your holiday has ended.
l
Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of luggage, expert handling of your bike and taking care of all the finer details so you don’t have to think about a thing.
l
Photography by PRO CYCLING TOURS. We provide you with hundreds of precious memories of your holiday, before you leave for home.
l
Detailed printed ride maps and colour souvenir itinerary.
l
2 sets of PRO CYCLING TOURS PRO style quality riding kit which includes 2 x jersey’s and 2 x PRO bib knicks, so you can pack light. *(non riders do not receive cycling kit)
l
On road supplements including energy bars, drinks, fresh fruit, first aid and vehicle support throughout your ride and the day (not just at the start and finish).
l
Quality and new season road bikes or E-bikes for hire. All bike hires INCLUDE full set-up, professional helmet, ALL spares, two drink bottles for you to keep, qualified mechanical support and plenty of gears to get you up any climb.
l
PLUS plenty more PRO CYCLING TOURS extras to surprise you along the way
PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM
HOW TO FINALISE YOUR BOOKING To guarantee your place(s) on this tour, simply register and confirm your booking by way of a $1,000 AUD deposit through our 2020 Best of Northern Italy LAKES ALPES AND DOLOMITES Tour Page at procyclingtours.com Final balance of tour 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 please refer to our website www.procyclingtours.com.
SINGLE ROOM GUARANTEE All tour cost are based on twin share. We will match you with a same sex partner. If you are travelling alone and prefer not to share a room or bathroom facilities, we can provide you with your own room. At an additional cost of $1200 AUD you will be guaranteed a private room with private facilities. You can select this option at time of booking with a deposit to guarantee the room for $200 AUD.
GLOBAL TRAVEL ASSIST WITH IZAWAY PRO CYCLING TOURS is proud to provide our guests with dedicated and specialist worldwide travel assistance. IZAWAY is a travel company specialising in custom travel - but what sets them apart is their amazing personalised service. They make your travel easier and save you time and money while delivering a seamless travel experience. IZAWAY can assist you with: - Travel planning pre and post tour - Flights and other transport bookings pre and post tour - Hotel bookings outside of tour dates - Travel insurance for US residents Contact owner Isabelle direct at isabelle@izaway.com
Â
HIGH END BIKE HIRE
Our hire bikes consist of latest high-end road bikes For the duration of this tour hire cost is $ 750 AUD Hire bike costs includes: !
! ! ! ! !
Carbon road bikes with small gearing Professional new season helmet, sanitised and safety standards approved Two new water bottles - yours to keep after the tour Safety saddle bag with multi-tool, spare tube, leavers and gas canister Qualified mechanical support- including daily check and clean of your bike All and any spares (if required i.e. tubes etc.)
Please note we require a valid credit card at time of booking to cover the cost of the hire bike should your hire bike be stolen or damaged outside of our normal terms of use.
e- BIKE HIRE Contact us for our limited E-bike hire
PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM
Â
Contact us at: INFO@PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM *Itinerary subject to change at any time without notice *Full terms and conditions visit www.procyclingtours.com
PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM