Self-Guided 2011 "Tutto e Solo Dolomiti" (All and Only Dolomites)
Dates:
We can discuss dates with you based on your own vacation time and availability. We can also custom the length of the trip.
Overview
Combine the cycling legends, challenge and breathtaking views in this ultimate tour. If you want to say, "I did it all," then this tour is for you. Cycle through four spectacular regions of northern Italy: Veneto, Trentino, Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardia. After conquering the most challenging and famous passes in the Dolomites (the Sella Ronda loop, Passo Giau, Falzarego, Valparola and Marmolada) you will climb the Stelvio, on a "traffic free" day when the pass is open only to cyclists if your dates can match that day. The challenge continues, as you climb the Gavia and Mortirolo passes and cycle the Bernina loop, which crosses the border into Switzerland. This tour could not end better: your last ride is on picturesque Lake Como up to the Madonna di Ghisallo. This tiny "chiesa" is home to the patron saint of cyclists, and is a must see on any trip to the region.
Suggested Trip Details (we can custom length and order of the destinations)
Length: 11 days including 2 days flight, 9 nights, 8 days of cycling. Daily Avg. Mileage: we will custom length and difficulty of the daily rides based on your ability. Terrain: From rolling to steep climbs (from 6% to 15% gradient - from 10 to 22 km distance) Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced Pick-up and Drop-off: Milan Airport
4 nights in Arabba in the heart of the Dolomites in our four stars sport hotel with spa with 3 rides in the Dolomiti
4 nights in Bormio or Livigno
1 night in Lake Como
Especially for our self-guided tours we select special accommodations that are specific cyclists friendly
If Self-guided cost/person, as suggested, is:
Cost/person
2 people
4 people
6+ people
US$
2900
2150
1850
For Self-guided the cost would include:
Pick-up and drop-off Milan airport
Maps and detailed itinerary for each ride
9 nights
9 Breakfasts
9 dinners – water & wine included (usually ¼ L per person)
9 after rides snacks
8 daily laundry for cycling clothing
Luggage transportation from one destination to the next
Two van transfers
Davanti Bike jersey
Assistance for assemble/pack your own bike or to pick-up and drop-off rental bike
Contact info for technical assistance on the road
Cost Does Not Include:
Van support or cycling guide during the rides. We can provide this option for an additional cost.
Bike rental (optional) => +Euro 30/day/bike (not included)
Note: We can custom what the cost covers. For example, if you like to explore more we can remove the dinners or the post-ride snacks.
Suggested Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Milan airport (Malpensa or Linate) and van transfer to Arabba, your destination in the Dolomites. Dinner and overnight in Arabba.
Day 2-4: Based on your own ability and time you like to spend on the bike, we will design for you three amazing loops that would include some of the most famous passes of the Dolomites that match your ability: like the 65 km Sella Ronda loop that includes the four most famous passes of the Dolomites: Campagnolo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena; the 100 km loop that includes the Giau, Falzarego and Valparola and the loop of the Marmolada glacier. Dinners and overnights in our hotel in Arabba.
Day 5-8: You leave Arabba and transfer to Bormio or Livigno, on the border with Switzerland. You will be spending 4 nights in Bormio or Livigno and ride another three amazing loops including: the Stelvio loop, the Bernina Loop, crossing the border into Switzerland. You will climb passo Mortirolo and Gavia, your choice from which side (easier or more challenging). For example, for the Gavia, the tougher side is the side from Ponte di Legno, the historical and tough side, where Andy Hampsten became the first American to win the Giro d'Italia (17 km of ascent with a few sections at 15-16%) and the Mortirolo.
Day 9: Today you leave Bormio and van-transfer to Lake Como. From there, you will ride up to the Church of the Madonna di Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists, a bestowance made in 1949 by Pope Pious XII. In the 50 years since, her hilltop chapel has become equal parts functional religious site and cycling museum, filled with artifacts and photos tracing the sport's 100+ year history. Dinner and overnight at Lake Como.
Day 10: Drop-off at Milan airport (Malpensa or Linate) and arrivederci Italia!
