Participate in Italy's most famous Granfondo!-- the Maratona dles Dolomites -- this tour features some of the best passes in the Dolomites and many of Italy's toughest climbs. The Maratona is Italy's' most popular Granfondo and is the only public cycling event in Italy in which the roads are completely closed to traffic! Each year over 30,000 people try to gain entry into this event by putting their name into a lottery for the 8500 spots. This year we have 14 entries for our clients. This tour sold out quickly last year so if you know you want to go, reserve your spot now. The popularity of this tour is certainly based on its majestic setting in the Dolomites, the Maratona event and the striking cycling routes that follow legendary climbs.  Climbing highlights of our tour include the "must ride" passes of  the Passo Pordoi, Sella, Campolongo, Giau,  the Fedaia located just below the massif of the Marmolada and from Popular demand the infamous Passo Stelvio.

Our hotel is the very luxurious Hotel Christallo located in la Villa where the event starts. The location of the hotel is ideal  being close to both the start and finish. This hotel boasts a full service Spa and wellness center, where all manner of treatments and messages are available. The hotel also has a  indoor swimming pool, whirl-pool and Turkish bath. To keep your legs moving daily massages are possible anytime from our own massage therapist on staff. To provide the best tour possible we have limited this tour to maximum of 14 riders, so reserve your space now. If you would like to learn more about Granfondo cycling events in beautiful Italia go to our Cycling Events page.

Package Includes

Tour Itinerary

We will pick you up at the Verona airport and bring you to our three star sporting hotel near Lake Garda. Build your bike in our well equipped bike room then take a spin or relax by the pool. Tonight we will enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel's chef,  talk about the tour, and pass out maps and Jerseys. Verona is centrally located and can also be reached easily from Venice or Milan by shuttle.

• Arrival date for this tour is Tuesday, June 24, 2008

• Early arrival is available for Monday, June 23, 2008 and highly recommended

• Departure date is Tuesday, July 01, 2008

• Arrival and departures from the Verona VRN airport or Milan & Venice by shuttle

• See Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Schedule

That's right. By popular demand the Passo Stelvio has been added as the first leg of our journey to the dolomites. Test your courage and stamina against today's highest Alpine pass. Today will be an epic ride conquering the famous Stelvio Pass, first introduced into the Giro d'Italia in 1953 and made famous after Fausto Coppi's victory. Riders will have the option of crossing through Switzerland and back on the Umbrail Pass. Non-riders on this tour will appreciate a ride to the top with the support van. At the top we will enjoy the view of the Italian and Swiss Alps while sipping on cappuccinos and watching tourists from all over the world mill about in this exciting atmosphere. A German sausage sandwich from the cart vendor is always a favorite on this route. Enjoy this epic climb and return to our hotel located at the base of the climb.

Today we travel to region of the Dolomiti with our first ride around the Sellaronda massif. This moderate loop will take us over the Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes at a leisurely pace.

After Breakfast we get on our bikes and explore the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. We will take a loop ride along part of the granfondo course in reverse and add an additional climb of the leg breaking Passo Fedia located just below the Marmolada Massif, in conjunction with the Passo Valparola and Pordoi from the back side.

Today we will take a short ride to stretch our legs and prepare for the big event tomorrow. After the ride we will head over to the registration area and pick up our race packets and clothing. As part of our tour you will receive an official Maratona dles Dolomiti jersey and shorts. The registration area is a great place to have lunch and spend time looking at all the latest cycling gear. Tonight we will have a pre-race dinner and talk about the event.

After an early breakfast we will ride together to the start of the big event. The air will electrified with excitement as all the riders arrive at the start. You have the choice of  three routes: the Maratona dles Dolomites course (138 km, 4190m), the Middle Course (106km, 3090m), and the Sellaronda course ( 55km, 1780m). Climbing highlights include the passes of the Pordoi, Sella, Campolongo and Giau. After the ride we will re-group at our hotel and enjoy a well deserved dinner.

After the Maratona Granfondo we'll travel back to the lake area and finish with a spectacular loop through the Adige valley to conclude our vacation.

Additional rides based on departure times.