Travel northern Italy exploring the Italian Alps, the Swiss Alps and the Dolomites. Experience the epic climbs of the Giro d'Italia and world championships while enjoying the quaint, picturesque mountaintop villages and spectacular views. In addition to cycling, this tour provides an afternoon of wine tasting, and sensational local Italian cuisine. Climbing highlights include the challenging passes of the Stelvio, Sella, Pordoi and many others.

The tour begins in the beautiful Lake Garda area of Italy which is between Milan and Venice. This region is located at the base of the Alps mountain range and offers a wealth of spectacular climbs, incredible scenery, fantastic wine, and also is home to many of the world’s best professionals. On this tour cyclists will have the unique opportunity to participate in the famous GranFondo Pinarello cycling event. An experience your will never forget! This tour offers a healthy mix of both challenging climbs and some easier rides for rest and recovery. We spend multiple days in various locations which makes it a great tour for non-riders as well. If you would like to learn more about GranFondo events go to our Cycling Events page.

Package Includes

• Fully supported with 3 & 4 star accommodations

• Participation in the GranFondo Pinarello event

• Featuring the classic climbs of the Giro d'Italia

• Wine tasting with winery tour

• GranFondo Cycling Tours jersey included

• Follow vehicles for rides and GranFondo Event

• Multiple routes available

• Breakfasts and dinners included

• Single supplement $550

Climbing Highlights

Tour Itinerary

We will meet at our four star boutique hotel with it's wonderful view over Lake Garda to settle in for a few days. Build the bikes in our well equipped bike room and purchase any last-minute items from the local bike shop. Take an easy spin through the wineries and orchards or one of the more challenging routes prepared for the day. After the ride take a refreshing dip in the pool, grab a beer in the bar, enjoy a sauna, or treat yourself to a message. Tonight we will enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel's chef,  talk about the tour, and pass out maps and Jerseys.

• Arrival date for this tour is Monday July 12, 2010

• Departure date is Tuesday July 20, 2010

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

• For arrivals and departures see our Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Details

• Optional pick-up in Venice - call for details

Today will be a moderate intensity ride with a longer climb through the mountainous vineyards of the Valpolicella wine region. This afternoon we will enjoy wine tasting and appetizers in the lush green vineyards of Tre Colline. We will tour their wine production facilities and have a short lessen in the making of wine and olive oil. Tonight we have a special dinner planned at a reservation only agriturismo, "La Zerla." This restaurant offers a variety of local culinary delights and a good selection of wines including their own wine produced in the vineyard that surrounds the restaurant.

After breakfast we drive up the valley to 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.  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.

• Stelvio Pass - 2,758 m / 22 km / 7.5% Ave

After Breakfast we continue exploring the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. After climbing the pass of Valporola we continue on to Passo Fedia located just below the Marmolada Massif. Finish the day with a final climb over the Pordoi from the back side.

After an early breakfast we'll pack up and take a drive to Treviso. This town is located at the base of the Dolomite Mountains which is the start of the Granfondo Pinarello. We will go to the cycling expo and pick up our ride numbers. The cycling expo is a great place to buy souvenirs and see the newest cycling gear. After checking in we'll take an easy spin around the area. Today we will go to the Pinarello's main factory outlet store.

The Granfondo Pinarello is a very well run event and offers two routes, the medium route is 80 miles and the long route is 125 miles. Both rides go through the Dolomites for breathtaking climbs and countless small villages. After the ride we'll relax in town and stay for the pasta dinner.

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

Arrive back in the USA the same day and ready for work the next morning.