Bike Tours Italian Alps - Classic Climbs
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Gateway :
Arrive: Innsbruck, Austria by 14 July Depart: Innsbruck, Austria 29 July
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Italian Alps – Classic Climbs (NEW UPDATED ITINERARY FOR 2012) (Bormio to Cortina to Zoncolan) 14 - 29 July 2012
Ride Rating: Hors Category (river routes, steep climbs, some gradual climbs and long descents)
Cost: 3150 Euro per person double occupancy 3650 Euro per person single occupancy |
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Day 1 – Innsbruck arrive
Day 2 – Pfunds
Day 3 – Bormio
Day 4 – Bormio
Day 5 – Merano
Day 6 – Brixen
Day 7 – Corvara
Day 8 – Corvara
Day 9 – Cortina
Day 10 – Cortina
Day 11 – Ravascletto
Day 12 –Ravascletto
Day 13 – Ravascletto
Day 14 – Bruneck
Day 15 – Innsbruck
Day 16 – Innsbruck depart
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The Classic Climbs of the Italian Alps itinerary was inspired while we were riding the Route des Grandes Alpes from Geneve to Nice. One morning while enjoying café and croissants the question was asked, “how can the riding get any better than this?” Now the answer to that question is never easy, but for some reason the topic of amazing meals came into the discussion. Thus was born the 2011 Italian Alps itinerary to include not only the amazing Dolomiti climbs, the famous Stelvio-Gavia-Mortirolo triumvirate, but dining experiences that are over the top delicious too.
We begin our approach to the Italian Alps from the banks of the Inns River in Austria. Innsbruck with centuries of experience hosting travelers and merchants is the perfect locale to launch our adventure, which will be punctuated by tiny roads less traveled and stunning vistas overlooking deep valleys and towering mountains. So we will ride upstream from Innsbruck beside small streams and amid tall trees as we approach the borders between Italia, Austria and Switzerland near the base of the Reschenpass.
The intimidating and demanding Passo Stelvio (Stlifserjoch) will inspire you, challenge you and perhaps humble you as you climb the 49 switchbacks from Prato allo Stelvio (950m) into the thin air of Passo Stelvio (2757m) or 1808m climb (just under 6000’) in 24km (about 15miles). The rewards are many as we ride thru ever changing zones of vegetation and vistas on the twisting road into the sky. The descent into Bormio is an exhilarating culmination of a legendary route.
Bormio is renowned for it’s spas and thermal bathes, delicious wines from nearby vineyards and as the host of numerous World Cup Skiing Championships. Our hosts enjoy all that is Bormio and are delighted to share their “house” with us in the Grand Dining room each evening. And of course the Passo Gavia, where Andy Hampsten rode into the Pink Giro d’ Italia leaders jersey during a snowstorm, is just a few kilometers from the front door.
Meran the historical capital of the Sud-Tirol is our next stop. After climbing partway up Passo Stelvio and into Switzerland we descend thru apple orchards and vineyards on farm roads to the Forst Brewery for a brief pause to relax before the final few kilometers to our historic hotel in the center of Meran (now known as Merano in Italian). Along the way we traverse apple orchards and vineyards where we glimpse the stunning beauty of the Dolomiti. We will sleep in the shadows of the Dolomiti and Brenta ranges and enjoy local wines produced from nearby vines of Mezzocorona, Val di Non, Caldaro and Bolzano.
Rising high above the Adige River we finally arrive on the western shoulder of the Dolomiti beneath the Scilliar cliffs. Arriving in Corvara for “dessert night” we are in the heart of the Dolomiti as we climb passes made famous by il Giro della Italia. The famous Sella Ronde becomes our domain for the next few nights before cycling further into the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Dolomiti. The serpentine routes of Passo Pordoi, Passo Pellegrino, Passo Giau and the mighty Marmelade beckon us to press ever upward to view stunning scenery. Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Aspen of Italian skiing circles, so we are treated to great meals and gracious hospitality from our Italian hosts.
The Dolomiti (Dolomites) take their name from the scientist who first recognized the rock formations as different and distinct from all other formations in Western Europe. Indeed, the Dolomiti are primarily formations resulting from the uplift of ancient coral beds of the nearby Mediterranean Sea. The near vertical walls create stunning vistas and lens filling landscapes that are unparalleled. The high pastures provide a beautiful green tapestry of contrasting color where herds graze and flocks migrate to higher ground during the hot summer months. The herder and hiker huts provide refuge from sudden storms and a welcome respite for hungry travelers traversing historic trade routes linking remote valleys and villages.
The amazingly beautiful Tre Cime di Lavaredo forms the backdrop of our traverse into the Carnia region of Friuli where we enjoy roads less traveled and a pace of life lived with relaxed elegance. The intimidating Monte Zoncolan will be our inspiration for the myriad loop options from our base in Ravascletto. The "secret passage" road takes us on an exploration of the remote magical valleys of upper Carnia and to a historic brewery and typical sausage makers.
Completing our tour, we leave the dramatic Dolomiti behind as we ride the nearly deserted historical old road over the Brennerpass to our hotel in Innsbruck to pack bikes and enjoy a wonderful meal where Italian cuisine meets Austrian delicacies. And don't miss the best gelateria we have found in all of our travels.
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Highlights:
Passo Stelvio
Passo Gavia
Passo Mortirolo
Passo Falzarego
TreCime di Lavaredo
Passo Tre Croce
Passo Erbe
Sella Ronde – (Heart of the Dolomites Loop)
Passo San Pellegrino
Passo Rolle
Passo Costalungo
Forst Brewery
Castles and vistas
Cucine tippici (local foods and flavors)
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Accommodations: 3-4 Star Austrian & Italain inns and hotels; always clean, always well situated for post-ride relaxation
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Included: 15 nights lodging, 15 breakfasts, 13 dinners with dinner drinks, ride snacks and drinks, luggage transfers, van support (sag wagon), ride guides, detailed route maps and descriptions, gateway airport transfer on designated arrival/departure days. |
Excluded: Lunches, 2 dinners, gratuities, airfare, trip insurance, ski lifts, |