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August 31 - CASTELFRANCO VENETO We’ll meet you at the Venice airport and transport you to our hotel in nearby Castelfranco. You’ll have the rest of the day to
assemble bikes (plenty of help provided!), explore the town, or take a nap. We’ll get acquainted at dinner tonight at our hotel, then enjoy an overview of the tour along with dessert.
Sept 1 – CASTELFRANCO VENETO
- 60 to 75 miles, 6000
ft of climbing Today we follow one of the most famous cycling routes in northern Italy, the climb up Monte Grappa. Our route takes us through the town of Citadella, which was built specifically as a boastful tribute to and by the royalty
in Padua. We continue on to Bassano del Grappa along the Brenta River valley, home to many grand old villas and beautiful gardens, testament to the wealth in past centuries of Venice and Padua. As we cycle past these wonderful villas we’ll
travel through orchards and vineyards, testament to the modern day wealth of this region. For weary, jet lagged legs, the nearly 5500 foot climb up Monte Grappa will be one of the hardest single climbs of the tour. Another option is to
take an easier, flat ride, getting back early to the hotel for either relaxing or wandering the walled city of Castelfranco.
Sept 2 - ASIAGO
- 50mi, 3200ft, or 61mi, 3300ft Following in the footsteps of the inhabitants of Vicenza, we’ll
head north to the cool green mountain plateau of Asiago (3258ft elevation). The fertile Veneto region has nurtured the creative soul of Italian culture from the early 800’s to modern times. We’ll cycle through Asolo, one of the most
enchanting regions in Italy. Bassano del Grappa, famous for it’s ceramics and distilled liquor, is another fascinating town, inviting exploration and a mid-day lunch at one of many small restaurants. From here we leave the flat plains
behind and begin in earnest our climbing adventure of the Dolomites. Climbing up to the Altopiano (high plateau) of Asiago we’ll enjoy the lush green meadows where great forests once stood before being harvested by Venetians for her
galleys. The villages of the Altopiano were almost entirely destroyed during the First World War, but today thrive with an abundance of ski resorts and refugios all served by the rich beauty of the mountains.
Sept 3 – ASIAGO
- 41mi,
3000ft, or 61mi, 5000ft Today’s ride is one of those rides where you will ask yourself, “Can bike riding get any better? Why isn’t this route famous?” We leave Asiago climbing gradually towards the mountains to the north; the lush
greenery gives the landscape a surreal appearance. Just after cresting a small pass, we begin a long twisting descent, with a new and superb view at every corner; not of big mountains but of ridges, valleys, meadows, and the little nooks
and crannies of this wonderful area. Finally reaching the Astico valley, we take a very small road that eventually starts climbing up the side of the ridge via tiny little switchbacks piled one on top of the other. We traverse high above
the deep and steep Val d’Assa, eventually ending back in Asiago. This route is true bicycle heaven. Before reaching the top of the ridge, the long route takes another tiny road down a dizzying descent of even more switchbacks layered
like confetti at a party. The final climb back to Asiago continues with more switchbacks and more views. Back at the hotel there will be many beers shared over the telling and retelling of the day’s adventure, before sitting down to our
delicious evening meal.
Sept 4 – LEVICO TERME
- 25mi, 1350ft, or 50mi, 5000ft, or 85mi, 8000ft Much of today’s ride is similar to yesterday’s, lots of switchbacks, lots of great views, the same dramatic scenery. The early morning
riding will be mostly thrilling descents, down the steep ridgeline of the Val d’Assa, then down the amazing layered switchbacks. Finally our first major pedal strokes come as we start a climb of one of the many small beautiful roads in
this area. From the Passo di Vena, the route winds across a series of ridges, staying at altitude until the final descent to Caldenazzo, and finally Levico Terme. The long route takes us south from Asiago to Schio. It is easy to see why
the 50 kilometers from here to Roverto is a favorite training ride of the local pro cyclists: a long gradual climb followed by a similar, but high speed, descent through vineyards and meadows, past farm houses and small villages –all in
all, a very exhilarating stretch of road. Levico Terme is a beautiful historic town and well worth exploring on foot, including the ancient Rhaetian walled village above town.
Sept 5 – CLES
- 68mi, 2300ft or 79mi, 6400ft This morning we
start with a gentle climb along the lakeshore to Pergine, with a short side trip to the castle ruins above town; here we’ll enjoy superb views of the entire upper valley. As we head north up to the Plateau de Pine, the small roads have
almost no traffic, as the wealth of this region is from mining, not tourism. Still the landscape is beautiful. We pass two glacier-fed lakes which, in winter turn into skating rinks. In fact, it was here in 1995 where the world speed
skating championships were held. Near Segonzano, we pass through a striking region of rocks eroded into spiky towers crowned with large boulders, like natural umbrellas. A long gradual descent brings us to the Adige River; here both sides
of the valley are covered with neatly trimmed vineyards, as far as the eye can see. As we climb to Cles, the vineyards are replaced by apple orchards, and the mountains of the Brenta group loom overhead. In Cles, be sure to visit Fondriest’s
bike shop. Gelato tasting is a must, with dazzling selection of gelaterias in this town.
Sept 6 – CLES loop
- 83mi, 6400ft Today’s ride circles the entire Brenta Group. These mountains are totally separate from the other dolomites, but
equally beautiful and unique. The first climb takes us to a high valley, known as the green island in the mountains, between the Brenta and Monte Paganella, and then along the shores of Lago di Molvena. After a long descent, we climb up
the Valle Rendena, between the glacier-clad Brenta and the even higher Adamello mountains to the west. A side trip up the Val di Genova, considered one of the most beautiful valley in all the Alps, is well worth it, but adds up to 20 miles
to an already long day. The beautifully situated resort town of Madonna di Campiglio (the Empress gardens) marks the high point of the day, and has wonderful views of snow-capped peaks in all directions. Seventeen miles of downhill brings
us back to our hotel in Cles, for well-deserved relaxing, beer drinking, gelato tasting, and basking in the glow of a ride well done. For those with tired legs today, there is a wonderful 10-mile ride up to Lago di Tovel. A one-hour hike
around the lake is an option, with two tiny snack bars for food and drink along the way.
Sept 7 – SIUSI ALLO SCILIAR
- 45mi, 5500ft, or 68mi, 7800ft, or 90mi, 11,300 ft We start with a beautiful climb through the apple orchards, which
give way to mountain meadows, on our way to Passo di Mendola. As we descend to Appiano sulla Strada di Vino (Appiano on the wine road) we once again see vine covered hills stretching on into the distance. Historical riches from the wine
business have left Appiano with more than 40 castles and manor houses. A short side trip to St. Michele d’Appiano is worth the time spent to see the Bronze Age citadel, the castle, and the many renaissance houses. Bolzano, with its high,
narrow gabled houses, beer cellars and arcaded streets, is excellent for exploring and lunching at any small restaurant, but it is also quite busy with tourists. The long route climbs into the mountains high above Bolzano, missing the city
entirely. The ride after lunch is one of the best of the tour. A very small, forested road, with absolutely no traffic, leads steeply at times, into the hills, circling around Monte Renon, passing the Longostagno Pyramids (worth the short
hike). Approaching our hotel, we see looming above us, the sheer red and white rock face of the Sciliar, one of the most beautiful mountains of all the Dolomites.
Sept 8 - PASSO PORDOI
- 30mi, 6000ft, or 49mi, 8400ft
Today we hit the big
time, the grande Dolomites, awe inspiring rock monoliths, green meadows beneath vertical cliffs, snow capped peaks, some of the most impressive landscape in the world. The roads that lie like fallen ribbon connecting one pass with another
are the most famous cycling roads in Italy. Here is where the champion of the Tour of Italy emerges from the peleton. The Grand Strada della Dolomiti, a road built between 1895 and 1909, is our route for the day. Starting near Bolzano we
cycle up the Val d’Ega, a breathtaking, narrow, deep, red-colored gorge, “Mother Nature’s sore throat.” At the Passo di Costalunga we pass between two magnificent mountains, the craggy peaks of the Latemar group loom up to the
right, while the rosy pinnacles of Rosengarten soar up to the left. Descending, we pass beneath the even more spectacular eastern face of the Rosengarten, on our way to Canazei. After lunch, or a gelato snack, we tackle the Passo Pordoi,
one of Europe’s most beautiful climbs, and matched only by the other passes in the Gruppo di Sella. The views from our hotel at the pass are magnificent, truly an amazing place to spend two nights.
Sept 9 – PORDOI loops
- 34mi, 5900ft,
or 52mi, 7800ft Another day, another cycling “tour de force”; we continue cycling the Grand Strada della Dolomiti. The list of passes on today’s ride reads like a Giro de Italia stage, Passo di Sella, Passo di Gardena, Passo di
Falzarego, Passo di Campolongo, and Passo Pordoi. All of these passes (except the Falzarego) will be in this year’s Giro d’Italia. Circling the Gruppo di Sella, some of the Dolomite’s most impressive mountains, our route is a famous
alpine traverse for cyclists. Expect to see more cyclists than cars. Although short in mileage, it is huge in grandeur, steeped in history and culture, and challenging in the climbs. It will be a day of everlasting memories.
Sept 10 - CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
- 51mi, 5600ft Today we finish the Grand Strada della Dolomiti at Cortina, but first we start the day with a visit to the Marmolada, the mightiest mountain in the Dolomites. From the Pordoi we descend to Canazei (coffee
anyone?) and begin the steep climb up to the Marmolade and Passo di Fedaia. This is an imposing mountain, with huge views in all directions. Any extra film in your camera will be gone long before you leave this pass. It may seem like a
short day, but any extra time you may have can be well spent in Cortina. Located at the intersection of two valleys, and surrounded by a ring of extraordinary mountains, Cortina enjoys the best location of the Dolomites. Plenty of shops,
biergartens, restaurants and gelatorias, not to mention the nightlife; there is plenty to keep one busy in town.
Sept 11 - CORTINA loops
- 25mi, 2700ft, or 70mi, 8200ft More beautiful alpine scenery lies ahead on today’s ride. Starting
with a climb up the Passo Tre Croci, we soon come to the shimmering deep blue Lago di Misurina, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Cristallo group. Those choosing the short ride today should climb the 7 km up to the base of the
remarkable triple-spired mountain, Tre Cime di Lavaredo. A long downhill through a deep valley, past a number of alpine lakes, brings us to Dobbiaco and the start of another beautiful climb. The Val Fiscalina is one of the most dramatic
valleys in the Dolomites, and the short climb is well worth the extra effort. The rest of the day continues on small mountain roads, through yet more breathtaking alpine scenery.
Sept 12– SOSPIROLO
- 59mi, 7200ft, or 69mi, 9000ft Our last
day in the mountains yields once again a tremendous ride, as we head south all the way back to the Veneto lowlands. Climbing one of the lesser traveled passes above Cortina, Passo di Giau is the 3rd highest pass of the tour. After a quick
descent, we climb up into the Valle di Zoldo, passing between the 2nd and 3rd tallest mountains in the Dolomites, the imposing Monte Civetta, and Monte Pelmo, one of the most unusual and striking peaks. A very important note, the Zoldo
valley is Italy’s gelato center, nearly all the deity of Europe’s home-made ice cream producers are natives from here, and every year returning in November for the annual International Ice Cream Fair to compare notes, techniques and
new flavors. Staying at high altitude in this beautiful alpine valley, we take an even smaller road over Passo Duran, and then our last big descent to Agordo, with a gradual downhill to the Piave River valley and our hotel. The longer
route climbs one last tiny pass into the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi and descends slowly through the forests.
Sept 13 – CASTELFRANCO VENETO
- 55mi, 2000ft
Our last day of cycling is a leisurely one, a chance to savor our last
tastes of this great country. The early morning route takes us over the final set of hills before the Veneto plains. At the Passo di San Boldo, we’ll stop for a memorable view of the Dolomite mountain range to the north, our home for the
last two weeks. We traverse along the base of the hills, through the vineyards, from village to village. At Valdobbiadene we will visit a local winery for tasting and lunch, before retuning to Castelfranco. After packing up our bikes,
ordering beers, and reminiscing on our most glorious two weeks of cycling, we will enjoy our farewell dinner at the hotel.
Sept 14 - Departure Van transport is provided to the Venice airport
COST - $2650 per person based on Double Occupancy $500 Single Supplement
INCLUDES
·2-3 star Hotel Accommodations ·
·Breakfast daily (except arrival day) ·Dinner daily (except one night and arrival/departure days)
·Airport transfers from/to Geneva & Nice airports
·Bike mechanic and van
support with cellular phone
·Ground transportation for all passengers, luggage & bikes
·Regional map plus detailed daily route maps & cue sheets
NOT INCLUDED
· ·International airfare
·Tips, gratuities, laundry, telephone, & items of a personal nature.
·Lunches and alcoholic beverages (a supplemental fee will be charged for those who want wine with dinner, and can be
prepaid before departure)
PRE-TRIP PLANNING A complete trip packet will be sent upon receipt of your final payment, including tour t-shirt, hotel lists, maps, and luggage tags. Our guidebook containing information on what to bring, how to
pack your bike for flying, equipment list, and changing currencies, will be sent upon receipt of your secondary deposit (due by March 1). All participants must possess a current passport.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Erickson Cycle Tours strongly
recommends purchasing insurance for trip cancellation, injury, illness, and loss of effects. A traveler's insurance brochure will be included in your confirmation letter.
AIRFARE
We offer the services of our travel agent, Claus Claussen of
Des Peres Travel in obtaining economical, expedient air reservations, and we can assist with lodging for pre- and post-tour plans. For flight information, contact Des Peres Travel at 1.800.264.7717, or dptravel@primary.net. If you prefer,
you may use the services of your own travel agent. |
