FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE TUE 30 AUG | TRANSFER AND WELCOME
Our first day commences at 9:00am with a group airport transfer from Malpensa airport to our alpine base in Bormio. On arrival, there will be a light, delicious Welcome lunch and Tour Introduction. After bike set-up, a short, ride to the impressive Torri Fraele. Want a little more? You can throw in the climb to Bormio 2000. Welcome to the Italian Alps!
30KM | 900M ELEVATION
+20KM | 700M ELEVATION
DAY TWO WED 31 AUG | STELVIO LOOP
A truly magnificent loop, with the challenge of riding all three sides of the Stelvio. Pace yourself up the ‘easier’ side from Bormio, and then slalom down the Umbrail Pass into Switzerland. A scenic, warp speed downhill to Glorenza, before we commence the deceptively, gentle start to this long legendary ascent. The bubbling stream and alpine pastures soon give way to the 48 hairpins that lead inexorably to the summit. Swoop back down to Bormio and soak in the thermal baths of this spa town.
102KM | 3200M ELEVATION
DAY THREE THU 1 SEP | PASSO GAVIA LOOP
Excellent climb, through the pines, past the rugged, rocky landscape to the reflection lakes at the summit of Passo Gavia. Technical descent into Ponte di Legno before we tackle the Mortirolo ‘easy’ side from Monno. Warm-up for tomorrow!
105KM | 2950M ELEVATION
DAY FOUR FRI 2 SEP | BORMIO TO BELLAGIO
Great ride as we cruise down the Valtellina, and then climb the classic side of Mortirolo. A definite bucket-list ascent, this is your Queen stage. Leave nothing behind! Brilliant recovery course on the ridge overlooking the valley, and then it’s downhill to Lake Como and flat riding all the way to the ferry.
165KM | 2500M ELEVATION
DAY FIVE SAT 3 SEP | TRANSFER TO PIEDMONT
Morning loop and ascent to Ghisallo, traditional inclusion in the race of the 'falling leaves, the Giro di Lombardia. The chapel of the patron saint of cyclists, and excellent cycling museum at the summit are well worth a visit. For those with the legs, there is the option of tackling the Muro di Sormano! Afternoon transfer to Alba, in Piedmont, where almost every business is related to wine or food!
50KM | 1300M ELEVATION
DAY SIX SUN 4 SEP | ALBA LOOP
We venture into Barbaresco terrain on today’s route, and into the beautiful rolling hills of the Alta Langhe for some riding at its best. The day wouldn't be complete with out some wine tasting.
85KM | 1300M ELEVATION
DAY SEVEN MON 5 SEP | ALBA TO MOMBARUZZO
Classic Piemontese cycling to the home of the delicious, light as air, Amaretti biscuits.
95KM | 2700M ELEVATION
DAY EIGHT TUE 6 SEP | MOMBARUZZO TO GAVI
A beautiful ride to Villa Sparina and its impressive cellar, near Gavi. Famous for ravioli, Gavi is a fitting location for our final destination.
100KM | 1800M ELEVATION
DAY NINE WED 7 SEP | GAVI LOOP TO MARCAROLO
Today we head into the Natural Park of Capanne di Marcarolo. From here, the Genovese sourced oak for their ships.
80KM | 2000M ELEVATION
DAY TEN THU 8 SEP | GAVI LOOP TO CASTELLANIA
A visit for cyclists to Piedmont would not be complete without a ride to the home town of Fausto Coppi. Ride the roads on which Fausto and his brother founded their cycling skills. Celebration dinner in La Gallina restaurant at Villa Sparina.
90KM | 1400M ELEVATION
DAY ELEVEN FRI 9 SEP | GOODBYE
Morning group transfer to Malpensa airport, Milan.
Time to say farewell, until next time!