Epic France-Italy Tour August 2022

The Epic France-Italy 2022 itinerary includes the following locations and rides:

• 3 nights St Jean de Sixt, France:

Here we have three rides to get the legs into the swing of things.  We ride around the stunning Lake Annecy.  We’ll give you an introduction to alpine climbing including Col de la Colombiere, Col d’Arpettaz and Col des Aravis.  We then turn the climbing up a notch for the fourth ride, ticking off the famous french climbs on a transfer over Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d’Huez.

• 2 nights Alps d’Huez, France:

There’s more mountains to tackle while we are in the heart of this most famous mountain region of France – the Col du Glandon and Croix de Fer and another shot at Alpe d’Huez for those brave enough.  A well earned rest day is next on the cards while we transfer to Lake Como.  On arrival we enjoy settling into the lifestyle of the rich and famous for the afternoon.

• 2 nights Lake Como. Italy:

This is a ride to be soaked up and enjoyed – weaving in and out of the picturesque villages of Lake Como and pondering the lifestyles the lakeside villas offer.  The climb up the Ghisallo is worth every drop of sweat.  At the top is the spiritual home of cycling: the chapel of la Madonna del Ghisallo (the Patron Saint of Cycling). After a lunch stop in Bellagio we have various great options for the trip back to Como – biking around the lake is irresistible, but so is the boat ride.  The tough choices we have to make in this part of the world!!

• 3 nights Bormio. Italy:

Nestled in the Italian Alps, we have on our doorstep for the next four rides – Passo Gavia, Livigno, Lago di Cancano and the high point of this tour – the famous Passo dello Stelvio at 2758m above sea level.  All this stunning climbing is an absolute visual feast, but the legs might begin to get a bit wary.  Luck would have it, the local Roman baths are the perfect way to recover. Relax! Enjoy! We ride again tomorrow!

• 4 nights Cortina d’Ampezzo. Italy:

Our final rides are in the Italian Dolomites – a visually spectacular area that rewards every bit of effort to get to the view points.  We’ve got an easy ride to Lake Misurina on the cards – but we can put a sting in its tail for those who want to test their climbing legs.  The Passo Giau has one of the most rewarding views at its crest (to be enjoyed with a famous hot chocolate).   The jewel in the crown is the Sella Ronda – the loop of Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo, for the ultimate day on the bike.

Each Kiwi Style Bike Tour has a full ride itinerary, which includes shorter ride options where practicable.  We provide an atmosphere where no ride is compulsory and can advise which rides to shorten to ensure you enjoy all of the features of this tour.  We have the experience and knowledge of the areas to make changes and adjustments to ensure the best cycling experience.  We are in high alpine areas and weather that can have a major impact on ride options.  We aim to accommodate the needs and abilities of all riders in each group and will recommend changes accordingly.

Highlights:

• Riding in the mountains around Lake Annecy
• The climbs made famous through Tour de France history – Alpe d’Huez, Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier.
• The stunning Lake Como.
• Legendary Italian climbs Passo di Gavia and Passo dello Stelvio.
• Recovery in the Bormio Roman baths.
• The spectacular Dolomites.
• The Sella Ronda.

Bike Hire:

We have a limited number of Scott full carbon (or equivalent) road bikes for hire.

The price for an Epic France Italy Tour bike hire is $650.00

Difficulty rating:

The Epic France-Italy is rated 4 star, with numerous alpine climbs on most riding days.  While you don’t need to be a racer you will need to have a very good standard of fitness to enjoy this tour.

This tour has one full rest day scheduled in the itinerary – but remember no rides are compulsory.

What’s included in the tour package?

• 14 nights’ share twin accommodation.
• All breakfasts while on tour.
• 12 dinners while on tour.
• All transport and transfers while on tour.
• Pick up from Annecy train station.
• Drop off to Marco Polo airport, Venice.
• Guided cycle rides.
• Support van on most rides.
• One Kiwi Style Bike Tours cycle top and bib shorts.

Not included in the tour package:

Airfares, travel insurance and meals unless indicated.

Single room option is available on this tour – an accommodation supplement of $1500 applies.

Rental bikes are available for the 2023 Epic Tours at a cost of $650.  These are a full carbon Scott Addict frames with Shimano Ultegra gearing or similar.

The Epic France Italy is limited to a maximum of 12 people.