If you were to pick a bucket list of famous rides and locations to pack into a two week tour, this is it. Whether it’s your first European tour and you want a taste of different regions of France and Italy, or you’re an experienced campaigner that knows the variety on offer here is hard to beat, you will love this from start to finish. The famous and spectacular area around Lake Annecy is a perfect intro into what European cycling is all about. The infamous Alpe d’Huez and Col du Galibier give a glimpse into and appreciation for what the heroes of our sport are faced with when they pin a Tour de France number on. Lake Como – what can we say, the beauty is jaw dropping, the riding is off the charts fun and the lifestyle is world famous. The Stelvio and Gavia climbs out of Bormio are the highlights of the Italian Alps and finally the spectacular Dolomites top things off in a way you never thought possible.
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.
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.
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!!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
Tour Guide
Richy has been guiding for Kiwi Style since 2012. He is at home on the high alpine mountains - descending them anyway. He is the muscle of the team of guides, providing a great draft on the flat rides and friendly banter when the road starts pointing upwards. Richy will...Owner
Jake Rowse is the owner of Kiwi Style Bike Tours, having taken over the reigns from company founder Richard Scott in 2017. Jakes first year guiding for Kiwi Style was 2012, while he and his wife and two daughters were living in France. Jake has been a keen cyclist, racing...Tour Guide
Blair Rouse joined the Kiwi Style guiding team in 2019. He is a regular competitor in masters races around the South Island for his Armitage Williams Race Team. He is the climbing weapon we call on to keep the feisty clients in check when the road goes up. Poor Blair...