The Epic Italy-France Tour takes what we’ve come to know and love from our famous Epic Tours, starting on the Italian side of the agenda and ending in France.
This is the tick box of bragging rights to the most famous climbs of the cycling world – Passo Giau, Sella Ring, Passo dello Stelvio, Passo di Gavia, Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galbier, Col de la Colombiere……all iconic and stunning.
How do you ease into things when you are on the doorstep of the famous Dolomite mountains of Italy? You’ll be chomping at the bit to get on your bike to ride from sunrise to sunset, but we’ll manage your itinerary so you enjoy this from start to finish.
Our riding starts in the Italian Dolomites – a visually spectacular area that will have you smiling from ear-to-ear as soon as you clip into your pedals. We’ve got an easy ride to Lake Misurina on the cards to start the tour – but we can put a sting in its tail for those who want to test their climbing legs. After the light ride to blow out the jet lag we get into what the Dolomites are all about – classic climbs on beautiful roads. The Passo Giau rewards you with one of the most spectacular views at its crest. The jewel in the crown is the Sella Ring – the loop of Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo, for the ultimate day on the bike.
Nestled in the Italian Alps, we have on our doorstep for the next rides – Passo Gavia, 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! There is plenty more riding ahead!
This is a location and ride to be soaked up and enjoyed – weaving in and out of the picturesque villages of Lake Como and wowing at the lakeside villas. 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 get to relive the mornings blast around the lake on the return to Como.
We transfer over the border and into France – straight into the French Alps. This is where the most famous battles of Tour de France cycling have taken place over the last century. This is where legends have been made, heroes have fallen and careers have been defined. Alpe d’Huez is the most famous climb of them all and that is where we will be staying for the next two nights. Spill your sweat on these mythical mountains – but enjoy the magnificent scenery while you do.
Let us finish this tour with a familiar Kiwi Style favourite – our ‘European home’ is just up from Lake Annecy in one of our most popular riding locations. We are on the doorstep of Col de la Colombiere, Col des Aravis, Col de la Croix Fry and the obligatory lap of Lake Annecy.
Highlights:
We have a limited number of Trek full carbon Emonda/Domane road bikes for hire.
The price for a bike hire for this tour is $750.00
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.
Airfares, travel insurance and meals unless indicated.
A limited number of Single Room options are available on this tour. A Single Occupancy accommodation supplement of $2000 applies.
A limited number of Kiwi Style rental bikes are available at a cost of $750 for this tour. These are a full carbon Trek Emonda/Domane frames with Shimano 105/Ultegra gearing or similar.
NOTE: tour prices are set more than 12 months in advance and in good faith. Small price rises may apply due to circumstances beyond our control ie, international exchange rates. These will be kept to a minimum and only applied when absolutely necessary.