Epic Italy-France Tour – SOLD OUT

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

• 4 nights Cortina d’Ampezzo. Italy:

Our early afternoon pick up at Marco Polo airport is followed by a two hour transfer to our base in the Dolomites at Cortina d’Ampezzo.  We’ll get the bikes unpacked, settle in and enjoy the fantastic views across the Dolomites that we’ll be tackling over the first three rides.  We’re into the wow factor straight from the gun here, with a climb up to the visually spectacular Passo Giau.  The itinerary includes an easy ride to Lake Misurina – with a surprise for those brave enough to climb in their red zone.  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.  It’s always hard to leave the Dolomites, but riding up the mighty Passo della Stelvio during the transfer is one hell of an enticement.  This will be the ‘Cima Coppi’ of this tour, at 2758m above sea level.

• 3 nights Bormio. Italy:

We’ve got a couple of stunners right on our doorstep for the next two rides.  Our first ride from Bormio will be day six.  We’ll ride the switchbacks on the way to Lago di Cancano, which give the feeling of a micro-Stelvio. Then we’ll head on into Living for a well deserved lunch stop.  The next day is a big challenge – Passo Gavia.  This has been the location of some of our most Epic photographs over the years, including some very deep roadside snow banks.  We think we know how Andy Hampsten felt in the 1988 Giro.   The Romans were certainly ahead of their time around here – centuries before the bicycle was even invented, they established the ultimate cyclist recovery unit.  With some big climbs already conquered we think you deserve an afternoon of R&R in style.  Day eight will be spent off the bikes, transferring to Lake Como and getting straight into the lakeside lifestyle of the rich and famous.

• 2 nights Lake Como. Italy:

This is a ride to be soaked up and enjoyed – ducking in and out of the picturesque villages of Lake Como and wowing at the lakeside villas.  The pinch of a climb up Ghisallo is worth it to experience the spiritual home of cycling: the chapel of la Madonna del Ghisallo (the Patron Saint of Cycling) and the museum next door.  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!!  Day ten has us transferring across the border into France and straight into the most famous of climbs – Alpe d’Huez.  We’re sure you love riding more than driving, so you’ll have the option to ride the 21 switchbacks to our hotel at the top.

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 balconies off Huez are equally as stunning as the main climb, so we’ll enjoy them to access the Col du Glandon and Croix de Fer.  We’ll have another shot at Alpe d’Huez for those brave enough.  On day 12 we have the last transfer of this tour and it includes a few bucket list climbs along the way – Col du Lautaret, Col du Galibier and Col du Telegraphe.  The transfer takes us to St Jean de Sixt, situated in the mountains above Lake Annecy.

• 3 nights St Jean de Sixt, France:

Here we have three rides which include a lap of the stunning Lake Annecy and some of the best climbing on this tour including Col de la Colombiere, Col d’Arpettaz and Col des Aravis.  The atmosphere of sitting in the old part of Annecy while we sip coffee (or indulge in ice cream) finishes off this cycling holiday in the most rewarding way.  Our drop off point on the final day is at Geneva airport.  We are confident the planning for your next Kiwi Style Bike Tour will be well under way before we’ve even got you to the airport.

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 the scheduled rides based on short and long term weather conditions.  We are in high alpine areas and weather 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:

• The Sella Ronda.
• The spectacular Dolomites.
• Legendary Italian climbs Passo di Gavia and Passo dello Stelvio.
• The historic roman baths of Bormio.
• The stunning Lake Como
• The climbs made famous through Tour de France history – Alpe d’Huez, Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier.
• The beautiful climbs and landscapes above Lake Annecy.
• Coffee (or ice cream) in the atmosphere of Annecy old town.

Bike Hire:

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

The price for an Epic Italy France Tour bike hire is $580.00

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.

The Epic France Italy is limited to a maximum of 14 people.