The JT Italy-France Tour takes what we love from our famous Epic Tours, starting on the Italian side of the agenda and ending in France, but this is going next level to finish with a bang.
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, Mount Ventoux……and an iconic Tour de France finale to top off an incredible 17 days.
Pricing for this tour is indicative only while we wait on final tour costs being confirmed.
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 with your mates from sunrise to sunset, but we’ll manage your itinerary so you enjoy this from start to finish.
The JT Italy-France Tour 2024 itinerary includes the following locations and rides:
- 3 nights Cortina d’Ampezzo. Italy:
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.
- 3 nights Bormio. Italy:
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!
- 2 nights Lake Como. Italy:
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.
- 2 nights Alpe d’Huez, France:
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.
- 3 nights Bedoin, France:
If Alpe d’Huez is the most famous climb in France, Mt Ventoux must be a close second. We will be spending three nights on the lower slopes of Ventoux in this beautiful area of Provence. While the Ventoux ride will be a highlight, our favourites are actually some of the roads that wind their way up the gorges, through the vineyards and across the lavender fields in this stunning region.
- 3 nights Nice, France:
Let us finish this tour with a huge finalé – what better way than with the most unique Tour de France finish in history. No, it’s not the Champs Elysees, but two stages based out of Nice, including a final 34km Time Trial to crown the 2024 Tour de France champion. We will spend three nights in the hype and chaos of Tour de France action. Tour de France and Cote d’Azure – you couldn’t get any more ‘French summer’ if you tried.
Highlights:
- The spectacular Italian Dolomites.
- The Sella Ring.
- Legendary Italian climbs Passo di Gavia and Passo dello Stelvio.
- The stunning Lake Como.
- The climbs made famous through Tour de France history – Alpe d’Huez and Mt Ventoux.
- Roadside at the 2024 Tour de France final stages.
- The best cycling destinations in Italy and France!
Bike Hire:
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
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.
What’s included in the tour package?
- 16 nights’ Share Twin or Double accommodation.
- All breakfasts while on tour.
- 8 dinners while on tour.
- All transport and transfers while on tour.
- Pick up from Marco Polo Airport, Venice.
- Drop off to Nice Airport.
- 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.
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.
