Legendary Climbs WEST ~ July
11-22, 2010 ~ $4895
The
Italian Alps, straddling
the border between Italy,
Switzerland and France,
are a marvel of snow-capped
peaks,
imposing fortresses and
dreamy castles. Experience
the unique
blend of cultures while
tackling some the most
imposing climbs
of the Giro d’Italia and
Tour de France.
July
11 -
Overnight flight
to
Milan.
July
12 - A
brief van transfer will
have you assembling your
bike (or being fitted for one of ours) before a
warm-up ride in the Monferrato wine country. Enjoy the sun by the pool before our welcome dinner of Piemontese specialties.
July
13 - Homemade
cakes and cookies grace
our breakfast buffet that
will fuel your ride after
a short van transfer to
the foot of the Alps. Warm
up with an appetizer of
Montemale di Cuneo before
the main course of Colle
Fauniera on your way to
Castelmagno, home of the
famous cheese. Beppe and
Carmen will indulge us
in an authentic recreation
of cucina occitana featuring
that famous cheese at our
group dinner.
July
14 - Say
CIAO to Beppe and Carmen
and shift into your lowest
gear as we continue up Colle
Fauniera to pay our
respects at the memorial
to Marco Pantani. Be
careful on the tricky descent
before we pause for a peaceful pranzo.
After lunch tackle the
climb to Elva via spectacular
rock tunnels before you
break out of the tree-line
and onto Colle Sampeyre.
Another technical descent
awaits before an easier
climb up the Valle
Varaita to our night’s
lodging on the Passo
Agnello. Another tasty
group dinner awaits.
July
15 - This
could be our tappone as
we continue the brutal
ascent up Colle
Agnello this morning. After
crossing into France
we’ll challenge the
slopes of the fearsome Col
d’Izoard and the
more mellow Montgenevre as
we return to Italy.
Enjoy authentic pizza
before a descent and
final climb to Sestriere,
scene of Fausto Coppi’s
and Claudio Chiappucci’s,
(as well as a certain
Texan’s) dramatic stage
wins. Enjoy a sumptuous
group dinner in our
hotel’s panoramic ristorante,
you’ve earned it!
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July
16 - After
a night of restful sleep and
recovery we’ll tackle a climb
made famous by the 2005 Giro
d’Italia. We’ll
descend from Sestriere and
loop through Valle di Susa
just as the pros did before
their epic climb and recreate
the images from a
bygone era as we make our way
up the tortuous final eight
kilometers of strada
sterrata (dirt road) to the top of Colle delle Finestre. Unlike
the pros we’ll enjoy pranzo in the mountain sun on the
(thankfully paved!) descent
before climbing back to Sestriere. Open night for dinner in the
chic ski resort.
July
17 - After
the challenges of the past
two days you might welcome
one a bit easier and that’s
what we have with a descent from Sestriere followed
by the beautiful climb of Col du Mont Cenis as we
cross again into
Francia. We’ll stop for an authentic Vanoise dinner
and a good night’s sleep in the Arc valley, resting up for
the mighty
Col de l’Iseran tomorrow.
July
18 - Say
a final arrivederci to
France as we climb the
windswept Col
de l’Iseran, our Cima
Coppi at 2770 meters,
then return to Italy via
the switchbacks of the Petit
St. Bernard. We’ll
sleep in Italy just over
the border, in a classic
alpine lodging. Open night
for dinner.
July
19 - After
enjoying warm cappuccino and
fresh brioche we’ll
tackle the steep
slopes of Colle
San Carlo followed
by a technical descent
into the Aosta valley.
We’ve found a spectacular
road on the valley’s
north side offering
stunning views of Monte
Bianco. Continue
on this balcone high
above the valley
floor to our night’s
lodging above the
town of Aosta. Open
night for dinner
in the "Rome
of the Alps".
July
20 - Fuel
up at what could be
the most lavish buffet
breakfast in all of
Italy! You’ll
need it because the Gran
San Bernardo is
our challenge for today.
The pass, bordering
Switzerland, is home
to the famous dogs
but we hope we won’t
be needing their assistance
today! After a pleasant
mountain lunch, enjoy
a thrilling descent
back to Aosta. Relax
by the pool, take a
sauna or jacuzzi before
dinner at your leisure
in the lively and historic
town. |
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July
21 - Matterhorn. That’s what they call it in Switzerland but on this side it’s Cervino.
We’ll climb to the chic
ski village of Breuil-Cervinia (as
high as you can go on paved
roads!) to enjoy lunch
in the mountain sun before
a quick descent to meet
the van and our brief transfer
back to Hotel Ariotto.
We’ll repack bikes and
sneak in a swim before
our toast to a great vacation
followed by a farewell
dinner.
July
22 - Airport
shuttles.
Reserve Your Space!
Elevation
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