2020 Northern Italy Cycling Tour - Lakes, Alps and Dolomites

2020 The best of Northern
Italy Tour
Lakes, Alps & Dolomites

The best of
Northern Italy Tour
Lakes, Alps & Dolomites
We are excited to again offer our most popular cycling holiday through three of Italy’s most picturesque
regions. A fully support 10 day extravaganza of cycling and sightseeing. No matter what level or rider you
are, we have your back, with plenty of support both on and off the bike.
You will be captivated by the beauty and serenity of the Italian Lakes, the awe-inspiring and ancient jagged
Dolomites and not forgetting the breathtaking Italian Alps. You will ride some of the world’s most famous
climbs including the amazing Passo dello Stelvio (2760m) , the Passo di Gavia (2621m), the four passes of
the Sella Ronda in the Dolomites and a few more for good measure. Experience the best Italy has to offer
with unquestionably the best team in the industry.
Slumber in superb accommodation, dine on classic Italian & South Tyrolean cuisine matched with plenty of
local wines and travel in peace and comfort both on and off the bike, assured in the knowledge that we take
care of everything for you from the moment you arrive to the moment we bid you ‘arrivederci’.
As for the cycling, no stone has been left unturned. All levels of riders are catered for as well as non-cycling
partners, who are considered with alternative daily activities. We explore the classic cycling routes within
these three iconic regions whilst providing you with all the support you need. You will achieve your goals and
cycle up, down and along many of our favourite roads, including Lakes Maggiore, Lugano and Como, the
classic Giro d’Italia routes in the Dolomites, the sublime Italian Alps, which have featured may times in the
Giro d’Italia.
With so much to see and do off the bike, this tour is also the perfect holiday for partners who ride a little or
not at all.
We hope you enjoy our Best of Northern Italy Tour itinerary and if you have any questions whatsoever, we’d
love to answer them! As with the past years, this tour will sell out.
We look forward to welcoming you to Italy in 2019. Let yourself be ‘treated like a PRO by the PROS’.
DATES: 3 – 12 August 2020 (10days / 9nights)
PRICE:
GROUP SIZE:
START/FINISH:
CONTACT:
$6,150 AUD ($5,950 AUD for non riders)
Maximum of 14 guests with 4 staff
Italy (Malpensa International Airport)
info@procyclingtours.com

DAY 1 BENVENUTI IN ITALIA 3 AUGUST
We will collect you from Milan Malpensa International
airport and travel the short distance to our beautiful
lakeside hotel in Luino on the Italian/Swiss border
where we will spend the next 2 nights on
picturesque Lake Maggiore.
Once checked in we will be available to help set up your
bike or introduce you to your hire bike, then depending
on how you feel, we will go for a ride along the lake and
perhaps take in a little climb of the region so to stretch
out the lungs and legs.
The city of Luino is located in the spacious plain at the end
of Valtravaglia and is the most important city on the
Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore. The first thing to do in
Luino is to stroll down the grandiose lakeside promenade,
dotted by gigantic plane trees and the harmonious
architecture of the buildings delimiting the old Napoleonic
harbour. Palazzo Verbania, which is home to the library
and Civic Museum of Archaeology and Palaeontology. A
stroll through the historic centre is also pretty, with its
steep narrow pedestrian alleyways, Renaissance and
Baroque palaces, loggias on the inner courtyards, craft
shops and cafes.
Our 4 star hotel is a charming villa dating back to the late
nineteenth century, located on the prestigious lakefront
boulevard, just a few miles from the Swiss border and a
stones throw from fresh water beaches. A real favourite
with our guests this is an outstanding hotel and
considered one of the finest in the region.
Tonight we will enjoy a very generous and delicious
welcome dinner right on the waters edge as we watch
the beautiful sun set over this stunning Italian lake.
RIDE
STAY
2.5 hours / 50km / flat and rolling
Luino 4* deluxe lakefront hotel

DAY 2 GIRO DE LAGO MAGGIORE 4 AUGUST
With a number of challenging mountains ahead of us,
today we will take in a flatter ride around Lake Maggiore,
taking in two countries. However there is an option to
climb for those looking for it!
Riding north into Switzerland, we’ll circumnavigate our
way through Lacomo and Ascona (pictured right) where
we may like to relax for a lakeside lunch before riding
back into Italy to the beautiful village of Cannero Riviera.
From here, we you will have the option to ride to
Piancavallo (1300m) on a wonderful back road riding
through dense forest and arriving on a natural balcony
that takes in some of the most beautiful scenery of the
region, including the majestic Monte Rosa (4600m).
Those looking for a gentler ride today will follow the lake
to Verbania where we can regroup.
Descending into Verbania, we’ll explore this ancient town
before taking in a ferry ride over Lake Maggiore to
Laveno before riding the short distance back to our
hotel. Those not riding today will be chauffeured around
Lake Maggiore, stopping in the many villages and taking
in a walk.
This afternoon and evening will be free for you to relax in
the old town of Luino. Alternatively, the hotel is equipped
with fabulous spa facilities and even a jetty to take a
swim from – so you may simply prefer to lounge around.
RIDE
STAY
4 – 6 hours / 80 – 110km / some hills
Luino 4* deluxe lakefront hotel

DAY 3 LAKE LUGANO & BORMIO 5 AUGUST
Today we will bid farewell to Luino and Lake Maggiore and
head deep into the Italian Alpes to the alpine village of
Bormio and home base of the Passo dello Stelvio!
So to shorten the drive time, and for those interested in
pedaling today, we will ride to Lugano for a morning coffee,
before making our way along Lake Lugano and to the
stunning lakeside village of Maggiore, where Lake Como
and Lecco meet.
Maggiore is indeed a place where the rich and famous call
their second home, be careful not to rest your bike up
against a Ferrari or Lamborghini!
It’s a 50km ride, but you will have the option to simply relax
in the van this morning, driving the same route and
enjoying the scenery. After some time in Maggiore,
perhaps a Panini and bierre, we’ll transfer by van up the
valley to Bormio and start the carb preparations for our
assault of the Passo dello Stelvio (2758m) tomorrow!
Once in Bormio, and settled into one of our favourite
speciality deluxe bike hotels in Europe, a chance to become
familiar with his wonderful town, perhaps a look at one of
the bike shops to grab some Stelvio memorabilia before an
early night for an epic day on the bike tomorrow.
We will enjoy a group dinner tonight at our hotel, which
serves magnificent regional cuisine.
RIDE
STAY
3.5hrs / 80km / mostly flat
Bormio 4* star deluxe chalet

DAY 4 THE EPIC PASSO DELLO STELVIO 6 AUGUST
We will feel the excitement build this morning as we
prepare to ride one of the most epic and iconic climbs in
the world, the Stelvio!
A challenging climb ahead of us we will start our day
driving the short distance over the Passo d’Eira (2208m)
and our ride the final 7km of the (Pass dal Fuorn) to warm
up the legs, before a wonderful descent through Swiss
countryside and to the more famous the classic side of the
Passo dello Stelvio.
The Stelvio is not just a mecca for cyclist, it is also the
highest pass in Italy and one of the highest roads in
Europe. The entire climb is within the limits of the Parco
Nazionale dello Stelvio, Italy’s biggest national park and the
largest protected are in Europe.
Once we reach Trafoi you will be ready to replenish before
your epic assent. Remember our support vehicles will be
strategically positioned all the way up the climb if you wish
to take a breather!
Hotel Bellavista, run by former Olympic skiing champion,
Gustav Thoni, is a great suggested alternative stop (and be
sure to ask for cyclist discount). From Trafoi, the almost
surreal succession of switchbacks heads for the pass,
quickly climbing above the tree line and affording
remarkable views over the surrounding mountains and
glaciers and even the stunning road itself.
At Passo dello Stelvio (2758m) the largest summer ski
area in the Alpes, allows for a celebratory drink or perhaps
a personally printed colour certificate of your achievement
from the Tourism Office including the time you did it in – so
be sure to time yourself from Trafoi!
A filling and very well deserved dinner will be enjoyed by the
group.
RIDE
STAY
5-7 hrs / 80km to 130km / 3000m
Bormio 4* star deluxe chalet

DAY 5 PASSO DI GAVIA or BORMIO BATHS 7 AUGUST
After a relaxing start to the morning, today we have the
envious opportunity to ride the Passo di Gavia, which
starts from the doorstop of our hotel!
Featuring countless times in the Giro d’Italia and again this
year, the Gavia is a magnificent Italian pass. Often the
highest point of the Giro d’Italia at 2610m, this is a
legendary climb, sometimes with ample walls of snow
lining the road at the summit.
With an average of almost 8% over the 17km, there are
snippets of gradients up to 12km. The magnificence of the
Gavia comes to the fore near the summit, with its natural
lake and many a marmot to be spotted! Perhaps a
relaxing lunch at the summit, before returning to Bormio.
As an afternoon alternative, ‘when in Bormio’ you have the
option to enjoy one of the beautiful spas to give those sore
muscles some pampering they deserve! There are three
thermal spas to choose from in Bormio. One is Bagni di
Bormio Spa Resort, famous for its thermal baths and spa
treatments, a trip to Bormio wont be complete without
tending to those weary legs!
A dive into more than two thousand years of history, in the
Roman baths to the centuries-old grottos, which lead from
the hot water spring to the panoramic open-air pool,
overlooking the valley of Bormio, you will feel like you’ve
stepped back in time. The Roman baths which have been
famous since the first century B.C.
Tonight you have the opportunity to explore one of the
many restaurants in Bormio at your leisure.
RIDE
STAY
3 hrs / 50km / 1800m
Bormio 4* star deluxe chalet

DAY 6 MARMOT SPOTTING ON STELVIO, THE OTHER SIDE 8 AUGUST
Our last ride in the region will see us climb up the Stelvio
the way we descended 2 days ago. They say you haven’t
truly conquered the Stelvio until it has been ridden up both
sides! It also means we get to descend through the
amazing 48 switchbacks that were previously climbed.
After we have descended the 48 switchbacks and taken in
a wonderful valley ride through the famous apple orchards
of Tirol, we take a short transfer to Bolzano and the
Dolomites.
Bolzano is in the upper middle of Italy in the foothills of the
Alpes. It is a German-speaking town with an architectural
appearance mixed between German and Italian. It is
bustling and picturesque with several impressive town
squares filled with busy shoppers and outdoor markets. A
sightseeing must is in the museum containing the "iceman"
Otzi, the oldest preserved human. Bolzano is located in a
broad valley basin, in just a few minutes, the ‘three cable
cars’, leaving from town, take you up to the mountain
woodlands and meadows to above 1000m altitude. Here
you can enjoy magnificent views of the Dolomites and a
refreshing mountain walk.
Our 4 star hotel is situated right in the old town, and
considered the most stunning in Bolzano. Our guests
always rave about its charm, beautiful gardens and superb
facilities but most of all the amazing breakfast.
Tonight we will enjoy a truly delicious and filling dinner to
talk about all things Stelvio.
RIDE
STAY
3-4 hours / 50-80km/ 2000m
Bolzano 4* star elegant hotel

DAY 7 A DAY IN SOUTH TIROL 9 AUGUST
Today will be an official rest day, and a chance to recharge
the batteries for the Sella Ronda tomorrow!
Bolzano is in the upper middle of Italy in the foothills of the
Alpes. It is a German-speaking town with an architectural
appearance mixed between German and Italian. It is
bustling and picturesque with several impressive town
squares filled with busy shoppers and outdoor markets.
A sightseeing must is the museum containing the "iceman"
Otzi, the oldest preserved human. Bolzano is located in a
broad valley basin, in just a few minutes, the ‘three cable
cars’, leaving from town, take you up to the mountain
woodlands and meadows to above 1000m altitude. Here
you can enjoy magnificent views of the Dolomites and a
refreshing mountain walk.
With castles, museums, cable cars, cafes and restaurants
abound, Bolzano has so much to offer. You’ll be tempted to
take a peak in the real estate windows.
For those interested, we could take the short drive to
Merano and visit the largest brewery in the region, Forst –
you’ll love this beer!
The region is also responsible for producing one tenth of
the wine in Italy and certainly some of the best. Today you
may also like to visit some of the local wineries to test that
theory for ourselves!
Today is a day where the options are plenty and we know
this town very well so will have lots of ideas for your day off
the bike.
That said, if you are keen to stretch the legs, we can take
an early morning ride along the beautiful bike path along
the river.
RIDE
STAY
rest day or a gentle 45km ride in the morning
Bolzano 4* star elegant hotel

DAY 8 THE BREATHTAKING SELLA RONDA, DOLOMITES 10 AUGUST
After exploring the beautiful village of Bolzano and
surrounds yesterday, you should be feeling quite relaxed
and ready for one of the rides of your life.
Today sees us tackle some beautiful riding through the
Dolomites in fact some have even said the most beautiful
ride in Europe, the classic Sella Ronda in the Dolomites -
We’ll let you be the judge!
It’s a challenging and rewarding 100km loop taking in 4
famous passes in the heart of the Dolomites leaving from
the village of Selva di Val Gardena. With the beauty of van
support, you can also pick and choose how many of the
passes you would like to ride.
The first climb for the day is Passo Gardena a most
picturesque climb which will have your jaw dropping,
showcasing classic ‘dolomite’ geology. The next pass we
climb is Passo Valparola where the last part of the climb
takes us through the forest. Before World War I, there
was only a trail over the pass, but the area was heavily
contended during the war. A remaining fort has been
made into a museum. Moving on we descend onto Passo
Falzarego, the name Falza Rego means false king in ladin,
a dialect spoken in the Dolomites, and refers to a King of
the Fanes, who was supposedly turned to stone for
betraying his people. We then climb one of our favourites,
the Passo Pordoi where a memorial to Fausto Coppi
stands at the summit of the pass.
Our final climb takes us over Passo Sella and on our way
back to Selva di Val Gardena. Located on a grassy saddle
that separates the Sassolungo from the Sella Group, the
Sella Pass links Valle di Fassa with Val Gardena. One of
the most famous passes of the Dolomites, it is overlooked
by the majestic Torri del Sella and by the Mesules barrier.
Finally we make our way back to our starting village of
Selva di Val Gardeno.
RIDE
STAY
5-7 hrs / 50-100km / up to 3000m
Bolzano 4* star elegant hotel

DAY 9 PICTURESQUE LAKE GARDA 11 AUGUST
This morning, after a memorable final breakfast in our
hotel (you’ll love the home made bircher muesli), we make
a short transfer to Riva del Garda and the entrance to
this great Lake of Italy. We’ll enjoy time exploring this
glorious town, walk along the foreshore and savour a
cappuccino or two as we prepare the bikes for our
leisurely lakeside ride. (provided of course we don’t
confront a head wind!)
This is one of Italy’s finest treasures and the perfect finale
to our time on the bike.
As we ride along the lake to Garda, there will be the option
to climb up above to take a ridge road so to enjoy the
wonderful views and take a breather, before descending
back down into Garda for a LONG lunch.
It’s then a snoozy transfer to our charming final hotel villa,
conveniently located near Milan Malpensa Airport, for our
final farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our
fabulous holiday.
RIDE
STAY
2 – 3 hrs / 50 - 80km / up to 500m
Malpensa 4* star hotel

DAY 10 MORNING COFFEE RIDE AND ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA 12 AUGUST
Today we bid you farewell to our amazing journey through
the beautiful regions of Northern Italy and our new life-long
friends.
Should flight times permit, we may indulge in one last
espresso ride in the morning.
We will provide assistance disassembling and packing your
bike or remove your pedals, garmin etc from your hire bike.
We will provide all the assistance you need in checking into
the airport or provide advice and support for you onward
holiday plans in Europe. Our travel partner can also assist
with all pre and post tour logistics for you so please ask if
you would like further information.
We thank you for entrusting us in taking you on a journey
through northern Italy and we really do hope to see you
again very soon.
Take care and buon viaggio!
RIDE
TRANSFERS
2hrs / 40km / gentle
Milan Malpensa Airport

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR SPECIAL
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We guarantee more inclusions, more support and the best professional service in the industry
Slumber in stunning 4* star or deluxe 3 *accommodation throughout this holiday and dine on mouthwatering
local cuisine and local wines.
Explore some of Italy’s most amazing ‘off the beaten track’ scenery.
All transfers from the moment you arrive at Malpensa for the duration of the tour to the moment you
depart, in our modern and comfortable vehicles.
Ride some of the world’s most classic climbs including Passo dello Stelvio (both sides), Passo di Gavia,
Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi and plenty more climbs.
Visit and play in many of Italy’s most beautiful mountain villages and ride along spectacular lakes.
Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings.
6 delicious three or four course dinners including carefully selected local wines.
The owner of PRO CYCLING TOURS creates and personally host your holiday experience along with
dedicated and experienced professional team. Let yourself be treated like a PRO by the PROS.
Up to 4 staff and a max of 14 guests to ensure you always receive the pro treatment. Hands down the
highest guest to guide ratio in the industry. Whatever level of rider you are, you have support all the
way.
Modern, fully equipped and fully air-conditioned 9 seater vans with WI-FI connectivity, portable showers,
change room, and more. We don’t use large impersonal coaches, the use of our vans allows us to
provide more support and faster transfer times.
Pre holiday training program, perfect to prepare you for the mountains that await you in Europe.
At PRO CYCLING TOURS we dedicated to making your holiday with us one of your most memorable.
You receive the PRO treatment from the moment you contact us to well after your holiday has ended.
Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of luggage, expert handling of your bike and taking
care of all the finer details so you don’t have to think about a thing.
Photography by PRO CYCLING TOURS. We provide you with hundreds of precious memories of your
holiday, before you leave for home.
Detailed printed ride maps and colour souvenir itinerary.
2 sets of PRO CYCLING TOURS PRO style quality riding kit which includes 2 x jersey’s and 2 x PRO bib
knicks, so you can pack light. *(non riders do not receive cycling kit)
On road supplements including energy bars, drinks, fresh fruit, first aid and vehicle support throughout
your ride and the day (not just at the start and finish).
Quality and new season road bikes or E-bikes for hire. All bike hires INCLUDE full set-up, professional
helmet, ALL spares, two drink bottles for you to keep, qualified mechanical support and plenty of gears
to get you up any climb.
PLUS plenty more PRO CYCLING TOURS extras to surprise you along the way
PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM

HOW TO FINALISE YOUR BOOKING
To guarantee your place(s) on this tour, simply register and confirm your booking by way of a $1,000
AUD deposit through our 2020 Best of Northern Italy LAKES ALPES AND DOLOMITES Tour Page at
procyclingtours.com
Final balance of tour payment is due 3 months prior to tour start.
For any questions please feel free to email us at info@procyclingtours.com and remember to visit our
FAQs page for all trip inclusions, bike hire details etc.
For full terms & conditions please refer to our website www.procyclingtours.com.
SINGLE ROOM GUARANTEE
All tour cost are based on twin share. We will match you with a same sex partner. If you are travelling
alone and prefer not to share a room or bathroom facilities, we can provide you with your own room.
At an additional cost of $1200 AUD you will be guaranteed a private room with private facilities.
You can select this option at time of booking with a deposit to guarantee the room for $200 AUD.
Our hire bikes consist of latest high-end road bikes For the duration of this tour hire cost is $ 750 AUD
Hire bike costs includes:
GLOBAL TRAVEL ASSIST WITH IZAWAY
PRO CYCLING TOURS is proud to provide our guests with dedicated and specialist worldwide travel
assistance. IZAWAY is a travel company specialising in custom travel - but what sets them apart is their
amazing personalised service. They make your travel easier and save you time and money while
delivering a seamless travel experience. IZAWAY can assist you with:
- Travel planning pre and post tour
- Flights and other transport bookings pre and post tour
- Hotel bookings outside of tour dates
- Travel insurance for US residents
Contact owner Isabelle direct at isabelle@izaway.com
HIGH END BIKE HIRE
! Carbon road bikes with small gearing
! Professional new season helmet, sanitised and safety standards approved
! Two new water bottles - yours to keep after the tour
! Safety saddle bag with multi-tool, spare tube, leavers and gas canister
! Qualified mechanical support- including daily check and clean of your bike
! All and any spares (if required i.e. tubes etc.)
Please note we require a valid credit card at time of booking to cover the cost of the hire bike should your
hire bike be stolen or damaged outside of our normal terms of use.
Contact us for our limited E-bike hire
e- BIKE HIRE
PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM

Contact us at:
INFO@PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM
*Itinerary subject to change at any time without notice
*Full terms and conditions visit www.procyclingtours.com
PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM