Giro d’Italia Biking

The 2019 Giro D’Italia is much anticipated this year with a roster of pros eager to compete for the coveted pink jersey. Chris Froome has committed to racing and will attempt to complete a career triple crown of Grand Tours, a feat only six riders in the history have achieved. Our 7 day trip will start from Milan with a 9 am meeting and transfer to Iseo to begin riding towards Lake Garda. We will see 5 stages live on this trip so you will be up close to the action to get your fill of the excitement of this Grand Tour. Each of our trip hotels is close to the race course, so this means less driving time and more time riding. We accommodate a variety of riding abilities- each day we will present options so that you can challenge yourself to the level that YOU want to. We include amazing meals, wine tastings, and other events that promise to make your trip the best possible. And because we operate our own trips, the only surprises will be good ones. Join us in 2019?

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
A ride you will never forget: each and every day
The opportunity to order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises
Live viewing on 5 stages

Location

Milan

Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Day 1

Rovetta

Day 2

Tirano

Day 3

Moena

DAY 4

San Candido

Day 5

Pordenone

Day 6

Monza

Day 7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

May 20-26 (TBC- full route is yet to be annouced)

2024

May 18-24 (TBC- full route is yet to be annouced)

TRIP SIZE

8-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Milan

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Daily options of 60/80/100+km
Van supported

TERRAIN

Intermediate - Challenging

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,450 ($3,850 after March 31st)
Includes 7B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $860

Bike Rental:
US $280

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Getting there :
Milan is easily reached with direct flights from most major cities in North America and Europe.

Day 1

Rest Day for Pros

We meet in Milan at 2:00 pm to transfer to Ponte di Legno . Your Cannondale Supersix 5 carbon bikes will be ready and waiting for you. After bike fit and a short warm-up ride, we will have a welcome wine reception and dinner.
Hotel Raggio di Luce, Ponte di Legno

Day 2

Stage 16 – Rovetta to Bormio (live viewing)

The race route will pass 13 km from our hotel so there is no shuttle necessary to’ join the party’. With our lead-time, we will be able to climb Col Montirollo at 1852 m ahead of the pros and watch as they summit before riding to Pone di Legno and our hotel. For anyone that wants to also challenge Stelvio the longer loop is 106 km and 4500 m of climbing. Massage anyone? Ride
Hotel Raggio di Luce, Ponte di Legno
Distance Options: 60 km; 80 km; 106 km

Day 3

Stage 17 – Tirano to Canazei (live viewing)

Ponte di Legno is directly on the stage 17 route so we could not be in a better position. Climb up Passo del Tonale at 1883m and watch from there, or race ahead to watch the climb up Giovo (674m) a short distance from our hotel in Mezzocorona.
Ride Distance Options: 85 km; 110 km Albergo Caffe Centrale.

Day 4

Stage 18 – Stage 18 – Moena to Ortesei (live viewing)

We are 70 km from the stage 18 start line; awake early and ride, or alternatively take a shuttle, ride up and watch on Passo Pordoi (2239m) before descending to the beautiful village of Arabba.
Hotel Malita, Arabba
Ride Distance Options: 35 km; 80 km; and 110 km

Day 5

Stage 19 – San Candido to Piancavalla

We will take a day off from the Tour and take advantage of our location to ride some of the epic roads of the Dolomites. Ride up and over Col Gardena to Corvara and back to Arabba in time to do an afternoon hike, or ride a longer loop over col di Rocca.
Hotel Malita, Arabba
Ride Distance Options: 51 km or 115m

Day 6

Stage 20 – Pordenone to Asiago (live viewing)

This day the peleton rides from Pordenone to Asiago over historical Monte Grappa (1740m), a magnet for cyclists in the Veneto region and listed by the Telegraph as one of ‘Nine Italian climbs every cyclist must conquer in their lifetime’. We will stay at a charming hotel close to the route. Hotel Ca’Sette, Bassono del Grappa.

Day 7

Stage 21 – Monza to Milano TT (live viewing)

The final stage of the 2017 Giro is a Time Trial from Monza to Milano, leaving open the chance that the winner will be decided on this final stage. Take a morning ride or transfer into Milan early and enjoy the time trial. After watching the pink jersey awarded, we will celebrate with a festive dinner and toast the 100th anniversary of the Giro.
Hotel Townhouse 70, Turino

Day 8

Departure

Depart at your leisure for onward travel.

Note: This is a preliminary itinerary which will be updated as further route information becomes public. Hotels used on the trip are representative of those we will use. Any changes made will be done with the goal of making the trip the best that we can given available hotels, services etc.
On our Tour with the Pros trips, we generally try to provide options to cycle 60 km, 80 km or 100+ km on each cycling day. Although anyone of moderate cycling level may enjoy this tour, it is ideally suited to those with intermediate to advanced fitness levels. By this we mean you should be able to cycle 60 km at a minimum with some hills. If you have any questions about this trip, please consult our Travel Advisors.

Hotel Raggio di Luce, Ponte di Legno

A newly built 4 star residence hotel. Raggio di Luce (Ray of Light) is situated in a residential area, in a quiet and panoramic sunny valley. It is conveniently located close to the town center of Ponte di Legno.

Teutschhaus Hotel, Mezzocorona

Set in a village surrounded by vineyards, this relaxed hotel with mountain views is 10 km from Franz Haas Winery. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub and a spa.

Hotel Malita, Arabba

The Hotel Malita is located in Arabba, in the Fodoma Valley, where you can enjoy the enchanting view of the Marmolada massive. Surrounded by a breathtaking landscape, in the midst of unique mountains and situated in the centre of the village.

Meltar Boutique Hotel, Asiago

Within the 18-hole Asiago Golf Club, this tranquil hotel is 9 km from Forte Interotto, a 19th-century fortress and 10 km from Calà del Sasso, Italy's longest staircase. Elegant, individually furnished rooms. The hotel features access to the spa, with a hot tub, a sauna, a hammam and a gym.

Hotel Townhouse 33, Milan

Set in a residential district, this sophisticated hotel is a 2-minute walk from Corso Indipendenza. The contemporary rooms and suites with parquet floors offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. There's also a chic terrace surrounded by exotic gardens and a cozy lounge.