Switzerland & Italy - Geneva to San Remo

Geneva to San Remo ‘Grand Tour’ is a 4-day, multi-stage cycle event, covering approximately 575km’s Starting in Geneva and finishing in the Mediterranean town of San Remo. This 4-day stunning cycling tour takes us through some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe.

The highlight of the tour is the legendary crossing of the 45km Col de Grand St Bernard, the 3rd highest pass in Switzerland and one of the highest Cycling Cols in the Alps at 2469m. Napoleon crossed this pass with his Army in May 1800 and it took him 5 days. This is surely one of the most amazing climbs in Cycling and ascends 1900m to a stunning cafe and viewpoint at the summit where the famous Monastery and dogs have lived and worked since 1049.

Our adventure also takes us through the fascinating and beautiful vineyards of Aosta, Piedmont and Liguria, home to the famous Barolo, Brunello, Amarone, Barbaresco red wines and also the sparkling white wine - Asti Spumanti and the popular dry white wine of Gavi.

Another highlight of our ride is the final stage of the classic Milan San Remo cycle race and the famous small climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio where Mark Cavendish, Fabian Cancellara and Vincenzo Nibali have all raced over and recently won before finishing on the seafront in San Remo.

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £1000
(4 days cycling, inc rtn transport for bikes and bags from Lincoln)
Charity Rate: £2000
Grading: B (more info)
No of People: 12-22

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Itinerary

 Day 1 – Arrive in Geneva and transfer to Hotel in City

On arrival in Geneva, you can check into the hotel and then either relax or enjoy the sights of Geneva before being met by the crew for registration and a briefing on the first days cycling. Your bikes will have arrived safely in advance and will be ready and waiting for you to start your challenge. As participants will be arriving throughout the day and evening, tonight’s evening meal is not included (dining facilities are available throughout the day and evening at the hotel)

Day 2 – Geneva to Martigny

Approximate cycling distance 113km / 898m ascent

We leave the hustle and bustle of Geneva behind after a hearty breakfast and take the easy southern route around Lake Geneva. Today is our easiest day and we can take our time cycling around the lake and enjoy the wonderful views whilst taking time out to stop at a cafe or two whilst enjoying this beautiful part of the world.

Day 3 – Martigny to Rondissone

Approximate cycling distance 190km / 3682m ascent

This morning we start early to tackle the herculean climb of the Col de Grand Saint Bernard, a 45km ascent of 1900m following the route that Napoleon took his 40000 troops over two hundred years ago. the climb is not overly steep but it is certainly long, and the views across Mont Blanc and the Monte Rosa massive are truly breathtaking. we are rewarded at the summit with a lovely rest break near the famous Monastery of St Bernard, home of the famous rescue dogs since 1049.

After our epic ascent we are rewarded with the most exhilarating descent you are ever likely to make, we descend down into the Aosta valley on stunning road surfaces and we seem to descend all the way to lunch, with the remaining distance being covered on quiet flat roads with amazing views all around us. Our overnight stay is in the small commune of Rondissone just outside Turin. Tonight we will be able to taste some of the worlds best red wines - Barolo and Barbaresco as well as the simpler white wines of Asti and Gavi.

Day 4 – Rondissone to Savona

Approximate cycling distance 162km / 1851m ascent

Riding out of Rondissone we are immediately surrounded by the impressive vineyards of Piedmont and we spend the whole day pedalling through gently rolling vineyards and quiet villages as we head towards the coast and our overnight stop in the port city of Savona on the Ligurian Coast, once the home of Christopher Columbus who farmed in the hills above the town and its impressive 15th century fortress.

Day 5 – Savona to San Remo

Approximate cycling distance 111km / 1422m ascent

Our final days cycling follows the coast of the Mediterranean towards France using dedicated cycling lanes and coastal roads that weave in-between stunning beaches and popular holiday destinations before we arrive on the outskirts of San Remo were we detour slightly into the coastal hills as we follow the finish route of the Milan/San Remo spring classic; the first sprinters ‘Monument’ of the racing season known as La Primavera.

The route tackles the relatively gentle ascents of the ‘Cipressa’, at 5.5kms and finishes after an ascent of the 3.7km ‘Poggio’ before descending into San Remo and our finish destination. We will enjoy a well earned celebration meal before enjoying a few well deserved drinks by the sea after our epic journey from the Swiss Alps to the Med.

Day 6 - Departure

What's Included

• Professional Leadership by experienced Cycle Guides whom are current first-aiders.

• Quality hotel accommodation including breakfasts.

• Dedicated support vehicle and driver throughout the challenge

• Return transport for personal bikes and bags to Lincoln and on route.

• Spare cycle in case of mechanical failure, and cycle mechanic throughout.

• Breakfasts, Lunches and am/pm rest stops

• Celebration dinner on final night

• Medals on completion

Not included

• Evening meals - these will be taken locally (final dinner inc)

• Clothing and Equipment

• Return Flights to and from event (Geneva / Nice)

• Travel from Airport to Start hotel and to airport at end (local shared taxis. Nice is 30 miles away with a regular direct train service from San Remo)

• Spare parts and equipment for Cycle Repairs

Other Information

Accommodation

5 x night's comfortable hotels (shared room) including breakfasts. (single suppliments may be available at extra cost)

Equipment

A complete clothing and equipment list will be sent out.

Transport

Participants are requested to drop off their bikes and heavy baggage at Imp Adventures in Lincoln prior to the challenge and collect from Lincoln after the chllenge

A support vehicle will transport cycles and baggage as required during the challenge and also act as a safety vehicle throughout.

Notes

Participants are to ensure that they are in posession of a road legal cycle suitable for covering long distances comfortably. Any specialist cycle repair items should be brought as well as normal consumable items and lights and helmets.