Italy - Tour of the Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes ‘Grand Tour’ is a 4-day, multi-stage cycle event, covering approximately 527km’s Starting near Milan and finishing at the incredible Arena di Verona, in Verona, this fantastic cycling adventure takes you around the magnificent lakes of Northern Italy and through some stunning landscapes as well as the optional ascent to the cyclist’s pilgrimage - the Madonna del Ghisallo, named after the patron saint of cycling which climbs 500m at an average gradient of 9%, to a chapel and museum (with a café).

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 Milan and transfer to Novara

On arrival in Novara, you can check into the hotel and enjoy the hotel spa and amenities. You will meet the crew at registration together with details of 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 – Novara to Stresa

Approximate cycling distance 98km / 743m ascent

Heading straight out into the countryside from the Hotel you can warm up your legs along flat, winding, country roads, as we head north toward the Lakes and mountains before a long sweeping downhill run that takes you to the first of your Italian Lakes – Lago Orta! Enjoy lake views as you follow its western shore before climbing up through mountain gorges to your second lake – Lago di Mergozza. Heading out together from lunch to the Nature Reserve ‘Fondo Toce’ you will follow the route south, along the shore of Lago Maggiore to Stresa, where you can enjoy a drink and a dip in the pool at your lakeside hotel.

Day 3 – Stresa to Como

Approximate cycling distance 14km / 1339m ascent

This morning we will follow the shore of Lago Maggiore stopping for coffee in Arona’s cobbled square before heading north along Maggiore’s opposite shoreline to Angera. impressive hilltop Monestary, where you can take a relaxing break before heading across country, where things start to get a bit hillier on your way to Switzerland. You will cycle past Lago di Monate and Lago Varese on your way to Lago di Lugano and the Swiss border where we will have lunch where we can wander down to the lakeside to enjoy our meal. After lunch we continue along the lake-shore and back into Italy, enjoying some incredible switchbacks on our descent. Our next destination is Lago Como and the city of Como itself.

Day 4 – Como to Lovere

Approximate cycling distance 157km / 3394m ascent

Riding out of Como we will start to climb above the eastern edge of Lake Como, affording us the most spectacular views across the water. The smooth tarmac winds and dips along the lakeside and through quaint villages perched on the hillside, taking us all the way into Bellagio, where we will have our first drinks stop at the water’s edge and a chance to take coffee in the town.

At this point we will tackle the cyclist’s pilgrimage - the Madonna del Ghisallo, named after the patron saint of cycling and climbs 500m at an average gradient of 9%, to a chapel and museum (with a café) at the top of the hill. Those who take on the challenge, will be rewarded with an incredible descent over approximately 10 miles, where we will join the main route on our way towards Lecco.

After lunch we will have a long, flat spin out, to cover some distance between Lake Como and Lake Endine, to the East. As we reach the last 20 miles we will hit another climb, but will be rewarded with the most incredible views and sweeping switchbacks, as we work our way down to Lake Endine and over the last hill to Lake Iseo and our hotel for the evening

Day 5 – Lovere to Verona

Approximate cycling distance 157km / 1985m ascent

Although today is a flatter route, we still have a fair distance to cover before we cross the finish line in Verona. We follow the eastern edge of Lake Iseo, making the best use of the cycle path, to get away from the traffic and enjoy the views over the lake. As we pull away from the lake, we wind our way between the vineyards, before reaching our first big hill and our lunch stop. Once over the crest of the hill, we can enjoy the descent, as we make our way to Lake Garda. Cycling along the lake’s edge, we cross small bridges and ride down cobbled streets, where you can stop for a coffee and watch the world go by. As we hit the final stretch toward Verona, we will start to feel the excitement of our journey coming to its climax as we cycle together, through the city streets, over the bridges and into the famous Piazza Brà, where we can celebrate the end of a fantastic journey.

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

Not included

• Evening meals - these will be taken locally

• Clothing and Equipment

• Return Flights to and from event

• Travel from Airport to Start hotel and to airport at end (local shared taxis)

• 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 on booking.

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.