Mountains – Rome via Vesuvio, Final 10 Days
TRIP DETAILS:
Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
Dates: Thursday, 21st May – Monday, 1st June.
Start: Rome Finish: Rome
Accommodation: Selected quality 4 Star Hotels
Group Size: Maximum 40 people (5 Staff)
Cost: AUD$5,450 – Reserve your place now.
Deposit: USD* $912* – Reserve your place now.
*We charge for our trips in Australian dollars (AUD$).

Optional Extras:
Bike Rental $550 (Cannondale Synapse carbon fibre)
-Entry to Nove Colli $150 AUD
-Pre or post tour accommodation to extend your stay
-Travel Insurance (with a 10% Discount for Australian Clients)
-Car Rental Email us for details

Who is this trip for?
This tour offers an amazing variety of terrain, race viewing and cycling. As with all of our tours you’ll be guided by our expert team of ride leaders, drivers and guides. You will experience the excitement of the Giro d’Italia centenary edition and see stage starts and finishes, two individual time trials and of course get to see all of the action up close. This tour starts in Rome before moving to the regions of Emilia Romagna and Umbria, the coastal beauty of the Amalfi Coast, and finally the race finish in Rome. This tour includes the spectacle of three big mountain top finishes on Monte Petrano, Block Haus and Mont Vesuvio. Our tours to Italy are for those that love cycling but there is so much more to see and do.

The trip is geared to suit anyone with an interest in cycling and experiencing the food, people and culture of Italy. We cater for cyclists of all abilities by providing riding options each day. On most days we offer two rides. All of our rides are escorted and they vary from “serious” to “relaxed”. We ride on quiet scenic roads and where possible we ride on the race course ahead of the race. This trip does involve some days in the mountains so there will be the opportunity to challenge yourself. As with all of our tours you’ll be guided by our expert team of ride leaders, drivers and guides, including ex pro riders who know the Giro d’Italia intimately. This tour also caters to people who do not ride bikes, but an interest in the Giro d’Italia is important as this is the main focus of the tour. We’ll do our best to make our non riding clients enjoy their experience of Italy and where possible will include visits to other attractions as well as visiting the race in our support vans.

For your convenience and comfort we start and finish our Giro d’Italia tours with a pickup and drop off at major airports. This means that you don’t have to bother with expensive and time consuming transfers to smaller airports such as Florence or Venice to start your tour.

Highlights on this tour include:

• Visit Italy’s most beautiful towns including Assisi, Gubbio and Positano
• Challenge yourself on famous climbs including Block Haus and Mont Vesuvius
• Discover Italy’s fabulous coastal region of the Amalfi Coast
• Witness the final stage of the Giro d’Italia centenary edition, a time trial past the Colosseum in the centre of Rome.
• Ride through some of Italy’s most scenic and undiscovered regions including Umbria, the Apennine Mountains and Abruzzo.
• Opportunities for sightseeing including Pompeii, the isle of Capri and Assisi’s Basilica of St Francis.
• Stay in a historic 4star converted monastery in Gubbio

Stages you will see:

• Stage 14, Saturday, May 23rd, 174 km, Campi Bisenzio – Santuario San Luca
• Stage 15, Sunday, May 24th, 159 km, Forlì – Faenza,
• Stage 16, Monday, May 25th, 237 km, Pergola – Monte Petrano,
• R, Tuesday, May 26th, Rest day
• Stage 17, Wednesday, May 27th, 79 km, Chieti – Block Haus,
• Stage 18, Thursday, May 28th, 181 km, Sulmona – Benevento
• Stage 19, Friday, May 29th, 164 km, Avellino – Monte Vesuvio,
• Stage 20, Saturday, May 30th, 203 km, Naples – Anagni,
• Stage 21, Sunday, May 31st, 15.3 km, Roma – Roma, TT

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Thursday, 21 May 2009
Today you will be met on arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport and transferred to our hotel, where you will be checked in and welcomed to our tour. After you have settled in we’ll assist you to assemble your bike, or fit your rental bike to you. Following this we’ll take a short spin around the local area to make sure everything’s in working order for tomorrow’s rides. For those that arrive early today you may wish to head into the centre of Rome for some sightseeing in this ancient city. Rome is one of the world’s great cities with a unique blend of ancient monuments such as the COLOSSEUM, beautiful Renaissance buildings and the modern laid back style that Italians are famous for. If you have had a long flight you may want to simply relax and rest up after your long journey. Tonight we’ll have a welcome dinner where you will have the chance to meet your fellow passengers and our crew who will guide you through Italy over the next twelve days.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2 Friday, 22 May 2009
Today we travel from Rome to Cesena, in the region of Emilia Romagna. It’s the longest drive of our tour so we’ll make an early start to get to Cesena in time to fit in a ride this afternoon. Emilia Romagna is an area with some beautiful rides and home to Italy’s largest Gran Fondo cycling event, the Nove Colli. The 2009 Nove Colli is being held this year on Sunday, May 24, from Cessanatico, the home of the late Italian cyclist Marco Pantani. For those that wish to ride in this event that regularly attracts some 10,000 entrants, we have arranged for entry for you with a special starting position being granted to the Bikestyle team. It’s a tough ride with a substantial amount of climbing, so it’s a challenge for the fit riders only. See our GRAND FONDO NOVE COLLI ENTRY page for all the details of this optional event. Please note entries must be completed and to us by December 30th 2008 for a guaranteed entry.

Today’s riding:
Our plan is to ride along the quiet and very scenic coastal road from Pesaro to the towns of Riccione and Rimini, before heading in land to Cesena. Along the way we’ll take a break for a true Italian coffee and to watch the final moments of today’s Giro d’Italia stage to Florence in a local bar with some of the local cycling fans. The ride will be between 50 and 75 km depending on the time available.

Overnight: Cesena
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Saturday 23 May 2009
The Giro d’Italia today will race 174km over 4 passes from Campi Bisenzio, close to Florence, to a finish just outside of the city of Bologna at San Luca. This is the home of the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca in a basilica church sited atop Monte della Guardia that is linked to Bologna via a 3.5 km long covered portico containing a total of 666 arches, the longest in the world! The race follows the steep road alongside the portico, with grades of up to 18%, which is sure to make for a spectacular finish today. The climb from Bologna is used each year in the Giro dell Emlia cycle classic and also for an annual hill climb contested by classic Italian sports cars.  For those choosing to do the Gran Fondo Nove Colli tomorrow it will be an early night to prepare for tomorrow’s event!

Today’s riding:
This morning we will travel from Cesena to south of Bologna where we will offer the option of long (approx 80k) and short rides (approx 50k) on the quiet roads leading to Bologna, finishing on the climb to the finish at the Sanctuary of Madonna of San Luca. Along the way today we’ll have plenty of time to explore some of the towns and villages we pass through in this scenic part of Emilia Romagna. After the race we’ll travel back from Bologna in the coach, with the evening free in Cesena.

See our GRAND FONDO NOVE COLLI ENTRY page for all the details of this optional event. Please note entries must be completed and to us by December 30th 2008 for a guaranteed entry.

Overnight: Cesena
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Sunday, 24 May 2009
For those not riding the Nove Colli we’ll have a much easier day enjoying today’s 159 km stage which starts from the town of Forli, an easy 25km ride from our hotel. This will be our chance to see a stage start, watching for our favourite riders as they head to the sign in area and prepare for the days racing. From Forli the race heads up and does a winding loop into the Apennine mountains that form the backbone of Italy from north to south. After some challenging climbing the race will then loop back to the east to finish at Faenza, only 15 km from the start town of Forli. This will give us the chance to see the stage start, then ride on and enjoy a ride through the hills catching the race as they come over either Monte Casale or Monte Trebbio, just before the finish in Faenza late this afternoon. After we’ve seen the race pass you have the option of riding all the way back to Cesena, or riding the short distance downhill to Forli for the comfort of the coach back to Cesena.

Today’s riding:
This morning those entering the Gran Fondo Nove Colli will rise early and be transferred to Cessanatico to take up our position close to the start line of the event. There are two options, 130km (80miles) or 200km (124miles). From our experience their is no event in Australia that compares in difficulty to the 200km Nove Colli, so do not underestimate this event.

For those not riding the Nove Colli we’ll have a much easier day enjoying today’s 159 km stage which starts from the town of Forli, an easy 25km ride from our hotel. This will give us the chance to see the stage start, then ride on and enjoy a ride through the hills catching the race as they come over either Monte Casale or Monte Trebbio, just before the finish in Faenza late this afternoon. This loop will be about 40k. After we’ve seen the race pass you have the option of riding all the way back to Cesena, or riding the short distance downhill to Forli for the comfort of the coach back to Cesena making another 20k.

Overnight: Cesena
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Monday, 25 May 2009
Monte Petrano is the destination for today’s 237 km stage of the Giro from Pergola, in the Marche region. This little known mountain at the modest height of 1100 meters is bound to be the scene of a great battle today with tomorrow being a rest day. From the town of Cagli the road climbs 800 meters to the summit with an average gradient of 7.5% over 10 kms, so it still represents quite a challenge for us today as we climb to the summit on our ride this afternoon. This morning we will leave Cesena and drive to tonight’s destination of Gubbio, a splendid example of an Italian hill town complete with a Roman arena and a large Ducal Palace.

Our hotel in Gubbio is Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, a beautiful example of a sensitive transformation of an historic building into a hotel. The former 17th century monastery is particularly proud of its art collection which includes original frescoes, Flemish tapestries, Renaissance paintings and some modern art. The restaurant of the hotel serves fine local cuisine with a well stocked cellar of wines for you to choose from including the light Chianti Classico and the excellent full bodied red wine, Brunello di Montalcino.

Today’s riding:
I expect many who did the Nove Colli yesterday will have very tired legs. We will have a number of options today as the course winds its way through beautiful Umbria.  It will also be possible for those who are willing to see the race twice today without much trouble. We will ride two rides that will take us to Monte Petrano with one possibility being a scenic 35km ride from Gubbio. From the base it is your choice how far you decide to ride up the mountain, but a place on the steeper sections in the last few kms may be the best viewing point of the weary riders. After the race you can choose to travel to Gubbio by coach or ride via a slightly shorter 30km route off the back of the mountain to the hotel. For those wanting a longer ride today we’ll offer the option of a longer ride starting from a location near the coastal town of Pesaro riding the 70km to Cagli and then the final climb of the stage to Monte Petrano. In total this will be between 80 and 100km (depending on how far you go up the climb.

Overnight: Gubbio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Tuesday, 26 May 2009
It is a rest day for the Giro d’Italia today so we will ride between two of the most beautiful towns in Umbria. After breakfast we’ll head off from Gubbio across the hills to the town of Assisi. Now the site of many a pilgrimage, Assisi is linked to its native son, St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan order and shares honours with St. Catherine of Siena as the patron saint of Italy. He is remembered by many as a lover of nature and as the patron saint of animals. Assisi was hit by the devastating earthquakes that shook Umbria in 1997, but the recovery and restoration have been remarkable with Assisi’s major attraction, the Basilica di San Francesco, reopened less than two years later. Our ride today is a hilly one, but not overly long at around 55km to allow you time to explore these two historic towns. The option of a rest day on the coach is available, for those wanting more time in Gubbio and Assisi. This afternoon we will travel from Assisi to Caramanico Terme in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains. As its name “Terme” notes this is a thermal spa centre so our hotel is a retreat for those wanting to luxuriate in the healing waters or take one of the many health and beauty treatments available. Perhaps a leg wax for the men who want to emulate the smooth skinned perfectly groomed Italian riders! Tonight we will enjoy dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

Today’s riding:
Our ride today is a hilly one, but not overly long at around 55km to allow you time to explore these two historic towns. The option of a rest day on the coach is available, for those wanting more time in Gubbio and Assisi.

Overnight: Caramanico Terme
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Let’s hope the pro riders in the Giro had plenty of rest yesterday as today’s stage takes them yet again up a tough climb with a finish in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains at the Block Haus ski field. It was here that Eddy Merckx first came to fame as a grand tour rider by winning the stage up the Block Haus in the 1967 Giro d’Italia. This is a very unusual road stage for a Grand Tour being only 79km in length. The climb starts in earnest at the village of Pretoro and gains 1540 meters in height over 23 km of climbing until the summit of Block Haus at 2064 meters. This altitude gain puts it on par with some of the toughest climbs in Europe. This morning you will have a relaxed start to the day in Caramanico Terme, possibly enjoying a pre ride massage, before heading off to climb the Block Haus.

Today’s riding:
From the hotel it’s a ride of 35 km to Pretoro at the base of the climb. If the weather is warm you may choose to plan your ride to remain at the summit to watch the mountain top finish, but if it’s chilly it may be more comfortable to watch the race from lower down on the mountain as the riders make their way to the finish.

For those wanting a longer ride it will be possible to ride down to the start town of Chieti before looping back ahead of the race for the climb to the Block Haus. You will have the option of riding back to the hotel after the race today or avoiding the climb back to Caramanico Terme by travelling in the coach.

Overnight: Caramanico Terme
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Thursday, 28 May 2009
The Giro d’Italia leaves the mountains today and travels south from Sulmona to Benevento. This morning we’ll leave Caramanico Terme and offer a couple of ride options, both departing from our hotel. Apart from this lovely scenic ride and seeing the stage start you can spend some time in Sulmona, an attractive historic town well worth a visit. The attractive streets of Sulmona are lined with confectioners selling the local speciality of “confetti”, sugar coated almonds that have been produced in Sulmona for centuries.   Our next 3 nights in Sorrento will be special with so much to see and do besides of course the Giro d’Italia. We are based in the town of Sorrento which is perched on a cliff on the Bay of Naples with views over the sparkling waters, Mont Vesuvio and the city of Naples. Apart from its beautiful setting on the Amalfi Coast the town is known for its production of Limoncello, a rather potent alcoholic drink produced from the local lemons and quite refreshing on a warm night. Our hotel in Sorrento is situated in a quiet position with park like grounds and a large pool to cool off in, as the weather can be quite warm even in late Spring in the south of Italy.

Today’s riding:
This morning we’ll leave Caramanico Terme and offer a couple of ride options, both departing from our hotel. The shorter option will be a 40 km ride from which takes us over the 1282 meter Passo San Leonardo before an exhilarating descent into Sulmona, where we will watch the start of today’s stage.

While our longer ride of 80 km will head out from Sulmona on to the race route and see the race pass as it climbs up to the Piano dell Cinque Miglia, an 800 meter climb out of Sulomna, which is a tough way to start the day for the Giro riders!

Overnight: Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Friday, 29 May 2009
Another unusual stage for the 2009 Giro today as the race travels from Avellino along the winding Amalfi Coast road and finally up Mont Vesuvio, best known as the volcano that wreaked devastation on Pompeii. Don’t worry though, it’s now dormant and hasn’t had an eruption since 1944 when it destroyed a few local villages, and the funicular railway that was made famous by the Neapolitan song “Funiculi, Funicula”. We’ll start the morning off with a leisurely breakfast then head off on a scenic ride along the Amalfi coast where we will catch the race as it passes over the Picco Sant Angelo, 465 meters above the coast with stunning views to the Mediterranean below.

Today’s riding:
We’ll head off from the hotel this morning and ride along the famous Amalfi Coast and visit the towns of Amalfi (80 km return) and Positano (40 km return) before returning down the coast to see the race as it makes its way over the Picco Sant Angelo. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a ride down one of the most famous coastal roads in the world and shouldn’t be missed. Once the race has passed we’ll travel back down to our hotel in Sorrento, a mere 12 kms downhill, to watch the final moments of today’s stage on Mont Vesuvio on TV from the comfort of our hotel.

Overnight: Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Saturday, 30 May 2009
The penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia is from Naples to Anagni, just south of Rome. Rather than battle the traffic of Naples we’ll take a day away from the race and explore the Amalfi Coast and the ruins of nearby Pompeii. This morning we will ride from the hotel along the coast to Ercalono (Herculaneum), which was once an ancient Roman city that rivalled Pompeii in wealth if not in size, but was also destroyed in the same violent eruption of Vesuvio as Pompeii in 79 AD.  From Ercalono there is the option of retracing the route of the final moments of yesterdays Giro stage with a ride up Mont Vesuvio. We will then move on to nearby Pompeii where, after pausing for lunch, we will enjoy a walk through the ruins with a local guide who will bring the story of Pompeii and its great civilisation to life. It’s an unreal experience walking through the ruins and hard to believe that it is almost 1800 years since this prosperous Roman town was wiped off the face of the earth until its discovery by accident in 1748. After our tour of Pompeii we’ll head off on our bikes and back to Sorrento with the rest of the day free to relax and explore Sorrento town and harbour. Tonight is our last night in Sorrento and to leave Sunday night free for people to explore the magical city of Rome we will have our farewell dinner this evening at our hotel.

Today’s riding:
It is 30km from our hotel to Pompei along the Amalfi Coast and most of us will ride both ways but you have the option of returning by bus instead of the bike. For those wanting something more, with time permitting we can do a longer ride on the way home. It won’t be hard in this beautiful part of the world!

Overnight: Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 Sunday, 31 May 2009
Up early this morning for the drive along the Autostrada del Sol to Rome where we will witness possibly one of the most spectacular finishing stages in recent Grand Tour history. Instead of the usual procession of riders with the outcome of the race a certainty, today’s final stage is a 15 km individual time trial around ancient Rome. The route passes by the many of Rome’s major monuments including St Peters and the magnificent Piazza del Popolo, with an unforgettable finish on the Via Foro Imprealli, close to the Colloseum. This magnificent setting will provide an unforgettable last day for our tour and the centenary race. We’ll be dropped in Rome a short distance from the time trial course late this morning in time to see the riders setting up and on their way. The most thrilling moments of course won’t be until late this afternoon when the top placed riders will battle for the precious seconds that could earn them a podium finish and a place in history. This evening we will arrange transport for you back to our hotel.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Monday, 01 June 2009
It’s been a memorable 12 days of the best of cycling and Italy but like all good things it’s come to an end. This morning we will transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport for your onward flights. If you wish you may stay on in Rome with our Rome extension packages and enjoy more of the eternal city.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour cost: A$5450 per person twin share and includes:

• Transport throughout by private luxury coach with custom bike trailer.
• Services of our experienced tour guides including an ex European pro cyclist.
• Transfer on arrival day from Milan Malpensa airport to hotel
• Transfer on final day from hotel to Rome FCO airport
• 11 nights accommodation in quality 4 star hotels with private facilities.
• Buffet breakfast daily
• 3 course dinners on 8 nights.
• Mechanical assistance with your bike
• Sightseeing as listed
• Maps and Bikestyle guide to the Giro d’Italia
• Bikestyle cycling jersey