Epic France and Italy Tour

An epic tour from the French Alps through the Italian Lakes area, finishing in the stunning Dolomites mountain range in northern Italy.

We are trying a new concept with this tour combining some short stays with some slightly longer stays to get the most out of some of your journey through the most beautiful areas of both countries.

To reduce long transfers in the van we have also introduced biking some of the way when you move from one location to the next.

The trip starts from St Jean de Sixt in France, through the French Alps, including the ride up Alpe d'Huez, around the outstanding Lakes area of Italy, up and over the famous 48 switchbacks of the Passo Dello Stelvio and into the Dolomites, one of the most spectacular areas in the world.

The riding has a mixture of flat and rolling roads with some of the biggest mountain passes used in the worlds grandest bikes races.

The main climbs on this tour include the Col d’Ornon, Alpe d'Huez, Passo del Ghisallo, Passo Dello Stelvio, and the Passo Gardena, Pordoi, Valparola and the Passo Campolongo.

Two weeks riding from traversing from France across northern Italy taking in the most famous climbs and sights from both countries, this will be the trip of a life time!

The trip is split up into the following areas:

• St Jean de Sixt. France.
• La Grave. France.
• Lake Como. Italy.
• Bormio. Italy.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo. Italy.

Non Cyclists:

We also cater for non-cycling partners. Please contact us directly regarding non-cycling activities available for this tour. There is also a small price reduction for a non-cyclist.

Bike Hire:

We have a limited amount of 2008 EMC2 Etape,EMC full carbon and Scott CR1 full carbon road bikes for hire. The EMC Etape frames are aluminium with carbon forks and rear stays with Shimano 105 components.

The price for an Epic France and Italy Tour EMC Etape bike hire is NZ$450.00

The price for an Epic France and Italy Tour Scott CR1 bike hire is $580.00

Highlights:

• The breathtaking views around the French Alps.
• The rides in the lakes area of Italy.
• The mighty Alpe d'Huez and Passo Dello Stelvio!
• The outstanding and beautiful Dolomites.

Intensity rating:

The riding is rated hard to intense alpine with numerous alpine climbs.

This tour has 2 rest days included in the itinerary.

While you don't need to be a racer you will need to have a very good standard of fitness to enjoy this tour.

We take a maximum of 12 persons on this tour.

Dates:

June 15 to June 29, 2012.

Price:NZ$5,150.00

Includes:

• 14 nights' accommodation.
• Breakfasts.
• 11 dinners.
• Pick up and drop off.
• All transport while on tour.
• Guided cycle rides.
• Support van on most rides. (All mountain rides)
• Limited mechanical assistance.
• One Kiwi Style Bike Tours cycle top and a t-shirt.

A non refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your seat on this tour.