The New Italian Giro
Dates: June 2 to June 10
Terrain: Hilly | Daily Miles: 40 - 85 | Difficulty Level: 3
$4,295
Bicycling Magazine called this tour one of "...five classics you can't miss. If you could only do one guided trip in your life, it should be one of these time-tested favorites." (Of the other four, three were in the US and one in France so if you're looking for the #1 tour in Italy, this is it!) Well, we've made it even better - now spending two nights in most towns.
Here's what else Bicycling Magazine said:
"Italy has great roads, gorgeous weather, warm people, awesome food, rich history and a cycling tradition to die for. Americans gravitate toward Tuscany, but savvy Europeans and the canny folks at La Corsa Tours know that the best place to experience Italy's finest riding is the Marche and Umbria regions, about halfway down the eastern side of the boot near the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains. You will climb above a gorge, past rocky outcrops and cliffs on a route used in the Giro d'Italia stage race. Or you might stop at a roadside stand to buy red potatoes and beans from a weather-beaten farmer. Wander into the church of San Francesco in Assisi for a look at Giotto's famous frescoes; join a group of locals on their 60-mile Sunday ride; spend a day windsurfing or fishing at Lake Trasimeno; ride through a tunnel built by the Etruscans along the Gola di Furlo river gorge; stay in a hotel that's a converted olive oil factory; or visit Cicli Tonti, billed as one of Italy's biggest and best bike shops. Bellissimo!"
Itinerary
Stage One • Pésaro. 40 Miles - 1800 feet. Rendezvous in Pésaro, a lively beach resort on the Adriatic. A winding panoramic bluff road above the sparkling blue water is every cyclist's favorite. Shop at Cicli Tonti, the best bike store in Italy. Relax at the beach or explore Pésaro's historic center. Tonight we welcome you to Italy at La Corsa's opening dinner celebration.
Stage Two • Pésaro to Cingoli. 60 miles - 3123 feet. Test yourself on the route of the Giro d'Italia as you ride along the Adriatic Riviera. Elegant resorts and secluded coves line the shore. We turn inland and enjoy rolling hills and beautiful vistas as we ride through the Marche region. The atmosphere is medieval within the ancient walls of Cingoli, known as the Balcony of the Marches. A delicious trattoria dinner is followed by gelati in the piazza.
Stage Three • Cingoli to Spello. 70 miles - 4724 feet. Descend through rolling green fields with the Apennines rising up in the distance. Spello glows golden in the setting sun as we descend out of the mountains. A glass of wine and the breathtaking view from our hotel terrace are a perfect finish to a satisfying ride.
Stage Four • Spello loop ride. Ride through the olive groves to Assisi, where you can visit the church of San Francesco. The Giotto paintings are a radiant riot of color. Ride around Mt. Subasio or relax at the pool of our Four Star hotel. Your choice!
Stage Five • Spello to Gubbio. 55 miles - 4511 feet. A wonderful ride through the Apennines. These are the roads you dream about riding. Gubbio looks much as it did centuries ago. A cable car runs up the mountain to the shrine of St. Ubaldo, the patron saint of well-adjusted derailleurs.
Stage Six • Gubbio loop ride. Another day to test your mettle or explore this enchanting, historical town.
Stage Seven • Gubbio to Urbino. 56 miles - 2625 feet. Another Giro d'Italia route takes us through a spectacular natural park, above dramatic rocky outcrops and cliffs. At a monastery hidden in the mountainside, the head monk (who is a cyclist himself), blesses our bikes. Cycle through an Etruscan tunnel and along a spectacular river gorge. Tour the Ducal Palace in Urbino or add a panoramic loop ride to see the mummies in the Church of the Dead in Urbania. A hot slice of pizza fuels our return ride.
Stage Eight • Urbino to Pésaro. 50 miles - 2133 feet. Cycle through gently rolling farmlands and climb into walled, medieval towns. Smooth paved roads bring us back to the Adriatic Coast for a final, wonderful ride along the Panoramica. Back in Pésaro, plunge into the calm, blue water and sunbathe on the beach. Tonight we celebrate our journey at our extravagant farewell dinner.
Stage Nine • The Sunday Club Ride. 60 mile loop. Nine days of great sights, new friends, challenging riding and at least one colorful Italian cycling jersey prepare us to join the locals on their exhilarating not-to-be-missed Sunday club ride. This morning is certain to be a highlight of your vacation.
Sign up for ANY La Corsa Tour and you can buy a Garmin GPS-Enabled Cycle Computer for $299.
Proudly Offering Challenging Bike Vacations Since 1992!
