La Corsa’s tours are designed for people who ride regularly. We are proud to call our tours“Challenging Bike Vacations.” However, within that narrow definition we do have more difficult and less difficult tours. Presented below is a brief description of every tour in our portfolio. We don’t run every tour every year and we constantly add new tours. If you see a tour that interests you that is not on the next year’s schedule – drop us an email and let us know of your interest. We may change the tours that we offer or the time of year that we offer them based on YOUR feedback. Your interests drive the way we run our business!
Tours Still to come in 2007:
Green Spain
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
This is Howie’s favorite tour. It begins at a beachside hotel in Castro Urdiales, just minutes from Bilbao, heads to historic Santillana del Mar and then inland to the Picos de Europa. Within the space of 20 miles you’ll travel from the crashing shoreline to breathtaking snow-capped mountains. We ride through river gorges and over mountain passes. The variety of rides on this tour can not be equaled. And wait till you try the Asturian cider!
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
This is Howie’s favorite tour. It begins at a beachside hotel in Castro Urdiales, just minutes from Bilbao, heads to historic Santillana del Mar and then inland to the Picos de Europa. Within the space of 20 miles you’ll travel from the crashing shoreline to breathtaking snow-capped mountains. We ride through river gorges and over mountain passes. The variety of rides on this tour can not be equaled. And wait till you try the Asturian cider!
Tours Scheduled for 2008:
Nove Colli Gran Fondo Cycling Week
Level of Difficulty 3 (5 if you do the long course)
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles plus the Nove Colli
Level of Difficulty 3 (5 if you do the long course)
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles plus the Nove Colli
(short course 68 miles, long course 128 miles)
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly (Ridiculous if you do the long course)
A Gran Fondo is kind of like a century ride here in the U.S., except that it’s an actual race. There are people who compete in it to win, but the majority do it to achieve a personal best, or just to take part in a huge, supported group cycling event. The biggest and most famous of the Gran Fondos is the Nove Colli (literally translated “nine hills”). There is a short course that is 68 miles with 4 significant climbs, and a long course of 128 miles with nine significant climbs, and over 10,000 cyclists participate every year. (That’s not a typo – 10,000!) La Corsa’s cycling week features a week of out-and-back loop rides out of Pesaro, a beach resort on the Adriatic, and concludes with the bike fair and Nove Colli event in Cesenatico (birthplace of Marco Pantani). An unforgettable experience you’ll cherish.
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly (Ridiculous if you do the long course)
A Gran Fondo is kind of like a century ride here in the U.S., except that it’s an actual race. There are people who compete in it to win, but the majority do it to achieve a personal best, or just to take part in a huge, supported group cycling event. The biggest and most famous of the Gran Fondos is the Nove Colli (literally translated “nine hills”). There is a short course that is 68 miles with 4 significant climbs, and a long course of 128 miles with nine significant climbs, and over 10,000 cyclists participate every year. (That’s not a typo – 10,000!) La Corsa’s cycling week features a week of out-and-back loop rides out of Pesaro, a beach resort on the Adriatic, and concludes with the bike fair and Nove Colli event in Cesenatico (birthplace of Marco Pantani). An unforgettable experience you’ll cherish.
The NEW Italian Giro
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 75 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
Who says you can’t improve perfection? We’ve listened to your feedback and tweaked our most popular tour to include two-night stays in Spello and Gubbio to cut back on day-to-day packing and unpacking, and to provide you with more time to enjoy these fantastic destinations. Bicycling Magazine called this tour one of… “five classics you can’t miss. If you could only do one guided bike trip in your life, it should be one of these time tested favorites.” Lori’s favorite tour.
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 75 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
Who says you can’t improve perfection? We’ve listened to your feedback and tweaked our most popular tour to include two-night stays in Spello and Gubbio to cut back on day-to-day packing and unpacking, and to provide you with more time to enjoy these fantastic destinations. Bicycling Magazine called this tour one of… “five classics you can’t miss. If you could only do one guided bike trip in your life, it should be one of these time tested favorites.” Lori’s favorite tour.
Venetian Voyage
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 30 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Very Hilly
See the Nove Colli for a definition of a Gran Fondo. This tour features a week of point-to-point riding in the foothills of the Dolomites in Northern Italy and is scheduled to arrive in Feltre in time for us to participate in the famous Campagnolo Gran Fondo. This Gran Fondo has short (68 mile), medium (78 mile) and long (128 mile) options and we guarantee it’ll be a thrill you’ll never forget.
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 30 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Very Hilly
See the Nove Colli for a definition of a Gran Fondo. This tour features a week of point-to-point riding in the foothills of the Dolomites in Northern Italy and is scheduled to arrive in Feltre in time for us to participate in the famous Campagnolo Gran Fondo. This Gran Fondo has short (68 mile), medium (78 mile) and long (128 mile) options and we guarantee it’ll be a thrill you’ll never forget.
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 70 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 70 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
A splendid trip which takes us from the mountains of Southern Umbria, across the Valley of Spoleto to the northern Tiber Valley with stop-overs at Lake Trasimeno and along some of the most beautiful roads you'll ever ride. This charming and intimate view of Umbria, "the green heart of Italy", concludes with your opportunity to take in the world famous Spoleto Music Festival.
Autumn in Tuscany
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
The same tour as Cycling Under the Tuscan Sun, only this one is run in the Fall.
A Brief Description of ALL the Tours We Offer:
Italy
Cycling Under the Tuscan Sun
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
Formerly known as Spring Training in Tuscany, this single destination tour features out-and-back rides in the Chianti and Pratomagno mountain ranges. From our majestic base villa you will ride to Arezzo, Siena, Badia a Coltibuono and other fantastic destinations without the stress of having to pack and unpack every day.
Autumn in Tuscany
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
The same tour as Cycling Under the Tuscan Sun, only this one is run in the Fall.
Spoleto Fest in Umbria - NEW
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 70 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
A splendid trip which takes us from the mountains of Southern Umbria, across the Valley of Spoleto to the northern Tiber Valley with stop-overs at Lake Trasimeno and along some of the most beautiful roads you'll ever ride. This charming and intimate view of Umbria, "the green heart of Italy", concludes with your opportunity to take in the world famous Spoleto Music Festival.
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 70 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
A splendid trip which takes us from the mountains of Southern Umbria, across the Valley of Spoleto to the northern Tiber Valley with stop-overs at Lake Trasimeno and along some of the most beautiful roads you'll ever ride. This charming and intimate view of Umbria, "the green heart of Italy", concludes with your opportunity to take in the world famous Spoleto Music Festival.
Famous Passes of the Dolomites
Level of Difficulty 5
Typical Daily Rides: 35 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Off the friggin’ charts
Between the famous ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the lake resort of Riva del Garda lie mountains like no others in Europe. La Corsa will put you on the same roads that Coppi, Bartoli and Pantani rode in the Giro d’Italia. A tour for advanced cyclists who love serious climbs and screaming descents.
Level of Difficulty 5
Typical Daily Rides: 35 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Off the friggin’ charts
Between the famous ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the lake resort of Riva del Garda lie mountains like no others in Europe. La Corsa will put you on the same roads that Coppi, Bartoli and Pantani rode in the Giro d’Italia. A tour for advanced cyclists who love serious climbs and screaming descents.
The NEW Italian Giro
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 75 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
Who says you can’t improve perfection? We’ve listened to your feedback and tweaked our most popular tour to include two-night stays in Spello and Gubbio to cut back on day-to-day packing and unpacking, and to provide you with more time to enjoy these fantastic destinations. Bicycling Magazine called this tour one of… “five classics you can’t miss. If you could only do one guided bike trip in your life, it should be one of these time tested favorites.” Lori’s favorite tour.
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 75 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
Who says you can’t improve perfection? We’ve listened to your feedback and tweaked our most popular tour to include two-night stays in Spello and Gubbio to cut back on day-to-day packing and unpacking, and to provide you with more time to enjoy these fantastic destinations. Bicycling Magazine called this tour one of… “five classics you can’t miss. If you could only do one guided bike trip in your life, it should be one of these time tested favorites.” Lori’s favorite tour.
Nove Colli Gran Fondo Cycling Week
Level of Difficulty 3 (5 if you do the long course)
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles plus the Nove Colli
Level of Difficulty 3 (5 if you do the long course)
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles plus the Nove Colli
(short course 68 miles, long course 128 miles)
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly (Ridiculous if you do the long course)
A Gran Fondo is kind of like a century ride here in the U.S., except that it’s an actual race. There are people who compete in it to win, but the majority do it to achieve a personal best, or just to take part in a huge, supported group cycling event. The biggest and most famous of the Gran Fondos is the Nove Colli (literally translated “nine hills”). There is a short course that is 68 miles with 4 significant climbs, and a long course of 128 miles with nine significant climbs, and over 10,000 cyclists participate every year. (That’s not a typo – 10,000!) La Corsa’s cycling week features a week of out-and-back loop rides out of Pesaro, a beach resort on the Adriatic, and concludes with the bike fair and Nove Colli event in Cesenatico (birthplace of Marco Pantani). An unforgettable experience you’ll cherish.
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly (Ridiculous if you do the long course)
A Gran Fondo is kind of like a century ride here in the U.S., except that it’s an actual race. There are people who compete in it to win, but the majority do it to achieve a personal best, or just to take part in a huge, supported group cycling event. The biggest and most famous of the Gran Fondos is the Nove Colli (literally translated “nine hills”). There is a short course that is 68 miles with 4 significant climbs, and a long course of 128 miles with nine significant climbs, and over 10,000 cyclists participate every year. (That’s not a typo – 10,000!) La Corsa’s cycling week features a week of out-and-back loop rides out of Pesaro, a beach resort on the Adriatic, and concludes with the bike fair and Nove Colli event in Cesenatico (birthplace of Marco Pantani). An unforgettable experience you’ll cherish.
Sardegna and the Emerald Coast
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
The crystal clear water off the coast of Sardegna is so miraculously blue that it appears almost phosphorescent. This tour begins in the northern part of the island and concludes in the south with overnights in lively beachside towns like Castel Sardo and Arborea. The beautiful Costa Smerelda is where the beautiful people vacation – Princess Diana, Paris Hilton and YOU!
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
The crystal clear water off the coast of Sardegna is so miraculously blue that it appears almost phosphorescent. This tour begins in the northern part of the island and concludes in the south with overnights in lively beachside towns like Castel Sardo and Arborea. The beautiful Costa Smerelda is where the beautiful people vacation – Princess Diana, Paris Hilton and YOU!
Bike Sicily
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
This is our newest bike tour and we’re running it as a double destination tour. Sicily is a tough place to run the type of beautiful, challenging rides that La Corsa is famous for, because it’s tough to string together consecutive 50 to 60 miles rides without going through industrial areas. Instead, we’ve created 4 outstanding out-and-back rides in Catania and 5 more using Siracusa as our base. No one offers challenging tours in Sicily like ours.
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
This is our newest bike tour and we’re running it as a double destination tour. Sicily is a tough place to run the type of beautiful, challenging rides that La Corsa is famous for, because it’s tough to string together consecutive 50 to 60 miles rides without going through industrial areas. Instead, we’ve created 4 outstanding out-and-back rides in Catania and 5 more using Siracusa as our base. No one offers challenging tours in Sicily like ours.
Tour di Toscana
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
Tuscany is one of the most requested destinations for U.S. travelers. Birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture, it’s towns offer beauty surpassed only by the natural delights of the surrounding countryside. The trip includes stops in Cortona, Montepulciano, Arezzo and Siena among others, and no trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to San Gimingnano (pronounced Jim-in-yano, NOT Jimmy-John-o!)
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
Tuscany is one of the most requested destinations for U.S. travelers. Birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture, it’s towns offer beauty surpassed only by the natural delights of the surrounding countryside. The trip includes stops in Cortona, Montepulciano, Arezzo and Siena among others, and no trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to San Gimingnano (pronounced Jim-in-yano, NOT Jimmy-John-o!)
Venetian Voyage
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 30 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Very Hilly
See the Nove Colli for a definition of a Gran Fondo. This tour features a week of point-to-point riding in the foothills of the Dolomites in Northern Italy and is scheduled to arrive in Feltre in time for us to participate in the famous Campagnolo Gran Fondo. This Gran Fondo has short (68 mile), medium (78 mile) and long (128 mile) options and we guarantee it’ll be a thrill you’ll never forget.
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 30 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Very Hilly
See the Nove Colli for a definition of a Gran Fondo. This tour features a week of point-to-point riding in the foothills of the Dolomites in Northern Italy and is scheduled to arrive in Feltre in time for us to participate in the famous Campagnolo Gran Fondo. This Gran Fondo has short (68 mile), medium (78 mile) and long (128 mile) options and we guarantee it’ll be a thrill you’ll never forget.
France
Pedaling Provence
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
This tour is particularly well suited to couples with mismatched cycling abilities. The climbing and distances on the point-to-point rides are moderate, but the out-and-back loop rides are killer, including the famed Mt. Ventoux featured regularly in the Tour de France. Stronger riders can push themselves while less-strong riders can take an extra rest day to shop, sightsee or ride along in the support van to encourage the riders. A great tour for everyone!
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
This tour is particularly well suited to couples with mismatched cycling abilities. The climbing and distances on the point-to-point rides are moderate, but the out-and-back loop rides are killer, including the famed Mt. Ventoux featured regularly in the Tour de France. Stronger riders can push themselves while less-strong riders can take an extra rest day to shop, sightsee or ride along in the support van to encourage the riders. A great tour for everyone!
Tour de Dordogne
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 65 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
The area around the Dordogne, Lot and Vezere rivers is not well know by many American travelers, but trust me, your adventurous spirit will be well rewarded. This area of southwest France is rich with honey colored stone villages and palatial chateax waiting to be discovered. There aren’t a lot of long climbs but the beautiful rolling terrain will take it’s toll and you’ll be surprised to see that you’ve accumulated 1000 meters of climbing every day.
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 65 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
The area around the Dordogne, Lot and Vezere rivers is not well know by many American travelers, but trust me, your adventurous spirit will be well rewarded. This area of southwest France is rich with honey colored stone villages and palatial chateax waiting to be discovered. There aren’t a lot of long climbs but the beautiful rolling terrain will take it’s toll and you’ll be surprised to see that you’ve accumulated 1000 meters of climbing every day.
Spain
Camino de Santiago
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 90 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Flat to Very Hilly
There are many “Camino” routes to Santiago de Compostela. We have cobbled together parts of the Southern route from France, the Silver route and the Camino Aragones to create a ride that features variety of riding with the best of culture. You’ll see the most extraordinary churches, sculpture and artwork along with stunning, unspoiled scenery. The trip ends in Santiago on Saint James Day where we’ll celebrate our journey with a huge fireworks celebration.
Level of Difficulty 3
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 90 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Flat to Very Hilly
There are many “Camino” routes to Santiago de Compostela. We have cobbled together parts of the Southern route from France, the Silver route and the Camino Aragones to create a ride that features variety of riding with the best of culture. You’ll see the most extraordinary churches, sculpture and artwork along with stunning, unspoiled scenery. The trip ends in Santiago on Saint James Day where we’ll celebrate our journey with a huge fireworks celebration.
Green Spain
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
This is Howie’s favorite tour. It begins at a beachside hotel in Castro Urdiales, just minutes from Bilbao, heads to historic Santillana del Mar and then inland to the Picos de Europa. Within the space of 20 miles you’ll travel from the crashing shoreline to breathtaking snow-capped mountains. We ride through river gorges and over mountain passes. The variety of rides on this tour can not be equaled. And wait till you try the Asturian cider!
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 80 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Hilly
This is Howie’s favorite tour. It begins at a beachside hotel in Castro Urdiales, just minutes from Bilbao, heads to historic Santillana del Mar and then inland to the Picos de Europa. Within the space of 20 miles you’ll travel from the crashing shoreline to breathtaking snow-capped mountains. We ride through river gorges and over mountain passes. The variety of rides on this tour can not be equaled. And wait till you try the Asturian cider!
Olé Andalucia
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 65 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Very Hilly
Before Lance there was Miguel Indurain. Big Mig is a legend in Spain (well… everywhere for that matter) and the challenging rides and natural unspoiled beauty of southern Spain will inspire you to ride like him. The hills, covered with an endless sea of olive groves, the classic white towns, the snow capped Sierra Nevada in the distance and the grandeur of the Alhambra in Granada will energize you more than a visit to Balco.
Level of Difficulty 4
Typical Daily Rides: 50 to 65 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Very Hilly
Before Lance there was Miguel Indurain. Big Mig is a legend in Spain (well… everywhere for that matter) and the challenging rides and natural unspoiled beauty of southern Spain will inspire you to ride like him. The hills, covered with an endless sea of olive groves, the classic white towns, the snow capped Sierra Nevada in the distance and the grandeur of the Alhambra in Granada will energize you more than a visit to Balco.
Scotland
Lochs and Bay Gulls
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
OK – the food in Scotland is not known as the best cycling fuel. Haggis will never replace pasta on the pros training tables. The riding however, is beyond fabulous. When you ride through the Lomond hills surrounding Loch Leven and explore Kirkgate Park in Kinross, you’ll experience an adventure you can’t find anywhere else in Europe. Bring your clubs and play a little golf at St. Andrews before or after your cycling week.
Level of Difficulty 2
Typical Daily Rides: 40 to 60 miles
Typical Daily Climbing: Moderate
OK – the food in Scotland is not known as the best cycling fuel. Haggis will never replace pasta on the pros training tables. The riding however, is beyond fabulous. When you ride through the Lomond hills surrounding Loch Leven and explore Kirkgate Park in Kinross, you’ll experience an adventure you can’t find anywhere else in Europe. Bring your clubs and play a little golf at St. Andrews before or after your cycling week.
Celebrating our 15th Year!
