Il Giro D’italia: The Final Stages
The Passo di Gavia and the Passo di Mortirolo are synonymous with the Giro d’Italia. The 2010 Giro route is one of the most challenging and exciting in recent history, and the final stages-which includes ascents of the Gavia and Mortirolo before an urban time trial over the Torricelle climb on the 1999 and 2004 World Championships circuit- will decide the winner. Awe-inspiring beauty? Yes. Challenging cycling? Yes. Grand Tour panache, Italian style? Of course. You’ll be witness to four exciting stages, and no less exciting will be the cycling that encompasses our Giro trip: you will conquer 9 classic passes over 8 days. Evenings are spent in 5-star hotels and enjoying Michelin starred cuisine paired with the unique flavors of wines only found in the Alto Adige. Our feeling is, if you’re going to put yourself through this, the payoff on the other end needs to be huge. While we will challenge ourselves riding the routes of the pro peloton, we will certainly eat, drink and sleep a whole lot better.
World-Class Cycling
Our Giro d’Italia trip is carefully laid out to put you in the best locations to ride the climbs of the final stages, and put you in prime position to watch the most exciting moments of the race unfold. You will also ride over some of the exciting passes of past editions of the Giro that are accessible at this time of year. 2008 saw the Giro climb the Passo della Presolana and finish atop Monte Pora; the 2007 Giro climbed the Passo Tre Termini; the 2006 Giro crossed the Passo del Maniva and the 2004 Giro scaled the Passo di Mendola. This year’s climbs will include the Passo di Palade, the Passo di Gavia, the Passo di Mortirolo and this year’s final mountain top finish, the Passo di Tonale. Each year, it seems race director Angelo Zomegnan succeeds in creating a demanding and exciting route from start to finish. And what a finish that is on tap for this edition!
The 15.2 kilometer circuit used for the 1999 and 2004 World Championships-both won by Oscar Freire- includes the tough ascent of the 5 kilometer Torricelle climb. Though run in the opposite direction from the road races, the course is no less demanding, and with the operatic back drop of the Roman Ampitheater as the final scene, these final acts of the Giro will produce a most deserving winner.
Authentic Culture
Italy is one of the richest cultures in Europe, and the Italians have mastered the art of living. From the shores of Lake Iseo to the city centers of Trento and Bolzano, the cultural center of the Alto-Adige, all three share similar roles but could not be more diverse. Much of what is known as typical Italian, between art, food and fashion, can be found in Lombardy. A more complex history is found in the Alto Adige, with a Tyrolean presence that is inherent in language, food and architecture.
Exemplary Service
Italian hospitality starts with warmth and ends with your feeling like part of the family. Service is a matter of fact in Italy, from elegant restaurants and family-run trattorias to luxury villas and 4 and 5-star hotels. In typical Italian fashion and style, Renaissance and historic buildings have been converted to luxury hotels, while retaining their exquisite architecture and furnishings while providing an elegant backdrop for an enticing stay.