Northern Italian Artisans Tour
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit 3 world renowned artisans of cycling in Northern Italy, take part in the Alé Merckx Gran Fondo in Verona and cycle the beautiful Lago di Garda. An unforgettable journey that promises to be challenging, cultural and spectacularly picturesque.
The adventure begins in Verona the city of love and culture. You’ll take part in the Alé Merckx Gran Fondo in Verona – a challenging 129km or 80km ride through the hills surrounding Verona. From there we’ll take you on exclusive tours of the De Rosa, Vision/FSA and Alé facilities – where you will witness first hand the magic of the Italian artisans at work. We’ll visit the historic towns of Peschiera on the southern bank of lake Garda and take a ferry across to Salo. Our tour will culminate in a ride through the Valpolicella wine region and an evening of opera with Aida at the Arena di Verona - the oldest and largest open air amphitheatre in the world.
With the knowledgeable and experienced guides from PuntoTours, luxe accommodations, and a fully-supported route, this tour is designed to be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Off the bike, you’ll enjoy delicious food from carefully selected trattorias of the northern regions of Veneto (PuntoTours are famous for their dinners).
Bike hire is included in this limited edition tour. Limited spots available - maximum 12.
7 - 15 June 2024 | TWINSHARE €4,800 SINGLE ROOM €5,600
Alé Merckx Gran Fondo
An Italian Gran Fondo is an unforgettable experience, both for the challenging course and the rich cultural and culinary experience. This is your chance to ride shoulder-to-shoulder with pro riders through the Italian country side.
The Alé Merckx Gran Fondo is named after the legendary Belgian cyclist, Eddy Merckx 'Cannibal'. Choose from 2 courses - the 129km Granfondo and the 82km mediofondo.
The event begins in the heart of Verona's beautiful Piazza Bra and rolls out to the surrounding hills. With thousands of particpants and spectators, you can expect a lot of excitement and energy on route.
At the conclusion of the race there is a Rizo Party for all partipants. Where riders refuel with a risotto and a beer to celebrate with fellow cyclists.
Contact PuntoTours here for more information or visit their website to secure your spot.
Inclusions
Included
Gran Fondo Entry | Opera ticket | Luxe accommodation (Twin Share) | Breakfasts | Lunches | Dinners | Full guide and vehicle support | On-road snacks and supplements | Wahoo GPS loan unit if required | Kit laundry service | Complimentary Alé cycling kit Daypack | Bidons | Group transfer on departure
Not Included
Gran Fondo Entry | Opera ticket | Luxe accommodation (Twin Share) | Breakfasts | Lunches | Dinners | Full guide and vehicle support | On-road snacks and supplements | Wahoo GPS loan unit if required | Kit laundry service | Complimentary Alé cycling kit Daypack | Bidons | Group transfer on departure
Gran Fondo Entry Requirements
Foreign riders without a UCI license must submit a medical certificate in English language, attesting their eligibility in participating.
Tour Overview
Arrive: Friday 7 June
Arrive and settle into your hotel in Verona. We'll make sure the bikes are set up, whether you are bringing your own, or hiring a bike, so you're ready to roll tomorrow. Time to wander Verona before a Welcome dinner and Tour Briefing in the evening.
Day 1: Saturday 8 June
An easy ride today, along part of the Granfondo course. A good opportunity to stretch the legs after travelling and become familiar with the start of the route on Sunday.
In the afternoon we get to meet and mingle with current world tour riders at the Alé fashion show. Awesome venue in the beautiful Piazza Bra, opposite the famous Arena di Verona.
DISTANCE | 31KM
ELEVATION | 300M
Day 2: Sunday 9 June
What a great day! The atmosphere at the start of an Italian Granfondo, lined up in the start grid, is not to be missed. Choose to ride the challenging long or shorter medium course of the Alé Merckx Granfondo. Or ride the Griglia Scaligera. Ideal for those that want to experience granfondo for the first time. The Scaligera is lead by exceptional cyclists who provide technical advice, and offers the opportunity to savour the beauty of the landscape behind the main bunch.
GRANFONDO | 129KM | 2600M
MEDIOFONDO | 82KM | 1450M
GRIGLIA SCALIGERA | 82KM | 1450M
Day 3: Monday 10 June
A day off the bike, with visits to two of the Artisans on this tour. We visit the De Rosa factory, seeing their brilliant titanium frames being hand made. Following lunch, we'll visit the Vision/FSA factory where their high performance wheels are also hand made.
Day 4: Tuesday 11 June
Gorgeous ride to the shores of Lake Garda. We follow the lake round to Peschiera and Sirmione. After a delicious lunch stop we head to our hotel in Peschiera, home for a few days. In the afternoon, our third Artisanal visit to the Alé factory to see Alé garments and Cipollini bikes being hand made.
DISTANCE | 55KM ELEVATION | 450M
Day 5: Wednesday 12 June
Great day out as we ride along Lake Garda and catch the ferry across to Salò. You'll love the different perspective from the waters of this beautiful lake. From Salò, we ride back to Peschiera via the impressive Torre di San Martino della Battaglia.
DISTANCE | 90KM
ELEVATION | 900M
Day 6: Thursday 13 June
Fantastic loop ride to the Peri Fosse climb. The start and finish are undulating, and after the 12KM climb to the summit at Fosse and a well-earned caffe, the reward is a gradual, undulating but ultimately downhill journey with sweeping views across the Valpollicella region. A perfect mix for cyclists - quiet roads and rejuvenating scenery.
DISTANCE | 95KM
ELEVATION | 1450M
Day 7: Friday 14 June
Today, for our final ride, we head into the heart of the Valpolicella wine region. The route is winding, through hills of vineyards, olive trees and woodland. Once again, an undulating start and finish, with two ascents to keep things interesting. And that means two descents! We will transfer you back to our hotel in Verona for a very special finale celebration dinner. A brilliant day to wind up a memorable tour!
DISTANCE | 80KM
ELEVATION | 1000M
Day 8: Saturday 15 June
Morning transfer to Malpensa airport.
Time to say farewell, until next time!
Contact PuntoTours here for more information or visit their website to secure your spot.
