Alps of Piedmont and Provence More Miles for Less: Classic Climbs of Champions
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- Overview
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A Historic, Cultural and Scenic Roll through the Alps of Italy and France
Highlights
- Spectacular daily alpine views
- Ascending of the challenging climbs of Col dell’Agnello, Sampeyre, Izoard, Vars, Bonette and Lombarda
- Savor an unforgettable alpine cow milk cheese locally produced
- Discover the Occitan culture rooted in the small villages of this area
- Easy arrival and departure in the same area while traveling through two countries
- Extend your trip for three more nights with our post-tour option to enjoy Torino and the Gran Fondo Fausto Coppi on July 8th 2013 (for June 29th departure only)
Description
If you love the mountains, there’s no trip more rewarding that this brand-new itinerary from Ciclismo! You’ll follow roads made famous by the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, eyeing dramatic landscapes that seem to go on forever. Visit centuries-old villages clinging to a traditional way of life. And fuel up for the next day’s ride with two of the world’s greatest cuisines.
Experience France and Italy on a single journey marveling spectacular alpine views every day. And not every day will you get the opportunity to conquer the Colle dell’Agnello, considered by many cyclists to be the turning point in their cycling career. Bon Voyage! Buono Viaggio!
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Price
$3,295
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Single Supplement
$400
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Ability Level
Expert
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Terrain
Mountain passes
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Distance
Total Mileage: 348 Daily Average: 58
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Departing
Cuneo
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Arriving
Caraglio
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Bike Rental
Included!
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Piedmont and Lake District More Miles for Less
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Dates
- June 29, 2013
- August 4, 2013
Day 1: Caraglio
Today the guides will give an introduction talk at the hotel followed by bike fitting and warm-up ride. Enjoy the medieval Caraglio, and admire tiny hillside villages during your ride towards Montemale.
Day 2: Elva and col di Sampeyre
On the way to Sampeyre, in the Valle Varaita, we follow the Maira river until the village of Stroppo, where the big climb to Cucchiales and the Col Sampeyre begins. Sampeyre is our final destination, a village in the Valle Varaita that hosts the important “occitan” cultural enclave.
Day 3: Colle dell'Agnello, d'Izoard & Briancon
No mountain will ever seem impossible after your ascent of Colle dell’Agnello! Then, descend rolling through the beautiful National Park of Queyras toward historic Briancon by way of Col d’Izoard, which you may recognize from sepia photos of the Golden Age of cycling.
Day 4–5: Barcelonnette, Col de Vars and Col d’Allos, des Champs and de la Cayolle
Day 4: Trace the “Route des Grandes Alpes” today en route to Barcelonette. Created in the early 20th century, this internationally popular route was built to connect the French Riviera with Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
Day 5: One of the most spectacular and challenging days with three passes offering a gorgeous scenery and tranquil roads. Gradient is in general between 5 and 9% and every climb features a breathtaking descent topped off with the last stretch back to Barcelonette with a 20-mile downhill through an unforgettable gorge.
Day 6: Cuneo, col de la Bonette and Lombarda
We’ve saved the most challenging ride for last! Rollercoaster over Col de la Bonette and Col de La Lombarda en route to Cuneo, capital of the western Alps.
Day 7: Arrivederci or join us on the 3-day extension featuring Torino and Gran Fondo Fausto Coppi!
It’s time to leave the beautiful mountains of Italy and France. Make your way to the Cuneo train station at your leisure to connect to your next adventure or extend your trip for three more nights with our post-tour option, to enjoy Torino and the Gran Fondo Fausto Coppi on July 8th 2012 (for June 30th departure only). Forza, andiamo!
