Lake Garda and Verona

EXCLUSIVE TO RAPHA CONDOR CLUB

Join us for a privileged tour of one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. A two centre format allows us to showcase the best riding in the region. Our first destination is the shore of Lake Garda, staying in the stunning Hotel Regina Adelaide, on the outskirts of the town of Garda and boasting stunning views across the lake. After enjoying the riding around the lake, we transfer to the heart of Verona, giving you a chance to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and putting us within easy reach of Sunday’s big event, the Granfondo Damiano Cunego.

And as if that weren’t enough for one tour, we’re lucky enough to be joined by the legendary Eros Poli, Tour de France stage winner and, as resident of Verona, the ideal person to introduce you to the great cycling routes in the area. Eros is also excited to share his gastronomic passion with us and will personally take us on a culinary tour as we visit the best vineyards, cheese makers and olive oil producers in the area.

The tour itinerary begins on the shores of Lake Garda. Despite being one of the most recognisable and most photographed areas in Italy, those photographs fail to capture the shear majesty of the landscape and the improbable juxtaposition of mountain and water. It’s a perfect cycling location, demonstrated by the large number of local cyclists who flock to the lake shores every weekend.

In contrast to Garda’s god given beauty, Verona is a testament to the creativity of man. It is a city of true beauty and history with plenty to discover in and around the city. Stunning Roman and medieval architecture dominates, from the Arena famous for its outdoor opera to the majesty of the Arco dei Gavi, you will enjoy meandering leisurely through its historic streets.

Verona’s most famous son at the moment is the Piccolo Principe – Damiano Cunego. Hailing from the Cerro Veronese, a small village in the hills overlooking Verona, Cunego experienced an outstanding year in 2004 becoming one of the youngest ever winners of the Giro d’Italia, taking the honours in the autumn classic, Giro di Lombardia, and ended the year ranked World number one.

In honour of Damiano’s achievements, the granfondo held in the beautiful terrain to the north of Verona bears his name. Running for 150km through classic Italian countryside the Granfondo Cunego presents a tough challenge to any cyclist. A shorter option of 95km is also available for those of you still looking to hit top form. Enjoy the sinuous switchback descents and challenge yourself on the tough climbs of Camposilvano and Campofontana both of which top 1100m. By the end you’ll have over 3000m of climbing in your legs and be deserved of some fine food and drink!

What’s Included?

Airport pickup (times to be advised)
Seven nights four star accommodation (single occupancy double room)
Evening meals at the villa and restaurants
Experienced guide and dedicated support car on each ride
Gastronomic tour with Eros Poli
Complimentary energy drink and bars
La Fuga welcome pack
Event entry

What’s Not?

Flights
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Drinks
Incidental Expenses

The Knowledge

• Tour: Lake Garda, Verona and Granfondo Cunego
• Accommodation: Seven nights four star accommodation (4 nights Garda / 3 nights Verona)
• Airport: Verona
• Event: Granfondo Damiano Cunego
• Other Activities: Gastronomic tour with Eros Poli / Verona site-seeing
• Price: TBA

Lake Garda and Verona

Monday 1 June

Arrival at Bergamo Orio al Seria. Transfer by luxury coach to our base in Garda.

Tuesday 2 - Thursday 4 June

We have three days in Garda to enjoy the varied terrain of the area. We will take in the nearby climbs to feature in the Granfondo Cunego, enjoy a lap of Lake Garda and take a ferry ride across the Lake to take in some of the great riding around Lago d’Idro. Eros Poli will guide us each day for the ride, leading us over his favourite routes in the area. It won’t all be tough riding however; we will enjoy a gentle ride on the rest day and afterwards Eros will take us on a gastronomic tour of the area. We’ll sample the areas finest produce including olive oil, wine and cheese.

Friday 5 June

Today we will transfer by bike from Garda to Verona, a journey of approximately 70km taking a roundabout route to enjoy some great terrain en route. Your luggage will be transported to our new base ready for you to relax at the end of another enjoyable day in the saddle.

Saturday 6 June

We will enjoy a gentle ride along the back roads around Verona. The aim is to spin the legs and loosen things up for the challenge tomorrow. Lunch will be had at a café en route. On our way back to the hotel we will visit the race village, pick up race numbers and sample the pre-race atmosphere. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax and make final preparations for tomorrow. Your bike will receive a final check over from our mechanic and your race number fitted.

Sunday 7 June

The Big Day! The hotel will serve a breakfast suitable for the day’s activities with generous helpings of pasta. We will then ride to the race start and arrive with enough time to grab a pre-race espresso or two. Your guide will be on hand to pass on some last minute words of wisdom and escort you to the starting pen.

After a tough (and hopefully enjoyable) race, we’ll meet you at the finish with some cold drinks and congratulations. Afterwards we’ll hit the pasta party for some serious refuelling and a chance to check the results board. After a refreshing shower and maybe a power nap back at the hotel, we will venture into Verona and rewards our efforts of the day with some great food and drink.

Monday 8 June

A day to relax and enjoy your last few hours in Verona. Your bike will be packed up ready for your flight home. A luxury coach will take the short distance to Bergamo Orio al Serio airport.

Lake Garda and Verona