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The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.

Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
7 Jul 2024
13 Jul 2024

The Lakes & Great Climbs of Italy

$8,950
Lead Guide:

Manuel Cardoso

Have you ever wanted to test yourself against the most famous mountains in Italy? Climbs like the Gavia, the Stelvio, and the Mortirolo have made cycling history and are the reason that most cycling aficionados consider the Giro d’Italia to be the world’s most beautiful race.

This part of Italy is home to some of the best roads anywhere in the world, many of which run straight up against the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda, Lake Idro and Lake Iseo. It’s also renowned for its food and wine, so there will be plenty to look forward to after each unforgettable day in the saddle.

We’ll take on all the famous ascents and also introduce you to some hidden gems, climbs that are reserved for those in the know. You’ll need your mountain legs for this trip, but don’t let the altitude intimidate you. We pride ourselves on having the best team of guides and mechanics in the business, so you can ride comfortably at your own pace, knowing that there will always be someone right beside you with encouragement and advice, whenever you need it.

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included

**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

MEET THE GUIDES

MANUEL CARDOSO

The Quiet Crusher

Manuel Cardoso is no longer sitting on the front of the pack, pulling everyone along at what some would describe as a “brisk” pace and what others are unable to describe at all, because they’re too busy gasping for breath and holding onto the wheel in front of them for dear life. Manuel is now sitting just slightly off the back of the pack. As I look back, I realize he has that look on his face. The look which struck fear in the hearts of the Pro Peleton for many years. The look which is part grin, part mischievous child and all business. He is about to start some shenanigans. Sure enough, just a few kilometers later and Manuel has picked one lucky contestant out of the pack and they are sitting-in, waiting, like predators, for the perfect moment. For Manuel, just like when he raced pro, this is when the road turns slightly up, a spot in the road where it gets tough for everyone. And he accelerates with his breakaway “partner” in tow. It is something to see. He ramps it up to a speed with which no one can latch onto the back and with such precision you have to question whether or not you actually want to try and close the gap he has created. And you can’t see it, but you just know, he is grinning from ear-to-ear.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

START LOCATION:

Verona

FINISH LOCATION:

Milan

TOTAL ELEVATION:

8,764m

TOTAL DISTANCE:

376km

DAYS RIDING:

6

GROUP SIZE:

8-14

LONGEST DAY:

Day 3 – 99km
4 Lakes

BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:

Day 3 – 2,218m
4 Lakes

View Bike Options

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

1

MARCIAGA

Sunday | 40km & 521m

Benvenuti in Italia! There’s no such thing as a flat ride on this trip, but this route is a gentle introduction to the area, which should give you plenty of time to shake out those legs and make sure your bike is perfect. If something isn’t quite right, this is the day to dial it in with your mechanic. From the east, the climb to the summit of Marciaga, overlooking Lake Garda, is relatively easy, and is followed by an exciting descent to the waterfront.

2

LUMINI

Monday | 62.5km & 1,037m

The largest lake in the country, Lake Garda is a perennial favorite of the rich and famous, who have flocked here since Roman times for the incredible views, calm waters and perfect climate. Our ride will begin with a rolling path at the beginning to the feet of the Lumini climb. A heart pounding descent to the lake.

3

4 Lakes

Tuesday | 99km & 2,218m
Get ready for an unforgettable ride that takes you through 4 of the most stunning lakes in the region. From the breathtaking Lago di Garda, we’ll make our way up to Lago D’Idro, and then continue our journey to the magnificent Lago D’Iseo.
4

ISEO LOOP

Wednesday | 65km & 1,156m
According to popular legend, Leonardo da Vinci stayed on the shores of Lake Iseo between 1499 and 1500. Some art critics argue that part of the background of his most famous painting, the Mona Lisa, portrays the mountains surrounding the lake. Hopefully, we’ll find our inspiration as we explore them by bike!
5

PASSO GAVIA

Thursday | 59.3km & 1,937m
Today is a big day, as we climb one of the most legendary peaks in all of cycling. The famous photo of Andy Hampsten riding in ski goggles en route to his Giro d’Italia win in 1988 is a testament to the grinta required to tackle such a formidable climb. The entire ascent is 20km – not including the lead up to the base along the valley floor, which gains 700m before the real climb starts – and gains 1,350m, bringing us to an elevation of 2,620m at the summit, where we’ll stop for a well-earned panino.
6

PASSO DELL'UMBRAIL & PASSO DELLO STELVIO

Friday | 48.5km & 1,905m
This is our Queen Stage. It’s less than 50 kilometers long – but comes with almost 2,000 meters of climbing. We’ll have a 2km warm up through the center of Bormio before beginning our ascent of the infamous Passo dello Stelvio. On our first ascent from the west we actually don’t quite reach the summit, but take a left turn to Switzerland and the descent of Passo dell’Umbrail. Then it’s up again for the full ascent of the Stelvio from the east, 24km long and climbing 1,800m to the summit, the highest paved road in Italy.
7

DEPARTURE

Saturday
This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

InGamba Red

The NYTRO GRAVEL has a pure road racer DNA which upon launch marked an era in the E-BIKE/GRAVEL world. Featuring an iconic design, the Nytro Gravel is perfect for anyone looking for a road bike with powerful support for the toughest climbs.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Nytro Gravel E-Bike
(available for an additional fee)

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

Saturn Silver

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