Executive Summary:
Two weeks of low-key cycling, hiking, wining, dining, sun, and fun along the Como shoreline of Bellagio and among the alps of Bormio, Italy. A perfect end-of-summer active vacation for cyclists who want to sample Italy's wonderful cycling, but without overdoing it!
How tough is it?
Overall: 2 out of 5 – You'll improve your fitness and have fun!
Mileage: 20 to 40 miles – "Bonus" miles are optional!
Climbing: Bellagio is rolling, Bormio has classic sustained climbs!
("Bonus" or "bail-out" options are always available!)
Activities: 10 of 10 – The lake, gardens, museums, & hot springs!
Cortina d'Ampezzo, long famous for its hiking and climbing, became world famous by hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics.Today, wonderful road cycling and mountain biking make Cortina a "must go" destination for active sports enthusiasts.Picture yourself riding, hiking, and mountain biking among the Dolomites' shear rock faces!
The Mortirolo, Gavia, & Stelvio–These famous Giro passes challenge you with their long climbs and fast descents!Bormio's picturesque alpine setting is perfect for tackling these passes, and its quiet old town center provides a true "Italian" experience!Less famous, Bormio's hiking and MTB are equally world class!
There's nothing like the water, sky, and mountains of Lago di Como!Popular with Italians for their summer vacations, countless boats of all varieties dot the deep blue water.After cycling and hiking among the lakeside villas and gardens, we "get out on the water," with a ferry ride back to our hotel!
Wonderful biking and hiking around the Apli Apuane marble quarries of Michelangelo fame!Appearing snow-capped in summer, due to the bright-white marble, we hike and bike trails and roads built over 2000 years!With a scant 5 Km between alpi and mare–and the beach–our apres sport is a nap in the sun, and a dip in the Mediterranean!