sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bovec, Friuli, Genoa, Gorizia

FRIULI & CLASSICO Ability : Athletic Beginner / Duration: 8 days / 7 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

ITINERARY OUTLINE & Slovenia Trip Essence / Page 2 / Page 3-5 Wheels and wines in a little-seen corner of Daily Itinerary Arrival & Departure / Page 6 Bike Information / Page 6 Welcome to ’s wine-rich Friuli region! In this little-visited locale, tucked between Slovenia and , you’ll find the cultural imprints of Terms & Conditions / Page 7 both countries —not to mention some of the most rewarding roads you’ll Reserve Your Space! / Page 7 ever pedal. Over the years, this region was occupied by various European powers and it developed a unique language and culture. While it is unlikely that the Friulano language will survive the next century, the customs and traditions of the land live on. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience an amazing mixture of Venetian Italian and Austrian/Slavic cultures. It will be a trip of a lifetime!

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 1 FRIULI & SLOVENIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Athletic Beginner / Duration: 8 days / 7 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

TRIP ESSENCE TRIP DETAILS Ability Level • Be among the first of your friends to ride this beautiful region • Athletic Beginner

• Pedal through lands that inspired Joyce, Hemingway, Freud, and Rilke Summary of Daily Distances • Day 1: 10/13 miles • Enjoy a striking variety of cultures: Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian • Day 2: 35/43 miles • Day 3: 30/41 miles • Bike through the lush vineyards of Friuli’s burgeoning wine country • Day 4: 32/41 miles (and sample the local vintages, of course) • Day 5: 23 mile optional loop • Day 6: 28/44 miles • Spin along “roads less traveled” in Italy and Slovenia • Day 7: 40 miles • Day 8: Nasvidenje! • Discover the towns of and Cividale in Italy and Bled in Slovenia Optional extra loops available • End in the romantic and charming , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Slovenia

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Use of a carbon road bike (see page 6 for details)

• Service of local, professional guides throughout the program

• Ciclismo jersey and water bottle

• All accommodations

• 5 dinners, 2 lunches & all breakfasts

• Wine tasting

• Cycling clinics & one-on-one coaching

• Guided visits of Gorizia and Cividale

• museum visit in

• Group shuttle during and at the end of the tour

• Open air activities in Bovec (rafting and/or hiking or cycling)

“Every experience - food, wine, tours, routes, was beyond any expectation. It was mind-numbing to see how the “bar” kept elevating. Each experience topped the last one!”- John R. Pittsford, NY

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 2 FRIULI & SLOVENIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Athletic Beginner / Duration: 8 days / 7 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

DAY 1 Highlights

GORIZIA We meet at 12:30 pm in the lobby of our hotel for lunch and greetings, followed by a bike fitting and a spin near the border. We begin our tour in Daily Mileage - 10/13 miles Gorizia, which has a central European flavor and is split into two sides, with the Slovenian side called . Find out why it was a favorite spot Riding Terrain - Flat and one of the Hapsburg nobility in the 19th century, when you experience the mild climb (3 miles) on extra loop climate, green parks, and brilliant social life. Hotel - Grand Hotel Entourage • Location: Gorizia The 4-star Grand Hotel Entourage was once home to the Court of King • Duration: 2 Nights . It has been completely restored and retains all of its majestic • www.hotelentourage.it/en features, incorporating them with modern facilities. Each guest room and suite is elegantly decorated, some with antiques. They overlook the square, the rose garden, the grounds, or the castle. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.

DAY 2 Highlights Pedal towards east and cross the border, discovering a unique and natural GORIZIA AND THE environment called “Carso.” According to linguists, the name Carso comes CARSO from the root “karra,” a pre-Indo-European word for stone – and stone Daily Mileage - 35/43 miles is the very essence of Carso. The vast limestone outcrops, grottoes, and underground rivers are results of slow water erosion; they constitute an Riding Terrain - Rolling and a astonishing and unforgettable environment. Today we cross the Italian/ few hills on main road and extra Slovenian border multiple times at the abandoned border crossing posts. loop

Hotel - See Day 1

DAY 3 Highlights The area of Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli covers part of the province COLLIO, COLLI of and stretches across the hills bordering Slovenia. Today we ride ORIENTALI, AND to Colli and explore it in greater depth, wheeling between gentle slopes awash in grapevines. Thanks to the region’s succession of hills and plentiful southward-facing slopes, the area named Collio provides the perfect Daily Mileage - 30/41 miles environment for premium quality winemaking- especially white wines– with over 200 makers! Naturally, you’ll have ample opportunities to sample Flat and rolling Riding Terrain - superb wines. Cividale del Friuli was the ancient capital of the Lombard hills; one solid climb (5 miles) on dukedom and the style of the time is still well represented by the typical extra loop architecture. Hotel - Locanda del Castello • Location: Cividale del Friuli Boasting a modern spa and a restaurant, the 4-star Locanda al Castello • Duration: 1 Night Wellness Resort offers nine rooms individually decorated in an exclusive and • www.alcastello.net refined manner with individual antique pieces and tasteful décor.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 3 FRIULI & SLOVENIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Athletic Beginner / Duration: 8 days / 7 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

DAY 4 Highlights

SLOVENIA: BOVEC AND Today we’ll cross the border into Slovenia and explore the Soca Valley THE SOCA VALLEY (Isonzo Valley in Italian). Note how quickly the sights and environment change! The clear, alpine waters of the Soca River, called the Emerald Daily Mileage - 32/41 miles beauty by locals due to the crystal quality of the water, the shadowy routes, and fresh breezes from the nearby Mount will refresh your senses. Riding Terrain - Rolling and This area experienced a lot of military action during World War I, including flat; one short and steep climb playing host to 12 different battles between May 1915 and November 1917. (1 mile) on extra loop We spin along the valley visiting the Slavic town of Kobarid and its famous WWI museum, nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic before arriving in Dobra Vila Bovec Hotel - Bovec for the evening. • Location: Bovec

• Duration: 2 Nights Housed in a historic telephone central office surrounded by green • www.dobra-vila-bovec.si/ sceneries, the 4-star Hotel Dobra Vila features a wine boutique and air- conditioned rooms.

DAY 5 Highlights This is a day dedicated to enjoying the region. On the Isonzo river you ACTIVITY DAY IN BOVEC can choose to experience a easy rafting descent, one of the several water Daily Mileage - 23 miles sports that Bovec is known for. A local company will provide us with all the (optional) equipment necessary to enjoy this experience: wetsuit, boots, life jacket and helmet. In the afternoon you may also choose to hike on the foothills Riding Terrain - One climb (2 of Mt Canin or simply relax at the hotel. We will also have the opportunity miles), then gentle rolling to enjoy an optional loop ride available in the afternoon, which is highly recommended to those of you who wish to further explore the valley of Hotel - See Day 1 Soca river.

DAY 6 Highlights The morning begins with a 1 hour shuttle to avoid the climb to the Predil BLED Pass. Our bike ride begins from Kranjska Gora, initially on a beautiful bike path and then, at times, riding through the countryside en route to Bled. Daily Mileage - 28/44 miles This is another beautiful opportunity to enjoy the Riding Terrain - Flat and rolling and to savor the enchanting atmosphere of one of the most famous and then one climb (2 miles) on frequently visited places in Slovenia. We finish our day in the charming town main route, more hills on extra of Bled, famous for its lake and tranquil atmosphere. loop The 4-star Hotel Triglav has exquisite charm arising from its elegant interiors Hotel - Hotel Triglav and pleasant location on the lake. All guest rooms have lake views. An • Location: Bled indoor pool, Finnish sauna and relaxation and reading room are available to • Duration: 1 Night guests, free of charge. • www.hoteltriglavbled.si

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 4 FRIULI & SLOVENIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Athletic Beginner / Duration: 8 days / 7 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

DAY 7 Highlights

LJUBLJANA Today on out last ride we reach the enchanting Ljubljana, ancient capital of the historical region of , and currently a UNESCO World Heritage Daily Mileage - 40 miles Site and capital of Slovenia. This charming town has been influenced for centuries by its geographic position, at the crossroads of the Slavic, Riding Terrain - Rolling Germanic and cultures. Allow some time before dinner to take a stroll in the old part of town and maybe also visit the castle located in the center Hotel - Grand Hotel Union Executive and just a few minutes away from our hotel. This is the perfect location to • Location: Ljubljana end our fantastic tour across two countries in the middle of Europe, which • Duration: 1 Night were once part of the Roman Empire. • www.union-hotels.eu/en/ grand-hotel-union/ Nestled in the heart of the center near the historic quarter, the charming 4-star Grand Hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms housed in a historic building. An indoor pool and Finnish sauna are available to use.

DAY 8 Highlights Today we say goodbye. After breakfast, around 9 am, there will be one ARRIVEDERCI AND group shuttle to the Ljubljana Brnik airport (30 minute shuttle ride) to NASVIDENJE! make your next connection. Perhaps you’ll consider staying another day in this fantastic city or catching a train (5 minute taxi ride) to reach other destinations in Slovenia or Italy.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 5 FRIULI & SLOVENIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Athletic Beginner / Duration: 8 days / 7 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations GETTING TO GORIZIA Valerie Wilson Travel Call: 1-855-780-2022 or Option 1: Fly to Airport (TRS). From here you E-mail: [email protected] can take a 30 minute taxi to the first hotel. Option 2: Fly to M. Polo airport (VCE) through , , , Torino or Munich, . Travel Take a taxi to train station (15 minutes) then a train (www.trenitalia) World Nomads to Gorizia Centrale (2 hours). The hotel is about a 5 minute taxi ride from the Call: 1-816-905-3963 (Direct/ Collect) station. 1-844-207-1930 (Toll-Free within USA) DEPARTING FROM LJUBLJANA https://www.worldnomads.com/ travel-insurance/ After breakfast, around 9 am, we offer a 30 minute group shuttle to Ljubljana Brnik airport (LJU) to make your next connection. Perhaps you’ll Transportation consider staying another day in this fantastic city or catching a train (5 Rome2rio minute taxi ride) to reach other destinations in Slovenia or Italy. http://www.rome2rio.com BIKE INFORMATION ON THE BIKE Included: Bianchi Intenso and Vertigo • Ciclismo Classico water bottle • The carbon frame guarantees maximum performance with • Two water bottle holders minimum stress for the riders, thanks to Bianchi’s special C2C • Map holder on handlebars and a Garmin Edge (Coast to Coast) frame design/geometry and different material GPS combination. Carbon bikes are equipped with compact crank • Handlebar bag and 11/32 cassette. • Tire pump • Bianchi Vertigo included on all Easy and Athletic Beginner free • Combination bike lock tours. • Gel-padded saddle • Bianchi Intenso included on all Intermediate and Advanced • Choice of pedals tours. • Card with your tour leaders’ mobile phone numbers Bianchi C-Sport 2.5 • More relaxed riding at a look-around-you pace, this is a high- Pedal Options: performance aluminum hybrid bicycle with straight handlebars. • Flat pedals It has a sloping design for superior comfort and bigger tires • Half-toe pedals (without straps) and hydraulic disc brakes. Included on all tours. • Toe cage pedals

Tandems Things to Bring: • Cannondale RT 2: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available • Helmet for $400, limited availability. • Optional: clipless pedals with shoes • Honey bicycles: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available • Optional: your own saddle for $400, limited availability. • Co-motion Periscope: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Accommodates smaller team or even children. Available for $400. • Cannondale Hybrid MT800: Upright position with 26 c wheels and straight handlebars. Available for $400.

E-Bike: Bianchi Manhattan • Available on all Easy and Athletic Beginner tours, and some Intermediate and Advanced tours. Please contact us for more information. Available for $400.

Bike type outside of Europe may vary, please contact us at 800-866-7314 for more information.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 6 FRIULI & SLOVENIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Athletic Beginner / Duration: 8 days / 7 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS

Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via email once trip deposit is received. We recommend MH Ross, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice.

Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as follows:

Days before departure – Cancellation fee 121+ days - 50% of the deposit* 91-120 days - 100% of the deposit* 61-90 days - 30% of the trip price 31-60 days - 60% of the trip price 0-30 days - 100% of the trip price

*You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit (currently $600) may be carried forward to the following year as a credit toward the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Carried-forward credits expire at the end of the year to which they are applied.

Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group.

To review our policies, please visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/plan-your-trip/policies/

RESERVE YOUR SPACE!

To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at 800-866-7314. Or, mail your deposit and contact information to:

Ciclismo Classico 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA 02474

At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and email address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 7