Construction Giro D'Italia Cycling Challenge - Venice to Lake Como |

Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como

  • Overview
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Essential Info
  • Pics & Vids
  • Dates & Prices

Highlights

  • Exclusive London ACMichael Taylor Search & Selection Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support
  • 5-day journey starting on the Adriatic Coast and finishing at Lake Como
  • Cycle from Venice’s flat plains to Lombardy’s hills and passing the great lakes of Italy – Garda and Iseo
  • Pedal over 400km tackling alpine foothills, valley paths and mythical climbs as featured on the Giro d’Italia
  • Take on manageable climbs with a high point of 674m – perfect intro climb for trained cyclists
  • Explore beautiful towns and the romantic city of Verona, one of northern Italy’s most attractive cities
  • Enjoy the opportunity to refuel enroute with Italian coffee & gelato
  • Raise £2000 per person in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Overview

Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge exclusive trip for London AC and Michael Taylor Search & Selection. A two-wheeled adventure across Italy, starting in Venice and finishing Lake Como. Pedalling Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes, while soaking up the three legendary lakes, Garda, Como, and Iseo.

It’s a week of high mountains and their great Alpine passes where Giro d’Italia legends were born. Along the way, you’ll soak up the charm of three legendary lakes – Garda, Como, and Iseo – along with the timeless romance of Verona with its countless churches, architecturally fascinating bridges over the Adige, regional wine and food from the Veneto hinterland – it’s one of northern Italy’s most attractive cities.

Starting in the enchanting canals of Venice, you’ll embark on a cycling adventure that takes you across flat plains, forested hills, and the spectacular lakes-and-mountains scenery of Lombardy. Each day brings exciting climbs to test your legs, but don’t worry – the highest point is a manageable 754m at the famous Madonna del Ghisallo, where you’ll discover the cyclists’ chapel, a true pilgrimage for riders.

Picture yourself cruising through quaint, terracotta-roofed villages, staying in picturesque lakeside towns, and gliding along smooth roads with plenty of pit stops for Italy’s finest coffee and gelato. This is the ultimate Italian cycling experience – get ready to ride!

This challenge is fully supported thanks to the presence of the support vehicle, bike mechanic and your cycle leaders throughout.

Please note, there are only 30 spaces available on this trip and that your deposit payment to secure a place is required on booking. Deadline is 30 November 2024.

Day 1

Arrive in Venice Italy 

Venice is a city like no other, famous for its stunning canals and iconic landmarks like St Mark’s Square, the majestic Basilica, the Doge’s Palace with the enchanting Bridge of Sighs, and the bustling Rialto Bridge.

Depending on flight times, you’ll have the chance to soak in the magic of this captivating city before we gather at our mainland hotel in the evening. On arriving at your hotel, you will rendevouz with your bike for assembly and preparation for the start of your challenge the following day. A restful night at the hotel sets the stage for the adventure to begin tomorrow!

A full trip briefing will be provided at the hotel.

Included
Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals: Dinner not included

Day 2

Cycle Venice to Verona 

Leaving the beauty of Venice behind, you begin your cycling adventure. Heading south through fertile fields and over charming canals and rivers that feed into the Venetian Lagoon, just a few miles to the east. The terrain is mostly flat, giving you a chance to ease into the ride – though it’s still a long day in the saddle! You’ll steer clear of the larger towns, but pass through several small, character-filled villages with that distinctive Italian flair.

At the halfway point, you’ll face the day’s only climb, cycling through a beautiful region of hills dotted with thermal spas. Afterward, it’s back to flat roads as you cross the wide River Adige, Italy’s second-longest river, and make your way to Verona. This stunning city, famous as the setting of Romeo and Juliet, offers plenty to explore if you’ve got the energy for an evening wander. Overnight in a hotel.

Distance covered: approx 148kms / 92 miles 
Ascent: 205m

Included
Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Checkpoint snacks & water refills

Day 3

Cycle Verona to Lovere 

Today your ride takes on a varied rhythm as the terrain rolls beneath you, winding along quiet back-roads toward the enchanting lakes of Lombardy. After just a few miles, you’ll be greeted by the glimmering expanse of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and most spectacular lake. As you cycle its southern shore, the sight of steep green hills plunging into the water is simply breathtaking. But today’s challenge lies ahead – a climb that will test your legs and resolve. The road twists and turns, climbing steadily through the forested hills that separate Lake Garda from Lake Iseo.

This is likely the toughest 10 miles of the route, but the spectacular scenery is your reward. Passing through charming villages with historic churches and open pastures, the surrounding peaks seem to cheer us on with every pedal stroke. The climb is hard, but the views of the lush, forested hills inspire you to keep pushing.

Distance covered: approx.154kms / 96 miles
Ascent: 850m

Included
Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Checkpoint snacks & water refills

Day 4

Cycle Lovere to Lake Como 

On this final day of the ride, you’ll leave the peaceful shores of Lake Iseo behind and head to your last climb. The road gently winds through quiet forests and open pastures, offering great views back over the lake and green hills. It’s a steady, satisfying climb, the kind that lets you enjoy the journey as much as the challenge. At the top, the descent is your reward – a long, smooth ride down through riverside towns and villages, each one a glimpse of local life as we make your way toward Bergamo. The road flattens out as you follow the valley, rolling along with the scenery shifting around you.

A couple of shorter climbs keep you on your toes as you approach the southeast arm of Lake Como. The landscape changes, dotted with small lakes and towns that make for a varied and scenic ride. One last short climb and descent brings you down into Como, the finish line in sight.

Como, with its historic streets and beautiful lake views, is the perfect place to end your two-wheeled adventure. After days on the bike, a stretch of the legs is welcomed as you stroll through the town to soak up the atmosphere. You’ve covered some amazing ground in support of GOSH, and now it’s time to relax and reflect on your ride and achievements.

Distance covered: approx. 115kms / 71 miles
Ascent: 1300m

Included
Accommodation:  Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Checkpoint snacks & water refills

 

Day 5

Como – Milan Bergamo Airport
Following a leisurely breakfast it’s time to make your way home filled with a huge sense of achievement.

There is the option to take the train from Como to Milan Bergamo Airport. 

Included
Meals: Breakfast only

 

Pre-trip info

On booking the Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como, you’ll receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, training guide, countdowns, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24/7 via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your cycling trip ahead. A’ppy days.

Pre-trip support

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service for your Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the team all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond.

Flights

Flights
Flights are not included to Venice and from Milan to give you the flexibility to fly from your nearest airport and to extend your stay in Italy if you wish.

Transfers to and from the airports 
You will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements to and from the airports in Italy. Adventurous Ewe will provide travel recommendations if needed.

Insurance

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage, flight delays and personal effects and pandemic travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

Bicycle Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain suitable bicycle insurance to cover your bike and equipment during transportation and on the cycling challenge itself. Please feel free to shop around or obtain a direct quote from Cycle Guard or Bikmo

Passport

All nationalities require a full passport. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. For the latest info, please visit the F&CO website.

Visa

British nationals do not require a visa to enter Italy for the purpose of tourism for up to 90 days.

For the latest entry requirements, please visit the F&CO website and also check Brexit advice for travelling to Europe.

Safety and wellbeing

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority. The Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something great with undertaking this self-powered journey. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place. Your crew will be equipped with communication devices and medical kit. 

Here are a couple of important points for your consideration:

  • Be prepared. The terrain on the challenge is often undulating, with some big hill climbs, so please be prepared for some long and tough days consecutively in the saddle.
  • Pack for all weather. The weather during the challenge can be unpredictable so we would recommend checking the weather forecast beforehand and pack the appropriate clothing.
  • Be aware of the Italian Highway Code and the rules for cycling in Italy before you go. Please note there is a requirement to wear a high-visibility gilet if riding in a tunnel or outside town/city centres between dawn and dusk.
  • Debris on the roads. The roads in the high mountains take an absolute battering. They’re covered with snow for much of the year and the freeze-thaw process takes it toll. Rain washes gravel into the roads. Rockfalls mean you can come across large chunks of rock in the road! Remember this and do take care, especially on the downhills. Better to go a touch slower and not end up in hospital!
  • Review the route. You’ll receive a GPX file of your cycling route prior to your departure. Spend some time getting to know the route. It’s important to know what to expect before you set out. Consider how long each climb should take, where you plan to refuel (outside of any dedicated water-stops) and take note of any important sections. You never know what’s going to happen out on the road, so it’s good to be self-reliant. 
  • Lights, phone, ID and money/cards. Keep a small rear light fitted to your bike in case you come across a tunnel or get caught in bad weather. You may want a front light too for added safety. And make sure you have money/cards, ID and your phone on you at all times! 
  • Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint! At the beginning of a day/week of cycling, it can be easy to spin off quickly at a pace you can’t sustain. Italy’s mountains are some of the toughest cycling climbs in the world – take it easy and try and remember it’s a team challenge so look out for one another!
  • Long days in the saddle. 8+hours of cycling each day is long time to spend in the saddle, so please ensure your prepare accordingly and that you fuel your body correctly at the water stops and during breakfast and lunch. 
  • Greetings. If you overtake another cyclist, it’s polite to say ciao, salve (which means hello) or buongiorno (good day).
  • Coffee. Lastly, but most importantly, know your coffee etiquette. No milky coffee after midday (unless you’re happy to be looked at with a perplexed expression) and before midday, don’t ask for a latte (you may end up with just that, i.e. milk)! Ask for caffe latte or latte macchiato instead. Also, at a mid ride cafe, it’s usual to pay after you’ve drunk your coffee – so expect to order, drink, then pay. And cash is king in the mountains!
Vaccinations & allergies

Vaccinations
There are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations include: Tetanus. For the most up to date info on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 8 weeks in advance of travel. For more info, visit the Fit For Travel website.

Please note, it is your responsibility to comply and fulfil any necessary travel requirements and documentation to comply with entry and exit laws into Italy and the UK in relation to any pandemics. 

Severe allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Leaders & crew

You will be accompanied by certified Adventurous Ewe Cycling Leader/s, Bike Mechanics and Crew. Our Leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading cycling trips. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Leaders and Crew will carrying full safety equipment and first aid kits with larger first aid kits located in the support vehicle. Please note, these kits are for emergencies only so please come prepared with your own personal first aid items. The Leaders and Crew will also be in constant radio communication with the vehicle drivers throughout your adventure.

The crew will be looking after every aspect of your trip with transporting your luggage, helping you with GPX route files, a friendly & supportive face at checkpoints and sorting out any mechanical problems. Support vehicle will be at the checkpoints and there will be a cycling leader accompanying the team during the ride. 

Group size
We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.
 
The minimum group size for the Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como to run is 16 people. A smaller team can be hosted for an additional small group supplement per person.
 
Please note, there are only 30 spaces available on this trip and that your deposit payment to secure a place is required on booking. Deadline is 30 November 2024.
Group management

The Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como is a team adventure and not designed to be an individual competitive race. The route will be supplied as a GPX file and therefore there will be no route marking by way of directional arrows (helping us to reduce our carbon footprint). 

There will be Cycling Leader/s accompanying the group. There will be a support vehicle available which you will see at each checkpoiint and lunch stop plus it is available for any emergencies. We encourage team spirit and support of each other to ensure everyone has the best opportunity to complete the challenge and enjoy the journey along the way too.

All luggage and bike spares will be carried in the support vehicle. Please ensure you carry your own puncture repair kit and spare inner tubes.  

Trip grading

The Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como is graded as Challenging to Tough. It is an achieveable challenge which will allow people to push themselves out of their comfort zone, with some hill climbs and descents and long days in the saddle. Each day offers a great climb to test your legs, but with your highest point at 674m, these aren’t the high cols, and it’s an achievable ride for anyone willing to train.

For logistical and safety reasons we sometimes need to re-group, so the front-cyclists may find themselves waiting for the slower ones. Please relax, and remember that this is a team effort that enables people to achieve their personal goals.

We recommend that all participants on this trip are able to meet the following:

  • Cycle at least 60 miles per day, over an undulating route
  • Ability to fix a puncture by replacing the inner tube 
  • Confidently navigate whilst riding using a Garmin or mobile phone app
  • Able to carry adequate clothing – jacket, arm and leg warmers, gloves and under hat, water, electrolytes and nutritional fuel.
Bike & kit

A full kit list will be provided when you join the team for the Construction Giro D’Italia Cycling Challenge – Venice to Lake Como. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic two-wheeled and an uncomfortable one.

We strongly recommend that the bike is serviced the week before your challenge to ensure that the brake and gear cables along with brake pads haven’t been to worn out during your pre-challenge training.

Whilst we plan our trips around the optimal weather conditions, you could still be exposed to wet & windy or hot & humind weather at any time. It is important that you are prepared for all conditions.

 

Weather

Despite this trip being held at the start of Spring, the weather can change rapidly so it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions including rain, wind and heat. In the week leading up to your trip we recommend monitoring the weather forecast and you will also receive weather updates via our mobile travel app, Vamoos.

Pack for all weather. At any time of year, take a jacket on your ride.It might feel over-cautious when it’s sunny and warm as you set out, but you’ll be grateful at the top of any climbs. 

If the forecast suggests poor weather, you’ll need to pack kit in addition to a jacket: arm and leg warmers and long-fingered gloves, possibly overshoes too.  

Heatstroke. Use sun cream and drink plenty of water. One great thing about riding in Italy is that there are generally a fair few water fountains around. However it’s still important to carry plenty of water and remember to drink it. Heatstroke can strike quickly and is very unpleasant and can be very serious. Try to rest in the shade wherever possible.

Cramp. This is a common complaint and is often due to the fact you’re sweating and not replacing the electrolytes. Ensure you take electrolyte tablets for your water bottle and use them to help stave off cramps.

Please note, the Leader/s reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it as your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Accommodation

We have aimed to stay in 3* star hotels or above on this challenge. Standards may vary between the hotels but they are generally comfortable and convenient for your route. Most night’s accommodation is on a half board basis (dinner, bed & breakfast included).

Rooms will be used on a twin share basis & all rooms will have their own bathroom.

 

Food & drinks

Meals are included as outlined in your itinerary. 

Lunches will primarily be a picnic style and dinners are usually eaten at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. 

Water and snacks will be provided during your cycle journey at checkpoints enroute. Please do make sure you eat enough to give you the energy for your exertions. We strongly recommend bringing some of your own high energy and nutritional snacks and electrolytes which your body is used to digesting to ensure you are sufficiently fuelled fo this challenge. 

If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know via the booking process or via the link we will send you. 

Payment info

Deposit/Registration fee: £350 per person – payable by the participant on booking and non-refundable. Please note, there are only 30 spaces available on this trip and that your deposit payment to secure a place is required on booking. Deadline is 30 November 2024.

First instalment: £350 per person – payable by the participant on 30 January 2025. Total of £700 per person paid by participant.

Remaining balance: £550 per person – payable by Macmillan Cancer Support, 6 weeks prior to the departure date.

Sponsorship: Participants commit to raising a minimum of £2000 per person in sponsorship (excluding Gift Aid) for Macmillan Cancer Support. Participants can set up a Justgiving page for this fundraising. 

Sponsorship: £2000 per person for Macmillan Cancer Support. This money is to be sent directly to Macmillan. 80% of your sponsorship (£1600pp) must be received by Macmillan no later than 8 weeks prior to the trip departure date. The remaining 20% (£400pp) must be received by Macmillan no later than 4 weeks after the trip finish date.

 

Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)
May 21, 2025
May 25, 2025
5 Days Available £350.00 £700.00 Book Now

What's Included?

Pre-trip:

  • Personalised event support in the lead up to your trip from Adventurous Ewe
  • GPX file of the route
  • Cycle training programme
  • Discount on personal kit both in shop and online
  • Trip info supplied via mobile travel app
  • Public liability insurance
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning.

During your trip:

  • Cycle leaders, support crew and bike mechanic
  • ATA Carnet for bicycle import/export to and from UK to EU
  • 4 nights accommodation (twin share basis)
  • Meals per your itinerary
  • Snacks and water station checkpoints 
  • Support vehicle and luggage transfers
  • Full back-up support including first-aid qualified crew and first-aid supplies  
  • All challenge management before, during and post trip.

What's Not Included?

  • Bike insurance
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Vaccinations (if required)
  • Bike and helmet – each participant must bring their own recently serviced bicycle and a helmet must be worn at all times whilst on your bike
  • Bespoke bicycle collection and drop off requirements outside those included
  • Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List
  • Getting to the start and from the finish of the trip
  • Dinner on day 1
  • Personal snacks and electrolytes
  • Any costs incurred with leaving the trip early, ie. accommodation, travel, etc.
  • Personal spending money.

THOUGHTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering our trips in a responsible and ethical manner. We respect and aim to operate our adventures to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!

Plus, our commitment to support of our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth, means you can rest assured knowing you’re taking on this challenge in a meaningful way.

Some of the ethical features embedded in this Giro ‘D Italia Cycling Challenge are:

  • Staying in smaller-scale locally owned accommodation
  • Buying locally produced food and drink, and dining in locally owned restaurants
  • Minimising plastic waste wherever possible
  • Careful management of limited energy and water resources
  • Offering real life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding
  • Operating with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints
  • Adventurous Ewe will make a financial contribution to the environmental charity, Cool Earth, as part of our business partnership.

As Sir David Attenborough said:

“Helping Cool Earth to halt tropical deforestation makes a real difference. Perhaps the biggest difference we will make in our whole lives.”

We will continue to invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth and we invite you, our valuable flock, to do the same. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by simply clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2.

Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.

Location
Europe
Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Difficulty
Cost From
£700.00
Trip Notes