RIDE THE BEST
BIG CLIMBS
OF VENETO
& LAKE GARDA AREA
Challenge yourself on legendary Giro d’Italia climbs in a week that takes you high into the cool, green mountains of northern Italy. Our Big Climbs Cycling Week is designed for experienced riders seeking thrilling ascents, technical descents, and long, rewarding days on the bike.
Conquer iconic peaks like Monte Grappa, Monte Bondone, Monte Baldo, and Passo Fittanze, while enjoying a perfect mix of exclusive guided climbs and flexible ride days. On select days, your dedicated guide will take you to the most challenging routes, while on others you can join the daily hotel rides. Along the way, expert English-speaking local guides share their insider knowledge, and you’ll soak up the charm of picturesque mountain towns, breathtaking panoramic views, and the true spirit of northern Italy on two wheels.
This is not just a cycling week—it’s an unforgettable adventure, a chance to push your limits and celebrate
every climb.
RECOMMENDED CYCLING LEVEL
In our experience, you will enjoy this challenging program if you are an experienced road cyclist who seeks steep climbs, technical descents, and long days on the bike with other accomplished cyclists.
NOTE: BIG CLIMB days are fixed and cannot be rearranged for an individual guest. If you don’t feel up to the Big Climb, you are always welcome to choose from the daily Hotel Ride Board.
DAILY PROGRAM
This is just a sample program. Rides and activities may change based on seasonality, traffic, weather conditions, or to better suit the group riding that week.
DAY 1 – Sunday
Arrival, welcome and briefing. Once you arrive, you’ll have a chance to settle in and then have your bike fitting and a bike review on shifters, braking, riding in Italy, etc. You’ll receive your kit and water bottles and tour the Bike Room, where you’ll conveniently store your gear and find water, cycling food, and electrolytes.
DAY 2 – Monday: Bondone
BIG CLIMB DAY: MONTE BONDONE
DISTANCE: 105 km
ELEVATION: 2000 m
Giro d’Italia 1956: the Luxembourgian champion Charly Gaul is legendary for the time he rode the 242km stage, including various Dolomite passes, arriving at the finish line at the top of Monte Bondone in the midst of a snowstorm with an 8-minute lead. This feat earned him the honor of having the climb named after him. The climb has a length of 17.6 km with an average gradient of 7.8%.
Now it’s your turn.
DAY 3 – Tuesday: Ride of the day
GBH RIDE DAY
Choose from at least three levels of our GBH daily road rides. Generally, all the road rides of the day explore the same territory, but with different distances, speeds, and technical challenges. You are free to choose from any of the rides on any day as long as you are up to the ride’s speed and skill requirements.
DAY 4 – Wednesday: Monte Grappa
BIG CLIMB DAY: MONTE GRAPPA
DISTANCE:72 km
ELEVATION: 1720 m
Monte Grappa is renowned for its historical significance as a key battleground between Italian and Austrian forces during World War I. At its summit stands the imposing Monte Grappa Shrine, a solemn monument honoring the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives there. The ride begins in Marostica, a historic medieval city with the famous Piazza degli Scacchi, which is home to a human sized chessboard. The route continues in the direction of Bassano del Grappa; a few km after the town, the arduous climb of Monte Grappa begins: 19.1km with an average gradient of 8.1%. At the top you will enjoy a breathtaking view and on the clearest days you can be lucky enough to see the reflection of the Venice Lagoon. During the 2024 Giro d’Italia, Pogacar put his final “seal of triumph“ on this climb, which they tackled twice.
DAY 5 – Thursday: Monte Baldo
BIG CLIMB DAY: MONTE BALDO
DISTANCE: 127K
ELEVATION: 2100 m
Monte Baldo is a challenge, with 21km of climbing. We’ll begin with a beautiful ride through the vineyards of the Adige river valley, with mountain cliffs rising around us. Then we’ll climb quiet switchbacks up through a beautiful canyon to open meadows, complete with wildflowers, mountain views, and grazing cows. We’ll rest in San Valentino, where the Giro’s Stage 16 finished in 2025. Recovered, we’ll go even higher for views of the Dolomites and a long, spectacular descent to the lake.
DAY 6 – Friday: Ride of the day
Choose from at least three levels of our GBH daily road rides. Generally, all the road rides of the day explore the same territory, but with different distances, speeds, and technical challenges. You are free to choose from any of the rides on any day as long as you are up to the ride’s speed and skill requirements
DAY 7 – Saturday: Passo Fittanze
BIG CLIMB DAY: PASSO FITTANZE
Climb up through beautiful Parco naturale regionale della Lessinia, on shady forest roads with stunning views of the Valpolicella region. The climb becomes steeper the higher you go, until you are above treeline and can see for hundreds of kilometers in every direction. The descent takes us through the villages and valleys of Valpolicella, for a day that celebrates your strength, skill, and the beauty of Italy.
DAY 8 – Sunday
We will have one final breakfast together, then say our goodbyes. We know you will be sad to leave, but you’ll return home with so many stories and photos to share. No doubt, you will have made many wonderful memories on this trip.
YOUR GBH PACKAGE INCLUDES
CYCLING SERVICES
- Experienced local Italian guides
- 4 Big climb rides and 2 group rides with your choice of riding level
- Daily laundry service for your bike clothing
- Transportation and complete van support during the Big Climb rides
PINARELLO BIKE RENTAL
Pinarello bikes rental available at extra cost. Here our Pinarello bikes fleet available
CYCLING GEAR
- Kit Castelli: jersey, wind vest, cap and socks
- 2 water bottles
- Use of rear lights, computer mount for Garmin or Wahoo, Shimano SPD pedals (if needed)
- Kask Helmet rental (available extra cost)
ACCOMMODATIONS
- 4-Star Hotel: Relax after a long day in the saddle with the comfort and luxury of a 4-star stay.
- Single or twin shared accommodations in one of our hotel rooms in Hotel (we also have Jacuzzi Suites upon request).
- Apartment in our Hatelier Garda Home (apartments 150 meters from the Hotel).
DINING
- Breakfast Buffet
- Lunch in hotel restaurant except 2 lunches in local restaurants
- Dinner in hotel restaurant and 1 dinner at a winery. (Sunday dinner is NOT included)
- Free bottled water during the meals.
- Water and energy drinks, bananas, bars and sandwiches for daily rides.
PROGRAM FOR NON-CYCLISTS
- Non-cyclists always enjoy breakfast, dinner and after-ride special activities with cycling partner
- Our knowledgeable reception staff can provide all the information necessary for day trips to nearby Verona, Venezia, Mantova, Milano, Padova, spas, wineries, museums and other features of interest
(CLICK HERE for Non-Cycling activities)
TRANSFERS
- Transfer with our driver and minivan from and to Verona “Valerio Catullo” airport (available from 8 am to 8 pm) included with prior arrangement. At extra cost we can arrange private transfer to all the major airports of northern Italy (Milano – Venice – Bergamo)
- Transportation to and from the Big climbs (Monte Grappa, Monte Bondone) and complete van support during the Big Climbs rides.
INSURANCE
Cancellation – Assistance – Medical expense Reimbursement – Luggage Insurance. For more info click here
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
MASSAGE
Massage Area with masseur and physiotherapist available with prior arrangement.
EPIC CLIMBS FOR AMBITIOUS CYCLISTS
Take on some of the legendary climbs of Monte Grappa, Monte Bondone, and Monte Baldo, designed for experienced riders who enjoy a real challenge. Conquer multiple Giro d’Italia–style ascents in a week, reaching the cool, green mountains of summer. It’s a rewarding way to celebrate a milestone or boost your training, all at a pace that lets you enjoy the ride.
EXPLORE NORTHERN GARDA, VENETO AND THE PRE-ALPS
Ride along the beautiful Sarca River, stand on the human chess board at Marostica, and cross the historic Ponte Vecchio in Bassano del Grappa. You’ll explore beyond the limits of Garda Bike Hotel rides while still enjoying the warm atmosphere that makes the Hotel everyone’s favorite base.
A CUSTOM MIX OF BIG CLIMBS & FLEXIBLE RIDE DAYS
On four days, you’ll tackle climbs exclusive to the package. On three days, you’ll have your choice of a Garda Bike Hotel daily rides at the level that meets your needs. Choose an Epic day, or opt for a relaxed countryside Classic, depending on your legs and goals.
THE BEST BIKE FOR BIG CLIMBS
You will have the opportunity of riding the top-of-the-line Pinarello Dogma, a bike engineered for high-performance climbing, delivering unmatched responsiveness, lightweight precision, and the thrill of every ascent.
EXTRA BENEFITS MAKE THIS OFFER OUTSTANDING
We will gift you the Garda Bike Hotel Kit by famous italian brand Castelli.
The full kit will consist of jersey, hat, socks, wind vest.
PINARELLO RENTAL
BIKES
PINARELLO
DOGMA F
The best of the best; a top-level bike, the same used by the pro team Ineos / Grenadiers.
- Year of the bike: 2025-2026
- Sizes available: from 43cm to 60cm
- Group set: Shimano DURA-ACE R9270 Di2 – 12 speed electronic – hydraulic disc brakes – Chainrings DURA ACE 34/50t – Cassette 11/34t
- Saddle: Most Lynx
- Handlebar & stem: Most Jaguar & Most Tiger Ultra Light stem
- Wheels: Fulcrum Wind 42 DB
- Tires: Vittoria 30mm
- Mount Device: Most iTALON Cockpit (for Garmin VIRB, GoPro, wahoo, etc…)
- Price: 125€ / day — 750€ / week – Contact Us for possible discount.
The New Dogma F is the top level of the Pinarello brand. The same bike used by the Pros. This bike has a market value of approx. 15.000€
The Dogma F is a high-performance race bike with aggressive geometry. This bike is recommended for high level athletes who regularly ride high performance race bikes and are accustomed to the leaned over and low position, as well as the snappy handling, of this race
Available only for GBH guests
PINARELLO
DOGMA X
Top of the line road bike, with a frame designed for endurance.
- Year of the bike: 2025-2026
- Sizes available: from 43cm to 60cm
- Group set: Shimano DURA-ACE R9270 Di2 – 12 speed electronic – hydraulic disc brakes – Chainrings DURA ACE 34/50t – Cassette 11/34t
- Saddle: Most Lynx
- Handlebar & Stem: Most Jaguar XC
- Wheels: Fulcrum Wind 42 DB
- Tires: Vittoria 30mm
- Mount Device: Most iTALON Cockpit (for Garmin VIRB, GoPro, Wahoo, etc…)
- Price: 125€ / day — 750€ / week – Contact Us for possible discount.
The Pinarello Dogma X is a top of the line Pinarello road bike, with a frame designed for endurance and therefore more comfortable than the Dogma F, but still designed to be a high performing bike.
This bike has a market value of 15.000€ and is great for riders who plan to do our longest rides.
Available only for GBH guests
PINARELLO
GREVIL F1
Our all-purpose bike that will provide you with comfort and performance on any of our daily rides.
- Year of the bike: 2026
- Sizes available: From 47 to 60 cm
- Group set: Shimano GRX 610 2/12 speed – Chainrings 46/30t – Cassette 11/36t
- Saddle: MOST Lynyx
- Handlebar & Stem: Most Jaguarc XA
- Wheels: Fulcrum SONIQ AL disk
- Tires: Vittoria 37mm
- Garmin Mount: Most iTALON Cockpit for Garmin VIRB, GoPro, Shimano o TomTom Bandit
- Price: 80€ / day — 500€ / week – Contact Us for possible discount.
The Grevil is our all-purpose bike that is perfect for most cyclists.
It has relaxed geometry making it a comfortable bike, wider tires and longer wheel base, perfect to handle the cobblestone and rough pavement that we often encounter and lower gearing to tackle our bigger hills. It’s a versatile bike designed for multiple terrains, from road rides to the white (gravel) roads in our area. For most people, the Grevil is the perfect bike for our rides
Available only for GBH guests
PRICING & MINIMUN STAY
This offer is a 7-nights package, valid during these weeks:
21st to 28th June
19th to 26th July
To obtain a price for the dates you would like to book, please contact us per email or WhatsApp
Kindly note that this package requires a minimum number of 4 cyclists
