marmot bike tours

Marmot Tours

www.marmot-tours.co.uk

The Marmot Tours experience has been crafted over a decade by passionate and experienced cyclists, mountain experts and outdoor enthusiasts. Over the years we have evolved, tweaked and carefully crafted our road cycling itineraries.

Tour de France Special

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Tour Operator:  Marmot Tours

  8   days   (Bike: 4 days)

  Big climbs

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  Tour Operator   Marmot Tours

At Marmot Tours we have a lifelong love affair with the Tour in the Pyrenees, a mountain range that we adore for its hidden charms, unexploited terrain and traditional mountain culture. We believe it to offer the best road cycling in the world. Add to that, the Marmot expertise in supporting cyclists, the close relationship we have with our local hotels ensuring you excellent locations on the trip, the madness of the visiting Spanish Tour fans from across the border, and the excitement that we get a chance to watch a stage start and col top finish, then you will know where you should be watching the Tour this year.

Our flexible itinerary gives you the opportunity to cycle some or all the cols from Stages 11 and 12 (plus a few extra) and makes our trip suitable for those wanting more emphasis on the'holiday' or those wanting the emphasis on the 'cycling'. Our 'pro action' this year will be the start of Stage 11 in Tarbes and the 'cherry on the cake' viewing from our hospitality suite in the best spot on the Plateau de Beille, to watch the final climb of the last mountainous stage of the Tour in the Pyrenees.

Pyrenean Classic Cols

  8   days   (Bike: 6 days)

This road cycling holiday has been carefully crafted to allow you to cycle the best cols and stage endings that the Pyrenees has to offer as well experience its quiet roads and unassuming ambiance.

It is a point to point journey traversing the region from East to West, taking in the infamous climbs that the professional Tour de France cyclists head up every year.

The joy of this holiday, and our other Classic Cols itineraries is in its flexibility. Using our in-depth knowledge of the Pyrenees, we have devised a Classic route which warms us up gently getting progressively tougher in preparation for your final ascent of the infamous Col du Tourmalet. Taken at a steady pace this route is manageable and enjoyable for healthy cyclists regardless of experience in the mountains, with the toughest day involving 1700m of ascent. It is route to open up the Pyrenees to you. However, this holiday also offers a fantastic challenge to those wanting to push themselves further and for longer: each day there are 'optional extras' increasing the possible daily ascent to over 3000m, making this holiday also suitable for those very fit cyclists who are regular cyclosportive entrants, and who would consider a Raid.Climb the legendary Tour de France Pyrenean cols & stage endings: Tourmalet, Portet d'Aspet, PeyresourdeOptional Classic Cols challenge: up to 4000m ascent per day!

Dolomites Minibreak

  5   days   (Bike: 4 days)

Often thought of as the most beautiful mountain range in the world, the Dolomites is a landscape of lush green valleys and rugged towering limestone mountains.

It is a paradise for cyclists, with lots of infamous cols used regularly by the Giro D'Italia, plus some lesser known ones to discover for yourself.This centre based minibreak showcases the area from the comfort of a 3* Lakeside hotel in Alleghe so you have the flexibility to cycle or relax as suits you best. Each of the 4 days rides has 3 options so will suit both novice cyclists to the mountains, and experienced col climbers. As with our other Classic Cols holidays, the unique thing about this type of holiday is its flexibility - you really can ride as much or as little as you like, at a pace that suits you without holding up or being held up by others in the group. That said, with a group of 20, you can be sure to find someone else on the trip with similar aspirations to you, whether that be sampling a glass of Prosecco in a rustic village bar, or taking on every optional climb on offer.

Alpine Classic Cols

This road cycling itinerary has been carefully crafted so you can cycle the most scenic and challenging cols and stage endings that the savoie alps has to offer..

Our tantalising circular route takes in all the Tour de France climbs: Cormet de Roseland, l'Iseran, Telegraphie, Col du Galibier, Alpe D'Huez, Croix-de-Fer and la Madeleine. On our Classic Route you start off as gently as the Alps allow, gradually cranking up the daily altitude gain from 1200 to 2100m. Each day there are 'optional extras' increasing the possible daily ascent to over 2600m, making this holiday also suitable for those looking to really push themselves and take on our Classic Cols Challenge. It is ideal for mixed ability groups or couples. This week is real escape and riding on the quiet roads through the dramatic mountain scenery of the Alps with its far reaching views is a joy, not to mention the sense of achievement as you summit these climbs. Flexible itinerary to suit mixed ability groups with optional extras for those looking for a challenge Climb the legendary Tour de France Alpine cols: Iseran, Telegraphie, Galibier, & Alpe d'HuezOptional Classic Cols challenge: over 600kms and 16000m ascent

Classic Cols of the Dolomites

Made infamous by the giro d'italia, the dolomites is one of the worlds greatest places to ride a bike where every road leads to another exquisite climb, each with their own character..

This road cycling holiday showcases the region perfectly, offering epic climbs, breathtaking scenery, delicious Italian food, and excellent support from 2 Marmot guides and vehicles. We have designed the Classic Route so that, taken steadily, it is manageable and enjoyable for healthy cyclists regardless of experience in the mountains. However, this holiday also offers a fantastic challenge to those wanting to push themselves further: each day there are 'optional extras' increasing the possible daily ascent to between 3000 and 4200m on the Challenge Route.

Classic Cols of the Picos

The picos de europa in northern spain is a little known paradise for cyclists and a great place to spend a week..

There are few places with so much variety; rugged limestone mountains, deep gorges, ancient forests, mountain pastures and unspoilt villages. The climbs are also varied: gentle and meandering or short and sharp, and then there is the Alto de Angliru, which is just brutal (and thankfully optional!). We have designed the Classic Route so that the distance and gradients between the hotels is manageable and enjoyable for most cyclists if taken steadily. However, each day there are 'optional extras' increasing the possible daily ascent to between 2600m and 3100m, making this holiday also suitable for those looking to really push themselves and take on our Challenge Route. With a group of 20, you can be sure to find someone else on the trip with similar aspirations to you, whether that be sampling 'una cerveza por favor' in a rustic village bar, or taking on every optional climb on offer. Flexible itinerary to suit mixed ability groups with optional extras for those looking for a challenge - Climb the infamous Vuelta passes including Fuenta De and Lagos de Covadonga - Optional Classic Cols challenge: over 600kms and 16000m ascent

While great care has been taken to show full and correct tour details, unfortunately transcription errors do occur and, although we continually seek to eliminate these, we apologise for any mistakes. Plans or bookings should not be made exclusively based on information shown on this website but must be confirmed with the tour operator.

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Saturn Stadium
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center

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Best of the Dolomites: 4 day mini-break

Road cycling holidays in the dolomites.

• The best cycling climbs in the Dolomites – enjoy the perfect cycling mini-break over four days
• Cycle the beautiful Sella Ronda and Marmolada loops of the Maratona – at your own pace!
• Climb the Passo di Giau and Passo di Falzarego, as well as other hidden gems
• Centre-based cycling tour, staying at a splendid 4* hotel on the shore of Lake Alleghe
• Flexible route choices every day – to suit a range of riding abilities from novice in the mountains to expert
• Two customised support vehicles and two experienced, proactive, and fun guides, focused on making your holiday the best it can be

Days on the bike

Best cycle trip I've been on. Can't wait to do another !

Introduction

This Italian cycling mini-break gives you the chance to experience the best cycling climbs of the Dolomites over four days. Arguably one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, the Dolomites is a landscape of lush green valleys and rugged, towering limestone peaks. It is a cycling paradise, with numerous epic passes featuring regularly in the Giro d’Italia. We’ve crafted this itinerary to also include some lesser-known rides and climbs for you to discover with the full support of our two fantastic guides.

This centre-based minibreak showcases the region from the comfort of a fantastic 4* lakeside hotel in Alleghe, so you have the flexibility to cycle or relax as much or as little as you like, without moving on each day. You’ll have three route choices to choose from daily, so this tour will suit all levels of cyclists: those new to cycling in the mountains as well as those with experience.

As with our other Marmot Classic style holidays, the unique thing about this type of tour is its flexibility – you really can ride as much or as little as you like, at a pace that suits you without fear of holding up or being held up by others in the group. With a typical group size of 20, you can be sure to find someone else on the tour with similar aspirations to you, whether that be riding at a more leisurely pace and sampling a glass of prosecco in a rustic village bar, or ticking off every optional climb on offer.

It’s important to us that you choose the right cycling holiday for you and your aspirations, so please read our Trip Notes for comprehensive details of what this holiday involves; food, accommodation, transfers, and so on.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

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Departure Dates & Prices

Discount information.

We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):

• Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our  5% early bookers discount
• Get a group of 10+ people together for a  7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
• Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a  10% discount  from your 3rd Marmot trip onwards

Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday (15% for a non-cycling companion).

• Challenging Rides
• Classic Rides
• Easier Rides

Day 0: Arrival day

Included transfers from Venice Marco Polo VCE airport to Alleghe (2hrs). Meet your guides and head to your lakeside hotel.

Full travel advice ( essential reading before booking your flights ) can be found in our Trip Notes .

Day 1: NW - Sellaronda Circuit

After a brief lakeside warm up to Caprile, you take on the eastern slopes of the Passo Pordoi (2239m) , which provides a perfect introduction to the Dolomites. It is a long (28.5km) climb, but in general the gradients are kind and there are even a few short downhill sections! The views from the top are magnificent and there is a great choice of cafes / restaurants at the top. From here all the options are good!

Option 1: 68km with 1430m ascent Have a big lunch and return back the same way.

Option 2: 75km with 1880m ascent Head back to the village of Arabba, then ride up the south side of the Passo di Campolongo (1875m) .

Option 3: 101km with 2500m ascent Those who have heard of the Maratona dles Dolomites will be itching to complete the ‘Sella Ronda’ route — one of Europe’s great rides over 4 great cols: Passo di Pordoi ,  Passo di Sella (2244m) from the south, Passo di Gardena (2121m) from the west and the north side of the Passo di Campolongo (1875m) . The altitude drop between the passes is not huge, but it is a big day out!

Day 2: SE - Hidden Gems of the Dolomites

The western side of the Forcella Staulanza (1771m) is a beautiful pass from the door of our hotel with varied gradients as you climb. Again the views from the road are excellent: today it is the pointy limestone peak of Monte Civetta that dominates the horizon.

Option 1: 44km with 935m ascent Enjoy the view from the cafe and head back to the hotel. You could take in the Colle Santa Lucia (1485m) en route!

Option 2: 70km with 1750m ascent After a short descent to a village called Don’t (is it trying to tell us something?!) the gradients turn a bit tougher as we take on the Passo Duran (1602m) from the north, another Giro favourite. The descent requires your concentration, then all you have to do is climb gently uphill on a quiet side road.

Option 3: 102km with 2700m ascent Once back in Alleghe, there is a nice little loop that can be tagged onto the day taking you up the north side of the Forcella Franche (992m) and then the south side of the Forcella Aurine (1297m) .

Day 3: NE - Legends of the Dolomites

The vista from Passo di Giau (2238m) is one of the most magnificent in the Dolomites. The western side of the climb is relentlessly steep but it is a quiet road and in the cool of the morning is very pleasant. Yet again there are many options…..

Option 1: 39km with 1270m ascent Linger at the top of the pass for a few hours and have a leisurely lunch before heading back to the hotel.

Option 2: 64km with 1850m ascent From the Passo di Giau, head down towards Cortina, but soon join the road to the Passo di Falzarego (2105m) which you climb from the east. After a pause at the top of the pass, it is downhill to the hotel.

Option 3: 116km with 3030m ascent Keep cycling over the Passo di Giau to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a high-altitude, attractive Italian town that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.  Next up is the Passo Tre Croci (1805m) which has a few nasty little sections before briefly descending to the well-known and exceptionally beautiful Lago di Misurina.  After a pause for lunch, you take on the   Passo di Cimbanche (1530m) from the east back to Cortina from where the eastern gradients of the Passo Di Falzarego (2105m) still stand between you and the hotel.

Day 4: SW: Tour of Marmolada

Marmolada (3343m), the highest mountain in the Dolomites, has been dominating the skyline all week and today we enter its shadow!

The climb starts from the door of your hotel, and you’ll be pleased to hear that the road does not go all the way to the top of this mighty mountain. The Passo di Fedaia (2057m) from the east is brutal! The last 5kms average 11% and there is a sneaky section of 15% thrown in a few kms from the top. Fortunately, the views are breathtaking, so there are plenty of photo opportunities (aka excuses to stop for a breather). This is the toughest (but most rewarding) climb of the week. Unlike most of the other climbs, there is no cafe to welcome us, but a vast reservoir that reflects the towering peaks.

Option 1: 37km with 1050m ascent You would be completely justified if you returned to the hotel for a massage!

Option 2: 88km with 2151m ascent Once over the other side, there’s no turning back! You drop down into civilisation and the lush green valley floor of the Val di Fassa. This makes for some easy cycling on good tarmac before you turn east to take on the Passo di San Pellegrino (1914m) from the west. This is a lovely climb up into the pine forest and is used often by the Giro. Once over the other side you roll down into the Alleghe Valley and climb gently back up the valley floor.

Option 3: 103km with 2760m ascent On the descent of the Pellegrino you may (or may not) be tempted to detour up to the Passo di Valles (2033m) , where the rugged peaks of the Dolomites give way to rolling green hills to the south.

Day 5: Departure day

All good things must come to an end and we offer transfers back to Venice Marco Polo Airport (2hrs).

Full travel advice and our group airport transfer arrangements ( essential reading before booking your flights ) can be found in our Trip Notes .

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