Franciacorta Gravel Experience
Explore the gravel paths and country lanes of undiscovered Lake Iseo.
Discover the very essence of gravel riding in Italy and visit the home of 3T on the perfect cycling holiday on the shores of Lake Iseo. Our team of gravel experts, along with our friends at 3T, have designed a week of gravel riding in the heart of Lombardia. Ride the endless gravel roads in the world class Franciacorta wine region, learn what makes Lake Garda so unforgettable and enjoy the taste of fresh Italian coffee. What is not to love? Join us for an unforgettable adventure both on and off the bike. Gorgeous accommodation, fabulous food and even better local wine have made this the choice of our guests since 2015. The highlight for many will be a visit to the home of 3T, a warm welcome can be assured and a fascinating tour of the facilities allows you a unique glimpse behind the scenes of a brand that many believe started the gravel revolution. The only danger of visiting us in Italy is that you will not want to leave.
Wine tasting
Boat trip
Non-rider welcome
Guided rides
Transfers
Refugio visit
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Activity level:
LEVEL 3 – MEDIO
40 – 80 KM PER DAY
- Cycling is part of my life and I am passionate about cycling.
- I own more than one bike and can change an inner tube.
- The satisfaction of reaching the top of a hard climb is a real motivation for me.
- I tried to do a wheelie once with some success.
- Duration: 6 days | 5 nights
- Dates 2025: Mar 27 - Apr 01 | Apr 15 – 20 | Apr 29 - May 04 | May 19 - 24 | Jun 02 - 07 | Jun 17 – 22 | Jun 30 - Jul 05 | Jul 08 - 13 | Jul 28 - Aug 02 | Aug 25 - 30 | Sep 02 – 07 | Sep 15 – 20 | Sep 30 – Oct 05 | Oct 13 – 18
- Can't see the perfect one? Request dates here.
- Price from: €3299
- Single supplement €799
- Room upgrade available: Yes
- What's included?
The Perfect Cycling Holiday
Is this what I’m looking for?
- A gravel holiday with varying terrain
- Cycle routes that are to be enjoyed not endured
- Are you in search of a holiday that boosts great hotel
- Hastle free holiday designed and delivered by experts
- Yes - we hire 3T gravel bikes!
Magical & Unforgettable
What to look forward to……
- Ride the epic gravel roads above Lake Iseo.
- Enjoy a glass of wine or two in a Franciacorta vineyard tour.
- Savour a typical Alpine dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants.
- Discover the secret climb which Italy Bike Tours considers to be one of the best in Northern Italy.
- Learn what make 3T bikes so very special.
Stages of your Tour
Welcome To Franciacorta
25km | 180M elevation 40% gravel | 60% tarmac
Welcome to Italy for a week of unforgettable riding in magnificent Franciacorta, in the hills between beautiful Brescia and magical Lake Iseo, in the Lombardy region. Our friendly team will be waiting for you at arrivals in Bergamo airport for the transfer to our hotel in Franciacorta. There, our mechanics will be on hand for bike fitting, if you are hiring a bike, and to provide assistance if you have come with your own.
Then we head out with Alberto for a late afternoon discovery ride – the perfect way to start the holiday and get to know the other members of the group. The friendships that start on the road continue over dinner at the hotel.
Relais FranciacortaEast Franciacorta
65km | 950m elevation 40% gravel | 60% tarmac
After breakfast, we are back on our bikes for our first full day of cycling. Our guides lead you across fantastic landscapes, using paths that are little known (even to the locals). An uncomplicated first section leads to a climb that delivers us to a stunning riverside road. We stop for lunch at the charming Agriturismo Al Rocol, then return via the gorgeous castles at Bornato and Passirano. Along the way there will be time for coffee at the HQ of 3T. A chance to visit the 3T team and learn a little more about the fabulous bikes you are riding.
While we wash the dirt off your bikes and give them a quick service for tomorrow’s challenge, you prepare for a wonderful Italian meal in a typical trattoria.
Relais Franciacorta
Malpensata Refuge
80km | 1370m elevation 40% gravel | 60% tarmac
It’s the big day, with a climb to up to the Malpensa refuge at 1400m elevation. We set off from the hotel and, after a first section on asphalt, we take the Cammino della Via Valeriana, an ancient Roman road that has only recently been renovated and opened to cyclists. The lower slopes of the climb offer fabulous views of Lake Iseo and the Zone Pyramids Nature Reserve, with its beautiful fairy chimneys. As the conifer forest closes in and the road turns to real gravel, the atmosphere becomes truly magical. Lunch is a culinary experience at Rifugio Giulio, which specialises in traditional local food, from game to a typical Brescia spit roast. Then it is time for the homeward journey. Dinner is in the hotel – if you have room!
Relais FranciacortaWest Franciacorta
45km | 950m elevation 40% gravel | 60% tarmac
After your morning cappuccino, we head westward out of Franciacorta, where, after reacquainting ourselves with the beauty of Lake Iseo, we venture into the hills of Adro and Corte Franca. Today’s itinerary takes us through the vineyards which produce excellent wines like Cà del Bosco, Bellavista and Berlucchi. Montorfano, the highest point of the circuit at 420 m, is a natural balcony offering views of Franciacorta that will take your breath away!
On the return leg, we will make time to visit one of the region’s top wine producers to see and taste their work.
Dinner is at one of the best pizzerias in Iseo, the main town on the bank of the lake.
Relais FranciacortaSouthern Lake Garda
50km | 1350m elevation 70% gravel | 30% tarmac
After a quick, 40-minute transfer in the minibus, we set off to discover a real paradise for gravel lovers, the beautiful ValTenesi area. During the ride we will show you the best gravel roads of the area, through the vineyards of Lugana and the pretty villages that are characteristic of the area. Lunch is in a typical cantina where you can taste a range of wines and enjoy the local specialty of Tortellini, in the best company.
Relais FranciacortaArrivederci!
N/A
The saddest time of the trip, but, with a bunch of new friendships and a hundred wonderful experiences from your Gravel Experience fresh in the memory, it is not goodbye but ‘Arrivederci!’ – ‘Until next time!’
Home
BIKE HIRE
The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire as a mail and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!
Colnago G4-X - one of the finest gravel bikes in the world from one of the most famous and respected brands in the world. A dream to ride on the gravel and the road!
Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guest looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.
COLNAGO G4-X
COMPONENTS:
- Shimano GRX 822 1x - 42T 1x Chainset, 12 Speed 10-51T Cassette
- Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
- Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Prologo Kappa BK saddle
- Sizes: 46s - 58s
3T PRIMO GRAVEL
COMPONENTS:
- SRAM Rival Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (42T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette)
- Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
- Pirelli Cinturato 35mm Gravel Tyres
- SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- WTB SL8 saddle
- (Sizes: S, M, L, XL)
GUERCIOTTI BRERA TOURING ION
COMPONENTS:
- SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
- Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
- SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
- 500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
- DPV Touring saddle
- (Sizes: S, M)
What’s included?
- 5-nights' 4* accommodation
- Transfers (from specified airport/train location)
- All breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- Guided rides
- GPX routes
- Van and mechanical support
- Experienced team of local professionals
- Beautifully planned rides
- Vineyard tour
- IBT cycling jersey
- IBT water bottle
- City taxes
What’s not included?
- Travel insurance (must be purchased before the tour)
- Flights
- Bike hire
- Lunches
- All beverages at mealtimes (water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package)
- Tips and gratuities
The nuts and Bolts
Useful information about your holiday
Still Undecided?
Here is what our clients say about us………
This e-bike tour was an adventure of a lifetime. Our tour director and all our hosts and guides were wonderful and well organized. Almost 400km of Tuscan hills that were challenging at times, but every stop and town were wonderful to visit. We would not have seen Italy in the same way, if it weren’t for the bikes. What a fun group to travel with! I’ll cherish these memories for a long time.
bea | tuscany e-bike | june 2024
| Where to meet |
Please arrange to meet us at Bergamo airport around midday - Day 1. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additional cost. |
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| Drop off location |
We can assist you with planning and booking of onward travel following the conclusion of your tour. We will run one morning transfer to Milan airports. |
| Transfer time |
Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Bergamo airport (or arranged meeting point). The transfer time from Bergamo airport to Relais Franciacorta is 45mins (Day 1). Transfer time (Day 7) from Relais Franciacorta to Milan is 1:00hrs. |
| Riding gravel in Franciacorta |
The general road conditions in Lombardia are very good but can be affected by adverse weather, also at certain times of the year roads may be busy with cars and motorbikes. Gravel roads are the ideal escape! |
| Cuisine |
The food is excellent in Lombardia. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. Home made local wines and beer a must to try. |
| Hotel facilities |
The hotel has excellent Wifi and also a beautiful lounge to relax and unwind after a day's fantastic riding |
| Private tours & groups |
We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements. |
| Weather |
As ever, the weather can be unpredictable and our guides will monitor the weather on a daily basis and amend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in Franciacorta 25-30°C. |
| What happens next? |
Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM / JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page. |
Hotels
Relais Franciacorta
Get In Touch
If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.
ITA: +39 320 638 4713
Or you can chat to us online also by clicking the button at bottom right of page.
Drop us a direct email to info@italybiketours.com
