1. When does my VIP Luxury Cycling / Hiking Tour of the Dolomites begin?
Your vacation will begin on June 30th when we meet you at 12 noon at the "Arrivo" section of the Marco Polo International Airport in Venice, Italy. Please note that you will need to be ready to go with your bike case by 12 noon. It is highly recommended that you arrive a day early on June 29th so you can rest up, wait for any delayed baggage, and get organized. The reason for this is that our chalet hotel is 2.5 hours away from Venice and there will be delays since June is "peak season." As a result, once we leave the airport on the 30th, we will not be able to return for late or delayed guests. Thus, please plan thoroughly and be ready to depart by 12 noon on June 30th from Marco Polo International Airport. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

If you would like to reserve a hotel close to Marco Polo International Airport, we would recommend the following:

1. Venice Resort Hotel - 4 stars

2. Best Western Hotel Bologna - Mestre Station - 4 stars

To reserve hotel rooms in Venice, purchase Transatlantic flight tickets, train tickets, or a personal rental car, please contact our AAA Travel Rep, Shelley Lulow, at slulow@aaane.com or by calling 1.800.854.5044 ext. 272 on Monday - Thursday from 12 noon - 6 pm CST. Grazie!

2. What kind of bike should I bring and what gears should I plan on using?
It's simple - if you are not a Category 1 pro, bring a triple with a 29 - 31 gear on the rear! The reason for this is that our program includes riding up such fabled Giro climbs as the Passo di Stelvio (48 switchbacks - over twice as many as L'Alpe d'Huez!), the Passo di Pordoi, the Passo di Giau, and other heavyweights! Thus, you will want all the gearing you can get as these climbs have 10% - 16% grades in places and are quite challenging. As a final note, please leave your pride on the shelf when it comes to selecting your gears. Your legs will thank you later and you'll enjoy the trip a lot more!

3. How many meals are included?
All breakfasts, all dinners (including private evening atop Col de Pradot), and Welcome Cocktails.

4. Do you provide full sag support on the vacation?
Yes, we will provide full sag support during your entire vacation. Our vans will be stationed at key turns on the cycling routes and are stocked with bottled water, pastries, fruit, and cookies. Each day's itinerary and the location of the sag support vans will be discussed each prior evening during a brief group meeting before dinner. It is highly recommended, however, that you please bring your own drink powders with you. The reason for this is that everyone has different tastes, sensitivities, and responses to various sports drinks. Thus, you should bring what works best for you. Thanks!

5. What kind of weather should we expect?
Normally, July days are full of sunshine with temperatures that range from the mid-70's - low 90's. In addition, it can rain quite frequently in the Dolomites. (That's why everything is so green!) Thus, you will want to bring your rain gear with you. The evenings are quite pleasant and a bit cooler so you will want to make sure you have a pullover, sweater or fleece jacket with you so you don't get a summer chill.

6. What is the group size for this program?
The group size will be 35 riders maximum. We are keeping the group level small to insure that everyone gets the needed attention during their vacation.

7. How should I train for this vacation?
The best training is to get out and ride! You should be comfortable riding 3-5 hours per day over rolling and mountainous terrain for this vacation. The climbs in the Dolomites are longer and steeper in general than the Alps so you will want to be prepared for some challenging rides back-to-back. In addition, the vans will always be close by so, if you've had enough riding for the day, we will be more than happy to give you a lift to the hotel. It's your vacation and we want you to enjoy it on your own terms!

8. What is included in the price of the VIP Dolomites / Maratona vacation?

• 4-star luxury chalet accommodations in the Dolomites for 6 nights.
• All breakfasts and all 6-course dinners.
• Welcome Cocktail with wine.
• Private Dinner atop the stunning Col de Pradot!
• One massage during the week.
• Access to the chalet's spa and wellness center during your entire stay.
• VIP Entry into the 2009 Maratona Cycling Challenge and a complimentary pair of "official " Maratona cycling shorts and jersey.
• VIP passes for all guests for Maratona Village and Finish Line Champagne Tents.
• VIP Gondola / Bus Pass for entire Alta Badia Valley for 7 days.
• All gratuities, taxes, and fees for all hotels, meals, and porter services.
• Daily guided challenging cycling through the heart of the Dolomites as well as the Stelvio in the Italian Alps with bi-lingual Italian guides!
• Non-Riders: Daily guided hikes through the Dolomites with bi-lingual Italian hiking guides.
• All daily transfers, luggage transfers, and on-road sag support in either our autobus or our Thule-equipped vans.
• All daily prepared routes with maps and cue sheets detailing each days route with each turn and its corresponding mileage. This is all outlined for you in advance.
• Professional mechanics who will build your bike up for you, do the daily maintenance if needed, and repack your bicycle for you when the tour is finished.
• Professional staff with a ratio of 1:6 so everyone gets the needed attention during the tour.
• Professional Velo Echappe Cycling Jersey and Bibs.
• Daily supply of bottled water, fruit, cookies and other goodies to keep you fueled on the road!
• Cell phone communications
• Pre-Tour Information Packet that will be sent out to you in advance detailing each day's program, hotel info, sponsor info, what to bring, how to pack, etc. so you're fully prepared before you leave home.

9. What documents do I need to have with me when I arrive into Italy?
You will need to have a valid U.S. Passport with you when you arrive. We also highly recommend that you make 2 copies of your Passport, visa, and identification materials before you leave. Please leave one copy with your loved ones before you leave and bring one copy with you but keep it separate from your baggage. The reason for doing this is to have backup copies in case your belongings and identification papers are stolen. To obtain a new passport, or replace an outdated, lost, or stolen passport, please contact the U. S. State Department

10. What is not included in the price of my vacation?
Airfare to and from Italy, lunches, lodging before and after the vacation, Maratona and Dolomite souvenirs, any gratuities for Velo Echappe' staff, and any incidentals.

11. When does my vacation end?
Your vacation will end when we transfer you to Marco Polo International Airport on the morning of July 6. Our scheduled time of arrival at the airport is 11:30 am. Thus, the earliest you should make your departing flight is 2:00 pm. We are not responsible if you book an earlier flight and miss it. Please follow these guidelines. They are for your own benefit and comfort. Grazie!

12. How do I transport my bike on my flight?
We recommend the Bike Pro Travel Case. You can visit Bike Pro USA online and view their entire selection. After you have found the case that you want, please call us at 402.345.7445 for special discounted pricing.

13. What should I bring on the vacation?
Off the bike, Velo Echappe's programs are casual. Informal polo shirts, one sweater, pullover, jeans, khakis, shorts, and slacks are all very appropriate. You do not need to bring coats and ties, dresses, etc. In addition, you should also bring a swimsuit.

For your cycling, you should bring your bike, cycling shoes, plenty of cycling socks, extra cleats, padded cycling shorts or bibs, cycling jerseys, arm and leg warmers, rain jacket, cycling gloves, enclosed gloves in case it rains, 1 long sleeve cycling jersey, poly-pro under garments for layering, waterproof booties in case it rains, cool weather jacket, fleece pullover, 3-4 bike tubes, sunglasses, waterbottles, drink mix, preferred gels and energy bars, and sunscreen. Note: Since we will be in the mountains for an entire week, you should bring gear and clothing for all seasons - warm, cold, and rain.