Italian Alps Road Bike Tour

Italian Alps Road Bike Tour

Italian Alps Road Bike Tour

Prices

From $2,525USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Test your cycling endurance in the gorgeous Italian Alps

Take on big mountain passes and challenging ascents on this up-levelled cycling experience.

Ride through picture-perfect scenery as you explore the mountains, lakes, and valleys of the Italian Alps.

Stay in a renowned ski resort town known for its spa, restaurants, and enchanting scenery.

Pedal to the top of some of Europe’s highest mountain passes for unrivalled sightlines.

For strong cyclists yearning for the gorgeous mountains of Italy, the Italian Alps Road Bike Tour is an unbeatable adventure. This is an epic guided cycling tour that takes you to the top of some of Italy’s highest mountain passes, like Mortirolo Pass, Gavia Pass, Bernina Pass, and Stelvio Pass.

These are the roads where Giro d’Italia legends were born. This tour follows the tracks of those who embarked on epic adventures on two wheels, following the tracks of unforgettable endeavours linked to the biggest names in international cycling. Surrounded by glaciers, mountains and unspoilt nature, expect a week in the Alps that will be demanding, but extremely rewarding.

The tour begins and ends in Bormio, a renowned ski resort that will become your home for a week. After each ride, the delicious cuisine of the Valtellina will be waiting for you. This is the adventure of a lifetime!

Italian Alps Road Bike Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Bormio

Welcome! Spend today settling in, getting your bike ready, and enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bormio
Distance
None
Meals
Dinner

Day 2 Cycling the Gavia Pass

Starting off from Bormio, the first stage of the tour will be the least demanding pass of the week, Gavia Pass. One of the highest mountain passes in Europe, it represents one of the epic climbs of the Giro d’Italia and is the home of unforgettable images shown around the world of exhausted cyclists in the snow in some editions of the Giro. Today, you won’t be battling quite the same conditions!

Head towards Santa Caterina on a wide road which narrows and becomes demanding. This very special ride alternates easy stretches that allow you to enjoy the beautiful view with demanding sections. After the effort of the climb, face the descent to enter the province of Brescia at a famous ski resort in the splendid Valle Camonica. This valley is well-known for its rock etchings and prehistoric remains that led to the area becoming the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy in 1979.

Descending the valley, you reach Monno, where you’ll ascend Mortirolo Pass.This side of this epic pass is easier than the Valtellina side, but after you’ve done Gavia Pass, it will be a great challenge. Descend to Bormio for food and wine.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bormio
Distance
110.6km, 3180m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Cycling to Bernina Pass

After breakfast, transfer to Tirano where the climb starts off steep to reach Lake Poschiavo. Here you’ll get your breath back for a moment. You’ll be cycling through a significant difference in altitude, but the breathtaking landscapes and fabulous scenery of the Bernina glaciers will inspire you. Should you need a rest, the minibus is always there.

Cycle over a Swiss pass that connects the Valtellina and Upper Engadine. Here you have a spectacular panoramic view towards the Alpine peaks of Pizzo Bernina (4049m) Pizzo Palù (3906m) and the Morteratsch (3751m) with its imposing glacier. After this spectacular pass you’ll head to Livigno, a beautiful mountain village called Little Tibet.

The last climb of the day takes you to Foscagno Pass where you start the descent towards Bormio. As a reward, you can expect an excellent dinner paired with local wines.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bormio
Distance
107.9km, 2878 of ascent
Meals
Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Relaxing Bike Tour to Madonna del Ghisallo

Just like professional cyclists during the big races, your team needs a relaxing day to recover some energy. Immediately after breakfast, with the bikes on the minibus, head for the lower Valtellina. Today’s ride is an easy trip completely on the flat. Enjoying the incomparable beauty of Lake Como, you will arrive in Varenna and then reach Bellagio by boat.

In Bellagio, start a climb towards the famous Madonna del Ghisallo, the Patron Saint of Cyclists. Then, return to Bellagio where the ferry will transfer you to Menaggio. From here, riding on the east shores, you will conclude the day.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Menaggio
Distance
85km, 600m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Cycling to the Montirolo Pass

Full of energy once again, take the minibus to Mazzo, the starting point today. Today you’ll cycle one of the most popular but also hardest ascents in Europe; it became famous when it was included in the Giro d’Italia route in 1990. It was here that, in 1994, the great Marco Pantani broke free, winning the stage, and in memory of the epic endeavours of the “Pirate,” a monument was placed in his honor at kilometre 8 on the Valtellina side in 2006.

Passo del Mortirolo is “the pass of all passes,” where the toughest, most important battles of the Giro d’Italia are fought. You too will have the opportunity to try out this ascent, always with the minibus there for support should it be required. Return via a different route through Trivigno to reach the Aprica Pass. Thoroughly deserved after so much effort, a fine dinner awaits.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bormio
Distance
102.85km, 2050 of ascent
Meals
Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 Stelvio Pass

A generous breakfast will help you face the last of your epic climbs from Bormio to the Stelvio Pass. This is the highest Italian pass open to motorised vehicles and connects the Valtellina with Val Venosta in the province of Bolzano. An impressive series of hairpin bends and breathtaking nature write the story of this famous climb. The grandeur and majesty of the Ortler, with its huge glaciers, will be the reward for your efforts. Head downhill to visit the Trentino side from Prato dello Stelvio, then up to the fortified town of Glorenza, a few kilometers from the Swiss border.

After passing the Swiss border, another epic ascent is waiting: Umbrail Pass.From the top of this pass you will return to Bormio for dinner.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bormio
Distance
110.3km, 3100m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast, dinner

Day 7 Departure

After a challenging but overwhelmingly rewarding week, you’ll pack up and head home. Safe travels!

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Italian Alps Road Bike Tour Price and Dates

This guided tour is always run as a group tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for groups of 4 and more. Please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you.

Prices below are per person:

StartFinishDurationPlaces LeftPrice

2023-06-25

Bormio, Italy

7 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-07-01

Bormio, Italy

75+
$2,525USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-07-23

Bormio, Italy

7 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-07-29

Bormio, Italy

75+
$2,525USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-09-03

Bormio, Italy

7 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-09-09

Bormio, Italy

75+
$2,525USDBook Now
Book Now

Accommodation on the Italian Alps Road Bike Tour

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel for $395USD where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Night 1-6

Hotels along Italian Alps

You’ll spend each night of this tour in comfortable, welcoming hotels in towns of the Italian Alps, some with spas and resort amenities available to you as extras.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Italian Alps Road Bike Tour?

Meals

6 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

All required minibus transfers are included, and the minibus will be available to you throughout the tour should you need a break. Required ferry transfers are also included.

Also Included

  • Minibus assistance
  • Taxes
  • Technical bike guide and assistance
  • Technical bike shirt
  • Transfer from/to stations

Not included

  • Tips
  • Laundry
  • Drinks at dinner
  • Medical insurance
  • Lunches
  • Anything not mentioned as included

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Bike rental:
    • Road bike: $225USD per bike
    • E-road bike: $550USD per bike

Frequenty Asked Questions about Italian Alps Road Bike Tour

How hard is the Italian Alps Road Bike Tour?

We rate this tour as a 5/5. There will be 100-110km of riding each day and you will be climbing some of the highest mountain passes in Italy. This tour is best suited to fit, experienced cyclists.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Italian Alps Road Bike Tour?

6 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Bormio to start this tour?

The closest airport to Bormio is Milan Malpensa (MXP). You can reach Bormio from Milan by train.

Is the Italian Alps Road Bike Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guides are English-speaking.

Where does the Italian Alps Road Bike Tour end?

The tour will end in Bormio. You can take the train back to Milan.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Bikes available are the Giant TCR Advanced 2 model in all sizes. In addition, you can choose between road bikes, trek bikes, and E-road bikes.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour

Can I change the departure date?

Yes, if you are a group of at least 4 people we can adapt our departures to your needs.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, we can. All of the included restaurants can provide a personalized menu.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

4.9
14 ratings
5 star
13
4 star
1
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0

Written Reviews

There are no written reviews yet.

14 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Thank you!

Thank you for submitting your review!

If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.

Google Review

Prices

From $2,525USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

When can I do this tour?

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Why 10Adventures?

Save time and let us plan your perfect trip.

Customize your travel experience to get it just right.

Knowledgeable adventure specialists are a click or call away.

Stress-free booking at your fingertips.

Flexible payments with interest-free installments.

Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 5/5. There will be 100-110km of riding each day and you will be climbing some of the highest mountain passes in Italy. This tour is best suited to fit, experienced cyclists.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures

Hassle-free Adventure Travel

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.

Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip

Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.

No Hidden Fees

We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!

Happiness Guarantee

We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.

Personal Adventure Travel Concierge

Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.

Vetted Local Guides

Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs