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.
Test your cycling endurance in the gorgeous Italian Alps
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!
Welcome! Spend today settling in, getting your bike ready, and enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After a challenging but overwhelmingly rewarding week, you’ll pack up and head home. Safe travels!
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:
Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-06-25 Bormio, Italy 7 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-07-01 Bormio, Italy | 7 | 5+ | $2,525USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-07-23 Bormio, Italy 7 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-07-29 Bormio, Italy | 7 | 5+ | $2,525USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-09-03 Bormio, Italy 7 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-09-09 Bormio, Italy | 7 | 5+ | $2,525USDBook Now | Book Now |
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.
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.
6 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
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.
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.
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.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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.
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