2024 Italian Alpine Adventure

Bienvenue en Italia! Your journey begins as our friendly staff awaits your arrival at Milan’s Malpensa Airport at 10 am. They will be there to lend a hand with your luggage and ensure a smooth transition to our first enchanting destination, nestled amidst the picturesque Great Lakes of Lombardy in Varese.

After settling in, we’ll focus on preparing your bikes for the exciting cycling adventure ahead. Our dedicated team will be on hand to assist you with any bike-related needs. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a gentle ride around the stunning Lake Varese, traversing scenic trails that hug the lake’s edge.

As the day comes to a close, we’ll gather for a delightful welcome dinner, fostering connections with our fellow cycling enthusiasts. Get ready to savour the flavours of Italy and set the stage for an unforgettable cycling experience in this beautiful region.

Today we will begin to test your cycling prowess as we ascend towards a magnificent vantage point, overlooking the sprawling vistas of the surrounding region. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking panorama of the majestic Alps and the shimmering beauty of Lake Maggiore.

Following a spectacular morning ride, the afternoon opens the door to leisure and exploration in the charming town of Varese. Stroll its picturesque streets, savour local delights, or simply unwind in this delightful Italian setting.

As the day mellows into the evening, we’ll embark on a cultural journey to the historic village of Sacro Monte, perched above Varese. This revered site, a pilgrimage destination, and UNESCO World Heritage site, promises an enriching experience. After our visit, indulge in the culinary delights of Italy during a sumptuous dinner, capping off a memorable day on our Italian cycling adventure.

Today is the day we embark on an unforgettable journey to Switzerland. Our route takes us through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this region has to offer. We’ll begin our main ascent in Italy, winding our way through picturesque terrain overlooking Lake Maggiore, gradually gaining altitude. The anticipation builds as we approach the Swiss border, and it’s only in the final stretch of our climb that we’ll officially enter Switzerland.

As we reach the summit, take a moment to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas that surround us. The Swiss Alps stretch before us in all their glory, offering a view that is nothing short of mesmerizing. Then, get ready for an exhilarating descent on some spectacular Suisse roads.

Our return journey traces the enchanting shores of Lake Maggiore, providing another opportunity to bask in the beauty of this remarkable region.

With the evening at your disposal, you’re free to explore the charming town of Varese and its culinary treasures. This day promises not only an exhilarating ride but also the chance to savour the local flavours and immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Varese.

Today we journey to our mountain base in Bormio, nestled within the awe-inspiring Italian Alps. This location serves as our launchpad for conquering the renowned mountain passes of Italy.

En route, we’ll pause at the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo perched above the stunning Lake Como. This revered chapel and cycling museum hold a special place in the hearts of cyclists worldwide, offering a profound glimpse into the history of cycling. You’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this sacred place.

Upon arriving in Bormio, the day might present the chance to tackle one of our cherished, smaller climbs in the Italian Alps. This sets the stage for thrilling adventures ahead as we prepare to conquer the formidable passes of this remarkable region.

Today’s highlight is the formidable Passo dello Stelvio, a revered challenge frequently featured in the Giro d’Italia. The morning will be dedicated to conquering this legendary ascent, a true test of cycling prowess. As you climb, you’ll be enveloped in the rich history of this mountain, a hallowed ground for cyclists. Along the way, soak in the breathtaking vistas that unfold, making this ascent one of our cherished favorites.

After a rewarding day of cycling, we’ll come together for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. A chance to indulge in the regional specialty, pizzoccheri, a delectable buckwheat pasta celebrated in the mountainous regions of northern Italy. It’s a culinary delight that perfectly complements the day’s epic cycling adventure.

Today’s challenge takes us to the formidable Bernina Pass, another towering giant in the region. Our journey will lead us into Switzerland, all the way to the pinnacle of the Bernina Pass above the picturesque Saint Moritz. Tracing alongside the path of the scenic train route that winds through this breathtaking region, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas that unfold at every turn. The views from the summit are nothing short of spectacular, but it’s the exhilarating descent on the way back that may steal the show.

As the day winds down, you’ll have the evening free to explore the charming town of Bormio and sample the delectable local cuisine. This day promises not only an epic cycling adventure but also a chance to explore the culture of this enchanting Italian Alpine town.

Our cycling adventure continues with the iconic Gavia Pass, a slightly shorter but no less exhilarating ascent. As we journey up the valley, the approach to this climb resembles a scene from a picturesque postcard. The Gavia Pass promises to challenge the legs, but the reward is yet another ride filled with awe-inspiring moments.

For those seeking respite, today presents a golden opportunity to take a well-deserved day off. You can indulge in some restorative relaxation and explore the additional recreational activities that Bormio has to offer, including natural springs and rejuvenating spas.

As night falls, you’ll once again have the evening free to explore the charms of Bormio.

Today involves an eastbound transfer to our next mountain base in the Dolomites, the enchanting town of Cortina. Known for its year-round appeal to nature enthusiasts, Cortina offers breathtaking opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and, of course, road cycling.

Following our morning transfer, we’ll embark on an afternoon ride up the renowned Tre Cime, a climb often featured in the prestigious Giro d’Italia. While not too far from our hotel, this ascent won’t be a walk in the park, promising a challenging yet rewarding ride with panoramic views of the stunning surroundings.

With the day’s cycling adventure behind us, the evening beckons you to explore the charming town of Cortina. Here, you’ll discover a plethora of restaurants and cafés, each offering a taste of local flavors and a cozy ambiance.

Today’s adventure promises an awe-inspiring encounter with the majestic Dolomites as we tackle the renowned Sella Ronda loop. This epic journey winds through multiple smaller mountain passes in the region, offering an unforgettable cycling experience and undoubtedly a highlight of our trip.

Under the embrace of favourable weather, this ride unveils some of the most breathtaking scenery you can find anywhere in the world. The Dolomites will reveal themselves in all their glory, treating you to panoramic vistas that will leave a lasting imprint on your memory.

After conquering this cycling masterpiece, the afternoon offers you the freedom to explore the charming town of Cortina and its enchanting surroundings. Whether you choose to unwind or embark on further adventures, Cortina has much to offer.

On our last day amidst the enchanting Dolomites, we’ve crafted a memorable cycling route right from our hotel. This route beckons you to conquer two exquisite climbs in the region: the Passo Giau and the Passo Falzarego, both of which offer breathtaking vistas and a chance to embrace the stunning Cinque Torri (Five Towers).

The Cinque Torri is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, characterized by its five distinct rock formations. If conditions align and time permits, we’ll have the opportunity to take a chairlift to Rifugio Scoiattoli, a vantage point offering a closer look at these iconic towers.

For those seeking an alternative to cycling, you’re welcome to explore on your own. Highly recommended is a hike in this remarkable region, promising a different perspective of the Dolomites’ natural beauty.

As night descends, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant, a fitting conclusion to our memorable journey through the Dolomites, celebrating the camaraderie and shared experiences of our cycling adventure.

After a hearty Italian breakfast, we bid farewell to our mountain haven. Our journey concludes with a transfer back to Malpensa Airport, where we part ways, leaving you with cherished memories and the indelible imprint of awe-inspiring riding and scenery that will linger in your heart forever.

We are scheduled to arrive at Malpensa Airport at 2.00 p.m. If flying out of Malpensa airport, we recommend a flight no earlier than 4.00 pm

Safe travels!