
ICONIC RIDES
The list of the climbs on this tours will make a passionate rider feel euphoric. It's these rides that you'll remember for life and feel proud of having achieved. The passes Stelvio and Mortirolo are the great legends of the sport.
An epic guided road bike tour to experience the Italian Alps. Tick off the Mortirolo Pass, Gavia Pass, Bernina Pass, Stelvio Pass, and the majestic Lake Como. Discover the dramatic landscapes of Northern Italy.
MESMERISING LAKE COMO AND MYTHICAL MOUNTAIN PASSES
A week of high mountains and their great Alpine passes where Giro d’Italia legends were born. This Great Italian Alps bike tour follows the tracks of those who embarked on epic battles on two wheels: unforgettable endeavours linked to the big names in international cycling.
Surrounded by glaciers, mountains and unspoilt nature, we will retrace the exploits of the great champions and our idols. You can, therefore, expect this week in the Alps to be demanding and extremely rewarding at the same time. This tour is accessible to all participants, thanks to the constant presence of the minibus and technical guidance throughout.
Bormio, a renowned and enchanting ski resort, known for hosting the Ski World Cup and home to the famous Spa, will welcome you for a week in the heart of the Alps on the Giro d’Italia roads. Also, the delicious cuisine of the Valtellina is awaiting you every evening: a well-deserved reward for your challenging efforts by road bike.
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
The list of the climbs on this tours will make a passionate rider feel euphoric. It's these rides that you'll remember for life and feel proud of having achieved. The passes Stelvio and Mortirolo are the great legends of the sport.
Stylish traditional hotels offer great relaxing stays where you can unwind after a day full of effort and emotions. Eating well and great Italian cuisine is to be expected. Mountain and lake views from the terrace is a bonus.
This is a fully guided tour with professional multilingual guides riding with you, plus a support vehicle covering your back when you need it. Deep local knowledge with the passion to share beloved roads – we have it all.
Bormio is a very charming medieval town strategically situated at the foot of the high Alps. Surrounded by lavish valleys, wine fields and Roman baths it is one of the best recreational spots in Northern Italy. But what really stands out here for the cycling traveller is the jaw-dropping list of the iconic rides that you can get from the town. Stelvio, Mortirolo, Gavia will make you feel like a Giro hero. And there is a whole bunch of less known rides, like the Cancano Lakes that are no less inspiring. Off the bike, Bormio does offer a great experience of Italian cuisine of course and the evenings never get boring.
Northern Italy is dominated by the Alps. This side of the Alps is called jokingly 'the sunny side' as compared to the German or Swiss side, but still expect to see the whimsical nature of the alpine weather. It's very hot in the heights of the summer except for the high in the mountains, but spring and autumn can see sudden changes.
The great thing about terrain here is that you can choose very much the ride you like. Starting of course with the giants of Stelvio and Mortirolo, which are the absolute rock stars of the area. You don't go to Bormio without riding the Stelvio! Yet you might opt for a flattish ride down the wine road on a recovery day.
Yes, it's Italy. Italy is amazing and also very different depending on the area. Expect the Italian experience with the Northern and alpine flavour. Always go for typical local dishes that you won't find down there in the South! Architecture is all beautiful from colourful towns on the lakesides to the typical alpine huts closer to the Alps.
Bormio- Gavia Pass 2621m -Mortirolo Pass- Bormio 108km, 3180 m difference in altitude
Starting off from Bormio the first step on our tour will be the least demanding pass of the week: the Gavia Pass. One of the highest mountain passes in Europe, it represents one of the epic climbs of the Giro d’Italia: unforgettable images broadcast around the world of exhausted cyclists in the snow in some editions of the Giro.
Starting from Bormio we head towards Santa Caterina on a wide road with substantial gradients which, as the road narrows, becomes really demanding. This very special ride alternates easy stretches, that allow us to enjoy the beautiful view, with demanding sections, with an average gradient of 5.4% and a maximum of 15%. After the effort of the climb, once we have reached the top and put on the protective clothing provided by our loyal minibus, we carefully face the descent to enter the province of Brescia, in Ponte di Legno, 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. On the same day, the same recognition was awarded to sites such as the gardens of Versailles and the Egyptian Pyramids.
Going down the valley we reach Monno, the crossroads between Valle Camonica and Valtellina. Here starts a new extraordinary ascent: Mortirolo Pass.
This side of this epic pass is easier than the Valtellina side, but after having done Gavia Pass, it will be a great challenge.
Get to the top a fast downhill to take us to Bormio.
Our first day ends here, we load our road bikes onto the minibus and return to Bormio to enjoy an evening in good company, with excellent local food and wine.
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Fly in airport: Milan (Malpensa/Bergamo/Linate)
When best to fly in: in the morning on the first day of the camp
Transfers: airport transfers are included in the price of this trip; we will reach out to you for your exact flight details to be sure you are picked up
Fly out airport best option: Milan (Malpensa/Bergamo/Linate)
When to leave: afternoon of the last day of the tour
Transfers: airport transfers are included in the price of this trip; we will reach out to you for your exact flight details to be sure you can take your flight hassle-free
6 nights in charming boutique hotels, in double/twin bedroom
Hotels where you'll stay offer great choice of Italian cuisine dishes
Multilingual guides will be there with you on the bike
Car support for anything you might need on the road at all times
When you change location your luggage arrives ahead
Flights are not included in the tour package. Please follow our advice about which flights will be best suited for this tour. Reach out to us if you have any questions about flights.
We strongly recommend that you obtain a dedicated health insurance that covers your sport activities. Reach out to us if you have questions about the insurance.
High quality carbon bikes are available for rental from €190 for the tour duration as not always is getting your own gear to another country suitable for you. To make sure you get the maximum from your tour, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of kit.
Tailored to your body size and in perfect technical condition. You can select this option when you proceed to checkout. Price includes comprehensive insurance, mechanical service and components.
Made fit for you and in perfect condition
If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra €350 for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.