ITALY - THE ALPS

Italian Epic Alps : Iconic Climbs Cycling Tour

Guided 7 days

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.

Style
Road cycling
Gain
10 000 m
Distance
450 km
Level
Medium

Tour overview

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.

Start point
Bormio
End point
Bormio
See program for full itinerary
Flying in
Milan
Flying out
Milan

Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com

Highlights of your cycling trip

Biker on the road - Cyclist photo. Tour, Italy, Passo dello Stelvio

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.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

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.

View in pyrenees

EXPERT GUIDES & SUPPORT

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.

Tour destination

BORMIO – ITALY

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.

Discover More
  • Weather

    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.

  • Terrain

    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.

  • Culture

    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.

Accommodation during your tour

Luxury Accommodation

Throughout the tour

Enjoy luxurious and comfortable accommodation throughout your trip. Each hotel has been carefully chosen to provide you with the best possible experience.

Breakfasts and dinners are included in acclaimed restaurants, so you can taste typical local dishes and sample wines from famous vineyards after your day spent in the saddle.

Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy the flavours of Italy throughout this cycling tour. Each day will start with a breakfast designed to set you up for a full day of cycling. You may want to pack some extra energy bars to top up your levels during the days.

End each day with a beautiful dinner cooked with locally sourced ingredients and discover the passion of the region.

Tour itinerary

Your guide to a perfect cycling tour

Gavia Pass
  • Distance
    108 km
  • Gain
    3180 m

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.

Getting there

Information to help you book your flights and get around.

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]

Flying in

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

Flying out

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

Tour essentials

What’s included in your cycling trip.

  • Outstanding accommodation

    6 nights in charming boutique hotels, in double/twin bedroom

  • Traditional spanish tapas selection
    Half Board Meals

    Hotels where you'll stay offer great choice of Italian cuisine dishes

  • View in pyrenees
    Professional guides

    Multilingual guides will be there with you on the bike

  • Support van

    Car support for anything you might need on the road at all times

  • Luggage transfers

    When you change location your luggage arrives ahead

Cycling bottle

What’s not included in your cycling trip.

  • Flights

    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.

  • Health Insurance

    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.

Extra
Bike rental
Only €190 for the entire trip

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.

CARBON ROAD BIKE HIRE

Made fit for you and in perfect condition

More things to maximise your cycling trip

  • EXTRA
    Single accommodation
    €350 for the entire tour

    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.

Booking options

Choose when you want to travel

Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.

  • Guarantee a spot during busy periods
  • Only 30% down payment to secure your place
  • Fair & Transparent Cancellation Policy
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Booking options