Exceptional road cycling holiday experiencing the best cycling climbs in the Eastern Swiss Alps and the Bormio region of Italy. Cycle the beautiful Splügen Pass, Julier Pass, Flüela Pass, Albula Pass, Bernina Pass, Forcola di Livigno, Gavia Pass and the Stelvio Pass. Enjoy three nights in Bormio with its thermal baths and cycling cafes. Comfortable 3-star Swiss and Italian, independent and locally-run hotels in prime locations. Easy travel arrangements with direct transcontinental and European flights to Milan Malpensa. Ride at your own pace with full support from two of our fun, expert, and proactive guides focused on making your holiday the very best it can be, along with two of our customised support vans. This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too). The hotels we choose are not part of big chains but are family-owned and are experienced at looking after hungry cyclists! 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group Your money financially protected by ABTOT Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership Your cycling holiday starts in Chiavenna, a beautiful historic Italian border town. If hire bikes have been set up or you’ve assembled your own bike, you’ll be able to meet your fellow riders at our guides' welcome briefing before enjoying a lovely dinner. If you arrive in the morning (recommended), there's possibly time for an unsupported ride up the Passo del Maloja/Maloja Pass (1815m) from the west for your first taste of Swiss switchbacks. Your destination is the town of Andeer, in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The Romans favoured it for its thermal waters, which we also get to enjoy as the thermal spa is adjacent to your hotel. Tonight's destination is the enchanting village of Bever in the heart of the pristine Engadine Plateau. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Swiss Alps, with shimmering lakes reflecting the towering peaks. It is also home to the resort of St. Moritz, which we pass through towards the end of the day, so stopping off for a drink, ice-cream or for a bit of people-watching is always an option. If browsing at high-end designer goods in St. Moritz is not your thing and you want more cycling, then taking on the serene Albula Pass (2315m) from its steeper, eastern side is a great option. From your ideally located hotel, you start the day by descending into the Lower Engadine through well-preserved traditional villages to Susch. Here we take on the magnificent Flüela Pass (2382m), which is a 'characterful' climb with some challenging gradients and tight hairpin bends. Consequently, those wanting a more leisurely afternoon have the option of taking the Rhaetian Railway from Bergün or Preda to our hotel, which is right opposite the railway station - an added bonus! Bormio is our destination, and where we stay for the next three nights. It is a pleasant, historic Alpine town, known for its hot springs and thermal baths, and bags of medieval charm. Our comfortable hotel is within easy walking distance of the centre, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the cycling-themed cafes and other attractions. Our Challenge route splits in Livigno and descends to the Mautstelle Munt La Schera Tunnel (we shuttle you through in our vehicle), before taking on the Pass dal Fuorn/Ofen Pass (2149m) and the Umbrail Pass (2503m). The Umbrail Pass is the highest paved road in Switzerland and also the third (and less-climbed) side of the Stelvio. The tight hairpins and tranquillity of the beautiful Torri di Fraele (1941m) climb is an unsupported extra ride that can be done from Bormio today, or on any of the following days. Tonight's evening meal is not included, so you are free to enjoy one of the many fine restaurants in town. The Passo dello Stelvio (2,758 m) requires little introduction. It’s a bit of a beast with many 8.5% sections and a few at 9%, so you’ll be pleased to get to the top, and maybe enjoy a well-earned bratwurst! Our Classic route takes on the climb from Bormio as an out-and-back ride. The famous tight switchbacks are on the other side, and we encourage you to descend a couple of km so you get to experience riding them for yourself. Whatever cycling you choose to do today will be epic, so look forward to a celebratory meal in the evening, to round off a fantastic week! Your legs will no doubt be relieved that it’s home time today!
Hotel
A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.