FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE MON 2 SEP | TRANSFER AND WELCOME
Our first day commences at 9:00am with a group airport transfer from Malpensa airport to Bellagio. On arrival and once settled into our lovely hotel, there will be a light, delicious Welcome lunch and Tour Introduction. After lunch we’ll check the bikes and head out on a short, shake-out ride around the lake. Welcome to Lake Como!
DISTANCE | 50KM | 31MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY TWO TUE 3 SEP | GHISALLO LOOP
Gorgeous ride up to Ghisallo, traditional inclusion in the race of the ‘falling leaves’, the Giro di Lombardia. The climb arrives at the tiny Madonna del Ghisallo chapel, patron saint of cyclists and the very interesting cycling museum. The route loops round to Sormano before a brilliant descent back to the lake and Bellagio.
DISTANCE | 54KM | 33MI
ELEVATION | 1100M | 3600FT
DAY THREE WED 4 SEP | REST DAY
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before catching the ferry down the lake to Como. It is from the water that you really can appreciate the beauty of this glacial lake. We will wander through the old centre of Como. Option of guided tour of the Duomo and funicular ride to Como panorama.
DAY FOUR THU 5 SEP | BELLAGIO TO BORMIO
We leave the sparkling lake behind with a morning transfer by van to Sondrio. From there, we ride to Bormio, riding the panoramica route of the Valtellina with gentle elevation gain. Spin the legs and admire the apple orchards, and photogenic rows of vineyards clinging to the valley slopes. The Alps rise ahead of you as we arrive in Bormio. Simply magnificent!
DISTANCE | 70KM | 42MI
ELEVATION | 1650M | 5400FT
DAY FIVE FRI 6 SEP | PASSO DI GAVIA
A great introduction to riding in the Italian Alps. In the morning we’ll ride one of the most striking scenic climbs to Passo di Gavia and the tranquil lake at the summit. The road winds through forest in the lower slopes before emerging into an almost lunar like landscape. The descent back to Bormio is technical to begin, and thrilling to finish!
DISTANCE | 50KM | 31MI
ELEVATION | 1500M | 4900FT
In the afternoon, there is the option of nailing one of two other bucket list climbs – Bormio 2000 or Cancano.
DAY SIX SAT 7 SEP | STELVIO LOOP
A truly magnificent loop, with the challenge of riding all three sides of the Stelvio. Pace yourself up the ‘easier’ side from Bormio, and then slalom down the Umbrail Pass into Switzerland. A scenic, warp speed downhill to Glorenza, before we commence the deceptively, gentle start to this long legendary ascent. The bubbling stream and alpine pastures soon give way to the 48 hairpins that lead inexorably to the summit. Swoop back down to Bormio and soak in the thermal baths of this spa town.
DISTANCE | 102KM | 63MI
ELEVATION | 3200M | 10500FT
Optional Shorter versions available.
DAY SEVEN SUN 8 SEP | GOODBYE
Morning transfer to Malpensa Airport, a journey of around 4.5 hours. We will arrive around lunch time, so plan departing flights from mid-afternoon onwards.
Farewell, until next time.
Ride safe Puntos!