Cycling Tour of Lombardy
Explore the historic city centre and savour authentic Italian cuisine in a local trattoria
Traverse old railway tunnels and conquer the Colle dell’Agnello Pass, uncovering Italy’s hidden alpine gems
Cycle along Lake Como, absorbing the tranquillity of picturesque towns like Varenna and Menaggio
Tackle the famous Col de l’Izoard and Col du Lautaret, reliving Tour de France glory
Emulate cycling legends on the legendary Galibier climb, with breathtaking alpine vistas
Enjoy a leisurely downhill ride to Albertville, a renowned Alpine resort
Experience the beauty of the Cormet de Roselend, a cyclist’s paradise between stunning lakes and peaks
Cross back into Italy on a historic climb, with the majestic Matterhorn as your backdrop
Itinerary
Upon landing at Milan airport, you’ll be whisked away to the enchanting city of Bergamo. Settle into your centrally located hotel, where you’ll be fitted with your bike, ensuring the perfect companion for your journey. Enjoy the evening with a delightful dinner at one of Bergamo’s finest trattorias, offering a taste of local cuisine and hospitality.
Hotel in Bergamo
Journey from Bergamo’s urban charm, through the idyllic countryside. Traverse an old railway-turned-scenic bike path, dotted with historic tunnels. The route offers a peaceful ride, free from motor traffic, and rich in historical ambience. Departing from San Giovanni Bianco, the climb becomes more challenging, ascending through a dramatic canyon to reach the summit of Passo Culmine di San Pietro at 1280 meters.
63 km and 1500m of elevation gain
Hotel in Valsassina
Embark on a ride from the tranquillity of Valsassina, descending smoothly to Primaluna. The day’s highlight is the ascent of Passo Esine Lario, a breathtaking climb offering vistas over the Valsassina valley and up to Lake Como. At the summit, indulge in well-deserved rest before a thrilling descent to the serene village of Varenna. Here, enjoy the charm of this less-traveled gem with a leisurely coffee or ice cream by the lake.
64 km and 1200m of elevation gain
Hotel in Colico Olgiasca
On today’s journey, depart from your picturesque hotel in Colico Olgiasca and venture towards the northern shores of the lake. The route takes you along the Adda River, where its icy waters meet the lake, creating a stunning natural canvas. Follow a serene bike path through lush fields, leading to the medieval city of Morbegno. Enjoy a cappuccino in the central market square, surrounded by the magnificence of the Alps. Continuing your ride, cross the Adda and head southwest back to the lakeshore. A challenging yet rewarding 10km ascent awaits along the lake, offering expansive views of the water.
57 km and 1200m of elevation gain
Hotel in Sorico
The journey then follows a 35km lakeside route, weaving through peaceful villages and showcasing Lake Como’s mesmerizing beauty. In Menaggio, 37km in, the adventure leads onto a scenic cycle lane connecting Lake Como to Lake Lugano, once a vital railway line. Pause in Porlezza for a delightful treat at Gelateria Visconti before tackling an 8km ascent to Pellio Intelvi, where breathtaking panoramic views await. Discover the secluded village of Erbonne, once a haven for smugglers, now home to a unique museum documenting its contraband history.
76 km and 1400m of elevation gain
Hotel in San Fedele Intelvi
Commence a serene journey from San Fedele through Val Intelvi, a valley that whispers tales of a bygone era of smuggling, now a tranquil haven bordered by Switzerland and Italy. Savour the quiet roads leading to the climax at Sighignola, where a 5.3km climb unveils the ‘Balcone d’Italia,’ offering a mesmerizing 360-degree panorama of Lake Lugano and the Swiss Alps. Descend to Lanzo, then trace the historic border crossing of Arogno into Switzerland, cycling alongside Lake Lugano. The day’s route culminates with an ascent to the quaint hamlet of Scudellate, a secluded alpine paradise with a mere 22 inhabitants, nestled among lush woods and meadows.
59 km and 1700m of elevation gain
Hotel in Scudellate
Embrace the final leg of your scenic journey, starting with a nostalgic farewell to Scudellate, a remote gem of tranquillity. Relish an 18km descent, a familiar yet enchanting path back to the azure embrace of Lake Como. As you pedal through timeless villages along the lake, absorb the vibrant tapestry of life here, rich with tales of hunting, fishing, farming, and smuggling. In Menaggio, board a ferry for a short, picturesque crossing to the celebrated Bellagio. This interlude on the water offers a splendid opportunity for capturing the lake’s beauty in photographs. Once ashore, challenge yourself with a final climb to the Ghisallo, paying homage to the cycling museum, before a rewarding descent back to Bellagio, where Lake Como bids a memorable adieu.
62 km and 1200m of elevation gain
Hotel in Bellagio
As the sun rises over Bellagio, it’s time to bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Lake Como. Depart with cherished memories of the roads travelled, the history embraced, and the timeless beauty of Italy’s lakes and mountains. Carry the spirit of adventure and the essence of Italy in your heart as you journey onwards.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
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Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Italy
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Description
Embark on an unforgettable cycling journey that takes you from the urban charm of Bergamo to the serene lakeside and mountainous splendours of Italy and France. Your adventure begins in the historic city centre of Bergamo, where the blend of rich culture and delicious Italian cuisine sets the stage for the journey ahead.
As you pedal through the scenic Valsassina, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of old railway tunnels and the challenge of the Colle dell’Agnello Pass, a lesser-known yet breathtaking alpine climb. The route then takes you to the enchanting shores of Lake Como, where the tranquillity of lakeside villages like Varenna and Menaggio offers a serene respite.
Experience the thrill of cycling history as you ascend the iconic Col de l’Izoard and Col du Lautaret, reliving moments of Tour de France fame. The legendary Galibier awaits, offering a challenge and vistas that are truly unparalleled.
Your journey continues with a leisurely descent into Albertville, followed by the stunning beauty of the Cormet de Roselend. The adventure intensifies as you climb Petit San Bernard, marking your return to Italy with the majestic Matterhorn looming in the distance.
The final leg of your tour brings you to the picturesque ski resort of Cervinia, nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn. Here, amidst the breathtaking alpine scenery, you’ll celebrate the end of a remarkable cycling adventure that has taken you through some of the most beautiful landscapes Italy and France have to offer.
Map
Average weather forecast
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 43 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 43 |
| Low (°F) | 30 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
| Rain (in) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°C) | 6 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 6 |
| Low (°C) | -1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain (mm) | 59 | 49 | 65 | 75 | 95 | 67 | 66 | 89 | 93 | 122 | 76 | 61 |
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Things to know
Our priority is to find the ideal accommodation that suits your needs. We collaborate with several lodging providers that meet our criteria, but please note that availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons. Furthermore, we can tailor your holiday to align with your preferences and budget, and are committed to finding a more suitable alternative that matches your taste.
Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day.
Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels.
Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness.
Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.
Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Italy.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.
If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.
The availability of food options in Italy depends on the extent of your dietary restrictions. While it is relatively easy to find vegetarian dishes, locating vegan meals can be challenging, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the traditional lunch stops we make may have limited ability to accommodate special requests beyond their standard menu. We recommend considering this when planning your meals.
To ensure availability, we advise booking your tour as early as possible. Our tours typically pass through highly popular tourist destinations where lodging options are restricted. Many of these desirable locations become fully booked for the summer season well in advance, often filling up by spring.
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