Fantastic value for money. The two guides literally took care of everything from the time we arrived at the first hotel until the time we left the last hotel. All you need to do is ride your bike. Superb logistical support, great briefings every day and great camaraderie from the guides.
The Passo dello Stelvio is an iconic bucket list climb for every road cyclist. It epitomises everything we love: big mountain views, tight hairpin bends, smooth tarmac, challenging gradients and a load of Strava kudos! It also happens to be surrounded by heaps of lesser-known road cycling climbs with the same magnificent qualities. This week-long cycling holiday offers the perfect opportunity to explore the delights of this stunning Alpine region, where Eastern Switzerland meets Italy.
Most of the passes in this part of the Alps are long with significant altitude gain, so our Classic route each day is a considerable challenge; the daily average is 68 km with 1,640 m of ascent. However, the rides can be made more manageable with a tactical lift in our support van at the start of each day. We're sure that the daily Challenge route will satisfy your need for big rides, with a daily average of 109 km with 2770 m ascent.
This is your holiday, and we’re here to support you as an individual. As with all our flexible pace tours, we don’t insist that everyone rides as a group; you’re free to ride at your preferred speed - solo, or with other riders at a similar pace to yourself. You're welcome to stop when you want, and to make the day your own. With our expert support team in customised vehicles (along with our Route Buddy app), we’ll provide you with all the moral, nutritional, and mechanical support you require to achieve your cycling holiday goals. All you have to do is eat, sleep, cycle, and enjoy the magnificent scenery – we’ll take care of the rest!
The quality and location of the accommodation are another standout feature of this holiday. The hotels we choose are not part of big chains but are family-owned and are experienced at looking after hungry cyclists!
A note for long-haul travellers: exploring the Italian lakes is a pleasant option if arriving a few days before the tour begins, to acclimatise yourself.
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
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 - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!) on a day when we move hotels, then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
bike lights
a pump
tyre levers
inner tubes
brake pads
a chain link
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Your cycling holiday starts in Chiavenna, a beautiful historic Italian border town.
We offer transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), a journey of 2 hr. It’s also possible to travel independently by train as our hotel is within easy walking distance of Chiavenna railway station. Comprehensive travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights or trains) can be found in our Travel & Transfers section.
Once 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.
The northern side of Passo della Spluga (2114m), also known as Splügen Pass, is a photographer's delight due to the perfectly symmetrical hairpin bends twisting their way down through a meadow of Alpine flowers (and marmots); this vista is your motivation and reward for the effort required to reach the pass from the south! Starting down at 300 m and with 30 km of tarmac, this is a big climb! It is also a beauty, with varying gradients, picturesque villages, stunning views and little traffic.
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.
Those wanting a bit more or a challenge today have the option of cycling up to the San Bernardino Pass (2066m). Built as a major road pass between Switzerland and Italy, most of the traffic now goes through a tunnel, rendering this masterful bit of road construction almost traffic-free! It is quite simply a spectacular ride. There is a lake at the summit, which reflects the majestic mountains you're surrounded by, making this a fabulous place to take some snaps before your descent.
Classic : 58 KM with 1850m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 97 KM with 2520m ascent [ride profile]
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.
To get there, our route passes over the stunning Julier Pass (2284m). This pass has been an important trade route for centuries as it connects the Engadine with the rest of Switzerland; consequently, it is a well-engineered road with pleasant gradients. It is a challenging but manageable climb surrounded by expansive vistas. After a sweeping descent to Silvaplana, you have the option of extending the route by heading up the Engadine valley along the shores of the lakes to the Maloja Pass/Passo del Maloja (1815m) - it's a cracking ride!
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.
Classic : 82 KM with 1800m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 104 KM with 1830m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 109 KM with 2490m ascent [ride profile]
Today, you get to ride one of the world's greatest road cycling loops - the Flüela and Albula Passes via Davos. This ride is definitely up there with the Sella Ronda (featured in our Italian Dolomites & Stelvio holiday) and the Grosse Scheidegg loop (featured in our Swiss Alps holiday).
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. It was once an important pass, but now most of the (non-tourist) traffic goes through a tunnel, adding to the joy of this ride.
Lunch in Davos is a good plan to fuel you up for the next challenge - the Albula Pass (2315m) from the west. This climb is simply idyllic, and the gradients are generally kind (aside from a 10% ramp!), so you can really appreciate the landscape. It's worth punctuating your climb with a stop in Bergün, and from here you can marvel at the ingenuity of the Swiss and how they managed to make the Rhaetian Railway gain altitude with a series of underground loops and beautiful viaducts (it is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site).
The whole loop is more challenging than the Classic route on each of the other days on this cycling holiday. 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!
Classic - Rhaetian Railway from Bergün : 99 KM with 1670m ascent [ride profile]
Harder - Rhaetian Railway from Preda : 105 KM with 2100m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 126 KM with 2620m ascent [ride profile]
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.
The Bernina Pass (2330m) with shallow gradients and views of the Morteratsch Glacier is a very pleasant way to start the day. A short descent lines you up for the more challenging Forcola di Livigno (2315m), where you pass into the high Italian mountain territory of Livigno, famous for its extensive skiing and tax-free status. Our Classic route then takes you over the Passo d'Eira (2208m) and Passo del Foscagno (2291m) before an unforgettable descent to Bormio.
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. It involves 32 km and 760 m ascent.
Classic : 79 KM with 1560m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 116 KM with 2470m ascent [ride profile]
Torri di Fraele - extra : 32 KM with 760m ascent
The narrow mountain road over the Passo di Gavia (2621m) has been stirring things up in the Giro d’Italia since the 1960s. It’s also an epic climb with striking views over the glaciers of the Stelvio National Park and the second highest pass on your holiday. Our Classic route enjoys the Passo di Gavia from Bormio as an out-and-back ride.
Your other route options tackle the steeper, narrower side of the Passo di Gavia from Ponte di Legno. To get there, we need to pass over the much-feared Passo del Mortirolo (1857m), making this the Queen Stage of your holiday. The Mortirolo was first introduced to professional road cycling in 1990 when the Gavia was closed and the organisers detoured the Giro stage up this steep, narrow, surfaced farm track. It became an instant classic. With an average of 18.8% and gradients of up to 22.5%, the Mortirolo from Mazzo di Valtellina is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. This is not for everyone, so there is the slightly easier option of the Mortirolo from Grosio, which still allows you to complete the loop.
**Tonight's evening meal is not included, so you are free to enjoy one of the many fine restaurants in town.**
Classic : 51 KM with 1420m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 110 KM with 2950m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 113 KM with 3090m ascent [ride profile]
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! Despite the challenges and infamous hairpins, it’s one of the world’s most iconic and enjoyable road-cycling climbs. It’s also the highest pass on our journey, making it our Cima Coppi and a fitting finale to this unforgettable week of road cycling.
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. Our Harder route takes you down to the Rocca Bianca cafe, while our Challenge route descends all the way, so you can enjoy all 48 bends of the Passo dello Stelvio from Prato Allo Stelvio and achieve the 'Double Stelvio'.
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!
Classic : 44 KM with 1560m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 64 KM with 2450m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 94 KM with 3420m ascent [ride profile]
Your legs will no doubt be relieved that it’s home time today! We offer transfers from the hotel to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at specified times (a journey time of approximately 3 hr).
Full travel advice and our group airport transfer arrangements (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes.
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
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 - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!) on a day when we move hotels, then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
bike lights
a pump
tyre levers
inner tubes
brake pads
a chain link
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.