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Lake Como Old Mules'Paths

Arrival location visual:
Livello difficoltà visual:
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Sistemazione-guidato: 2 nights 4-star hotel, 5 nights in 3-star hotel
Sistemazione-SG: 2 nights in 4-star hotel, 5 nights in 3-star hotel
Sistemazione-Supp: 2 nights in 4-star hotel, 5 nights in 3-star hotel
Pasti-SG: All breakfasts, 4 dinners, 1 lunch
Pasti-guidato: All breakfasts, 5 dinners, 1 lunch
Pasti-Supp: All breakfasts, 5 dinners, 1 lunch
Livello di supporto-SG: Support level: detailed briefing, telephone assistance;
Livello di supporto-guidato: Guiding, detailed briefing and van assistance, luggage transportation;
Livello di supporto-Supp: Detailed briefing and van assistance, luggage transportation;
Non incluso-guidato: Flights tickets, extras in hotel, drinks during the dinner, city tax (if any), travel insurance, arrival and departure transfer, bike rental, luggage transport.
Non incluso-SG: Flights tickets, extras in hotel, drinks during the dinner, city tax (if any), travel insurance, arrival and departure transfer, bike rental, luggage transport.
Non incluso-Supp: Flights tickets, extras in hotel, drinks during the dinner, city tax (if any), travel insurance, arrival and departure transfer, bike rental
Su richiesta-guidato: Bike rental, group transfer on arrival/departure of the travel
Su richiesta-SG: Bike rental, luggage transfer
Su richiesta-Supp: Bike rental, group transfer on arrival/departure of the travel
Tour end visual:
Total distance visual:
Total elevation visual:
Accommodation visual:
Days riding visual:
Meals visual:
Days/nights visual:
Airport city flying in: Milano Mxp / Bergamo
Airport city flying out: Milano Mxp / Bergamo
Pick-up location: Bergamo
Drop off location: Como
Pick-up time: 14:00
Drop off time: 10:00
Tour name: Lake Como on the Mules' Paths
Accommodation: 2 nights at four-star; 5 nights at three-star
Days/nights: 8/7
Meals: All breakfasts; 5 dinners
Tour code: BTLGGS-25
Days of riding: 7
Price guided: 2699
Price self guided: 1499
Price supported: 2099
Difficulty level: Challenge
Total distance: 514.2
Total elevation: 12,999
Duration days: 8
Departure location: Bergamo
Arrival location: Como
Event date-begins: 2025-05-02
Event date-ends: 2025-05-09
Event date-begins-2: 2025-09-19
Event date-ends-2: 2025-09-26
Event teaser: Ride on the hidden and less-traveled side of Lake Como, exploring the old smugglers' routes and give your biking trip a unique and adventurous dimension.

A Biking Tour Along Como Lake on the Old Bootleggers' Paths

There was a time, in the aftermath of the Second World War and spanning about 50 years, when the border between Italy and Switzerland saw the passage of individuals we might now refer to as mules.

These guys were not trafficking drugs; rather, they were clandestinely transporting money and goods belonging to affluent families and entrepreneurs into Switzerland — a fiscal paradise with an impenetrable bank secrecy. Referred to as "spalloni," meaning big-shouldered men, they earned this nickname by bearing the weight of both illegal goods and the associated risks on their shoulders.

Today, with such activities long ceased, they have transformed into romanticized figures who were not only well-acquainted with their mountainous surroundings but also the keepers of secret paths linking Lombardy and Switzerland.

In the spirit of the spalloni, we invite you to join us on a challenging biking tour along the clandestine and less-traveled roads encircling both sides of Lake Como—both the Italian and the Swiss. We have curated a cycling experience that embraces the lesser-known, spectacular, and tranquil routes, steering clear of the mass tourism that inundates the lake's shores from spring to autumn. However, to completely bypass the alluring towns along Lake Como would be a missed opportunity. Thus, we strike a balance by visiting some of the iconic locales that have gained international fame among the jet set: Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. These gems are adorned with charming streets, historic architecture, and waterfront promenades, each possessing a distinctive character and offering a blend of culture, history, and beauty.

Our journey combines the thrill of cycling along the secluded Spalloni routes with the excitement of exploring some of the most renowned luxury destinations. And fear not, we have no intentions of engaging in anything illegal—rest assured!

ITINERARY

  • 1 ARRIVAL DAY - WARM UP RIDE

    Arrival in Bergamo and Hotel in city center. Accommodation, bike-fitting. Let’s test the bikes with a short ride in the outskirts of Bergamo. 40/45 kms riding the roads ridden at Giro d’Italia or Giro di Lombardia when the finish line is in town. Aftet the warm-up welcome dinner in Trattoria Ambrosio, one of the those special restaurant in town.

    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner at Trattoria

  • 2 BERGAMO - SERINA

    71.6km | 1,839m | 1,319m | 4,30h

    Our first day of intense riding looks like a captivating journey through the scenic landscapes and historical sites of Bergamo. The blend of urban charm, picturesque countryside, and the repurposed railway path offers a unique and enchanting experience for cyclists. The old railway line, now transformed into a bike path, not only provides a vehicle-free environment, winding its way through the landscape, the route meanders through ancient stone tunnels, remnants of a bygone era dating back to the early 1900s. The journey goes on through Val Taleggio, known for its famous creamy cheese production, gives a glimpse of what’s next on a cultural and gastronomic dimension to the ride. The verdant valley with alpine features, complete with cow bells and green meadows, paints a picturesque scene. The rolling road through woods and meadows, punctuated by some gentle climbs, promises a varied and dynamic cycling experience. The stop at an old Osteria for a well-deserved lunch further adds to the charm, providing an opportunity to refuel and appreciate the local cuisine. The final 9 km climb to Dossena, a remote small town with a history dating back to Roman times, adds a sense of adventure and discovery to your ride. The mention of ancient mines and iron excavation hints at the rich historical significance of the area. Overall, your first day sets the stage for an exciting and challenging ride, blending natural beauty, historical allure, and the thrill of conquering climbs. It's a journey that not only tests your cycling prowess but also allows you to appreciate the cultural and historical richness of the region. .


    Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 3 SERINA - COLICO

    99,7km | 2,031m | 2,731m | 5,45h

    The second day of the journey is the longest stage, covering 100 km and taking us to the highest point, nearly reaching the 2000 meters of the historic Passo San Marco. This ascent is one of the many hidden gems of this trip. We start from the hotel, and there are 5 kilometers of uphill to retrace the final part of stage 1, returning to Dossena before descending to San Pellegrino (yes, the one famous for its mineral water). We resume on the secure and scenic cycle path along the old railway. We proceed through picturesque galleries and spectacular canyons along the Brembo River, ascending the waters up to Olmo, where the 20 km climb to Passo San Marco begins. It's an old road built in the 17th century to facilitate the trade of goods between the Republic of Venice and the Swiss cantons. Following in the footsteps of those ancient trade routes, we tackle this fascinating alpine-style ascent with very challenging gradients and 15 hairpin turns, marked by signs placed along the roadside. At the summit, we reach an altitude of 1990 meters, and if the ascent is long, the descent is even more thrilling: 26 endless kilometers descending towards the ancient imperial city of Morbegno. We reach the Adda River, which flows into Lake Como. All we have to do is follow the safe and peaceful cycle path along the river, descending gently to Colico, where we will finally rest by the lakeside .

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    Accommodation: 3-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 4 COLICO LOOP

    90,2km | 2,419m | 2432m | 5,20h

    This stage holds a special place in my heart. We kick off from Colico, heading south for a flat 10 km before embarking on the extensive and undulating ascent of Valvarrone: a rugged 18 km stretch with challenging terrain. Cycling into the valley, we'll traverse a couple of ancient mountain villages, encountering scarcely anyone along the way. Upon reaching the summit, a rapid downhill awaits before tackling the 9 steep kilometers leading to one of the highlights of the journey: Passo Esine Lario. This pass treats us to a breathtaking 360° panorama overlooking the lake from the top. One of my favorite aspects is the exceptionally long descent to Varenna: a thrilling 18 km descent that feels like a direct plunge into the lake. Once upon a time, Varenna was a small fishing village characterized by old houses painted in picturesque pastel colors. Now, it stands as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on the lake, thanks to its elegant hotels and numerous cafes. The village is so small that the best way to visit is by arriving in the center via ferry, and of course, by bike, enjoying the splendid view of the long descent from the hills down to the waterfront. There is no better place to stop for a coffee and savor what life by the lake could have been like until just a few years ago. After coffee, there are only 18 kilometers of a wonderful lakeside road that takes us back to our hotel.


    Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 5 COLICO - SAN FEDELE INTELVI

    88,2km | 2,315m | 1,802m | 5,05h

    Today's stage is 90 km long with over 2300 meters of elevation gain, and if we carefully examine the altitude profile, things get even more serious: the first 40 kilometers are mostly flat. From Colico to Menaggio, we'll be cycling along the lakeshore, covering 40 fast kilometers where we can enjoy open spaces and be amazed by how the alpine peaks rise from the blue waters to over 3000 meters of the nearby summits that touch the azure skies. These initial 40 kilometers are not too complicated and end in Menaggio; from there, we begin to climb. First, there are easy 5 kilometers on another cycle path converted from an old railway line that connected Lugano in Switzerland with Lake Como, and then another 10 kilometers that are more challenging, leading us to make a loop through the semi-abandoned villages of the mysterious Val Cavargna, which during the smuggling era was one of the most active centers in illegal activities. After completing the Cavargna, we'll descend rapidly to Porlezza on Lake Ceresio, the last town before the Swiss border. We will pedal eastward, skirting for a few kilometers until Osteno, this other border lake, a small jewel where the wooded slopes of the mountains are reflected on the water's surface. From the small village of Osteno, we will climb steadily for 10 kilometers, with some peaks in double digits, up to San Fedele Intelvi, where the end of this stage awaits us.

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    Accommodation: 3-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner at Osteria

  • 6 SAN FEDELE - BELLAGIO

    87.9km | 1,837m | 2,412m | 5,10h

    Val Intelvi is indeed one of those places that appears to have experienced a brief encounter with tourism, leaving behind a tranquil and picturesque valley nestled between the mountains and lakes, serving as the boundary between Switzerland and Italy. The well-maintained and nearly traffic-free roads contribute to the serene ambiance of the region. These mountains, while now offering a peaceful landscape, were once the stage for intense illegal activities carried out by smugglers. With limited opportunities for regular employment, smuggling became a livelihood necessity for some.

    Before bidding farewell to the valley, the route takes a climactic ascent to Sighignola at the Balcone d'Italia viewpoint. This 5.3-kilometer climb is rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view over Lake Lugano and the Swiss Alps. The stunning scenery from this vantage point leaves a lasting impression. Descending back to Lanzo, the path meanders from the valley toward Lake Como. Another easy end with a smooth descent before returning to the road that skirts the lake, the famous and majestic Strada Regina. Winding through what were once fishing villages, it overlooks the lake and opulent villas. In Menaggio a picturesque ferry-boat awaits to carry us to Bellagio: it’s a ride on the blue waters and permits us to enjoys a different sight of the Lago di Como.


    Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

    Meals: Breakfast  

  • 7 BELLAGIO - COMO

    74,7km | 2,305m | 2,370m | 5,10h

    From our hotel in the charming Bellagio, we begin our route on the historic and iconic route of perhaps the two most famous climbs in the history of the Giro di Lombardia: Ghisallo and the infamous Muro di Sormano. Ghisallo is a 12 km climb divided into two sectors. In fact, at kilometer 8.7, the road descends for a kilometer before ascending again with very harsh hairpins. At the summit, you'll find the old chapel. The devotion that arose from cyclists and enthusiasts towards their patroness sparked a competition to bring offerings and memorabilia to the small church. Soon, it was filled with various votive objects, torches, banners, trophies, and bicycles. Today, the church is a pilgrimage destination for many believers and numerous cycling enthusiasts who come to pay homage from all over the world. Next to the old chapel, there is another mythical place in our sport: The Cycling Museum, one of the most unique and iconic spots. There is just one spot in the world where you can see bicycles that have been used by Bartali, Coppi, and Merckx in their Tour de France victories, the special bike used by Moser for his game-changer hour record, and several maglie rosa, maillot jaune, and rainbow jerseys. After the break here comes the ascent of the Muro di Sormano and its 2.8 kilometers at an 18% gradient. It's a fitting way to bid farewell – you will remember us, or at least your legs will feel the pain for a long time. A tricky and very twisty descent back on the shore of the lake and another 20 km rolling back to Como, but our pain is not over yet. As this is the Grand Final our final battle is on the brutal Brunate Climb before ending our ride and our journey in Como city center.


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 8 FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE DAY

    Last Breakfast with a view to the marvellous sight in front of us: you will embrace all the mountain peaks, the green valleys and blue water which have been the backfround the our cycling journey.

    Drop of the bikes and farewell to next time.


Arrival details

Departure details

Your Journey on a map

TOUR ROUTE

  • 45.9020,9.4000

    mapcenter

  • 45.902364,9.4939124

    Culmine San Pietro

  • 46.0051468,9.3210015

    Passo Agueglio

  • 45.9250295,9.2653927

    Ghisallo

  • 45.9682545,8.9933987

    Sighignola - Balcone d'Italia

  • 45.8829268,9.229526

    Muro di Sormano

  • 45.7931,9.7928

    Ganda

  • 45.80866349999999,9.6354992

    Sant'Antonio

  • 46.0782573,9.334716700000001

    Val Varrone

  • 46.0470734,9.623031

    Passo San Marco

  • 45.7065011,9.6585153

    Città Alta Bergamo

  • 45.9847,9.2615

    Bellagio

  • 46.0217068,9.2388285

    Menaggio

  • 46.1312923,9.3671931

    Colico

  • 45.6982642,9.6772698

    Bergamo

  • 45.8080597,9.0851765

    Como

Services

Accommodation

Handpicked hotels

Your stay, part of the tale

Our itineraries around Como Lake go deeper, avoiding the crowds and scoping out off-the-beaten-path places that allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the region. In the main towns, Bergamo, at the beginning, and Como, at the end, it was easy to find some 4-star; while our route is deliberating making stopovers in small towns to permit our guests to stay and see a different side of Lago di Como, at the these destinations we found some cozy 3-stas hotels.

Food

Eat Pasta Ride Fasta

Immerse yourself in the region's culture

While Lombardy is predominantly recognized as Milan, a global hub for finance and fashion, the region, in truth, has deep-rooted agricultural origins.

Northern Lombardy boasts some of the highest European mountains, shaping a distinctive mountain economy. Hard mountain work requires hard eating: simple yet flavorful recipes with a high caloric content. Poor recipes, but rich taste.

One wonderful example is Pizzoccheri: a traditional flat buckwheat pasta cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and layered with cheese and garlic-infused butter. And what about Risotto and Polenta? Once working class food, nowadays a delicacy. Lombardy is also renowned for its cheeses, such as Gorgonzola and Taleggio, which find their way into many dishes. 

Indulging in rich dishes on our active trip is guilt-free, justified by the effort we put into every pedal stroke.

Bike rental

Our best picks for this tour

As we have one of the largest and best bike fleets in Italy, we are proud to give our guests the freedom to choose the bike that suits them best.

  • Pinarello F5 - 105 di2

    Ride in Italy on an exclusive Italian bike

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Scott Addict RC40

    Scott Addict RC40

    Light, fast, and ready to turn heads.

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Scott Addict 30

    Designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind.

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Canyon Pathlite:on

    Do it all E-Bike for leisure and exploration.

    GO TO CATALOG

Things You Won't Miss
  • Giro di Lombardia

    Il Lombardia

    The Classic of dead leaves

  • PASSO AGUEGLIO

    PASSO AGUEGLIO

    This pass treats us to a breathtaking 360° panorama overlooking the lake from the top

  • Passo San Marco

  • Bellagio, the jet set's retreat

    No, it's not in Las Vegas, but along Como lake!

  • Varenna

    Varenna

    Postcard from Como lake

  • A different side of Lago di Como

    Enjoy a less glamorous and quieter Como Lake

  • Ghisallo Cycling museum

    Ghisallo Cycling museum

    All about bikes and great cyclists in the history,
    in one spot

  • valvarrone

    rugged 18 km stretch with challenging terrain

  • BERGAMO

Ride Highlights:
Il Giro di Lombardia

Milan Sanremo, Tour de Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege and Il Lombardia. This is our favorite nursery rhyme. Il Lombardia is one of the five Monument Classics, “The Fallen Leaves Classic” since it happens in Fall. For us it is the hardest of the classics, with its almost 4000 metres climbing. This is the classic for a true climbing lover, those we call 'salitomani' (roughly 'climbing addicted'). The Classic race alternates between starting and finishing in Como and Bergamo.

Tour price

And inclusions

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THIS TOUR IS AVAILABLE AS A GUIDED GROUP TOUR ON SELECTED DATES. it's also available as PRIVATE, SELF-GUIDED AND SUPPORTED ON ANY DATE DURING THE CYCLING SEASON.

Guided group tour

Guided group tour


Inclusions & details

Self guided tour

Self guided tour

Anytime Apr to Sept


Inclusions & details

Supported tour

Supported tour

Anytime Apr to Sept


Inclusions & details

Let's plan your next trip!

Useful Information

Tips & Resources

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Travel arrangements

Travelers on guided, self-guided, or supported trips have to independently reach Bergamo. Landing in Bergamo would be the best choice, as it is a well connected hub with several daily flights to and from the major airports all over Europe/UK. The hotel in town is reachable by bus or taxi in about 15 minutes.

Milan Malpensa (Mxp) and Milano Linate Airports are also good choices for arrivals and departure. Both airports are well connected to Bergamo and Como with regional trains.

Should you like a more comfortable way to reach Bergamo or travel back to your arrival airport, we can anyway arrange private transfers to/from beginning/end of the cycling travel.

The journey concludes in Como, the town is connected to Bergamo and Milano via regional trains and the trip takes 30 minutes.

Food & Drinks during stages

Lake Como  is among the major tourist destinations in North of Italy.

The hospitality of the people is renowned. Along the routes, you pass through lively small villages where it's easy to find a bar, whether for a coffee or a more complete lunch.

Along the journey, there are plenty of opportunities to recharge e-bike batteries in case of an emergency.

Necessary Gear

Our guests will get a pre tour info kit that gives useful suggestions on how to enjoy our trips in full. Here is a quick selection that might be useful at this stage.

  • We suggest renting a bike with us. But feel free to bring your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts (ie. derailleur hangers). 

  • Some of the hotels have a room for the bikes, or, in any case, room to accommodate the bikes overnight. 

  • Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers, overshoes: it's the Alps and the weather is never completely predictable.

More Journeys

Similar Trips

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On the roads of Giro d'Italia in the Alps

Tour name: On the roads of Giro d'Italia in the Alps
Tour code: ORGDIA-24
Type: Scheduled
Price guided: 1999
Price self guided: -
Price supported: -
Difficulty level: Challenge
Total distance: 520
Total elevation: 14,000
Duration days: 7
Departure location: Bormio
Arrival location: Bormio
Event date-begins: 2024-07-19
Event date-ends: 2024-07-25
Event teaser: Bormio is ideal to ride some of the most iconic and sometimes intimidating climbs in the world, like the famous 48 hairpins up Stelvio, the wild and beautiful Gavia Pass as well as the famous Mortirolo Pass.

Date 1

A ROAD CYCLING WEEK IN THE ALPS IN CONJUNCTION WITH GIRO D'ITALIA

 

What about a road cycling week in Bormio, in the hearth of the Italian Alps? It's a real paradise for us road riders and a week there sounds amazing, right? Bormio is ideal to ride some of the most iconic and sometimes intimidating climbs in the world, like the famous 48 hairpins up Stelvio, the wild and beautiful Gavia Pass as well as the famous Mortirolo Pass. As a living monument to cycling, the mountains around Bormio, pile up more names every season.

Names of active cyclists are next to legendary ones. Names like - in the modern history of Tour and Giro - Fausto Coppi, Charly Gaul, Gino Bartali, Louison Bobet, Felice Gimondi, Raymond Poulidor, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Greg LeMond, Miguel Indurain, Marco Pantani, Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome.

Those climbs are in the legend of cycling and putting our flags on top of them sounds just great. What if we add to this already awesome plan the opportunity to watch the Giro action on top of Mortirolo? Could we ask more than this? Well, maybe a visit to a Pro-Tour - Canyon sponsored - team? Yes, this cycling week is not just a training camp, but a once in a lifetime cycling experience. Detailed briefings, constant contact with our skilled guides, planned food stops, perfect Canyon rental bikes make for a safe and enjoyable daily riding. Choice of hotel and stops is made with care and with deep knowledge of the places.

Now it's clear why we talk about the Ultimate Alps Experience!

The Journey Begins Here

TOUR STOPS AND TOPS

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  • 46.4663571,10.3704671

    mapcenter

  • 46.52936020000001,10.453207

    Stelvio Pass

  • 46.5418677,10.2690843

    Laghi di Cancano

  • 46.495,10.209

    Passo del Foscagno

  • 46.3434911,10.4846264

    Passo Gavia

  • 46.4663571,10.3704671

    Bormio

Things You Don't Want to Miss
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  • What paradise looks like...
    on a dry day

  • Vincenzo Nibali
    A Sicilian beating the cold

  • Giro d'Italia 1968
    Merckx wins the stage and wears the Pink Jersey

Ride Highlights:
Stelvio Pass

Stelvio pass is in the cycling myth since 1953, after a 34 years old Fausto Coppi, was able to grab his last Giro d’Italia, dropping the GC leader, the Swiss Hugo Koblet, in a legendary day. Stelvio was a dirt road at that time, and bikes were not as sophisticated and lightweight as now. Romantic cycling, as they call it.

"I’M STILL THAT EIGHT-YEAR-OLD KID WHO RODE UP THE STELVIO. I’M STILL THAT KID IN MY LEGS, IN MY HEAD AND IN MY HEART".

Former Pro and Giro winner IVAN BASSO

Trip program

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  • DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY

    Arrival at Milan airport and transfer to Bormio, Italian Alps. Accommodation and dinner at four-star hotel.

  • DAY 2: RIDE TO PASSO MORTIROLO THEN PONTE DI LEGNO AND PASSO GAVIA

    114.5km | 3,245m | 3,245m | 5,30h

    Passo Gavia, the final and main climb of the day, is a very challenging climb: first of all because it’s quite long, about 17 kms, then because it gets very high. Thin air at altitude (2600m ASL) is no joke, no way to be really prepared for that. So, better saving legs when possible. For this reason, we take our time going up. We climb up Gavia starting from Ponte di Legno, like in occasion the 97th Giro d’Italia (2014), won by the Colombian Nairo Quintana of Movistar Team. Accommodation and dinner at hotel in Bormio.


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • DAY 3: THE TWO SIDES OF STELVIO PASS

    101km | 3,417m | 3,417m | 5,30h

    Stelvio pass is in the cycling myth since 1953, after a 34 years old Fausto Coppi, was able to grab his last Giro d’Italia, dropping the GC leader, the Swiss Hugo Koblet, in a legendary day. Stelvio climb was on a dirt road at that time, and bikes were not as sophisticated and lightweight as now. Romantic - or heroic - cycling, as they call it. There’s big debate among cyclists on which side of Stelvio is the nicest: Lombardy side, from Bormio or Trentino side, from Prato allo Stelvio. We don’t want to influence your opinion, so we give you the opportunity to make your own idea. We ride up from Bormio, go all the way down across Switzerland, and up again from Prato allo Stelvio, enjoying all the famous 48 hairpins up top. This stage can be shortened by van up to Umbrail pass. That way it'd be 80km and 2200m elevation gain.


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • DAY 4: RIDE UP APRICA PASS THEN MORTIROLO FROM THE MONNO SIDE

    60km | 1,925m | 1,925m | 4,30h

    A day dedicated to watch Giro from the sidelines of one of Europe's hardest climbs: Mortirolo pass. This must-do HC climb is world famous as is very challenging and steep. It’s been included in the Giro in 1990 and it became famous for the legendary stage of 1994 Giro when a very young Marco Pantani dropped his majesty Miguel Indurain, showing the world a new star was born. A monument to the famous Italian climber is at km 8. We get there after a long way down from Bormio to Tirano, then we climb up the Aprica pass so to face Mortirolo from the Monno side. Nearly on top of the climb, we take a break at the rifugio, then we select a good spot to watch the riders.


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • DAY 5: RIDE TO CANCANO LAKES

    30km | 1,000m | 1,000m | 2,50h

    We take a recovery day and do a shorter ride to explore the lovely mountains closer to Bormio. Why don’t going for a lovely ride up Cancano lakes? Short but gorgeous, it gives us the time to take an afternoon stroll in town and watch the end of Giro's stage.


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • DAY 6: LIVIGNO AND STELVIO'S SWISS SIDE

    108km | 3,100m | 3,100m | 5,30h

    Can a climb up Stelvio propose three totally different and yet amazing routes? To discover it, we'll cross Foscagno Pass, west of Bormio, an reach the tallest Italian village, the lovely Livigno. From there, we coast the Livigno lake and change... Country. Yes, half of today's ride involve Switzerland. Right 76km after the start, we get to Mustair - or Santa Maria as we Italians call it - and start our third climb up Stelvio Pass. Normally the question among riders is 'which of the two Stelvio sides do you like best?'. Well you'll be one of the few cyclists that can choose among the three ways up. After a cappuccino and some local pies, we descend to Bormio and celebrate a glorious week of cycling in the Alps!


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • DAY 7: FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE DAY.

    Transfer to Milan airport and end of services.

Tour price

And support levels

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Guided group tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 4-stars

  • Meals

    6 dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Guiding; van assistance; mobile workshop; spare bike, bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; luggage transport; Group transfers from/to Malpensa/Bergamo Milano airport; 10% discount on bike rental.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Milano Malpensa/Bergamo airport to Bormio €200/€220 p.p.; individual departure transfer from Bormio to Milano Malpensa/Bergamo airport €200/€220 p.p.; supplement for single room accommodation €270 p.p.; 10% discount on bike rentals.

Self Guided tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 4-stars

  • Meals

    6 dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Detailed briefing. GPX files. Telephone assistance during your stay. 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; arrival and departure transfer; bike rental. Luggage transfer.
  • On request

    Arrival transfer from Milano Malpensa/Bergamo airport to Bormio €200/€220 p.p.; departure transfer from Bormio to Milano Malpensa/Bergamo airport €200/€220 p.p.; supplement for single room accommodation €270 p.p.; 10% discount on bike rentals. Luggage transfer: included in the transfer price (if you book it).

Supported tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 4-stars

  • Meals

    6 dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Van assistance; mobile workshop; spare bike, bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase. GPX files. Luggage transport. Group transfers from/to Malpensa/Bergamo Milano airport; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Milano Malpensa/Bergamo airport to Bormio €200/€220 p.p.; individual departure transfer from Bormio to Milano Malpensa/Bergamo airport €200/€220 p.p.; supplement for single room accommodation €270 p.p.; 10% discount on bike rentals.

Let's plan your next trip!

Useful Information

Tips & Resources

[arrow-up]

Travel arrangements

Best airport to land is Milano Malpensa (MXP): from there we arrange the group transfer. Other options are possible and we can help selecting the best one.

Food & Drinks during stages

During the rides we plan at least one longer food stops in the middle of the stage plus one or more coffee stops. In the assistence van we use to bring along bars, gels and water.

Necessary Gear

Our guests are getting a pre tour info kit that gives useful suggestions on all the the arrangements to enjoy our trips in full. Here a quick selection that might be useful at this stage.

  • We suggest renting a Canyon bike with us. But feel free to bring your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts (ie. derailleur hangers). 

  • The hotels have a room for the bikes, and we will have a selection of tools to perform basic maintenance.

  • Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers, overshoes: it's the Alps and the weather is never completely predictable.

More Journeys

Similar Trips

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Orobie Alps: a gem waiting to be discovered

Arrival location visual:
Livello difficoltà visual:
Start location visual:
Sistemazione-SG: 3 nights at 4-star Hotel; 2 nights at 3-star hotel;
Pasti-SG: all breakfasts, one dinner
Livello di supporto-SG: road-book; detailed briefing; telephone assistance; 10% discount on bike rental;
Non incluso-SG: flights tickets, extras in hotel, drinks during the dinner, city tax (if any), travel insurance, arrival and departure transfer, bike rental;
Su richiesta-SG: bike rental, arrival/departure transfer, luggage delivery
Tour end visual:
Total distance visual:
Total elevation visual:
Accommodation visual:
Days riding visual:
Meals visual:
Days/nights visual:
Airport city flying in: Milano Mxp / Milan Bergamo
Airport city flying out: Milano Mxp / Milan Bergamo
Pick-up location: Bergamo
Drop off location: Bergamo
Pick-up time: 12:00
Drop off time: 19:00
Tour name: Orobie Alps: a gem waiting to be discovered
Accommodation: 3 nights at 4-star Hotel; 2 nights at 3-star hotel;
Days/nights: 6/5
Meals: All breakfasts; one dinner
Tour code: GOD-24
Days of riding: 4
Price self guided: from 999,00
Difficulty level: Challenging
Total distance: 369.2
Total elevation: 8,275
Duration days: 5
Departure location: Bergamo
Arrival location: Bergamo
Event teaser: Explore the off-the-beaten track roads through the mountains surrounding Bergamo

An epic short break journey through the Alps

Few tread the paths of the Orobie Alps, cradled between Lombardia's urban sprawl and the towering Alps. Yet, for us Bergamo natives, these peaks hold a cherished significance. They're our playground, where we first learned to pedal and where we now roam daily on our bikes.

We Bergamaschi are forged by centuries of toil. We're artisans at heart, crafting everything from fine cheeses to sturdy iron beams. Our hands are calloused from hard work, our spirits humble. Unlike our flashy neighbors in Milan, the city of fashion, ostentation and commerce, we prefer the quiet pride of craftsmanship. And how does this philosophy translate to a biking trip? Simple: it's a journey designed with Bergamaschi sensibilities. Practical, authentic, and focused on the breathtaking vistas of the Orobie Alps—scenery we've kept close to our chests, away from the tourist spotlight.

In an era where only a handful of cycling destinations draw attention, we've fashioned a route—a loop—that winds through our beloved mountains. We're confident that our thoughtful itinerary, paired with Bergamo's convenient connectivity to major European cities, will transform you into an honorary Bergamasco.

Our proposed four-stage trip spans 80 to 100 kilometers each, each stage featuring a single, monumental ascent: Passo San Marco, Mortirolo, Passo del Vivione, and the awe-inspiring Strada Verde. Except for the renowned Mortirolo, these climbs epitomize Bergamo's ethos—functional, enjoyable, and blissfully off the beaten path.

While our journey veers away from tourist hubs, fear not—we've handpicked four cozy overnight accommodations, each bike-friendly and surrounded by small restaurants serving delectable local specialties. Upon your return, immerse yourself in Bergamo's lively ambiance, where an array of restaurants and bars eagerly await to toast your epic alpine adventure

This self-guided travel is a 4 stages ride running clockwise from Bergamo, heading north to the ancient imperial town of Morbegno through the majestic Passo San Marco; second stage is heading east to Aprica and you will climb the infamous Mortirolo (that’s the only “commercial compromise" we have added). But what an addiction with its sharpening slopes!

Third Stage is another die-hard ride going through the 25 steady km to the Passo del Vivione; today stage is finishing to the hidden jem of Lago Moro, which is a little alpine water renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and lush forests. The lake's crystal-clear waters are fed by mountain streams and are often used for swimming and recreational activities during the warmer months!.

Laste Stage 4 is a breath-taking ride going from Lago Moro, Lago Iseo, up to the verdant and uncontaminated Strade Verde (the green road), by far the best climb in our region, with it narrow and twisty road snaking up from the shore on the Lake to the 1075 meters of San Fermo and finally a long descent awaiting before riding your way back to Bergamo with its spectacular finish in the medieval old town uphill: the magic of Boccola and 15th century walls will be your finishing line.

ITINERARY

  • 1 WELCOME TO BERGAMO

    Arrival at Milan airport (MXP) or Milan Bergamo, transfer to accommodation and bike-fitting, .

    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | 

  • 2 BERGAMO - MORBEGNO

    93.9km | 2,269m | 2,219m | 5,30h

    .

    First day of the journey is almost a 100km ride, with a 2200 in elevation, taking the route to the highest point, nearly reaching the 2000 meters of the historic Passo San Marco. This ascent is one of the many hidden gems of this trip. On the way out of Bergamo the route follows a secure and scenic cycle path along the old railway proceeding through picturesque galleries and spectacular canyons along the Brembo River, ascending the waters up to Olmo, where the 20 km climb to Passo San Marco begins. The old railway line, now transformed into a bike path, not only provides a vehicle-free environment but also takes you through ancient stone tunnels, adding a touch of history to your ride The road up to Passo San Marco it's an old road built in the 17th century to facilitate the trade of goods between the Republic of Venice and the Swiss cantons. Following in the footsteps of those ancient trade routes, you tackle this fascinating alpine-style ascent with very challenging gradients and 15 hairpin turns, marked by signs placed along the roadside. At the summit, you reach an altitude of 1990 meters, and if the ascent is long, the descent is even more thrilling: 26 endless kilometers descending towards the ancient imperial city of Morbegno


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 3 MORBEGNO - EDOLO

    105,3km | 2,010m | 1,631m | 4,45h

    Good-bye to Morbegno and ride north-east towards the Alps. First part of the stage it’s on a very nice cycle lane which follows the Adda river. We are in Valtellina.

    The cycle lane along the Adda river goes on for 40 km up to Mazzo in Valtellina, that is exactly where the world famous killer climb named Mortitolo: 12 km at over 10% on a narrow and twisty road. We take the Mortirolo from Mazzo: the classical climb made famous by Pantani during the 1994 Giro d'Italia. The Italian audience didn't know either Pantani or Mortirolo. Since that day Pantani and that climb broke into the Italian cycling imaginary: everybody wanted to be Marco and everybody wanted to climb that road. At the top of the pass, climbing is not over as instead of going down to the other side the route keeps on rolling to Trivigno, which is another unknown side of Mortirolo and finally down to Edolo for the last 20 km downhill.


    Accommodation: 3-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 4 EDOLO - LAGO MORO

    77,2km | 2,291m | 2402m | 4,20h

    Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of northern Italy lies the picturesque village of Edolo, a tranquil haven just a stone's throw away from renowned ski resorts like Aprica and Ponte di Legno.

    Surrounded by mountains, it should come as no surprise that the departure is immediately uphill. We leave Edolo by ascending a small and winding side road that climbs for 7 km along the mountainside to the small village of Lorico. We continue along the slope through the woods, thus avoiding the main road at the bottom of the valley until Forno Allione.

    There you are at the start of Passo Vivione, one of the lesser-known and wild passes. It is a 20 km climb, the road is narrow, winding, and always winding through forests and pine trees, not very suitable for motorized traffic. It is one of our favorite climbs: you will hardly run into another human being until the pass! The great thing is that from the pass to the finish, it's practically all downhill! If it's a beautiful day, a dip in the cool waters of the Lago Moro is mandatory.


    Accommodation: 3-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 5 LAGO MORO - BERGAMO

    97,2km | 2,393m | 2,592m | 5,50h

    From the shores of Lake Moro, the road ascends for a stretch and then extends halfway up the slope: the view is spectacular, practically a terrace overlooking the valley, and there, in the distance, you'll catch a glimpse of Lake Iseo. Once at the small village of San Vigilio, a very fast descent begins. It's 9 km where you'll lose 700 meters in altitude: a wide road, long straight sections: hold onto your bike because if you let it go, you can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h.

    After finishing the descent, in just a few kilometers, you'll reach Lovere, a beautiful urban center where Lake Iseo begins: I recommend a short stop for coffee or continuing along the road carved into the rock that runs alongside the lake until Riva di Solto: there's another beautiful lakeside bar there: coffee on the terrace, let yourself be kissed by the sun under the spires of Mount Guglielmo that descend straight into the lake.

    After a break, another 15 kilometers of road along the coast, always facing the lake, and then begins the spectacular ascent of the Green Road that takes you up to 1075 meters to San Fermo. The climb is divided into two: the first part is 8 kilometers winding along the lake with a 180-degree panorama where with just one glance, you embrace the entire lake from south to north. Once you reach Parzanica, you descend for a few kilometers and there begins the wildest part: it was an old mountain road with a dirt surface: it has been asphalted in recent years to allow connection and to create a pass back towards Bergamo. It's a fantastic road, called the Green Road, winding through meadows and pastures, resembling alpine meadows, and it feels like being in Switzerland, with the lake gradually moving away, going up to San Fermo, a mountain village.

    From there another pretty fast and steep descent to the valley and then the last 20 km back to Bergamo with finishing uphill to Città Alta, the medieval old town.

    .


    Accommodation: 4-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | 

  • 6 FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE DAY

    Last Breakfast with a view to the marvellous sight in front of us Bergamo Alta, the old town, As evening descends, the cobbled streets of Città Alta come alive with the bustle of tourists and locals seeking the conviviality of bars and restaurants.

    Drop of the bikes and farewell to next time.


Arrival details

Departure details

Your Journey on a map

TOUR ROUTE

  • 45.9311,9.6487

    mapcenter

  • 45.902364,9.4939124

    Culmine San Pietro

  • 46.2479261,10.2983079

    Mortirolo

  • 45.7424778,9.9421284

    Ganda

  • 45.80866349999999,9.6354992

    Sant'Antonio

  • 46.0379,10.2029

    Passo Vivione

  • 46.0470734,9.623031

    Passo San Marco

  • 45.7065011,9.6585153

    Città Alta Bergamo

  • 45.8087899,10.0673543

    Lovere

  • 46.1804266,10.3298933

    Edolo

  • 46.1312923,9.3671931

    Colico

  • 45.6982642,9.6772698

    Bergamo

  • 46.1355055,9.5660745

    Como

Services

Accommodation

Handpicked hotels

Your stay, part of the tale

This journey minimizes commercial compromises, focusing instead on prioritizing cycling aspects over logistical considerations. Our sole motivation has been to enable you to ride along four beautiful routes and tackle the most challenging climbs, ensuring an enjoyable cycling experience. While some of the locations may not be traditional tourist destinations, we have secured accommodations that are cyclist-friendly and cater to our specific needs.

Food

Eat like locals

Immerse yourself in the region's culture

While Lombardy is predominantly recognized for Milan, a global hub for finance and fashion, the region, in truth, has deep-rooted agricultural origins.

Northern Lombardy boasts some of the highest European mountains, shaping a distinctive mountain economy. In these rugged terrains, the culinary tradition aligns with the demands of mountain work—offering simple yet flavorful recipes with a high caloric content to fuel the demands of the challenging environment.

 One wonderful example are Pizzoccheri: a traditional flat buckwheat pasta cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and layered with cheese and garlic-infused butter. And what about Risotto and Polenta? Once working class food, nowadays a delicacy. Lombardy is also renowned for its cheeses, such as Gorgonzola and Taleggio, which find their way into many dishes. 

Indulging in rich dishes on our active trip is guilt-free, justified by the effort we put into every pedal stroke.

Bike rental

Our best picks for this tour

As we have one of the largest and best bike fleets in Italy, we are proud to give our guests the freedom to choose the bike that suits them best.

  • Pinarello F5 - 105 di2

    Ride in Italy on an exclusive Italian bike

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Scott Addict RC40

    Scott Addict RC40

    Light, fast, and ready to turn heads.

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Scott Addict 30

    Designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind.

    GO TO CATALOG

Things You Won't Miss
  • Mortirolo

    Mortirolo

    The legendary brutal climb: 12 km at 10.5%

  • Passo del Vivione

    25 km of pleasure and an hidden gem you have never heard about

  • Lago Iseo

    Coastal road and cliffs on the lovely mountain lake

  • Ghisallo Cycling museum

    LAGO MORO

    hidden gem nestled among the mountains

  • Valtellina

    A majestic alpine valley with cycling oriented facilities

Ride Highlights:
Passo del Mortirolo

This brutal Mortirolo is conquered from Mazzo: the climb made famous by Pantani, the last Italian hero, who attacked and broke away for the first time on the hairpins of this mountain. It was the 1994 Giro d'Italia and The Italian audience didn't know either Pantani or Mortirolo. Since that day Pantani and that climb broke into the Italian cycling imaginary: everybody wanted to be Marco and everybody wanted to climb that road.

Tour price

And inclusions

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THIS TOUR IS AVAILABLE AS A GUIDED GROUP TOUR ON SELECTED DATES. it's also available as PRIVATE, SELF-GUIDED AND SUPPORTED ON ANY DATE DURING THE CYCLING SEASON.

Guided group tour

Guided group tour


This trip is available only as a self guided or supported tour. It can be organized as a private guided tour: contact us.
Self guided tour

Self guided tour

Anytime May to Sept


Inclusions & details

Supported tour

Supported tour

Anytime May to Sept


Inclusions & details

Let's plan your next trip!

Useful Information

Tips & Resources

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Travel arrangements

The Great Orobie Loop kicks off in Bergamo and arrives in Bergamo, so we suggest, guess what, to get to Bergamo. Airport in Bergamo (often referred to as Milan Bergamo airport) is a hub well connected with several flights a day with major airports all over Europe/UK.

Milan Malpensa (Mxp) and Milano Linate Airports are also optimal choices for arrivals and departures. Both airports are well connected to Bergamo with regional trains. We can anyway arrange private transfers to/from the airports.

Food & Drinks during stages

The routes of the four stages are crossing a number of villages but each of the four long climbs are pretty isolated and in the wild. Which is an asset of this trip. But this involves that depending on the days or hours of the day, bars and restaurants might be closed.

We suggest to plan food stops in advance or make sure your food and drinks supply is sufficient. All the major climbs are pretty long, average climbing time dwells 1h45 to 2h15: better one more stop before than running short of food/drinks during the ascent.

Necessary Gear

Our guests will get a pre tour info kit that gives useful suggestions on how to enjoy our trips in full. Here is a quick selection that might be useful at this stage.

  • We suggest renting a bike with us. But feel free to bring your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts (ie. derailleur hangers). 

  • The hotels have a room for the bikes, and we will have a selection of tools to perform basic maintenance.

  • Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers, overshoes: it's the Alps and the weather is never completely predictable.

More Journeys

Similar Trips

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The bootleggers' paths of Lake Como

Arrival location visual:
Livello difficoltà visual:
Start location visual:
Sistemazione-SG: 2 nights in 4-star hotel, 2 nights in 3-star, 3 nights in Agriturismo-Mountain Lodge
Sistemazione-Supp: 2 nights in 4-star hotel, 2 nights in 3-star, 3 nights in Agriturismo-Mountain Lodge
Pasti-SG: all breakfasts, 4 dinners
Pasti-Supp: all breakfasts, 5 dinners
Livello di supporto-SG: support level: detailed briefing, telephone assistance;
Livello di supporto-Supp: detailed briefing and van assistance, luggage transportation;
Non incluso-SG: not included: flights tickets, extras in hotel, drinks during the dinner, city tax (if any), travel insurance, arrival and departure transfer, bike rental, luggage transport.
Non incluso-Supp: not included: flights tickets, extras in hotel, drinks during the dinner, city tax (if any), travel insurance, arrival and departure transfer, bike rental
Su richiesta-SG: bike rental, luggage transfer
Su richiesta-Supp: bike rental, group transfer beginnig/end of the travel
Tour end visual:
Total distance visual:
Total elevation visual:
Accommodation visual:
Days riding visual:
Meals visual:
Days/nights visual:
Airport city flying in: Milano Mxp / Bergamo
Airport city flying out: Milano Mxp / Bergamo
Pick-up location: Bergamo
Drop off location: Bellagio
Pick-up time: 16:00
Drop off time: 10:00
Tour name: The Bootleggers of Lake Como
Accommodation: 2 nights at four-star; 2 nights at three-star, 3 Agriturismo/Mountain Lodge
Days/nights: 8/7
Meals: All breakfasts; 4 dinners
Tour code: SPLN-25
Days of riding: 6
Price self guided: 1499
Price supported: 2099
Difficulty level: Enthusiast
Total distance: 379.2
Total elevation: 8,275
Duration days: 8
Departure location: Bergamo
Arrival location: Bellagio
Event date-begins: 2025-06-13
Event date-ends: 2025-06-20
Event date-begins-2: 2025-10-11
Event date-ends-2: 2025-10-18
Event teaser: Explore the hidden and less-traveled side of Lake Como, with its rich history of smuggling routes and clandestine activities, add a unique and adventurous dimension to your holiday

A Biking Tour along the quiet side of Como Lake

There was a time, in the aftermath of the Second World War and spanning about 50 years, when the border between Italy and Switzerland saw the passage of individuals we might now refer to as mules.

These individuals were not trafficking drugs; rather, they were clandestinely transporting money and goods belonging to affluent families and entrepreneurs into Switzerland — a fiscal paradise with an impenetrable bank secrecy. Referred to as "spalloni," meaning big-shouldered men, they earned this nickname by bearing the weight of both illegal goods and the associated risks on their shoulders.

Today, with such activities long ceased, they have transformed into romanticized figures who were not only well-acquainted with their mountainous surroundings but also the keepers of secret paths linking Lombardy and Switzerland.

In the spirit of these spalloni, we invite you to join us on a biking tour along the clandestine and less-traveled roads encircling both sides of Lake Como—both the Italian and the Swiss. We have curated a cycling experience that embraces the lesser-known, spectacular, and tranquil routes, steering clear of the mass tourism that inundates the lake's shores from spring to autumn. However, to completely bypass the alluring towns along Lake Como would be a missed opportunity. Thus, we strike a balance by visiting some of the iconic locales that have gained international fame among the jet set: Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. These gems are adorned with charming streets, historic architecture, and waterfront promenades, each possessing a distinctive character and offering a blend of culture, history, and beauty.

Our journey combines the thrill of cycling along the secluded Spalloni routes with the excitement of exploring some of the most renowned luxury destinations. And fear not, we have no intentions of engaging in anything illegal—rest assured!

ITINERARY

  • 1 ARRIVAL DAY

    Arrival at Milan airport (MXP) or Milan Bergamo, transfer to Bergamo, Hotel in city center. Accommodation, bike-fitting, and dinner  in our Bergamo finest Trattoria.

  • 2 BERGAMO - VALSASSINA

    62.6km | 1,519m | 1,019m | 3,30h

    Departing from the urban charm of Bergamo, your journey takes you through the picturesque countryside, following an old railway line that has been repurposed into a scenic bike path. Winding its way through the landscape, the route meanders through ancient stone tunnels, remnants of a bygone era dating back to the early 1900s. What makes this experience particularly enchanting is the absence of motor traffic, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings and appreciate the historical allure of the reclaimed railway route. We leave the cycle path at San Giovanni Bianco; from here, the road begins to ascend, initially gradually winding through a dramatic canyon carved into the rock. Then, the road steepens for the last 7 kilometers of the climb, culminating at the Passo Culmine di San Pietro at an altitude of 1280 meters. From there onwards, it's a descent all the way to the Agriturismo.


    Accommodation: Agriturismo

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 3 VALSASSINA - COLICO OLGIASCA

    63,3km | 1,210m | 1,731m | 3,45h

    The day on the saddle  begins with ease as the road gently descends, leading us onto a pleasant and smooth cycle path that guides us effortlessly to the charming small town of Primaluna. Before embarking on the next leg of our adventure, we ensure we have ample water to stay refreshed.

    The real challenge unfolds as we face the ascent of Passo Esine Lario. This mountain pass beckons with promises of both effort and reward. The road gracefully winds its way through the landscape, treating us to panoramic views of the Valsassina valley below. Reaching the summit of Passo Esine Lario is a triumph, standing at an elevation that grants us a commanding view of the stunning expanse of Lake Como unfolding below. The summit becomes a platform for a moment of rest, allowing us to savor the beauty of our surroundings before the thrilling descent that lies ahead down to Varenna. Once a quiet fishing village, Varenna has retained its tranquil charm, escaping the bustling crowds of more well-known tourist destinations. As we explore this hidden gem, you'll find no shortage of quaint bars, perfect for savoring a leisurely coffee or treating yourself to a delicious ice cream.Departing from Varenna, our route is a simple and picturesque journey along the old road that hugs the scenic shoreline of Lake Como. The road, steeped in history, guides us through a 25-kilometer stretch of flat terrain, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable ride to out 3* star hotel for the night.


    Accommodation: 3-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 4 COLICO OLGIASCA - SORICO

    57,2km | 1,222m | 402m | 3,20h

    Today route is heading north, after leaving our fancy hotel nestled between verdant green and blue water we arrive in Colico, at the top of the lake, where we will cycle along a stretch of bike path on the bank of the Adda River, right at the point where its waters, fed by the snow and glaciers of the surrounding Alps, flow into the lake. The colors between the icy waters and the surrounding greenery leave you speechless. We continue upstream along the river, on a smooth and enjoyable bike path winding through cultivated fields and in the middle of the glacial valley. We will reach Morbegno, a medieval city, an ancient commercial hub on the way to Switzerland. Morbegno is ideal for a break, to have a cappuccino in the central market square, and finally catch sight of the heights of the surrounding peaks. We resume our journey, cross the Adda, and pedal southwest to return to the lakeshore. Another 15 kilometers of flat terrain on secondary roads before reaching Gera Lario, where the 10 kilometers of steep ascent along the lake begin: every meter climbed will leave you stunned by the vastness of the water view. The well-deserved reward will be to arrive at the beautiful farmhouse for the night: you will rarely find a place from which you can embrace the entire lake with a single glance.


    Accommodation: Agriturismo - Mountain Lodge

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 5 SORICO - SAN FEDELE INTELVI

    76,2km | 1,393m | 1,792m | 3,50h

    Today marks the beginning of another thrilling descent as we bid farewell to the charming agriturismo, embarking on a 10-kilometer downhill journey that gracefully leads us back to the enchanting coast of Lake Como. The meticulously designed track runs alongside the lake for approximately 35 kilometers, immersing us in serene surroundings and charming lakeside villages that exude tranquility. The beauty of Lake Como unfolds before us, revealing its crystal-clear waters and the timeless allure of the surrounding landscapes.

    At the 37-kilometer mark in Menaggio, our journey takes an even more picturesque turn as we encounter a delightful cycle lane that traces the coast from Lake Como to Lake Lugano. This scenic path, once a railway built at the beginning of the last century, played a pivotal role in establishing Como and its lake as a popular tourist destination, particularly among the Swiss. The route meanders to Porlezza, the last main town before the Swiss border. Nestled along the splendid shores of Lake Lugano, Porlezza invites us to take a pause for a coffee or gelato at Gelateria Visconti—one of the finest ice cream shops in the area.

    Refreshed from our break, the route continues along the east coast of the lake, leading us to the final climb of the day—a challenging 8-kilometer ascent to Pellio Intelvi. As we conquer this climb, the panoramic views unfold, rewarding our efforts with sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

    But before reaching our final destination, we have the opportunity to uncover the hidden little gem of Erbonne.

    Erbonne was once a fairly isolated village; up until the 1960s, there was no road connecting the village to the Italian side. Inhabitants had to depend on Scudellate for all services, including churches, schools, and graveyards. Due to its remote location, Erbonne became a resting place for bootleggers. Smuggling activities were so intense that the Guardia di Finanza built a barracks to monitor the area. Today, this barracks has been transformed into a museum of contraband, preserving the history and stories of the region's smuggling past.


    Accommodation: 3-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | 

  • 6 SAN FEDELE - SCUDELLATE

    58.6km | 1,685m | 1,494m | 3,10h

    Val Intelvi is indeed one of those places that appears to have experienced a brief encounter with tourism, leaving behind a tranquil and picturesque valley nestled between the mountains and lakes, serving as the boundary between Switzerland and Italy. The well-maintained and nearly traffic-free roads contribute to the serene ambiance of the region. These mountains, while now offering a peaceful landscape, were once the stage for intense illegal activities carried out by smugglers. With limited opportunities for regular employment, smuggling became a livelihood necessity for some.

    Before bidding farewell to the valley, the route takes a climactic ascent to Sighignola at the Balcone d'Italia viewpoint. This 5.3-kilometer climb is rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view over Lake Lugano and the Swiss Alps. The stunning scenery from this vantage point leaves a lasting impression.

    Descending back to Lanzo, the path meanders from the valley toward Lake Lugano, passing through the ancient and now abandoned border crossing of Arogno. Entering Swiss territory, the journey continues along the lake with well-marked cycle paths, eventually ascending towards the semi-abandoned hamlet of Scudellate. Despite its modest population of only 22 residents, Scudellate boasts several tourist facilities, drawing visitors with its enchanting appeal—secluded, surrounded by silence, and embraced by the beauty of woods and meadows.


    Accommodation: Alpine Lodge

    Meals: Breakfast 

  • 7 SCUDELLATE - BELLAGIO

    61,7km | 1,195m | 1,370m | 4,10h

    The final day of our short break, tracing the routes of the Spalloni, begins with the bittersweet departure from the secluded haven of Scudellate, a remote and tranquil corner of the earth that one can't help but regret leaving.

    The journey kicks off with a long descent, almost 18 kilometers, retracing the same route ridden the day before, leading us back to the enchanting shores of Lake Como.

    It's a delightful 40-kilometer ride along the lake, offering marvelous and charming views of the serene blue waters on one side and the verdant cliffs of the mountains on the other. Venturing through the ancient villages, each populated for centuries by people engaged in hunting, fishing, farming, and, of course, smuggling, we witness a living history.

    In Menaggio there is a short ferry boat transfer crossing the lake to the famous Bellagio. The little cruise becomes a perfect spot for capturing dramatic photographs. Once landed on the coast a last sightseeing climb to the Ghisallo and a visit to the Museum, onwards just ride back downhill to the town and the beauty of Lake Como bids us a fond farewell, leaving us with memories of a journey steeped in history, charm, and the captivating allure of the Italian lakeside.


    Accommodation: 3-star hotel

    Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

  • 8 FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE DAY

    Last Breakfast with a view to the marvellous sight in front of us: you will embrace all the mountain peaks, the green valleys and blue water which have been the backfround the our cycling journey.

    Drop of the bikes and farewell to next time.


Arrival details

Departure details

Your Journey on a map

TOUR ROUTE

  • 45.9020,9.4000

    mapcenter

  • 45.902364,9.4939124

    Culmine San Pietro

  • 46.0051468,9.3210015

    Passo Agueglio

  • 45.9250295,9.2653927

    Ghisallo

  • 45.9682545,8.9933987

    Sighignola - Balcone d'Italia

  • 45.8829268,9.229526

    Muro di Sormano

  • 45.7931,9.7928

    Ganda

  • 45.80866349999999,9.6354992

    Sant'Antonio

  • 46.0782573,9.334716700000001

    Val Varrone

  • 46.0470734,9.623031

    Passo San Marco

  • 45.7065011,9.6585153

    Città Alta Bergamo

  • 45.9847,9.2615

    Bellagio

  • 46.0217068,9.2388285

    Menaggio

  • 46.1312923,9.3671931

    Colico

  • 45.6982642,9.6772698

    Bergamo

  • 45.8080597,9.0851765

    Como

Services

Accommodation

Handpicked hotels

Your stay, part of the tale

It is easy to get swept away by the allure of the Lago di Como, the region has been a favorite  tourist spot for decades, with its luxurious five-star lakeside hotels and fancy mansion. Our itineraries go deeper, avoiding the crowds and scoping out off-the-beaten-path places that allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the region. Accommodations were carefully chosen to permit our travelers to discover a different side of Lago Como: both the small  hotels and the mountain lodges permit our guests to stay in stunning and hidden corners and enjoy breathing landscapes and good food.

Food

Eat like locals

Immerse yourself in the region's culture

While Lombardy is predominantly recognized for Milan, a global hub for finance and fashion, the region, in truth, has deep-rooted agricultural origins.

Northern Lombardy boasts some of the highest European mountains, shaping a distinctive mountain economy. In these rugged terrains, the culinary tradition aligns with the demands of mountain work—offering simple yet flavorful recipes with a high caloric content to fuel the demands of the challenging environment.

 One wonderful example are Pizzoccheri: a traditional flat buckwheat pasta cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and layered with cheese and garlic-infused butter. And what about Risotto and Polenta? Once working class food, nowadays a delicacy. Lombardy is also renowned for its cheeses, such as Gorgonzola and Taleggio, which find their way into many dishes. 

Indulging in rich dishes on our active trip is guilt-free, justified by the effort we put into every pedal stroke.

Bike rental

Our best picks for this tour

As we have one of the largest and best bike fleets in Italy, we are proud to give our guests the freedom to choose the bike that suits them best.

  • Pinarello F5 - 105 di2

    Ride in Italy on an exclusive Italian bike

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Scott Addict RC40

    Scott Addict RC40

    Light, fast, and ready to turn heads.

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Scott Addict 30

    Designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind.

    GO TO CATALOG

  • Canyon Pathlite:on

    Do it all E-Bike for leisure and exploration.

    GO TO CATALOG

Things You Won't Miss
  • Varenna

    Varenna

    Postcard from Como lake

  • Bellagio, the jet set's retreat

    No, it's not in Las Vegas, but along Como lake!

  • A different side of Lago di Como

    Enjoy a less glamorous and quieter Como Lake

  • Ghisallo Cycling museum

    Ghisallo Cycling museum

    All about bikes and great cyclists in the history,
    in one spot

Ride Highlights:
Varenna

Among the most famous highlights along the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna is a quaint and charming village with narrow cobblestone streets through a picturesque labyrinth of pastel-colored houses, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Tour price

And inclusions

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THIS TOUR IS AVAILABLE AS A GUIDED GROUP TOUR ON SELECTED DATES. it's also available as PRIVATE, SELF-GUIDED AND SUPPORTED ON ANY DATE DURING THE CYCLING SEASON.

Guided group tour

Guided group tour


This trip is available only as a self guided or supported tour. It can be organized as a private guided tour: contact us.
Self guided tour

Self guided tour

Anytime May to Sept


Inclusions & details

Supported tour

Supported tour

Anytime May to Sept


Inclusions & details

Let's plan your next trip!

Useful Information

Tips & Resources

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Travel arrangements

Travelers on guided, self-guided, or supported trips have the option to independently reach Bergamo. Airport in Bergamo (often referred to as Milan Bergamo airport) is a hub well connected with several flights a day with major airports all over Europe/UK.

Milan Malpensa (Mxp) and Milano Linate Airports are also optimal choices for arrivals and departures. Both airports are well connected to Bergamo/Como with regional trains.

We can anyway arrange private transfers to/from beginning/end of the cycling travel.

The Self-Guided journey concludes in Bellagio. From Bellagio you can reach Como by daily ferries or bus transportation. Como is connected to Milano via regional trains and the journey takes 30 minutes.

Food & Drinks during stages

The Lago di Como  is among the major tourist destinations in North of Italy.

The hospitality of the people is renowned. Along the routes, you pass through lively small villages where it's easy to find a bar, whether for a coffee or a more complete lunch. Along the journey, there are plenty of opportunities to recharge batteries  in case of an emergency.

Necessary Gear

Our guests will get a pre tour info kit that gives useful suggestions on how to enjoy our trips in full. Here is a quick selection that might be useful at this stage.

  • We suggest renting a bike with us. But feel free to bring your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts (ie. derailleur hangers). 

  • The hotels have a room for the bikes, and we will have a selection of tools to perform basic maintenance.

  • Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers, overshoes: it's the Alps and the weather is never completely predictable.

More Journeys

Similar Trips

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We have (so far) four offices accross Italy. Contact us via email, call us or drop by.

Cagliari

South Sardinia

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Quartu Sant'Elena, Italy
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Costa Smeralda

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Arzachena, Italy
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Letojanni

Sicily headquarters

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Letojanni, Italy
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Bergamo

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Bergamo, Italy
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