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

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

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

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 | 

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 

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