Your trip begins in Tirano, a picturesque town just a few miles from the Swiss border in the Valtellina region. It’s here that the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express departs, passing beside the impressive Basilica della Madonna di Tirano – the only basilica in Sondrio province and a standout Renaissance landmark. Tirano offers a warm welcome to food lovers, culture seekers and walkers alike. As you stroll its narrow streets you’ll discover the remains of the Sforza walls and their ancient gates, the castle of Santa Maria, the bell tower of San Martino, and a collection of graceful historic palaces. If you have time, you can extend your stay and take a ride on the iconic Bernina “red train”, a memorable journey across spectacular Alpine landscapes.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Bormio, where you will receive your rental bikes, and begin today’s ride. From here it’s mostly downhill as you cycle back toward Tirano, with the scenery shifting into a distinctly Alpine landscape. Along the way you’ll pass the site of Sant’Antonio Morignone, a village lost to a dramatic landslide in 1987. Midway through the ride, a turnoff leads to Mazzo di Valtellina, a charming medieval village best known as the starting point of the legendary Mortirolo climb. Elevation gain: 130m / 430ft Descent: 885m / 2920ft Duration: around 4 hours of cycling Surface: 95% surfaced

Meals:  B

Today’s ride is straightforward, following the dedicated cycle path for much of the way. Leaving Tirano, you’ll trace the River Poschiavino and then the River Adda, weaving in and out of woodlands before joining quiet country lanes through San Giacomo village. After passing Baghetto, the route continues on a low-traffic road through ancient villages before reaching Sondrio. Sondrio is the capital of the Valtellina valley in northern Lombardy, known for its medieval centre, Renaissance palaces, and surrounding terraced vineyards that produce the region’s famed Nebbiolo wines. Elevation gain: 80m / 265ft Descent: 220m / 720ft Duration: around 3.5 hours of cycling Surface: 96% surfaced

Meals:  B

Experience the Valtellina with a relaxed loop ride through the terraced vineyards and peaceful backroads surrounding Sondrio. This ride offers a rewarding mix of alpine scenery, cultural immersion, and wine heritage—ideal for cyclists looking to slow the pace. The route begins and ends in the town of Sondrio, following a mix of gravel and paved surfaces as it climbs gently into the hills of the Rhaetian Alps. The ride offers sweeping views across the Valtellina Valley and passes through quiet villages, nature reserves, and rows of historic stone terraces. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop at family-run wineries and sample the region’s acclaimed Nebbiolo varietals. Elevation gain: 300m / 985ft Descent: 300m / 985ft Duration: around 4 hours of cycling Surface: 50% surfaced

Meals:  B

The route winds past riding stables and a curious ostrich farm before continuing through the quiet villages of Campovico, Paniga, and Desco, nestled in the lower Valtellina. From there, the trail leads toward Morbegno, a lively town known for its weekly markets and local expo grounds. As you leave the valley behind, the path follows a gentle final stretch toward Colico, a charming lakeside town on the northern shore of Lake Como. Arriving here feels like a reward in itself—views open up across the water, framed by alpine peaks, and there’s a noticeable shift in atmosphere as the mountain trails give way to the relaxed rhythm of the lake. The final section of the day is along the waterfront offers time to reflect and take in the scenery. With its tree-lined promenade, traditional cafés along the lakeside and Fort Montecchio-Lusardi, a well-preserved World War I fort with panoramic views, Colico is certainly worth exploring further. Elevation gain: 75m / 250ft Descent: 150m / 500ft Duration: around 4 hours of cycling Surface: 85% surfaced

Meals:  B

The Valchiavenna Cycle Route is a scenic low-altitude path that begins in Colico on Lake Como and leads north to the Swiss border. As you follow the route, the blending of Italian and Swiss influences becomes increasingly apparent—resulting in a unique atmosphere that feels distinctly Central European. From the charming town of Chiavenna, cyclists can continue a short distance further to the village of Piuro. Tucked into a quiet alpine valley, Piuro is home to a fascinating mix of heritage sites, including active archaeological excavations, the cascading Acquafraggia waterfalls, and the beautifully preserved Palazzo Vertemate—widely considered a cultural highlight of the region. After exploring, return to Colico by train for a relaxed end to the day or return by bike. Elevation gain: 90 or 500m / 300 or 1650ft Descent: 500m / 1650ft Duration: around 3 or 6 hours of cycling Surface: 70% surfaced

Meals:  B

After breakfast, the trip concludes. It is possible to take a train or ferry to Milan or beyond, or take a train to Switzerland.

Meals:  B