Your trip starts in Tirano, just few kilometres from the Swiss border. Tirano is one of the most picturesque towns in Valtellina. The famous UNESCO-listed Bernina Express railway starts its route from here and passes next to the majestic Basilica della Madonna di Tirano, the only Basilica in the province of Sondrio and one of the most monumental renaissance buildings in Valtellina. In Tirano there’s a warm, appealing atmosphere for gourmands, culture-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts to bask in. While meandering through Tirano’s picture book lanes, you can’t miss the ancient Sforza walls with the Bormina, Milanese and Poschiavina gates, the castle of Santa Maria, the bell tower of the Church of San Martino and the wealth of lavish buildings.

You can extend your stay and take the famous Bernina “red train” to experience a ride through the Alpine landscape.

After breakfast a private transfer will take you and the bikes to Bormio from where you will start your daily cycle downhill back to Tirano. The landscape changes here, taking on a noticeably alpine feel. The first descend takes you through Sant’Antonio Morignone, a village no longer in existence after the dramatic landslide of 1987. Halfway along the route, there’s an exit signposted for Mazzo di Valtellina, a medieval village perhaps best known as the starting point for the iconic Mortirolo climb. 

Challenge: 37 km, 130 m ascent, 885 m descent

The day’s route is quite easy and follows all the way the cycle path. Following the River Poschiavino exiting the town of Tirano and then the River Adda. From here, it flits in and out of the woods with the addition of some quiet country lanes taking you through San Giacomo village. Once you’ve passed Baghetto, you join a public road to ride through ancient villages before reaching the town of Sondrio, capital of the valley, on quiet country lanes.

Challenge: 31 km, 80 m ascent, 220 m descent

Optional extra day – Loop ride in Sondrio

There are several riding stables and an ostrich farm in this section. The route passes through the small villages of Campovico, Paniga and Desco the lower part of Valtellina – before reaching Morbegno and its expo grounds. The Sentiero finishes off in the centre of Colico with a stretch along the lakeside. 

Challenge: 46 km, 75 m ascent, 150 m descent

The Valchiavenna cycle trail is a low-altitude path that starts in Colico (Lake Como) and arrives on the Swiss border. Here you can clearly see the fruits of the intermingling of two very diverse cultures, which has created a decidedly Central European atmosphere. From Chiavenna it is possible to continue on the cycle path to the tiny village of Piuro, which boasts archaeological digs, the Acquafraggia waterfalls and the magnificent Palazzo Vertemate, which is an absolute must-see. Take the train back to Colico.

Challenge: 30/60 km, 90/500 m ascent, 500 m descent

The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or other supplementary services.