We, Cinghiale, have been roaming Europe’s mountains ranges from the French Alps, through the Italian Alps and into the Dolomites, across the Carnic Alps and into Slovenia’s Julien Alps, and south along Italy’s Appennines. Every mountain range we’ve pedaled has offered a beautiful backdrop to the challenging terrain and we’d happily return to repeat them all. This year, in honor of our last mountain tour, we return to some of our favorite dolomite peaks and the Italian Alps, specifically the Gavia pass.
WHERE WE STAY
We’re returning to the mountain towns that hosted Andy throughout his cycling career and looking forward to riding the famous passes that cemented his name in cycling history.
Our week will begin with transport from Verona to Alleghe where our lakeside hotel looks out onto the Dolomite mountain range. This will be our home base for the first four nights and our rides will take us on the famed Sella loop, passes Duran, Staulanza, Giau, Falzarego.
We’ll transfer to the Italian Alps and the village of Bormio to complete the second half of the tour—starting with the epic Stelvio pass, , we’ll hop off the bus and onto our bikes, with its 48 switchbacks; then we’ll use the next days to experience the passo Gavia, a large loop into Switzerland including passo Bernina and Forcola, and maybe even a rest day.
Our last day, July 5, will be a transfer day back to the hotel in Verona.
GEARED FOR
This is a 4-pig tour due to the steep mountainous terrain—consistent climbing, technical descending, and long distances. This tour is best suited for seasoned mountain cyclists with good fitness to successfully tackle the challenging terrain and still have energy to hang out in the afternoons. Serious training for this early summer tour is essential!! This tour should not be considered unless you can honestly meet the 4-pig fitness check.
Specifically, our bigger rides will look like this (distance/climbing): 100k/2,400m, 65k/1,800m, 70k/1,800m, 26k/1,400m, 130k/2,600m. We’ll have a shorter warm-up ride on Sunday, June 27 in Alleghe and plan a rest day/weather day within the week.
The trip is not particularly well suited for non-cycling guests as we do not offer a specific itinerary outside of cycling, however, an independent and motivated non-cycling spouse/partner could keep themselves well entertained between exploring small mountain towns by foot or bus.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
The Dolomites offer dozens of connecting passes with demanding climbs and blissfull decents all under the gaze of towering limestone crages. The mountain culture merges Italian and germanic heritage, ancient languages, and tidy stacked wood piles. Switchbacks and tunnels take the roads through dense forests and sweeping high-mountain vistas. Because of this breathtaking terrain and well built infrastructure, the area, also a UNESCO world heritage site, draws large crowds of tourists. We will experience the beauty in the company of many others on bicycles, cars, motorcycles… For this we ask our guests to ride mindfully, safely, and be well experienced bike handlers to manage the extra road activity added to the challenging terrain.
The charming village of Bormio, surrounded in part by the Stelvio National Forest, provides excellent access to the Gavia and Stelvio passes, as well as routes into Switzerland. The town offers a unique taste of mountain culture— thermal baths, herbed liquor, local cheese and wine, and Andy’s favorite mountain dish: pizzoccheri (which is definitely on the menu!)
TRAVEL DETAILS
This tour will begin and end just outside of Verona at the hotel West Point. We’ll meet you in the afternoon of June 26 at the hotel and drop you off again on July 5. Both these nights of accommodation are included in the tour cost.
Flights should be booked in and out of the Verona airport (VRN).
ARRIVAL: Verona, Hotel West Point, Saturday, June 26 4:00pm
DROP OFF: Verona, Hotel West Point, Monday, July 5 in the early afternoon. This night of accommodation is included in the cost of the tour.
Flights home should be scheduled for July 6th or after.
INCLUDED IN TOUR
Accommodation for 10 nights, including the night of Saturday, June 26 and Monday, July 5 at the Hotel West Point
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Fully supported riding, mechanic support & follow vehicle on most days
Food and drinks on rides
Transportation and admission to scheduled tastings, sightseeing & special events
Transportation from Verona to Alleghe, Alleghe to Bormio, Bormio to Verona
TOUR DETAILS
8 riding days, 1 rest day encouraged—first riding day is June 27
Single room supplement of $800, please indicate on booking form
Deposit of $1,000 is requested upon booking
A second payment of $1,000 is due on Dec 26, 2027
Final Balance $3,500/$4,300 (single supplement) due by March 26, 2027
bike rentals available—rentals will be given in the order in which booking forms are received and are not guaranteed until confirmed by us.
Weather: Daytime temps range between 65+ and 80+ degrees Fahrenheit, but there is always the possibility of harsh weather, especially at the summits, and hot temperatures during the day.
