Cycling across the Alps from East to West

There are projects that every ambitious road cyclist should dare to dream of. The east-west crossing of the Alpine arc from the Adriatic sea to the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast is definetely one of them. Based on our great experience as an Alpine road cycling tour operator, we have designed a unique route that takes you through the natural heart of Europe`s most famous mountain range: the Intergal Crossing of the Alps. In total, the route is 2000 km long and offers some 40,000 m of climbing. Given these numbers, we have cut it up in three challenging parts of 6 to 8 cycling days each.

Along the route, you will enjoy countless national and regional Nature parks of varying and outstanding beauty: Triglav, Dolomites, Ortler, the Valais and Bernese Alps, Mont Blanc area, Vanoise, Ecrins and finally the French Maritime Alps. The route is an absolute must-do for "col-baggers" as it takes in the most famous mountain passes of the Alps but also lesser-known ones: Vrsic pass, Tre Cime, passes of the Dolomites and particularly the Sella Ronda, Stelvio, Gavia, Bernina, Maloja, San Bernadino, Gotthard, Furka, Susten, Colombière, Roselend, Iséran, Galibier, Izoard, Vars, Cayolle, Turini... and many many more.

We offer the Intergal Crossing of the Alps route in 3 separately bookable, fully-catered tours with support vehicle:

• Part 1 in 8 days (Triglav, Dolomites and Stelvio Crossing), crossing of the Slovene and Italian Alps from the Adriatic to Lake Como, approx. 700 km und 9,000 m in climbing (level 2, level 3 available)
• Part 2 in 6 days (Swiss Alps Crossing, this trip), crossing of the Swiss Alps from Lake Como to Lake Geneva, approx. 650 km und 14,000 m in climbing (level 2 only)
• Part 3 in 8 days (Route des Grandes Alpes), crossing of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Menton, approx. 700 km und 17,000 m in climbing (level 2, level 3 available)

All three parts can also be ridden in a row. The ultimate challenge.

For those wishing to complete the Intergal Crossing of the Alps, you will not ride as far as Bergamo on Day 8 of Part 1, as a rest day is planned in Chiavenna before continuing with Part 2 (see the "Extension of the trip" in the detailed programme of the Part 1). A rest day is also planned in Thonon-les-Bains, to catch a breath between Parts 2 and 3.

Any questions regarding arrival and departure logistics? Please contact us, we are happy to help.

Day 2: Bellinzona - Andermatt

Passes of the day:

• Passo del Lucomagno (1916 m)
• Oberalpass (2040 m)

Highlights:

• The grandiose alpine environment of Val Lucomagno, protected because of its extraordinary geological and botanical heritage. This valley is nicknamed "the sun valley" because of its orientation and its microclimate .
• We can't get tired of the wonderful high mountain lakes to welcome us, the Maria lake at the top of the Lukmanier pass / passo del Lucomagno
• The imposing cloister village of Disentis in the Romansh Surselva, founded in the 8th century. It contains not less than 14 churches and chapels!
• From the road over the Oberalpass, wonderful views of mountains, valleys and glaciers....

Distance and altitude gain: approx. 120 km and 2800 m

Day 4: Andermatt - Interlaken

Passes of the day:

• Sustenpass (2224 m)
• Grosse Scheidegg (1962 m)

Highlights:

• Glaciers and peaks as far as the eye can see from the Sustenpass. The Alps with a capital A!
• The uncontested highlight of this crossing is the climb of the Grosse Scheidegg. Breathtaking views of the Jungfrau massif, including the north face of the Eiger. Giant glaciers and staggering summits make you feel small.
• The shores of the beautiful Lake Thun. The mountains seem to surge out of its waters...

Distance and altitude gain: approx. 105 km and 2500 m

Day 6: La Lécherette - Thonon-les-Bains

Passes of the day:

• Pas de Morgins (1371 m)
• Col du Corbier (1235 m)

Highlights:

• The lovely view of the Hongrin lake and the Diablerets mountain range
• The descent with countless hairpin bends in the Rhone valley
• The picturesque Val d'Abondance (France)
• The Col du Corbier, the last pass of this magnificent crossing

Distance and altitude gain: approx. 100 km and 1500 m

Trip end: The trip ends in Thonon-les-Bains in the afternoon. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Thonon or organise a transfer to Geneva airport/station.
Extension of the trip (only for those following with the Part 3 of the Integral Crossing of the Alps - Thonon to Menton): see the extra services in the "dates & prices" tab.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.