Day 1, Monday 25 August 

Welcome to Italy, welcome to paradise

We encourage you to arrive a day early if you can. This helps to recover from the long flight. We’ll book the extra accommodation and transfers for you.

Most flights arrive in Milan - Malpensa (MXP) at about 7am. Our bus normally depart at 9.30am. Lake Como is only a short 40min drive away. It's without doubt one of Italy's most beautiful lakes. The rich and famous live here - oh, and for a few short days in September, they'll be joined by a handful of Kiwis and Aussies.

Check-in isn't until 2pm so that gives us plenty of time to potter around town. Your guides will help assemble your bikes. If you have hire bikes, then we'll make sure you're comfortable before we head out for a short 30km pedal. All we want to do is get the legs moving to make sure that you and your bike are working as they should.

Team MAC – Today we will set our sights on exploring the beautiful villages of Lake Como by ferry, it’s the only way to go. We will head over to Como and hop on the Brunate funicular for a spot of lunch overlooking the lake. The views are simply breath-taking. If your super keen, then you can walk (hike) to the top and take the funicular back down after lunch. We’ve invited George Clooney to join us. Maybe he’ll invite us up to his place afterwards for a Nespresso. Thanks GC.

Tonight, we'll crack open a few bottles Prosecco. Here's to you. Welcome to Italy.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Miralago - Cernobbio Lake Como
/ Meals Included: Welcome dinner

Day 2, Tuesday 26 August 

First big day on the bike

Life is short and there is a lot to see. This region is made up of three beautiful lakes, Maggiore, Lugano and of course Como. The plan for today is to see as much of those lakes as we possibly can. We'll have 2 ride options, espresso is 115km with 1300meters of climbing and Latte with 55km and 800meters. We certainly didn't say flat roads as this part of the world is pretty chunky. Be prepared for some climbing. Our first coffee stop will be in the small town Morcote, Switzerland followed by lunch along the route.

There will be support vans in and around you today. When you’ve had enough all you need to do is put up your hand. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

This afternoon we head back to Como and relax. It's the calm before the storm - tomorrow we have the traditional Lombardi climb up to Ghisallo before heading to the mountains. High altitude awaits.

Tonight, we've picked a fantastic local restaurant. The owner is incredibly passionate. I dare you to tell him you don't like something. One thing is for sure - you won't lose any weight on this trip. Each year for the last 9 we’ve asked for one less dish.

Team MAC – Katrina knows the area very well and has come up with a cunning plan. We will jump on the ferry and head to Bellagio. Talk to anyone about Lake Como and Bellagio will be on the top of their list. Nestled on the shores of the picturesque Lake Como in Northern Italy, Bellagio is a charming village that has captivated travellers for centuries with its stunning natural beauty, historic architecture, and a vibrant culture. We will start by immersing ourselves in the local culture by enjoying a hands-on cooking class followed by exploring some of the picturesque cobblestone streets and shops.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Miralago - Cernobbio Lake Como
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3, Wednesday 27 August

Madonna del Ghisallo

We leave our Como sanctuary and cycle 50km to Madonna del Ghisallo - the Patron Saint of Cycling. Officially recognised by the Pope himself, this small building attracts thousands of cyclists each year. It serves as a museum, church and most importantly a shrine to local cyclists who have paid the highest sacrifice for the sport we love. One particularly notable artefact is the crumpled bicycle that Fabio Casartelli, a native of the region, rode on the day that he died in a crash in the Tour de France.

The ride length today is only 50 km…. Not a lot, right? Now check out the altitude gain… 1,100m. Yes, now we have your attention. We will take the traditional Lombardi route up from Bellagio. It will be short and steep. We will have a vehicle on standby though for those wanting to ride less.

Team MAC - We recommend that today you also visit Madonna del Ghisallo. However, after breakfast we will make a bee line to the famous Gardens of Villa Melzi. The Gardens are among the most beautiful of Europe, rising up the shores of Lake Como near Bellagio, harmoniously inserted into the hilly landscape between the two branches of the lake. Inside the Gardens stand the Villa, the Chapel and the Orange Greenhouse (or Orangérie), now a museum of great historical relevance. The Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril are a splendid expression of the Neoclassical style and have been declared a national monument.

We have organised lunch at the Madonna del Ghisallo Museum so there’s no rush. We then hop in the vehicles for the short 3 hours to our home in the Italian Alps. In the winter, Bormio is famous for skiing. It was the site of the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1985 and 2005, and annually hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup. Lucky for us it’s summer but you can certainly appreciate the infrastructure while we ride around.

You can feel the excitement as soon as you arrive at Bormio. Our hotel is fantastic - you simply need to see the bike room Eden to believe it.

Tonight, we eat in one of the many restaurants in the heart of Bormio’s old town. A great way to finish the day.

/ Accommodation: Eden Hotel - Bormio
/ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4, Thursday 28 August 

The Amazing Gavia

The great thing about the Italian Highlands tour is we don’t have time restrictions. All our rides from Bormio are out and back. That allows for plenty of flexibility.

After a leisurely breakfast, we will roll out for our first mountain pass of many. Our target for today is Lago Bianco - The White Lake. When one generally talks about lakes, one has images of nice flat surrounds and beautiful green fields fields. Hmmmmmm, not this lake I'm afraid. It sits at the top of a small false flat. Known as Passo Gavia.

The Gavia Pass is often on the route of the Giro d'Italia and is sometimes designated the Cima Coppi, the highest point of the race. On 5 June 1988, the race passed over the Gavia in a snowstorm, making for an epic stage won by Erik Breukink.

Gavia is a must do. It's not an overly steep climb, however, it’s our first mountain at altitude so believe me, you will be challenged.

If 50km out and back seems a little too short for the mountain goats among us, (weather dependent) we have plan B option that involves Mortirolo and Gavia from the Ponte di Legno side. Keep in mind this will be over 3000 meters of climbing.

Both sides of the Gavia Pass present challenges, but the descent from Bormio is relatively easier, making the approach from Ponte di Legno (south) the classic route. Both sides of Passo di Gavia span 17 km with an average gradient of 8.1%. The last 5km on both sides have gradients between 10%.

Team MAC – The summit of Gavia offers quite a few picturesque walks and the lake is simply stunning. Let’s join the cyclists this morning at the top before your afternoon of pampering. You head to the world-famous QC Terme Bagni Nuovi spa center. Starting with a light wellness lunch you can then relax in the infinity pool with panoramic view of the Alps. The large outdoor pools, saunas & waterfalls will make this afternoon wellness escape unforgettable.

/ Accommodation: Eden Hotel - Bormio
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 5, Friday 29 August

Switchbacks... More Switchbacks

It's important to manage your legs carefully on trips like this. You simply don't want to get exhausted too early in the trip. Yesterday’s first real mountain climb will have tested you. Even for the mountain goats of the world.

In 2017 we went looking for an easy ride and found Lago di Cancano. It's now on the must see, must ride list. The advantage is that it's only a 40km round trip. Although it does involve almost 1000m of climbing. The switchbacks near the top are actually eye watering. There's even a bit of gravel and to top it all off a fantastic cyclist’s café. Espresso anyone. Today is all about recovery. And wine. And coffee. Boom.

Team MAC – today you’re in for a real treat. You head off to the gorgeous town of Tirano to experience the world heritage listed Bernina Express. The scenic red train crosses the Swiss Engadin Alps as it runs along the heritage listed Rhaetian Railway. The complete journey has 196 Bridge, 55 tunnels and reaches a staggering 2,253 meters above sea level. Make sure you have a fully charge phone or camera. You’re going to take plenty of photos. The Bernina Express is also open to cyclists that are looking for a day off the bike. (The approx. cost will be NZD$250.00 per person. We will need to book this in advance. Team Mac – your train ticket is included)   

Ps, again for the mountain goats amongst us. There’s also the option of riding up to Bormio 2000 this afternoon. If you choose to do so, then you will be tested for drugs.   

/ Accommodation: Eden Hotel - Bormio
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 6, Saturday 30 August

Passo Dello Stelvio Bike Day!

Each year this legendary mountain pass is closed to motorized traffic. Today, the road belongs to us! You will be joined by almost 12,000 other likeminded cyclists testing their legs on this mighty giant.

The Stelvio is only 13 metres away from being the highest pass in the Alps. The lungs and legs will burn, especially when you're nearing the top which sits at 2757m above sea level. That's 500m higher than anywhere in Australia. There are 48 bends which also gives you 48 opportunities to stop and take photos. Please remember that it isn't a race. You will be joined by cyclists from all around the world. You'll make friends with the Spanish, Germans and Dutch. You won't meet any Italians as they're all too fast.

If 25km of climbing from Bormio isn’t enough, then you can turn left and descend the Umbrail pass into Switzerland before looping back around to ascending the iconic 48 switchbacks on the other side.

Random – I know, but make sure you listen out for marmots. Between them and the cows with bells it provides a beautiful soundtrack. Anything to side-track you from the climbing. You certainly won’t hear a car or motorbike today. Have Fun.

Team MAC…. plenty of options on offer today, how about an 8-hour trek. Hmm, that sounds tiring. Again, a mixture of walking, eating and wine tasting.

Tonight, we suggest you take advantage of the thermal pools that Bormio is famous for. Time to give back to your legs. Or as Jens would say - Shut up legs. ** the pools are amazing however they're also the world's most expensive pools at a 60 euro entry fee. Ouch. Also, in Italy – long swimming shorts for boys are not accepted. Think speedos.

/ Accommodation: Eden Hotel - Bormio
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7, Sunday 31 August

Arrivederci Alps, Ciao Dolomites (rest day)

Transfer day - you will have ridden (weather depending) for 6 days in a row. Your legs (and bottom) will be chasing some time off. After breakfast we pack the vehicles and head off to Arabba. Our home in the Dolomites for the next four nights.

It's about a 5-hour drive hotel to hotel however it is certainly far from boring. Stunning scenery, majestic lakes and snow-capped peaks surround you. In past years, we’ve left Bormio and driven over the Stelvio Pass. This tends to be a slow journey as 48 switchbacks can take some time to navigate for a 40-seat coach. So, we will simply go around via Switzerland using the Munt La Schera tunnel that connects the Engadin Valley with Lago di Livigno. Little known fact, there’s a good reason that Livigno is so popular with Italians. Dating back to the 16^th century it has been recognised as a tax-free town.

Our first stop is Merano - a gorgeous wine region and is considered a bridge between Northern Europe and Southern Europe due to the three spoken languages of Italian, German, and Ladin. Our lunch venue is none other than Trauttmansdorff Castle. We will have time to stretch the legs and explore some of the 12 hectares of stunning gardens before sitting down to a glass of Pinot and a 3-course lunch. This was a highlight in 2013. After lunch we jump back on the bus for the last leg of our transfer.  We'll arrive at the hotel late afternoon. Plenty of time to prepare for tomorrows ride.

/ Accommodation: Sporthotel - Arabba
/ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8, Monday 01 September

Sella Ronda (the most beautiful 50km on the planet)

Probably Italy's most famous cycling circuit and that's really saying something. The Sella Ronda Loop covers 51km and almost 1700m of climbing. Incorporating 4 famous mountain passes - Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi and Passo Sella. All are over 2000m with the highest being 2239m above sea level.

The legs will be tested however make sure you take plenty of photos. This part of the world is stunning. It's even a protected UESCO World Heritage area. You'll be in the saddle for anywhere up to 5 hours. We will have a van close by today as the weather can turn nasty very quickly. There's no rush and we'll stop for lunch. Oh, make sure you try the hot chocolate at the top of Passo Sella.

Team MAC – We suggest you join us in the van this morning as you simply need to also see the Sella Rhonda Loop. There are a few walks in the area and a spot of retail therapy in Corvara, so you certainly won’t be car bound. This afternoon lets join the cyclists at the top of Biz Boè for an Aperol spritz.

Back in 2013, we took the whole group to the top of the giant granite rock we have just been riding around. Sitting at over 3000 meters above sea level, the Luna landscape is simply surreal. Offering stunning views of the Dolomites this is not to be missed. We will take the vans to the summit of Passo Pordoi, from there it’s a short gondola up to Piz Boè. Trust me, you won’t forget it! Approx cost is NZD$55.

/ Accommodation: Sporthotel - Arabba
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner