Swiss Alps cycling tour

Geneva is located on the boundary between the French and Swiss Alpes. The tour begins with a 1hr drive through France to nearby Chamonix for what will be a very scenic lunch break as the towering Mont Blanc (4810m) awaits us all. The 20min cable car to Aiguille de Midi will lift you up to 3842m and deliver 360° views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alpes! Following lunch another quick transfer in the vans to the Swiss border to set-up the bikes and get things going with a 35km valley ride through to the hotel. During dinner the program for the week ahead will be presented along with all the tour goodies.

Distance: 35km / Meals: Dinner Included / Sleep: Sion

Road cycling is often focused around the main passes used in the big races like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. But today will prove that it should not always be that way with the spectacular climb to Sanetsch Pass. The mountain road is basically used for access by hikers and a few local workers only so you can expect quiet roads during the 25km climb. The cycling begins by climbing through the Swiss vineyards and as the road continues rising up and up one begins to take in the big mountain views with the Diableret glacier a major feature! The descent includes some beautiful gorge cycling before encountering the hairpins which will deliver you to the valley floor and the conclusion of a great day on the bike.

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Sion

Many tourists visiting the Swiss mountains skip Nufenen Pass in preference for the nearby Furka Pass. But for the road cycling enthusiast Nufenen Pass is another must! Standing at 2478m altitude it is the second highest asphalted mountain pass in Switzerland after only Umbrail Pass (2501m). It is also a regular pro cycling feature and was most recently used during Stage 9 of the 2019 Tour of Suisse. The 13km climb has a constant 8.5% grade up to a high plateau with impressive views over to Finsteraarhorn at 4275m elevation.

From Airolo those who love adventure and history will be in their element. The Tremola Pass historically was the only way to get over the grand San Gottardo Pass. As one gets high on fresh mountain air you will enjoy scaling the 37 switchbacks and granite cobblestones that were laid back in 1827. Just another 12.5km at 7% average grade to finish off what will be a truly memorable day!

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Andermatt

It is difficult to say that things just keep getting better but what can you say about the opportunity to ride Furka Pass (2436m). This is one of the most beautiful high passes in the Swiss Alps and is the fourth highest paved road in Switzerland. As you climb Furka you might just remember footage of James Bond and the sniper scene from Goldfinger. Once at the summit we will also continue riding to check out the famous Hotel Belvedere switchback and the Rhone Glacier! Seeing the first two days on tour have been extremely solid, today is simply a morning ride up and down Furka Pass. This gives everyone the chance to also enjoy the small ski village Andermatt which is a favourite amongst guests.

Distance: 40km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Andermatt

Rolling out from Andermatt and we head in search for yet another classic Swiss Alps climb. It might not have the same name as some of the other big climbs in the region but Susten Pass will be one to truly remember. The climb measures 17.8km and its 7.6% average grade will make you work all the way to the summit. There are many small rock tunnels which provide amazing views along the way. The descent down towards Lake Brienz is full of twists and turns which when followed by a flat 20km ride through the valley round out yet another fantastic day of cycling! Post-ride there will be a 30 minute van transfer to your lakeside hotel and home for the next three nights!

Distance: 75km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Lake Thun

After several very challenging days on the bike one can encounter a ‘gentler’ ride on the shores of Lake Thun. This impressive alpine lake which measures 17.5km long by 3.5km wide still offers a number of impressive vantage points. The 65km route will first take you out towards Interlaken and the base of our only climb for today; Beatenberg (8.4km at 7.5% average grade). Enjoy a fun descent through the woodlands and down to Lake Thun! Back at the tour hotel and enjoy your prime position on the lake for a well-deserved rest and refreshing swim.

Distance: Rest Day or 65km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Lake Thun

The section of cycling route from Grindelwald has to be seen to be believed! The perfectly asphalted road narrows and only cyclists and the occasional postal van have access up the Gross Scheidegg Pass (1960m elevation). One of the features of this climb are the alpine pastures with surrounding views to some of the biggest European mountains including the Jungfrau and north face of the renowned Eiger (aka Ogre). The Eiger tops out at 3960m elevation and its north face is a 1800m vertical wall of crumbling rocky limestone and ice. For climbers it is considered Europe’s greatest challenge and today you will be cycling in its presence! At the top of Gross Scheidegg Pass we can enjoy some lunch and take in these views in what truly is cycling paradise. Just another day where it feels like the roads have been built for cyclists only!

Distance: 100km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Lake Thun

The tour hotel is located on the edge of the Gantrisch Nature Park and we will spend the day cycling beautiful mountain loops before descending down to Bern. The 90km ride today passes through expansive forests up to the Gurnigel Pass. You will have earnt your lunch break after cycling this 11.5km climb (average grade of 7%).

The historic Bern old town dates back to the 12^th Century where it was built on a hill overlooking the Aare River. Its grand 15^th Century arcades and 16^th Century fountains provide the perfect location to celebrate what has been a tour full of amazing mountains, glaciers and alpine lakes.

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Bern

Following breakfast the Sierra guides will be available to transfer you 2hr to Geneva International Airport. From here we will say our goodbyes before you continue on your own adventures. Thanks for joining us through the Swiss Alps!

Meals: Breakfast included