ROAD BIKE OVERVIEW
Guided Cycling: Switzerland & Italy's Alpine Passes & Rolling Countryside
Iconic Cycling Routes & Off-the-Beaten-Path Rides in a Fairytale Landscape.
Europe is the most cycle-centric continent on the planet. The road bike routes that make the classic tours of the Alps so famous are perfect ribbons of asphalt through the most bucolic settings in Switzerland, France, and Italy. Fields of wildflowers, country roads and insane alpine climbs and descents reaffirm why you’ll never look at two-wheeled travel quite the same way.
While the classic cols of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia are bucket list pursuits for many ambitious riders, the marquee passes of the Swiss Alps are lesser-known and even tougher, in many regards. The Grand St. Bernard, Gotthard, Nufenen, Furka, and Grimsel passes are as tough as anything you’ll find in the neighboring countries, and with the stunning scenery of glacial peaks and rushing waterfalls, an incredible backdrop for your biggest challenges.
But equally inspiring are the quiet rolling roads through the vineyards along Lac Leman or the Rhône Valley, seemingly made for road bikes. Or cruise through the Pays d’Enhaut, the region between Gruyères to Château d’Oex and Gstaad, through a Heidi-like landscape of lush green hills scattered with cheese-making cows, one of our favorite cycling regions. And of course, in the autumn, we head south for the harvest season in Piedmont and Tuscany, when the crowds have dissipated and the temperatures are ideal. Not to mention the wine, truffles, and wild game!
Low-traffic, with respectful drivers, and excellent road conditions, the Swiss Alps and pre-Alps are ideal for any style of riding. And with cultural or gastronomic waypoints, and world-class accommodation options at every stop, a fantastic way to see this diverse country.
CONTACT US for a custom road biking itinerary that meets your needs.
Highlights
- High-quality roads and alpine passes in Switzerland with gorgeous scenery
- Tour de France, Tour du Suisse routes, famous climbs and exciting descents
- Harvest season riding in the vineyards of Piedmont & Tuscany Italy
- Mountain dining and visits with local producers
- VIP support vehicles
- Luxury accommodations & unique mountain inns
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WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
Please get in touch using the form below. Fields marked with a * are required.