Overview
This amazing journey begins on the banks of Lake Geneva and ends under the iconic Duomo di Milano. Over four days riding you’ll pass through charming French, Swiss and Italian lakeside towns and the stunning mountain scenery of this unique region. The ride intensifies on the second day’s ride as you tackle Switzerland’s second-highest paved mountain pass, the mighty Nufenen Pass. From the summit a dazzling descent leads to the equally beautiful Italian Lakes region where shimmering azure lakes line the colourful waterfront promenades, vibrant piazzas, and inviting cafes. The ride ends underneath one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe, the Duomo di Milano.
This is a continuation ride from our ever-popular London to Paris and Paris to Geneva rides but is a fantastic standalone ride too!
Scroll down to see dates of our open trips or if you have a group interested please get in touch.
Highlights
- Picturesque towns of Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains alongside Lake Geneva
- The towering peaks of the Chablais Alps
- Following the river Rhone through vineyards and dramatic mountain scenery
- Tackling the mighty Nufenen Pass, Switzerland’s second-highest paved mountain pass
- Exhilarating descents into the Italian Lakes region
- Magical views of Lake Como from the Passo del Ghisallo climb
- Finishing the ride under an architectural marvel, the Duomo di Milano
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at Geneva airport, transfer to hotel
This trip starts at our hotel in Geneva in the city centre. Details on how to get there will be issued once the trip has been confirmed.
Here you’ll be met by the More Adventure team for a trip briefing and evening meal before making any final preparations.
Day 2: Geneva to Sierre
157 km & 700 m⬆ / 98 miles & 2300 feet⬆
After breakfast in the hotel we’ll load up the support vehicle then begin our first days’ riding. Starting in Geneva, the route follows the southern shore of Lake Geneva, entering France and weaving through the picturesque towns of Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains. These lakeside towns are known for their beautiful waterfronts and thermal spas, providing scenic spots for a break.
We cross back into Switzerland at Saint-Gingolph before heading southeast, skirting the towering peaks of the Chablais Alps. Here we follow the river Rhone inland on some fabulous cycle lanes, climbing gently into the Rhone Valley with dramatic mountain views and vineyards lining the hillsides as we approach Sierre.
Day 3: Sierre to Airolo
117 km & 2300 m⬆ / 73 miles & 7600 feet⬆
Our second day’s ride begins with a scenic ride along 30 miles of beautiful, mostly flat cycle paths, tracing the serene Rhone River through the heart of the Swiss Alps. This section offers a relaxed start, with stunning views of vineyards, alpine meadows, and charming villages that line the Rhone Valley. As we approach Brig, the route gradually begins to rise, leading us into more mountainous terrain as we climb toward Ulrichen.
Here, the real challenge begins as we tackle the ascent of the Nufenen Pass (2480m) which is Switzerland’s second-highest paved mountain pass. From Ulrichen it’s 14km and 1133 metres ascent, with an average gradient of 7.9% and maximum gradient of 12.5%. The climb is demanding but immensely rewarding, with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, glacial formations, and rugged mountain landscapes.
Upon reaching the summit, we’re treated to a thrilling descent into the town of Airolo, where the sweeping alpine vistas make the effort well worth it.
Day 4: Airolo to Como
153 km & 775 m⬆ / 95 miles & 2550 feet⬆
Today is far easier than the previous day’s ride. Departing from Airolo, we’ll start our day with an exhilarating downhill ride that takes us across the border into Italy, entering the scenic Italian Lakes region. Our journey will lead us partially around the shores of Lake Maggiore, where the shimmering water and surrounding mountains create a stunning backdrop.
From Lake Maggiore, we’ll continue our ride southeast toward the tranquil beauty of Lake Lugano, cycling along its serene banks and soaking in the vibrant Italian atmosphere. Our route then takes us westward to the famous Lake Como, where dramatic cliffs and picturesque towns line the lake’s edge. Our overnight stop is the town of Como on the banks of the iconic Lake Como.
Day 5: Como to Milan
149 km & 1415 m⬆ / 93 miles & 4700 feet⬆
Our day starts with a stunning ride along the shores of Lake Como, cycling toward the charming town of Bellagio. From here, we tackle the day’s only climb up to the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo (758m), a revered site for cycling enthusiasts and home to a museum that celebrates the history and culture of Italian cycling. The climb is 9.3km from Bellagio and ascends a total of 573m with an average gradient of 5.7% and the maximum gradient a punishing 14.5%! The climb however rewards us with sweeping views over Lake Como, making each pedal stroke worth the effort. At the summit, we take a well-deserved break at a cosy café, perfect for a morning refreshment.
After soaking in the views, we begin our descent toward the riverside town of Brivio. The final stretch of our journey spans about 32km on a wonderful traffic-free cycle path straight into the heart of Milan. The ride ends near the infamous Duomo di Milano, an architectural marvel that took nearly six centuries to complete. From there, it’s just a short ride to our hotel, where we conclude a memorable final day of cycling.
Congratulations on completing this epic journey from Geneva to Milan, it’s time to celebrate!
Day 6: Milan
Today the trip officially ends and we say our goodbyes.
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