Suzanne and Andrew cycling the Passo Gardena, Sella Ronda

Northern Italy is a dream destination for cyclists—one of those places every rider should experience at least once in their lifetime (and I’d also highly recommend it for hiking holidays, too, including with kids!). Returning after four years reminded me exactly why I love it so much. The scenery is simply breathtaking (the photos speak for themselves - see the gallery at the bottom of the page), the climbs rank among the best in the world, the food and wine are exceptional and offer contrasts of Italian and Germanic styles cuisine, and every region has its own distinct character. Each day feels like riding into a new landscape, with different flavours, traditions and stories waiting around the next corner.

Day 1: The group ready to ride on the shores of Lago di Como

One of the things I love most about the WOR Northern Italy tour is that it's a true point-to-point adventure. No buses, no long transfers—just cycling (and one short boat ride across the sparkling waters of Lago di Como). From there, we pedal all the way to Venice, tracing a sweeping arc through the Alps and Dolomites. While we tick off some of Italy's iconic climbs, it's the roads between them that make this journey so special. We roll through quiet valleys, charming villages and lesser-known regions that many cyclists simply transfer past (in a bus!). These hidden gems not only provide incredible cycling but also offer a genuine glimpse into regional food, culture and traditions—far removed from the crowds of cycling hotspots like Bormio and the Dolomites.

Northern Italy Tour Itinerary

Welcome drinks in Como at a fabulous bike shop

For the first time, we began our journey in Como, perched at the southern tip of Italy's most famous lake. It proved to be the perfect starting point, with plenty of opportunities for a warm-up ride, a refreshing swim or a wander through the elegant old town. The tour began in true WOR style with spritzes and local craft beers at Sartoria Ciclistica, a wonderfully quirky bike shop overflowing with cycling memorabilia and some seriously tempting Como-inspired kit. Our host, the larger-than-life Alex, entertained us with stories, local riding tips, advice on Italian cycling etiquette (including the important question of drinking and riding!) and, of course, a few words of warning about the legendary Muro di Sormano.

Perfect stop for ride briefing! (Crew material, John!)

Day One is pure cycling bliss. We hugged the shores of Lago di Como for coffee in Bellagio before climbing to the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists. The chapel is one of the spiritual homes of cycling, and it's impossible not to feel inspired standing amongst the jerseys, bikes and memories of the sport's greatest champions. The day's heat and humidity certainly added another layer of challenge, but that didn't deter a handful of adventurous souls. Mario, Minio, Roman and Amanda took on the infamous Muro di Sormano—a brutal 1.7-kilometre wall averaging 17%, with relentless ramps exceeding 20%. It’s even tough to walk up it!

That evening, any suffering was quickly forgotten as we gathered beneath the beautiful porticos of Bellagio for our Welcome Dinner. Surrounded by the buzz of one of Lake Como's most picturesque villages, we enjoyed wonderful local cuisine. My standout dish? A sublime spring vegetable risotto topped with delicate prawn carpaccio—quite possibly one of the best risottos I've ever eaten.

The following day took us into the Valtellina, one of northern Italy's renowned wine regions and home to elegant Nebbiolo-based reds grown on impossibly steep terraced vineyards. We followed the magnificent Sentiero Valtellina, a peaceful riverside cycle path winding through vineyards, orchards and mountain scenery that seemed to stretch forever. That evening we stayed in a beautifully restored agriturismo, where centuries-old stone buildings had been transformed into one of the tour's most memorable accommodations. Dinner overlooking the valley a celebration of Valtellina's culinary traditions, with crispy sciatt, hearty pizzoccheri and generous local wines ensuring nobody went to bed hungry.

The following day offered two very different adventures. The first was a leisurely 60 km ride, gently climbing the beautiful Sentiero Valtellina cycle path to Bormio. Around half the group chose this option, enjoying spectacular mountain scenery and a long, relaxed lunch in Bormio's charming old town at one of Frank’s favourites.

The second option was for those chasing a real challenge: the legendary Passo del Mortirolo. At 12.4 km averaging an uncompromising 10.5%, it's one of Italy's toughest climbs. Even its name sounds intimidating—morte means "death" in Italian! Congratulations to Simon, Phil, Jo, Amanda, Roofi, Roman, Mal, John, Minio and Mario, who conquered this cycling beast.

As for me, I was happy to sit this one out. Having climbed the Mortirolo four years ago, my Strava comment still says it best: "Mortirolo – toughest climb ever! Never again!!" Maybe in another four years I'll have forgotten.

We were now well and truly in the Alps. Our cycling-friendly hotel in the heart of Bormio, complete with afternoon tea and complimentary Prosecco, was the perfect place to recover. With two nights here, we also enjoyed a spectacular loop ride to the Torri di Fraele and Lago di Cancano, often called the "Mini Stelvio" thanks to its beautiful hairpins—a perfect warm-up for what was to come.

Passo dello Stelvio. For many cyclists, this is the climb. Rising to 2,757 metres, with its famous switchbacks climbing high into the Alps, it's one of Europe's highest paved roads and a true icon of the Giro d'Italia. It's on every cyclist's bucket list for good reason.

After snow a week before our visit (and again a week after), we were fortunate to enjoy perfect conditions. Special congratulations to Cliffo, who completed the climb despite recently fracturing his ribs, and to Gayle, who celebrated a milestone birthday by conquering the biggest climb of her life. That's a birthday she'll never forget.

Descending the Stelvio, surrounded by glaciers and Mt Ortles

The Via Claudia Augusta follows one of the ancient Roman roads, now transformed into a beautifully sealed cycle path that gently descends the valley towards Bolzano. We rolled through endless apple orchards and picture-perfect mountain villages, with snow-capped peaks towering above us. This is the kind of riding I love most—not chasing big climbs or fast times, but simply spinning the legs, taking in the scenery, plenty of stops and enjoying the chance to experience the landscapes and culture at a slower pace.

A stop at the lively Forst Brewery was the perfect excuse to sample the local beer in the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Germanic beer hall. I don't think I've ever seen anyone happier than Roman, sitting in front of a giant pork knuckle and an equally giant stein of beer! Bolzano itself is a wonderful blend of Italian and Austrian influences, often described as one of Europe's most liveable cities. Thanks to Steph's enthusiastic recommendation, many of us also visited the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to meet Ötzi the Iceman. Seeing the remarkably preserved 5,300-year-old mummy and learning the story of his life—and mysterious death—was a fascinating change of pace from life on the bike.

Lago di Carezza - a standout view on our climb from Bolzano to the Dolomites

The Queen Stage of the tour promised to be something special: 93 kilometres, 3,000 metres of climbing and three of the Dolomites' legendary passes—Passo Costalunga, Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo. The day began brilliantly, with the brutally infamous 10 km climb to a tiny forest chapel (IYKYK!). After refuelling with apple strudel, we admired the brilliant turquoise waters of Lago di Carezza before crossing the Costalunga. Unfortunately, our run of perfect weather came to an abrupt end in Canazei, where dark skies, thunder and lightning rolled in. Huge credit goes to the support crew—especially Dave, who somehow managed to load every bike onto the van in record time—getting everyone safely and dry to Corvara, the cycling heart of the Dolomites. And thanks Roofi for looking after the kids….!

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The forecast remained uncertain over the next two days, but somehow we managed to fit in everything we'd come for. Many of us rode the legendary Sella Ronda, arguably the world's most famous loop ride. Four mountain passes in just 56 kilometres, with breathtaking Dolomite scenery in every direction as we circled the mighty Sella massif. The climb of the Gardena first up pure bliss with the soft morning light and so few other vehicles around. There were plenty of coffee stops, more than a little apple strudel, countless photo opportunities and lots of smiles. It's a ride I never tire of and one of the true highlights of the tour.

We also made the most of the mountains on foot, with cable car rides and spectacular hikes. A favourite was the walk to Rifugio Franz Kostner, where the dramatic limestone peaks make you feel as though you've stepped into another world. The group also found a favourite restaurant right near the hotel - I think I ended up going 3 times in 2 days for the friendly atmosphere, great well priced food. Kudos to Simon for winning the inaugural WOR Drawing Competition with his lifelike impression of a Fox - and thanks to Dave and Leo the evening’s judges.

Sella Ronda group ride! No drop, lots of strudel, even more photo stops!

Clare and Minio - pacing each other again on the Passo Gardena

Our Dolomite adventures continued with two more spectacular passes—Passo Valparola and Passo Falzarego—before descending into the elegant streets and lively piazzas of Cortina d'Ampezzo, fresh from hosting the Winter Olympics. For those who still had plenty left in the legs, Amanda, Mario and John added the mighty Passo Giau to their day. I was more than content with conquering the Valparola and instead led a group of fellow food lovers—Cliffo, Gayle, Dave, Frank, Roman, Minio and Andrew—to one of my favourite restaurants just outside Cortina. The beetroot ravioli (a local specialty called casunziei) was every bit as good as I remembered, and after another unforgettable lunch (complete with a heartfelt "Na zdravje!" grappa toast to Roman's dad), I'm convinced I'll return there long before I ever return to tackle the Giau!

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The ride wasn't over yet. We joined another wonderful cycle path built along a former railway line, gently descending through tunnels and past beautifully restored station buildings, all framed by the dramatic Dolomite peaks. A couple of well-earned café stops later, our "long lunch group" may well have set a new tour record for the latest arrival at the hotel… but, as they say, what happens on tour stays on tour!

Leaving the Dolomites behind, our route turned south towards Italy's Prosecco region. Along the way we climbed the unforgettable Passo San Boldo, famous for its extraordinary hairpin bends that disappear into a series of tunnels carved through the rock. That evening we celebrated with a Prosecco tasting by the pool, interrupted only by an impromptu wedding (congratulations to the happy couple—Dave and Beth!) and a big-screen gathering to cheer on the Aussies in the World Cup.

Rolling hills of the Prosecco region, Valdobbiadene (spot the cyclists?)

The final ride along the Strada del Prosecco! (The “A” team ;-)… !!)

Our final day was a fitting finale. Rolling through the vineyard-covered hills of the Prosecco region, with the occasional tasting (of course!) and one last (and well deserved) gelato stop, we peddled towards the beautiful city of canals - Venice. The only way to arrive in Venice? By boat! We cruised along the Grand Canal as our journey came to a close after 850 kilometres of unforgettable riding and anywhere between 8,000 and 14,000 metres of climbing—depending on how many of the optional "adventures" you chose along the way!

As always, it was the people who made the tour truly special. There were plenty of laughs during our farewell dinner, with Phil's hilarious retelling of the story of Ötzi the Iceman providing the perfect final chapter to an unforgettable journey across Northern Italy.

A huge thank you to our incredible crew—Dave, Roofi and Mal—whose hard work behind the scenes made everything run so seamlessly, and to Pepe for keeping our young kids Max (7) and Leo (5) entertained (and very well fuelled with pizza, pasta and gelato!).

Lastly, the photos on this post are amazing - and that is largely due to some incredible photographers on the Tour - I’m specifically looking at Phil and Mal, so thank you for sharing!

If you’d like to join us on the Northern Italy Tour in 2027 or beyond, please send in your EOI form so we know you are keen and that way you get first priority to book. I can’t wait to get back - for the beetroot ravioli (and perhaps the elusive Passo Giau!).

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