A Week in the Alps

Italy and Switzerland

A Week in the Alps

Italy and Switzerland

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8 Day Self-Guided Tour

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Self Guided Italy and Switzerland: A Week in the Alps|8|6|4695|4195|3495

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Ride through the epic mountain passes of Switzerland and Italy, from the legendary Stelvio all the way to the serene shores of Lake Garda.
Northern Italy and Switzerland are motorcycling meccas. Thousands of kilometres of twisting tarmac, whether you’re high-up crossing mountain passes, flowing through lakeside tunnels, or gazing in awe at the scenery as you cross from valley floor to valley floor. Ducati, Aprilia, Vespa, MV Augusta, Benelli, and more… All names born in this part of the world, and within minutes of riding here, you’ll realise why.
  • Self Guided Tour
  • 8 Days
  • 875 miles
  • Milan, Italy
  • HIRE BIKE AVAILABLE
BEST TIME TO GO

July to September

If you were choosing a city, purely in the pursuit of somewhere to ride a motorcycle on the weekends, you’d be hard-pressed to pick one better than Milan. A global capital of fashion, architectural grandeur, cuisine, and modern art, Milan is both perfectly positioned and an incredible city to explore when you fly in. Depending on when you choose to fly in, our hotel places you centrally to easily explore one of Europe’s most iconic and intricate cities for the day.

The following morning, we’ll collect our rental bikes, setting everything up with the help of an experienced Magellan guide, before starting an incredible day of riding. Leaving Milan, we’ll head north immediately in search of elevation and twisting roads. Passing along the shores of the serene Lake Maggiore, known for its historic lakeside villas and gardens, you’ll see the Borromean islands dotting the horizon as you’ll ride towards and over your first mountain passes. Crossing into Switzerland, it’s immediately obvious why so many herald this region as one of Europe’s very best motorcycling destinations. The views, the bending tarmac, that feeling of being on top of it all, it’s something we’ve never been able to shake from our minds.

Andy, Magellan Guide
Andy, Magellan Guide

The Italian lakes and Swiss Alps and more, all in an 8-day tour? This trip takes some beating!

Lake Garda

As for the following day, well, motorcycling truly doesn’t get better than this. Four of the very best mountain passes in the world, packed into one glorious figure of eight. Sustenstrasse, where you’ll see dramatic views of the Steingletscher (Stein Glacier). Furkapass, famous for its appearance in 007’s Goldfinger connecting the Uri and Vallais valleys. Nufenenstrasse, one of Switzerland's highest paved roads, and Gotthard Pass, offering the dramatic contrast of alpine landscapes on one side and lush Ticino valleys on the other.

Now you’re in the centre of the Swiss Alps—the beating heart of European motorcycle culture— it’s time for another incredible day of fast-flowing roads, mountain passes, hydroelectric dams, and historical trade routes. Grimsel Pass and Oberalp Pass are on the menu, and your ride today reads like a script from a Hollywood movie—because it literally is. Sherlock Holmes and more James Bond scenes dot the route, with iconic bends, hotels, and views to be seen throughout as you head to your overnight stop in Davos—famed for hosting the World Economic Forum each year.

From here, it’s time for a name so synonymous with moto-culture that even your friends who don’t ride might have heard of it—Stelvio! The Stelvio Pass, once described by Clarkson as “15 miles of spaghetti tarmac draped over an alp”, regularly tops ‘best roads in the world’ lists and has become somewhat of a rite of passage for the modern biker. Built in the 1820s and playing pivotal roles in major historical events since, this road is a symbol of Italian heritage and human ingenuity. Throw in Umbrail Pass, and Flüela Pass before you make your overnight stop in Garda, and you’ll be living in a near-permanent state of hairpins and incredible views.

Perhaps the only place in the world that can compete with the Swiss Alps are northern Italy’s iconic lakes. It doesn’t get more dramatic than this. Here, steep-sided mountains surround a deep chasm of blue water, and towns hover precariously over the lake itself. Long the favoured retreat of artists, celebrities, and travellers seeking solace and tranquility, Garda is the ultimate emblem of European glamour.

Here, you enjoy a ride or rest day. Relax in unparalleled luxury, or follow in the footsteps of James Bond, riding the incredible Strada della Forra and its iconic tunnels and lakeside bends. Heading along the shores of Garda, you’ll pass cobblestone towns, lakeside eateries, and soak in every second of Italian elegance.

The final day sees us heading back to Milan, but of course, being a Magellan tour, there’s no such thing as a straight line. Heading north from Garda, we’ve crafted one of our favourite final days on any tour, with twisting mountain roads and plenty of time to stop for more incredible cuisine in a country known globally for its food. On returning your bike in Milan, you’ll have one final chance to savour Italian culture before departing with incredible memories from a week's riding in the mountains.

The ultimate Swiss and Italian Alpine adventure is here. Book now!

Contact me about this tour

Tour highlights

Milan: Kick off your adventure in Milan, a global hub of fashion, art, and cuisine. With a centrally located hotel, the city is an architectural masterpiece and the perfect springboard for your journey into the Alps.

Swiss Passes: Take on four of globally renowned mountain passes in a single day. From the glacier views of Sustenstrasse to the cinematic Furkapass from Goldfinger, every bend offers stunning vistas and thrilling curves.

Lake Garda: Explore the dramatic beauty of northern Italy’s lakes, where steep mountains plunge into deep blue. Ride James Bond’s Strada della Forra or relax in luxury, surrounded by Italian glamour and elegance.

Stelvio Pass: A rite of passage for bikers worldwide, the Stelvio Pass regularly tops ‘best roads in the world’ lists, with 60 switchbacks across both sides and far-reaching mountain views.

Food and culture: Enjoy the best of Swiss mountain culture and food, before unwinding in Italian elegance, surrounded by iconic villas, cafés, and lakeside restaurants.

VIEW PHOTOS
``Meticulously put together motorcycle tour, ensuring that it all came together perfectly on each of the days. The planning, research, hard work, and lots and lots of effort pre-tour, and during the tour by the guide made my holiday one that I will never forget.``
Craig T
Hootvox
99.7 % Overall
100 % Would recommend

Speak to a tour specialist to start planning your holiday….

Speak to a tour specialist to start planning your holiday….

Tour Map / Itinerary

Full Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Arrive in Milan at your time of choosing, with the day to explore one of Europe’s most iconic cultural centres.

Day 2 165 Miles

Collect your bikes in the morning, before riding past Lake Maggiore, over Simplonpass and towards the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Day 3 150 Miles

One of the all-time Magellan great days, with four Swiss passes in one figure-of-eight loop.

Day 4 120 Miles

Two more mountain passes line your route today, as you head through the central Swiss Alps to Davos–famed for hosting the World Economic Forum each year.

Day 5 190 Miles

Ride Passo del Stelvio, en route to the Italian lakes and your overnight stay in Garda.

Day 6 100 Miles

Ride or rest. Lake Garda provides the perfect opportunity to live in luxury, or ride some of the very best lakeside roads anywhere on the planet.

Day 7 150 Miles

From Garda, ride north over incredible twisting mountain roads before heading west to your finishing point in Milan.

Day 8 Departure

Return your bike and fly home with incredible memories from a week on the road.

What's included
If you select motorcycle rental, insurance and breakdown cover is included.
Seven nights’ accommodation in high-quality hotels.
Excellent breakfast each morning
Full use of all hotels' leisure facilities.
Detailed route plans and maps.
GPS routes (Garmin / Tom Tom).
Detailed daily itinerary including sights and suggested coffee / lunch stops.
What's not
Fuel.
Toll charges.
Admission charges.
Occasional hotel parking charges.
Meals and drinks as specified above.
Travel / breakdown insurance covering repatriation back to the UK

Full Pricing

Bike Option Single Rider Price
(Total for 1 rider, 1 bike)
Rider & Passenger
(Total for 2 riders, 1 bike)
Two Bikes, Shared Room
(Total for 2 riders, 2 bikes)
Own Bike £4695 £6990 £8390
Can-Am Spyder £7095 £9390 £13190
HD Ultra Limited £6495 £8790 £11990
HD Road King £6495 £8790 £11990
HD Street Glide £6495 £8790 £11990
BMW R1300RT £6135 £8430 £11270

Rental prices calculated based on 6 rental days (minimum required for this tour). All prices are total.
For this table, the "Two Bikes, Shared Room" prices assume rental of two of the same model, which isn't required and in some cases may not be possible.
All bikes come with luggage included. Top boxes and GPS can be rented, subject to availability, for an additional charge.

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Common questions about this trip

Where should I fly into?

We recommend flying into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). It’s the city’s main international hub and conveniently located northwest of Milan, making it an ideal choice for most travellers.

If you’re flying domestically within Italy or from certain European cities, you might also consider Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which is closer to the city centre. Both airports are well-connected, and our centrally located hotel in Milan is easily reachable from either.

When is the best time of year to do this trip?

June to September as a rule, although May and October can work with a dash of luck. This trip crosses a number of high passes, and the usual opening times for them are below. Be aware that even in August, some of these can close at short notice due to adverse weather conditions. There are always ways around these passes but worth bearing in mind when planning the best dates for your tour.

Stelvio: late May to end of October

Swiss passes: mid-May to October

Do I need to bring my own motorcycle gear?

Yes. Comfortable, protective gear is essential for long days in the saddle. A quality helmet, protective jacket and trousers, gloves, and sturdy riding boots are all must-haves. Waterproofs and thermal layers are also recommended to ensure we’re prepared should the weather vary in the Alps.

To make packing easier, we have a page on our website with detailed advice on touring gear. Your tour pack will include a further guide to help you prepare for your time on the road.

Will I find this tour too tiring?

You shouldn’t do no. We design all of our trips to be accessible to riders of all abilities and include plenty of time per day to arrive at the hotel for a relaxing evening!

What is included with bike hire?

Your bike will be equipped with a full luggage setup to ensure you have ample storage for your gear during the trip. Comprehensive insurance is also included, giving you peace of mind while exploring some of the world’s most incredible riding roads. On collection, our experienced Magellan guide(s) will assist with setup before you head out onto the open road.

More information
For general information on planning and preparing for motorcycle trips including what to pack please see our Prepare for your trip section.
Magellan Hub
Want to ask one of the team a question, or a get a previous tourer’s take on a trip?

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