Main Information
SFIDA Switzerland Trip Overview
Switzerland is one of the world’s premier cycling destinations, and this redesigned SFIDA trip showcases some of its most spectacular mountain climbs. With outstanding hospitality and SFIDA’s expert support, this journey is designed to help riders tick off truly iconic bucket-list ascents.
Journey Overview
The adventure begins in Ulrichen, perfectly positioned at the base of the Grimsel and Nufenen passes. From there, we spend three nights in Andermatt, using this classic alpine hub to access some of Switzerland’s most celebrated climbs, including Susten Pass and both sides of Furka Pass.
Route Highlights
- Take on the Grimmsel and the scenic Oberarsee road on the first day.
- Ride the San Bernardino and Splügen passes before descending into Chiavenna, a charming Italian town surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
- Climb Maloja Pass into the heart of the Engadine region, with Saint Moritz located close to the hotel.
- Finish the major riding days with a memorable alpine loop featuring the Albula and Julier passes.
From start to finish, this itinerary delivers a complete alpine cycling experience: iconic climbs, dramatic scenery, refined logistics, and world-class riding across Switzerland and northern Italy.
Trip Details
- Destination: Switzerland
- Duration: 8 days
- Dates: 22-30 June 2027
- Hotels: 3-4 stars
- Meals: All meals included
Travel Information
- Arrival: Milano (MXP)
- Departure: Milano (MXP)
Options and Pricing
- Non-rider discount: 10%
- Rental bike: Available
- Rental e-bike: Available
- Price: €4,650.00
Ride Statistics
- Total distance: 600 km
- Average daily distance: 75 km
- Total climbing: 15,860 m
- Average daily climbing: 1,980 m
MORE INFORMATION
Pricing
- Twin room: 4650 Euros pp
- Single supplement: 850 Euros
- Rental bike: 750 Euros
- Rental e-bike: 800 Euros
Own bike fee: 200 Euros. This fee applies to guests bringing their own bikes.
Payment terms
A deposit of 1,000 Euros is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 120 days before the trip begins.
Included
- Eight nights of accommodation in 3–4-star hotels.
- One SFIDA Cycling jersey.
Meals included
- Eight breakfasts.
- Eight lunches.
- Eight dinners.
Not included
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal hotel extras, such as minibar and spa charges.
- Tips for staff.
Support
- Experienced ride leaders and at least one mechanic.
- A staff-to-client ratio of 1:4.
- Fully equipped support vans are available throughout each ride.
- On-ride nutrition and supplies, including gels, energy bars, drink mix, water, fruit, tools, pumps, spare tubes, and tyres.
- A professional first aid kit.
Cancellation policy
In response to post-COVID changes in international travel, and in line with most hotels’ terms and conditions, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 120 or more days before the trip starts: Your deposit will be refunded, minus any non-reimbursable expenses.
- Less than 90 days before the trip starts: No refund or credit available. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the SFIDA Cycling trip costs.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you pay your deposit and book your international flights. Please make sure your policy covers the following:
- International flights.
- Reimbursement of amounts paid if you need to cancel for any reason.
- Damage to your rental bike (see our terms and conditions).
Reserving your spot
To reserve your place, the full deposit must be paid. Because hotels are now stricter about holding rooms for groups, we cannot hold or confirm a spot until the deposit has been received.
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulrichen
After pickup at Milano Malpensa Airport, we transfer to Ulrichen, our first destination in Switzerland. Once we arrive at the hotel, there will be time for lunch, bike assembly, and preparation for the riding days ahead.
Opening Ride: Grimsel Pass and Oberaarsee
In the early afternoon, we set out on a short but spectacular ride to Grimsel Pass and Oberaarsee. This first outing offers an ideal introduction to the Swiss Alps, with striking mountain scenery and a memorable start to the trip.
Day 1 Ride Details
- Route: Day 1 route
- Distance and climbing: 46 km / 1,200 m
- Climbs: Grimsel Pass and Oberaarsee
- Hotel: Hotel Astoria
Today’s ride features two iconic high mountain passes and delivers a classic day in the Swiss Alps, combining sustained climbing, historic roads, and a memorable finish in Andermatt.
Nufenen Pass
We begin right outside the hotel with the climb to Nufenen Pass, an inspiring and immediate start to the day.
Sankt Gotthard Pass and the Tremola
Our second major ascent is the historic Sankt Gotthard Pass, a route travelled since Roman times. Its famous Tremola section, with 6 km uphill and 3 km downhill on cobbles, is one of the most distinctive and fascinating roads to ride in Switzerland.
Arrival in Andermatt
We finish the ride in the popular mountain town of Andermatt, where we will stay for the next three nights.
Day 2 Ride Details
- Route: Day 2 route
- Distance and climbing: 62 km / 2,120 m
- Climbs: Nufenen and Sankt Ghottard
- Hotel: Hotel Sonne Andermatt
Today’s ride focuses on one of the most spectacular climbs of the trip: Susten Pass. The route combines a fast descent, a long alpine ascent, wide mountain views, and a scenic return to Andermatt.
Descent to Wassen
We begin with a long descent from Andermatt to Wassen, the starting point for the climb to Susten Pass.
Susten Pass
From Wassen, we take on the climb to Susten Pass, a beautiful ascent with impressive views all the way to the summit. After descending back to Wassen, we return to Andermatt along the bike path.
Return to Andermatt
Before reaching Andermatt, we will make time to stop at the Suworow-Denkmal memorial, a prominent monument honouring General Alexander Suvorov and his historic Alpine campaign during the Napoleonic Wars.
Day 3 Ride Details
- Route: Day 3 route
- Distance and climbing: 58 km / 1,970 m
- Climb: Susten.
- Hotel: Hotel Sonne Andermatt
Today is dedicated to one of the most iconic climbs in the Alps: Furka Pass. We will ride it from both directions, experiencing two distinct approaches and some of the most recognisable scenery in Swiss cycling.
The ride combines dramatic hairpins, wide alpine views, and memorable landmarks, including the famous road used in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger.
From Andermatt
We begin by climbing Furka Pass from Andermatt. This side of the pass is closely linked with Goldfinger, where Sean Connery’s James Bond drove the Aston Martin DB5 along the winding alpine road. The route’s sweeping bends, steep rock faces, and panoramic views make it a spectacular climb.
From Gletsch
After descending, we return to the pass from Gletsch. This side features one of the most iconic switchback sections in cycling, with the Belvedere Hotel set in a dramatic position above the road. It is an ideal place for photos as riders pass through one of the trip’s most memorable alpine scenes.
Day 4 Ride Details
- Route: Day 4 route
- Distance and climbing: 62 km / 1,800 m
- Climbs: Furka Pass from Andermatt and Gletsch
- Hotel: Hotel Sonne Andermatt
Today we ride from Andermatt to Soazza, leaving the high alpine landscape behind as we make our way into Ticino, Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton.
Oberalp Pass
The day begins directly from Andermatt with the gentle climb of Oberalp Pass, a steady and scenic start to the ride.
Lukmanier Pass
We then continue over Lukmanier Pass, a beautiful route that carries us deeper into Ticino. From the summit, we enjoy a long, mostly downhill stretch toward Bellinzona, the canton’s capital.
Arrival in Soazza
From Bellinzona, we continue onto the opening kilometres of Passo San Bernardino before reaching the small, picturesque town of Soazza. We will stay at one of the most distinctive hotels of the season and enjoy the warm hospitality that makes this stop especially memorable.
Day 5 Ride Details
- Route: Day 5 route
- Distance and climbing: 135 km / 2,225m
- Climbs: Oberalp and Lukmanier passes
- Hotel: Hotel Soazza.
Today’s ride carries us from Soazza across two beautiful alpine passes before descending into Italy for the night.
San Bernardino Pass
We begin with San Bernardino Pass, a long and rewarding ascent that becomes increasingly scenic as we approach the summit.
Splügen Pass and Descent to Chiavenna
After descending to Splügen, we take on Splügen Pass, crossing the Swiss-Italian border before a thrilling descent into Chiavenna. We stay here for the night, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Day 6 Ride Details
- Route: Day 6 route
- Distance and climbing: 85 km / 2,335 m
- Climbs: San Bernardino and Splügen passes
- Hotel: Crimea Wine Hotel.
After several demanding mountain stages, today offers a slightly easier ride and a welcome change of pace.
Passo del Maloja
Soon after leaving Chiavenna, we re-enter Switzerland and begin the climb to Passo del Maloja, known for its iconic switchbacks near the summit.
Silvaplana Lakes and Sils Maria
After reaching the top, the route settles into a mostly flat ride past a series of beautiful lakes in the Silvaplana region before we arrive at our hotel in the quiet town of Sils Maria.
Afternoon Visit to St. Moritz
In the afternoon, we will visit St. Moritz, one of Switzerland’s best-known alpine destinations.
Day 7 Ride Details
- Route: Day 7 route
- Distance and climbing: 41 km / 1,670 m
- Climb: Passo del Maloja.
- Hotel: Hotel Post Sils Maria.
Our final ride is a spectacular alpine loop, beginning with the ride toward St. Moritz before taking on two major passes: Albula and Julier.
Albula Pass
The first major climb of the day is Albula Pass. At 2,312 m, it is another high alpine pass and a fitting challenge for the final riding day.
Julier Pass
After reaching the top of Albula Pass, we descend to Albula and begin the climb to Julier Pass. From this side, the ascent is 36 km long and gains approximately 1,500 m.
Descent to Sils Maria
From the summit of Julier Pass, we enjoy a rewarding descent back through Silvaplana and on to Sils Maria.
It is a memorable way to finish our cycling journey through Switzerland.
Day 8 Ride Details
- Route: Day 8 route
- Distance and climbing: 111 km / 2,500 m
- Climbs: Albula Pass and Julier Pass.
- Hotel: Hotel Post Sils Maria.
Departure Transfer
After breakfast, we depart by van for Milano Malpensa Airport. We expect to arrive at MXP around noon, so please plan onward travel accordingly.
