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Spanning eight Alpine countries and containing impressive snow-capped peaks that dominate the horizon, the Alps are an impressive mountain range that form an integral part of Europe.
Lucky for you, our leisure cycling holiday remains in the foothills of these towering summits and allows you to admire from afar, with a few cheeky climbs thrown in for good measure too.
The Alps offer an incredible variety of cycling experiences, from relaxed rides through spectacular mountain scenery to some of the toughest climbs in European cycling. Choose a scenic leisure tour with the option of e-bikes, a challenging road cycling adventure tackling legendary passes, or an off-road mountain biking experience exploring Alpine trails.
Our guided and self-guided Alpine cycling tours let you discover this iconic region in different ways. Guided tours provide expert route knowledge, support and carefully planned logistics, while self-guided trips offer the freedom to ride independently with everything organised for you.
Skedaddle’s Alpine tours explore some of Europe’s most celebrated cycling destinations, taking in the spectacular landscapes and world-famous climbs of France and Italy. Ride famous Tour de France climbs in the French Alps, or head to Italy to tackle the iconic Mortirolo, Passo Gavia and Passo Stelvio, legendary climbs from the Giro d’Italia. From gentle valleys to high mountain passes, the Alps deliver unforgettable cycling challenges.
This holiday is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your holiday with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.
Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.
2026 18 Apr – 26 Oct
Season 1 – £2195 18 Apr – 14 Jun and 09 Sep – 26 Oct
Season 2 – £2395 15 Jun – 08 Sep
2027 19 Apr – 26 Oct
Season 1 – £2295 19 Apr – 14 Jun and 09 Sep – 26 Oct
Season 2 – £2495 15 Jun – 08 Sep
If you‘re looking for a longer holiday, our Lake Garda to Venice route links into this tour perfectly; two self-guided tours of a similar grade that you‘re able to do back to back. Contact us if you’d like more info on this!
This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 22/08/2026 Guaranteed | 29/08/2026 | £2,495.00 |
| 19/06/2027 Guaranteed | 26/06/2027 | £2,595.00 |
| 03/07/2027 | 10/07/2027 | £2,595.00 |
| 21/08/2027 | 28/08/2027 | £2,595.00 |
Get in touch and we'll help you find your perfect trip.
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Road cycling in the Alps is defined by its dramatic changes in elevation and constantly changing mountain terrain. Climbs often involve long, sustained gradients rather than short, sharp efforts, with many famous passes rising thousands of metres from valley floors to high mountain summits. Riders can expect sweeping hairpins, tight switchbacks and exposed sections where the road contours around steep mountainsides.
The geography creates a huge variety of challenges. Deep valleys provide gentler approaches before roads begin to climb through forests, alpine meadows and rocky landscapes. Higher up, thinner air, changing weather conditions and extended ascents add to the challenge, while the descents demand concentration with technical corners and fast-flowing sections.
Italy is particularly suited to riders looking to develop their climbing ability, with iconic Giro d’Italia routes combining steep gradients, relentless elevation gain and technical descents. From carefully paced valley rides to demanding high-mountain challenges, the Alps offer terrain to suit cyclists looking to test their skills.
Leisure cyclists can also enjoy the Alps on the Via Claudia at a more relaxed pace, following scenic routes through traditional mountain villages, lakeside landscapes and wide alpine valleys. Traffic-free cycle paths, quieter roads, rewarding café stops and the chance to enjoy a tasty gelato on the shores of Lake Garda make it possible to experience the beauty of the mountains without tackling the region's most demanding climbs.
For mountain bikers, the Alps offer an entirely different adventure, with everything from flowing forest singletrack and high-altitude traverses to technical descents and purpose-built trail networks. Regions such as the Dolomites and Aosta Valley are renowned for their spectacular riding, combining dramatic scenery with trails suitable for a range of abilities.
Training for cycling in the Alps is about building endurance, climbing strength and confidence on longer ascents. Regular rides that include hills are ideal preparation, gradually increasing distance and elevation gain over time. Strength training and practising sustained efforts at a steady pace can also help prepare you for the long climbs found on Alpine cycling tours. It is worth checking the daily distances and elevation profiles of your chosen tour so you can train specifically for the challenge ahead.
Mountain weather can change quickly, even during summer, so layers are essential when cycling in the Alps. Lightweight, breathable cycling clothing is ideal for warmer valley sections, while a waterproof jacket, arm warmers and an additional layer are useful for cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Gloves and suitable eyewear can also make long descents more comfortable, particularly after climbing into cooler mountain air.
Road cycling in the Alps can be challenging, but the difficulty depends on the route, distance and elevation gain of your chosen tour. The famous mountain passes are long climbs that require steady pacing, with gradients that can vary from manageable sections to steeper ramps. However, Alpine cycling is not only about reaching the summit, our well-planned routes combine climbs with rewarding descents, stunning scenery and the satisfaction of completing some of Europe’s most iconic cycling roads. We do offer less challenging trips such as La Via Claudia which enable you to experience the stunning scenery without facing the famous cols.
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