Epic 3 Nations
with Rob Taylor

After breakfast, an orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride, featuring a magnificent, virtually unknown climb to the Lac de Bise, high in the Alps close to the Swiss border.

Shorter ride option:  47km +1.198m (Les Bossons).

We’ve designed an absolutely stunning route for today’s ride, featuring the most scenic and most challenging climbs in the Haute Savoie.

Leaving the hotel in Evian, you’ll head south towards the town of Chatel, the 2025 Finish of Le Tour de France Femmes. Just before Chatel you’ll head over the Col du Corbier to Morzine. From Morzine the Col de L’Encrenaz leads you to Samoens and the start of the super-steep Col de Joux Plane, where Lance Armstrong had one of his worst days on the bike back in the 2000 Tour de France, losing 2 minutes to Richard Virenque in just 5km. We hope you enjoy the climb more than Armstrong did on that infamous day, and don’t forget to leave something in the legs for the final climb, the magnificent Col du Grand Taillet.

Shorter ride option: 95km +2.763m (Lac de Bise, Col du Corbier and Col du Grand Taillet)

After yesterday’s mountainous ride, you’ll start your recovery ride along a lovely bike path hugging the shore of Lake Geneva.

But remember, you are on a Thomson trip, so although this is a recovery ride you’ll still be doing some climbing to reach your hotel at LeCrans.

Today’s highlight is without doubt the magnificent Col du Sanetsch, a hidden gem known for its dramatic views and serene alpine lakes.

With a total elevation gain of 1500m over 20km, this climb is one to settle into with a steady pace so that you can enjoy the spectacular scenery that’s all around you.

Shorter ride option: 71km +2.142m (Col du Sanetsch).

We only have one climb today, Mossalp.

This isn’t one of the most famous alpine climbs – despite being on the Tour de Suisse several times – but it will probably be one of your favourites by the time you reach the top! Why? Its scenery is gorgeous, there is very little traffic and the views are panoramic. And there’s more! It’s not very steep and it has a really fun descent!

Shorter ride option: 100km +2.390m (Mossalp).

The “spectacular” theme continues with an amazing loop over three Hors-Categorie climbs. The highlight of the day is, without a doubt, the cobbled St. Gotthard Pass. Only the Swiss could maintain such perfect cobbles, painstakingly repairing the road every spring. There are two other roads that lead to the summit, so you can enjoy the old, cobbled road without any traffic. In addition to the Saint Gotthard you’ll also conquer the Nufenenpass and the Furkapass, both of which rise to over 2,400m (7,900ft).

Tip: Climbing 13km (8 miles) on cobbles is tough, even if they are very smooth. So, best not to push too hard over the St. Gotthard Pass and instead take in the stunning scenery and just enjoy the ride.

Shorter ride option: 88km +2.023m (St. Gotthardpass and Furkapass).

Queen stage today: Four climbs, three HC!

Grosse Scheidegg is the highlight of today’s ride. This remarkable climb winds its way through some of the highest peaks in Europe, including the famous north face of the Eiger. Ask any cyclist who’s had the good fortune to ride this climb and they will no doubt tell you that it’s on their list of Top 10 climbs in Europe – it’s that good! The fun continues after Grosse Scheidegg with the 25km (15 miles) Grimselpass, topping out at 2,200m (7,200ft).

Tip: the road to Grosse Scheidegg is closed to regular traffic from Grindenwald, but there are regular shuttle buses taking hikers to the summit. The buses can take up most of the road on the switchbacks, so just keep an eye out for them and stay well to the right if you’re on a switchback.

Shorter ride option: 79km +2.198m (Grosse Scheidegg and Sustenpass).

There is a great surprise for everyone on today’s ride! This is a short but truly scenic route, featuring a climb up the beautiful, cobbled St. Gotthard Pass followed by a “Bonus” climb to the secret Bandolero cave!

Tip: Take it easy, enjoy your recovery ride and look forward to dinner at a very nice restaurant in downtown Andermatt!

Your journey eastward across the Swiss Alps continues with a magnificent ride across the Oberalppass. Keep an eye out for the famous Glacier Express train, which runs alongside the road, linking St Moritz and the Matterhorn. The ride ends with a sensational 25km (15 miles) stretch of single-lane road perched high above the valley.

Shorter ride option: 83km +1.233m (Oberlppass).

The iconic Albulapass is one of the top climbs in Switzerland and is often included as a stage in the annual Tour de Suisse. From the hotel, enjoy the first 35km through typical Swiss countryside before reaching Filisur and the start of our climb to the Albulapass. The summit lies 23km up the road at 2,300m (7,500ft), so you’ll need to pace yourself for this huge HC climb.

The second main climb of the day is the Umbrailpass, on the Swiss-Italian border. When reaching the summit, why not continue the extra 3km to the summit of the Stelvio?!

Shorter ride option: 126km +2.903m (Albulapass, Trepalle and Foscagno).

Another classic Italian ride today over both sides of the legendary Passo Stelvio. From Bormio you’ll head up the southern approach to the Passo Stelvio. Turn around at the summit, head down 3km and take the right turn that leads to the Passo Umbrail and the border with Switzerland. The descent takes you through the beautiful Val Mustair before leading back into Italy and Prato allo Stelvio where the northern approach to the Passo Stelvio begins.

Tip: with an average grade of almost 7.5% over 24 km (15 miles), the 2nd ascent of the Stelvio is a major challenge. Make sure you leave something in the legs for this epic climb!

Shorter option ride : 39km +1.460m (Stelvio from Bormio).

The perfect way to end this epic trip with an iconic Italian loop.

The Mortirolo is considered the “Alpe d’Huez” of the Giro d’Italia – except it’s significantly more challenging than its French counterpart! With an average of 10.5% over 11 km (7 miles), this is one of the toughest climbs in Europe. After conquering the Mortirolo you’ll head up the valley to Ponte di Legno and the start of the climb to the Passo Gavia, always remembered for Andy Hampsten’s epic ride through a snowstorm to win the 1988 Giro.

Tip: stop at the café at the summit of the Gavia. If it’s cold, warm up with the best-ever hot chocolate and hot soup! From the café you have a 25 km (15 miles) descent to the hotel.

Shorter ride option: 82km +2.500m ( Gavia from Bormio and Lago di Cancano).

Sadly, your EPIC 3 Nations journey has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Milan Malpensa airport.