Well I suppose that's one way of describing our Alps trip aka the 'Italian Job', planned for summer 2022. It's hard not to ride a small handful of epic Alpine Passes when we hit central Europe but we want our return to big European trips to be marked with something quite special, so for the 'Italian Job' we will be riding a minimum, yes minimum, of 19 bucket list passes in one tour.
As we are spending many days riding in Switzerland, Austria and Italy why have we named this the 'Italian Job'? Simple, we love to visit iconic movie locations and along with a brief 007 pilgrimage in this trip we also ride the Great St Bernard Pass famous for being in the opening sequence of the original 1969 Italian Job film. We also visit Colle del Nivolet, the scene of the final 'cliffhanger' from the same Michael Caine movie which ends with the gang's coach hanging precariously over the edge of an alpine road. The perfect spot for a team photo! Deploy the drone!
So to give you a teaser here are 19 passes from our 2022 Alps Trip to help whet the appetite. There are more passes that we ride on the trip, but feel these deserve a special mention.
1. Great St Bernard Pass.
At 2469 metres this is the 3rd highest pass in Switzerland the GSB takes us from Switzerland to Italy on day 9 of our trip and pass between two giants, Mount Blanc and Monte Rosa.
You can almost hear Matt Munro 'On Days Like These' as you ride this beautiful road.
2. Nufenen Pass.
At 2478 metres this is the 2nd highest 'paved' pass in Switzerland. We have this to look forward to on day 8 of our tour, our 'technical day off' during which we have a very special lunch planned.
However, to get you to lunch we ride via some truly amazing roads!
3. Grimsel Pass
We love the Grimsel Pass, as do the locals and this stunning Swiss Pass features in the 'Tour de Suisse' a cycle race which takes place at the end of June each year. Not one of the highest passes, but is certainly one of the pretty ones and our luxury hotel for 2 nights is located at the top of the beautiful road. We will become quite familiar with the Grimsel during our stay.
4. Furka Pass
"Do you expect me to talk?"
"No Mr Bond, I expect you to ride!"
For the Bondies this pass is a 'must' as it features a number of times in the 007 classic, Goldfinger. (More details at your tour briefing)
5. Tremola Pass This 'cobbled' road is actually classed as a Swiss monument and rises 300 metres in 4 kilometres via 24 hairpin bends.
6. Susten Pass Another treat for the eyes on our 'technical day off', the Susten Pass is 30 miles in length and has a total of 26 bridges and tunnels. It is simply breathtaking! The road was significantly improved during the 1940's to combat the threat of foreign invasion and is a petrol-head's dream.
7 & 8. Sella Pass & Pordoi Pass Day 4 and a visit to the Dolomites region of Italy where our routes include the Sella and Pordoi Passes. Another cyclists favourite, the Sella pass is closed the day before our arrival for a one-day cycle race, 'Maratona dles Dolomites' but fortunately we get chance to play on this amazing stretch of tarmac. The roads and views here are surreal. Day 4 is a particular favourite.
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9. San Bernadino Pass This smooth ribbon of tarmac is regarded as one of the smoothest and most exhilarating driving roads in Europe and on day 7 we show you why. Popular with Sports Cars, Vintage Cars and of course motorcycles for very good reason!
10. Flüela Pass Day 6 of our tour and we ride this sweet little pass and get to enjoy the delights of a 'coffee and cake' stop at the Flüela Hospiz.
11 & 12. San Leonardo Pass & Jaufen Pass. Another treat for day 6, before Flüela we ride both San Leonardo and Jaufen passes on our way to the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road. Stunning views plus a smooth surface equals a relaxed day in the saddle with great stops for lunch!
13. Stelvio Pass. Well, well, well... We couldn't bring you all the way over here and miss out the Mighty Stelvio could we? It has an eye watering 75 hairpin bends. 27 on our ascent of the western ramp from Bormio, and 48 on our descent of the infamous eastern ramp,
14, 15 & 16. Umbrail Pass, Silveretta Pass & Reschen Pass. Only fully asphalted since 2015, The Umbrail Pass has fast become a favourite route from Switzerland into Italy for those seeking the delights of the Stelvio region. The highest paved Swiss Pass at 2501 metres this gem is ridden on day 3 after a warm up on the Silveretta Pass and a relaxed bimble along the Reschen Pass passing the enchanting Bell Tower in Lake Resia.
17, 18 & 19. Julier Pass, Maloja Pass & Splügen Pass. All 3 of these passes are ridden on day 7 of our trip prior to the San Bernadino Pass. No words needed, just look!
It's not all 'passes' of course and we mustn't forget to mention the two 'high alpine roads', Großglockner and Timmelsjoch which, along with the beautiful Lac de Roselend all combine to make the 'Italian Job' a tour that simply cannot be missed.
Tempted?
All you need to do now is book your space and let Moto Ventura do the rest.
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