Welcome to the Swiss Riviera: our adventure begins this morning in Montreux, located at the base of the Alps and on the shores of Lake Geneva. Your bikes are waiting at the lakefront, so we’ll warm up on a bike path and drop in at the UCI headquarters in Aigle before the last bits of civilization change gradually into vineyards. Before long, we encounter our inaugural climb—the Col de La Croix—which is a lovely little slice of tarmac that brings us officially into the Alps. Next up: the Col du Pillon. You’ve already done most of the climbing, but our last 3.5 kilometers is at 9%. A descent into Gstaad marks the end the week’s first ride, and we’ll check into our Alpine luxury hotel and home for the next two nights.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Aigle, Ormont-Dessus, Gstaad
Accomplished: 52 miles / 83 km, elevation gain: 7,067 feet / 2,154 meters
Accommodations: The Mansard

Here, it’s typical to find cheese at breakfast alongside bread, fruit, and eggs—and that’s because we’re in the birthplace of Gruyère. As any monger will tell you, clean air, green pastures, and fresh spring water are the foundation for exceptional cheese; it happens that they’re also excellent conditions for cycling. Today we make our way through the Sarine river valley until we reach the town of Gruyères, where we’ll sip coffee on the cobblestones, peer up at turrets on the medieval castle, and train our tastebuds on the subtle nuances between Alpine cheeses. Starting to feel a little relaxed? Our climb du jour—the Jaun Pass—will perk you up as the gentle approach through Alpage pastures turns into 10% on the middle two miles. We promise the views from the top will reward your efforts in kind. This afternoon is a perfect opportunity to hit the hotel spa before a charming farmhouse dinner later in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Gruyères, Saanen
Accomplished: 63 miles / 102 km, elevation gain: 6,841 feet / 2,085 meters
Longer Option: 78 miles / 126 km, elevation gain: 8,383 feet / 2,555 meters
Accommodations: The Mansard

Leave the valley behind and head east this morning, beginning with a bang on the Mittelberg Pass. The Mittelberg is a classic Swiss climb—if it were in the French Alps, it would be a TDF fixture. But here in Switzerland, it remains a secret so you can climb in solitude. There’s no traffic, just the sound of clanging cowbells and clicking gears. Next, enter the protected roads of the Gantrisch Natural Park where we’ll meet the Gurnigel Pass and ascend to cycling heaven via a section of well-packed gravel near the top. Round it out with a descent into the Thunersee, then cruise for a final few kilometers along Lake Thun to reach our hotel. After check-in, unwind with a swim or sit back and sip a beer overlooking the mountains we just conquered. Dinner tonight is at a lively restaurant on the water’s edge in town.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Broc, Wattenwil
Accomplished: 80 miles / 129 km, elevation gain: 7,756 feet / 2,364 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Schlossberg

Today kicks off gently with some lakeside riding that follows the curve of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Just when you thought your legs were getting a break, we approach the Susten Pass—but you’ll be so enthralled by the views of Giglistock and Sustenhorn peaks (plus the perfectly paved road) that you’ll hardly notice the 28 kilometers at 5.7%. After an electrifying descent into Andermatt, take the rest of the day off to get acquainted with this sweet Alpine town or relax at The Chedi before tomorrow’s king stage.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Interlaken, Meiringen
Accomplished: 71 miles / 114 km, elevation gain: 10,259 feet / 3,127 meters
Accommodations: The Chedi Andermatt

It’s a good thing we’ve spent the last four days getting into mountain goat mode, because this week is ending on a high note—literally. Our appetizer is the Furka Pass, with 11 kilometers to the summit at an average grade of 6%. At almost 2,500 meters elevation, we’re eye-to-eye with the Rhone Glacier, source of the Rhone river. Gain momentum on the ride down because next is the Nufenen Pass, the second highest paved road in Switzerland that gets up to 10% on some ramps. Finish with the main event: Gotthard Pass. We’ll go via Tremola Road, an old byway built in 1832 with four kilometers of cobbles and 24 unforgettable switchbacks. You’ll arrive back in Andermatt as fresh as a daisy! Tonight we pop the Prosecco—we’ve successfully conquered the Swiss Alps!

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Obergoms, Airolo
Accomplished: 68 miles / 110 km, elevation gain: 10,827 feet / 3,300 meters
Accommodations: The Chedi Andermatt

Enjoy one last coffee at The Chedi before your guides shuttle you to the train station in Lucerne.  From here, it’s an easy connection to Basel, Geneva or Zurich airports, or wherever your adventure takes you next.

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Lucerne