From Bormio, take the 13-km sloping route along river Frodolfo up to Santa Caterina Valfurva, the hometown of Italian Olympic alpine skiing gold medallist Deborah Compagnoni and mountaineer Achille Compagnoni, who was the first to reach the K2 summit. Here is where the climb gets tough.

Treglio is situated on the Rhaetian slope at 860 m of altitude. It’s one of Valtellina’s most charming villages, also known as the “land of pizzoccheri”. Teglio has plenty of things to see, such as Palazzo Besta, one of the main Renaissance residences in Lombardy. This historical building is also rich in stüas, fresco cycles, and a frescoed map that treasures a secret. In addition, it houses the Antiquarium Tellinum, a small museum dedicated to Valtellina’s prehistoric civilisation, including the Caven 3 stele, also called mother-goddess. 

In the past few years, the Giro d’Italia has discovered a true gem for cyclists right in the middle of the Alps. Since the 1990s, when the Giro passed here for the first time, the Mortirolo Pass has shown its various aspects and slopes. This pass can be reached from 4 or 5 roads. Marco Pantani’s historical climb from Mazzo in Valtellina features slopes with a 20% gradient and leg-killing hairpin turns. The slope that goes up from the Brescia province is less demanding.

Grosio is an important historic town a few kilometres from Tirano, going towards the northeast part of the valley. You can’t leave Grosio without visiting Villa Visconti Venosta, home of the noble family dating back to the late 1600s. Another major attraction is the exciting Rock Engraving Park of Grosio, with Rupe Magna, the largest engraved rock in the Alps, with over 5000 engravings. The Park also houses the Castle of S. Faustino and the New Castle (Castello Nuovo). From Grosio, you can easily explore the beautiful Val Grosina natural park.

The famous Bernina Express and red train railway was granted UNESCO world heritage status in 2008. It’s not just a connection between Italy and Switzerland, it’s also an incredible adventure through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Moreover, it’s Europe's highest-altitude Alpine crossing and one of the world’s steepest natural grip railways. From its panoramic cars, you can enjoy jaw-dropping landscapes both in winter and summer. This train travels on slopes with a 7% gradient. The railway’s highest point is at 2253 m (Bernina Pass), and then it descends to St. Moritz, Engadin’s gem. 

Capo di Ponte is located between Valtellina and Valcamonica, 35 km from Aprica. This place attracts numerous tourists as it’s home to the Archeopark – a museum of prehistory with villages built in various styles from the Palaeolithic to the Roman era – and the Naquane National Park of Rock Engravings, Italy’s first UNESCO world heritage site.

The Breno castle, ancient villages such as Cemmo and Pescarzo, fortresses, smelting furnaces, and forges bear witness to the rich prehistoric history of this Valley, as its new brand defines it.

Tirano is the ancient chief town of Valtellina Terziere Superiore, inhabited since prehistoric times. During the Middle Ages, it was enriched with beautiful castles and buildings whose ruins still stand today. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano was built after the Marian apparition in the 16th century. Today, it’s Valtellina’s most important religious monument and the most beautiful example of Renaissance architecture in the province. This sanctuary stands out for its monumental organ that dates back to the 1600s. Its square also houses Tirano’s Ethnographic Museum.

The Stelvio Pass is one of the best-known Alpine passes and Italy’s highest automotive pass with 2,758 metres and 40 hairpin turns. This legendary climb is famous for the heroic feats of the world’s greatest cyclists. More than once, it was named “Cima Coppi” after Fausto Coppi, the unforgettable Italian champion who won the Giro d’Italia five times. You can also have fun skiing in the summer on the Livrio glacier. From the Stelvio Pass, you can take different panoramic routes if you like hiking in the summer.