St. Moritz to Urbino Road Trip: Alps to Apennines Guide

The road from St. Moritz (1,822m) to Urbino (485m) drops over 1,300 meters in elevation, crossing three countries and two major climate zones. The route follows the Maloja Pass (1,815m) into Italy, then descends through the Valtellina valley before climbing again into the Apennines.

This 500-kilometer drive typically takes 6-7 hours without stops, but the journey's richness demands at least two days. The most scenic path uses the SS38 and SS3 bis, avoiding motorways where possible.

The Maloja Pass has 26 hairpin turns; drive cautiously in wet conditions. Summer temperatures range from 20°C in St. Moritz to 35°C in the Po Valley. Winter requires snow chains on the pass (mandatory when signposted).

For families, the Parco della Villa Reale in Monza offers a 3km stretch of playgrounds. Midway, the town of Bergamo has the funicular to Città Alta, a child-friendly medieval fortress.

• Rest zones: Autogrill Brembo (A9) and Area di Servizio alle Valli (SS73 bis).
• Pet-friendly: Many agriturismi in Valtellina accept dogs; check in advance.
• Fatigue tip: Break the drive at Lake Pusiano (exit 35 on A9).

For more on planning stops, refer to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The Maloja Pass offers panoramic views of the Engadin valley and the Bergell Alps. Descending into Italy, the Valtellina valley is terraced with vineyards producing the prized Sassella and Grumello wines. Stop in Tirano (441m) to see the UNESCO-listed Bernina Railway station.

Further south, Lake Como's eastern shore features the historic town of Bellano with its Orrido gorge. Inland, the Apennines rise gently near Urbino, with rolling hills dotted with medieval villages like Gradara and San Leo.

Local commerce thrives in weekly markets. In Chiavenna (Saturday market), sample pizzoccheri and bresaola. Near Urbino, the Crescia (a type of flatbread) and casciotta cheese are must-tries.

• Wine tasting at Ar.Pe.Pe. winery in Valtellina (by appointment).
• Silk scarves from Como's workshops.
• Ceramics from Urbino's maiolica tradition.

The drive from St. Moritz to Urbino is best split into two stages: St. Moritz to Bergamo (approx. 2.5 hours), then Bergamo to Urbino (approx. 4 hours). Fuel prices decrease significantly after crossing into Italy. In Switzerland, a litre of unleaded costs around CHF 1.80 (€1.85), while in Italy it averages €1.70.

Tolls apply on Italian motorways (A9, A1) but can be avoided by taking state roads like the SS38 and SS73 bis. Parking in Urbino is restricted; use the Parcheggio Mercatale (€1.50/hour) or free lots outside the historic centre.

• Petrol stations: frequent near Maloja Pass, sparse between Chiavenna and Como.
• Currency shift: Swiss Francs to Euros at the border.
• Vignette required for Swiss motorways (CHF 40).
• Italian motorway tolls: approx. €15 total.