Spend 8 days cycling through the lovely lakeside towns of Italy and Switzerland
The Italian and Swiss lake country is full of world-class routes, and what better way to take in the staggering natural beauty of this region than by bike? This guided cycling tour takes you around several gorgeous lakes and into ancient towns filled with stunning architecture.
You’ll be travelling with two professional English-speaking tour guides, with the comfort of having vehicle support along your route. Stay in welcoming boutique hotels right near the lakes so that it’s easy to jump on your bike each morning. Although it will be hard to pry your eyes away from all the incredible sights along your journey, you’ll also have many fascinating places to stop and discover more about the local culture and delicacies! Taste Swiss chocolate, locally-grown wine, and frosty gelato in between kilometres on the bike. The Cycling Tour of the Italian and Swiss Alps is not to be missed!
Highlights of the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour
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Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Milan and Transfer to Orta San Giulio
You’ll be collected from the Milan Malpensa Airport and brought to Armeno by private coach. The afternoon is at your leisure.
Orta San Giulio is known for being one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Its city center and the stunning San Giulio Island are not to be missed! Your welcome dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orta San Giulio
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Cycle to Angera and Grappa Tasting
Today you’ll be cycling along Lake Orta and through the Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park. On your way towards Lake Maggiore, you’ll experience scenery from swamps to horse pastures and archaeological sites.
Once you’ve arrived in Angera, you’ll leave the bikes behind for a guided tour of the medieval town and have a grappa tasting from a local distillery. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Angera
Distance: 51 km, 250m of elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Continue your Ride to Porto Valtravaglia
This morning you’ll be cycling up the eastern lakeside. You’ll have interesting breaks today! First, you’ll rest at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a stunning cliffside abbey from the 12th century.
Later, you’ll have some time to visit a locanda and try some of the beautiful local produce such as cheese, cold cuts, and honey. The rest of your evening is free to enjoy once you’ve arrived in Porto Valtravaglia for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto Valtravaglia
Distance: 37 km, no elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Free Day at Lake Maggiore
Today you’ll have a break from your bike so you can relax and explore the area. A great way to spend the day would be to take a ferry to the Borromeo Islands. These diverse islands range from the fishing island of Isola Superiore to the elaborate palace and gardens on Isola Bella.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto Valtravaglia
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Ride into Switzerland, Chocolate Museum, and visit Lake Lugano
Depart after breakfast for a scenic ride into Switzerland. You’ll stop in Caslano for a tour of the Chocolate Museum followed by a delicious Swiss chocolate tasting.
From here, you’ll cycle to Lake Lugano and explore its charming namesake city. You’ll continue to Menaggio, where you’ll spend the night with views of the lake.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto Valtravaglia
Distance: 60 km, 40m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Bike to Villa del Balbianello
Today you’ll cycle towards the spectacular Villa del Balbianello, built in the 19th century. This spectacular lakeside villa and its gardens are popular filmmaking spots.
Then, you’ll stop into a traditional gelateria to learn about the famous Italian treat and for a refreshing snack. A ferry will take you to Bellagio for lunch.
Your afternoon ride will be the gorgeous route along Lake Como. Spend some time exploring Como before taking the ferry back to Menaggio.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Menaggio
Distance: 51 km, 70m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 Wine Tasting and Ride to Colico
After breakfast, you’ll be cycling toward the northern side of the lake. You’ll take a break at a wine cellar for a tasting of local wines and a lunch showcasing the delicious local produce.
From here you’ll ride to Colico to visit the beautiful 12th century Santa Maria di Piona Abbey. You’ll return to Menaggio by ferry for your last night at the lake.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Menaggio
Distance: 36 km, 40m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Return to Milan and Depart
A private motorcoach will pick you up after breakfast to bring you back to the Milan Malpensa Airport. Safe travels from here!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This guided tour is run as a custom tour for your group, and the price depends on the number of people in your group.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided Groups of 6+: from $3,195 USD per person*
*-The exact pricing for this tour depends on your travelling dates and the availability. Please inquire to find out the exact pricing.
Book NowAccommodation on the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star boutique style hotels in close proximity to the route that you’ll be cycling. All hotels have comfortable private rooms that are double occupancy.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room instead of sharing in double occupancy.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Bocciolo in Orta San Giulio ★★★
This lakeview boutique hotel has modern comfortable rooms and a restaurant patio perfect for watching the sunset.
Hotel dei Tigli in Angera ★★★
Steps to the lakeside and Angera landmarks, this hotel is a perfectly located home base. The rooms are cozy and quiet.
Albergo del Sole in Porto Valtravaglia ★★★
Directly across the road from the lake, this hotel has newly renovated lakeview rooms.
Albergo Lenno in Menaggio ★★★★
The rooms at this hotel are spacious and modern, and the hotel has a large patio and outdoor pool that overlooks the water.
What’s Included in the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 buffet breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes a private motorcoach transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport to Armeno and to the airport at the end of your trip. Your luggage and bike will be transported between hotels according to the itinerary.
Also Included
- Bike rental (mountain bike or hybrid bike)
- English-speaking tour leader (guided option only)
- Vehicle support throughout (guided option only)
- English-speaking assistant (for groups of 10 and more on guided option only)
- 24-hour assistance hotline (self-guided option only)
- All city taxes
- Ferry tickets between Colico and Menaggio on Day 6 and between Como and Menaggio on Day 7.
- Tastings:
- Grappa tasting at distillery in Angera
- Local produce tastings on Day 3
- Chocolate tasting at museum on Day 5
- Wine tasting in a selected wine cellar on Day 6
- Gelato tasting at a selected gelateria on Day 7
- Entrance fees:
- Chocolate Museum
- Guided tour at the Villa del Balbianello
- 24-hour emergency assistance
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Milan
- Meals and drinks not listed as included
- Visas if required
- Gratuities for local guides, hotel staff, waiters and local drivers
- Any increase in Italian state VAT in addition to the current 22%.
Optional Extras
- Upgrade to an electric bike
- Single room supplements
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour
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