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Highlights
Spend 8 days cycling through the lovely lakeside towns of Italy and Switzerland
See the medieval town of Angera, two 12th century abbeys, and many stunning lakeside villas.
Take in the majestic natural landscapes flanking the Swiss and Italian lakes along your bike route.
Discover the stunning village of Orta San Giulio and its island, enjoying relaxing ferry rides.
Rest each night in boutique hotels in gorgeous lakeside towns with local delicacies on offer.
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!
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!
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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
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided Groups of 6+: from EUR2860 per person*
Accommodation 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.
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
- How hard is the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy and Switzerland?
- Are meals included on the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Milan to start this tour?
- Is the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour guided?
- Where does the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour end?
- Are equipment rentals included?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy and Switzerland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy and Switzerland?
- When is the best time to travel to Italy and Switzerland for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. This tour consists of bike rides of 2 to 4 hours on gently ascending and descending roads. If you are comfortable cycling for several hours at steady pace, you’ll enjoy this itinerary.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly to Milan Malpensa (MXP) where you will be picked up to start the tour.
This tour is available as either a guided or self-guided tour depending on your preference. While many independent bikers and small groups prefer the self-guided option to cut the costs and have more flexibility, the guided tour is optimal for larger groups due to guide and support vehicle services being included.
Your tour ends and begins at the Milan Malpensa Airport.
Yes, local bike rentals are included. Please bring any additional equipment desired.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Italy and Switzerland for this tour is from June-September when the weather is warmest.
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