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Tours/Europe/Italy/Italian Lakes

Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour

Spend 8 days cycling through the lovely lakeside towns of Italy and Switzerland

4.8 (17 ratings)

Italy, Europe

Happiness Promise

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From $3,075USDBook Now

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

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About this tour:

8 days

Mar-Oct

Road Bike

Guided, Self-guided, Private

Hotels

Moderate (3/5)

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Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Meals

Don't worry about meals. 7 buffet breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.

Transfers

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for 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

Night 1

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Hotel Bocciolo in Orta San Giulio

This lakeview boutique hotel has modern comfortable rooms and a restaurant patio perfect for watching the sunset.

Night 2

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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.

Night 3-4

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Albergo del Sole in Porto Valtravaglia

Directly across the road from the lake, this hotel has newly renovated lakeview rooms.

Night 5-7

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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.

Planning a group trip?

Learn how we help group of friends, outdoor clubs and families get the tour they’ve been dreaming about.

Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour Details

Overview

Itinerary

Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival in Milan and Transfer to Orta San Giulio

Overnight Location - Hotel in Orta San Giulio | Distance - None | Meals - Dinner

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.

Day 2

Day 2: Cycle to Angera and Grappa Tasting

Overnight Location - Hotel in Angera | Distance - 51 km, 250m of elevation loss | Meals - Breakfast, lunch

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.

Day 3

Day 3: Continue your Ride to Porto Valtravaglia

Overnight Location - Hotel in Porto Valtravaglia | Distance - 37 km, no elevation gain | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 4

Day 4: Free Day at Lake Maggiore

Overnight Location - Hotel in Porto Valtravaglia | Distance - None | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 5

Day 5: Ride into Switzerland, Chocolate Museum, and visit Lake Lugano

Overnight Location - Hotel in Porto Valtravaglia | Distance - 60 km, 40m of elevation gain | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 6

Day 6: Bike to Villa del Balbianello

Overnight Location - Hotel in Menaggio | Distance - 51 km, 70m of descent | Meals - Breakfast, lunch

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.

Day 7

Day 7: Wine Tasting and Ride to Colico

Overnight Location - Hotel in Menaggio | Distance - 36 km, 40m of descent | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 8

Day 8: Return to Milan and Depart

Overnight Location - None | Distance - None | Meals - Breakfast

A private motorcoach will pick you up after breakfast to bring you back to the Milan Malpensa Airport. Safe travels from here!

Tour Highlights

What's Included

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

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Reviews (17)

Tour Booking Process

FAQ

FAQ for Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour

How hard is the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling 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.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy and Switzerland?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour?

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner are included on this tour.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Milan to start this tour?

You can fly to Milan Malpensa (MXP) where you will be picked up to start the tour.

Is the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour guided?

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.

Where does the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour end?

Your tour ends and begins at the Milan Malpensa Airport.

Are equipment rentals included?

Yes, local bike rentals are included. Please bring any additional equipment desired.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy and Switzerland?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Italy and Switzerland?

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.

When is the best time to travel to Italy and Switzerland for this tour?

The best time to travel to Italy and Switzerland for this tour is from June-September when the weather is warmest.

Tour Difficulty

From $3,075USD

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Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling Tour

What travellers are saying about 10Adventures

Why travellers choose this tour