Cycling Italy’s Lakes District Plus!

Highlights: Italy’s most famous Alpine lake, Stresa, the Borromean Islands

Meet this afternoon in Verbania, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, perhaps the most celebrated lake in Italy’s lake district. Surrounded by 7,000 foot alpine peaks Lake Maggiore enjoys a warm micro-climate that has attracted vacationers since the Milanese aristocracy began building villas here in the 17th century. Come early and visit the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori (of the “fishermen”), the villas of Stresa, and the botanic gardens of Pallanza. We fit bicycles this afternoon and will suggest a warm up ride for you on a bike path along the lake. Welcome dinner together.

Highlights: Ferry across Lake Maggiore, Lugano Switzerland, Rail to Trail Bike Path to Ponte Tresa, Swiss chocolate

Enjoy the views across Lake Maggiore and into the high Alps as we ferry across Lake Maggiore to Laveno, the only natural harbor on the east side of the lake. From here you’ll pedal into the Cuvia Valley and over a small pass into Val Ganna where we join a rails to trails bike path to Ponte Tresa, where we will cross the border into Switzerland. Your ride continues along Lake Lugano for more great views on the Swiss Alps before arriving in the bustling city of Lugano, your destination for today.

Highlights: Explore the bustling city of Lugano, loop ride

This morning you have plenty of options: take a little more time to explore this vibrant city’s shopping and museum opportunities; or take the funicular to the top of Monte Bre’ for a spectacular view over the lake. For those who want to ride there is the chance to go for a ride along the shores and hills of Lake Lugano your climbing efforts will be rewarded with great views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Highlights: Lake Lugano climbing towards the Swiss/Italian border, or ferry on Lugano Lake back to Italy, Menaggio

Unlike Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, which are shared between Italy and Switzerland, Lake Como is strictly Italian. Lake Como (also called Lario) is one of the most beautiful of the Italian lakes. It is famous for its villas, including Villa d’Este in Cernobbio and Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. There is a shorter (15 km – 10 miles) and easier ride option available. We’ll spend the next two nights on the shores of Lake Como.

Highlights: Villa Melzi, Villa Serbelloni, Madonna del Ghisallo Bicycle Museum

There are plenty of opportunities to explore today: Visit the lakeside gardens of Villas Melzi and Serbelloni; ferry to Varenna and visit the gardens of Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. If you are looking for a cycling challenge you can pedal to the internationally known Madonna del Ghisallo chapel and bicycle museum at the top of the pass near Magréglio, not far from Bellagio.

Highlights: Como, lakeside riding

Our ride today takes us along the Lecco arm of Lake Como and up a short climb to Asso. From here we head downhill towards the plain. Our destination is the famous city of Como at the southern-most end of Lake Como.

Highlights: Bergamo Alta, Lago d’Iseo

You’ll shuttle to the striking medieval city of Bergamo Alta (“High Bergamo”) for a guided visit of the center of town and its imposing 16th century Venetian walls. Bergamo is one of the few Italian cities to escape destruction during the World Wars, so its architectural history is well preserved. A stroll through the Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the town, as well as a visit to one of the Palazzi or the Basilica or Duomo, are well worth it before you enjoy lunch. Another shuttle takes you to our destination for the night, Lago d’Iseo, a smaller version of the larger alpine lakes we’ve seen so far. Bordering the lake to the south is the densely cultivated Franciacorta region, famous for its sparkling white wines. The dense network of vineyards, church-topped hills and scattering of cypress trees here remind some people of Tuscany.

Highlights: Wine country, views of Monte Isola, Lake Iseo

Enjoy more lake views today as you cycle north along the shore of the lake before taking the ferry to Monte Isola, literally Mount Island, a massive mountain that emerges 1200 feet from the lake surface. On Monte Isola, you’ll enjoy car-free cycling around the island and stunning views of the surrounding mainland. Be sure to take time to stop at the old fisherman villages for a unique perspective into local life. Back on the mainland we’ll take a short ferry ride, and bicycle back to our hotel. We’ll visit a local winery and sample this delicious sparkling wine before dinner together.

Highlights: Brescia, Salò

Leave the Franciacorta wine region today to pedal east toward the last famous lake of the Italian Lakes region: Lake Garda. Traditionally a holiday “playground” for Germans and Austrians, Garda is the largest of Italy’s alpine lakes and formed part of the border between Lombardy and the Venetian Republic from 1549 until 1797. With a micro-climate that once allowed cultivation of lemons and still produces olives for oil Lake Garda’s economy is diverse and healthy. You’ll be on the eastern shores of Lake Garda tonight, on the Lombard side.

Highlights: Vineyards and olive groves, relax by the lake

Pedal through the Lugana wine region where olive groves and vineyards abound. You’ll make your way through an intricate network of roads, following valleys and ridges offering views over the Lake Garda and the Alps. Choose a beach and take a dip. If you prefer you can take the day off the bike and explore Salò or take a ferry for a cruise on the lake. This evening we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner together.

Highlights: Tour ends with a shuttle To Brescia train station

We’ll shuttle you to the nearby city of Brescia for trains to Milan, Venice or Rome