Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Villa Paradiso-Meina
This 19th-century villa is right across from Lake Maggiore. Enjoy well-equipped rooms and wonderful hospitality while you stay here.
Cycle through the to-die-for Italian Alps
The Lakes of the Italian Alps by Bike Tour is a special cycling tour that leads you around the largest and most beautiful pre-alpine lakes in the Italian Alps, including Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Iseo. Cruise around these splendid Italian lakes with their postcard-worthy scenery, but also takes in the lush hills and valleys that lie well off the beaten tourist track.
Cycle routes that wind through places where nature is still unspoiled, where history seems to stand still, and where peace and tranquillity reign. From tiny villages to impressive mansions, this region and the lakes offer you splendid landscapes. The final stop on the tour will be Montisola on Lake Iseo, recently the setting for “The Floating Piers” by the artist Christo. Your accommodation will be carefully chosen, and together with excellent dinners made from local products, will complement your road bike tour perfectly. This is a dream waiting to be realized.
In Milan, you’ll be welcomed by your guide before freshening up at the hotel. Spend today getting your bike set up and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Ride from the Piedmontese town of Arona on the shores of Lake Maggiore this morning. You’ll ride along the entire perimeter of the lake and then get ready to face the Val Cannobina ascentNext is Sella di Pian di Sale, which leads to the Val Vigezzo where the Cannobino stream forms deep gorges. In Val Cannobi,na with its mountains, alpine farmsteads and pastures, you ride back in time.
Pedaling onwards, you’ll then reach the largest and most important town in the valley, Santa Maria Maggiore, a historic village situated on a high plain. Enjoy time to relax before dinner together.
After a tasty breakfast, gear up for a long but easy ride. After riding through Re, the last municipality of Val Vigezzo, you will enter Switzerland in the Canton Ticino heading for Borgnone, then continue down towards Losone to reach the city of Locarno, situated on the north shore of Lake Maggiore. After your visit to Switzerland, you will head back into Italy. Riding to Luino, you’ll continue along the lake for the last part of today’s ride to Laveno-Mombello. This important town on the eastern shore of the lake is well-known for its marina.
This evening, you can check out Monte Sasso del Ferro, the mountain above the town. It can be reached by cable car and has one of the best views of the lake.
After meeting for breakfast, you will leave by minibus to Lake Como. Hop on the bikes bound for Cernobbio, a renowned tourist resort on the western shore of the lake. Next, the Val d’Intelvi ascent is waiting for you with a view of the summit of Monte Generoso.
Leaving the mountains, head down to Porlezza, an important tourist resort on the shore of Lake Lugano. Continue downhill until you return to the western shore of Lake Como in Menaggio, which enjoys a superb view of the lake. Riding along the lake, you end your day’s ride in beautiful Dongo.
Begin today with a ride through the Colico Piano on the eastern shore of the lake to Varenna, where a ferry transfer takes you to Bellagio. Here, deal with the challenging ascent that leads to the sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists. If you feel up to the challenge, you can ride up to the sanctuary, otherwise you can reach your destination for the day a bit sooner: Bellagio, one of the most beautiful towns in the area.
After breakfast, transfer by minibus to Lake Iseo, where you will start the day’s ride in the beautiful Franciacorta. This pre-alpine lake with its characteristic “S” shape is in both the province of Brescia (east side) and Bergamo (west side). Pedaling clockwise, you will go through Predore and Riva di Solto. Reach a stretch of road from where you can admire the small beaches and old lakeside road (dating back to 1910!) that runs right next to the lake. With hairpin bends, short tunnels carved out of the rock, and a picturesque waterfall, it’s a scenic ride to Castro.
Carry on to Lovere, with its colorful alleys, ancient churches, and elegant squares. Stop in Sulzano for ice cream, admiring Montisola, the largest lake island in Europe. After Sulzano, you will pedal to Iseo and Sarnico, today’s endpoint.
After a delightful week, it’s time to continue onwards. Safe travels!
This guided tour is always run as a group tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for groups of 4 and more. Please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you.
Prices below are per person:
Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-06-18 Milan, Italy 7 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-06-24 Milan, Italy | 7 | 5+ | $2,925USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-07-16 Milan, Italy 7 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-07-21 Milan, Italy | 7 | 5+ | $2,925USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-09-17 Milan, Italy 7 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-09-23 Milan, Italy | 7 | 5+ | $2,925USDBook Now | Book Now |
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $395USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
This 19th-century villa is right across from Lake Maggiore. Enjoy well-equipped rooms and wonderful hospitality while you stay here.
With super comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast, this hotel is the perfect spot to rest after your first day of riding.
Tucked onto a wooded hillside with amazing lake views, Locanda Pozzetto is a down-to-earth hotel that used to be a local farmhouse.
After a few days of riding, relaxing in the pool here will feel perfect. You’re only 2km from Lake Como in this relaxed hotel.
With a dinner patio that overlooks Lake Como, Hotel Silvio has location going for it. Run by the same family for years, the hospitality here is on another level.
This hotel has a contemporary feel, and the spa onsite is ideal after a week of riding. Take advantage of lovely rooms and top-notch service.
6 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
All required minibus transfers are included, and the minibus will be available to you throughout the tour should you need a break. Required ferry transfers are also included.
How hard is Lakes of the Italian Alps by Bike Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. There will be 75-80km of daily riding with some steep ascents, but most of the terrain is relaxed.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
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 Lakes of the Italian Alps by Bike Tour?
6 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover road biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Milan to start this tour?
You can fly into any of the airports in Milan or arrive by train. You will be picked up from your arrival location to start the tour.
Is the Lakes of the Italian Alps by Bike Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guides are English-speaking.
Where does the Lakes of the Italian Alps by Bike Tour end?
The final stop on our tour will be Montisola, on Lake Iseo.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Bikes available are the Giant TCR Advanced 2 model in all sizes. In addition, you can choose between road bikes, trek bikes, and E-road bikes.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Can I change the departure date?
Yes, if you are a group of at least 4 people we can adapt our departures to suit your needs.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we can. All of the included restaurants can provide a personalized menu.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
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.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 3/5. There will be 75-80km of daily riding with some steep ascents, but most of the terrain is relaxed.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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