Italian Lakes bike tour

Your Pedalitaly adventure commences with a warm welcome as our guides eagerly await your arrival at Milano Malpensa International Airport. From there, we’ll whisk you away to the charming haven of Arona, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Como. Arona is renowned for its Lungolago, a lakeside promenade that offers magnificent vistas of the castle on the opposite shore and the majestic Alps beyond. After a refreshing lunch, we’ll gather for a bike fitting session, ensuring that you and your trusty steed are perfectly aligned for the week ahead. With the formalities complete, we embark on a warm-up ride, affectionately referred to as “sgambatella.” From the heart of Arona, we’ll pedal along tranquil roads that meander through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Italy, a region celebrated for its unparalleled natural beauty. Our journey includes a stop at one of the region’s most esteemed enotecas, where, with a glass in hand, we’ll toast to the exciting week ahead. As the day draws to a close, we return to our hotel, where we’ll prepare for a five-star dinner at one of the town’s most exquisite restaurants.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 35 km, elevation 400 meters

Pick-up location: Milano Malpensa Airport

The day begins with a leisurely Italian breakfast, setting the perfect tone for our next cycling adventure. Today’s ride promises to be a visual feast, offering unparalleled vistas of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and the majestic Alps. We’ll start our journey by cycling along the shimmering shores of Lake Maggiore, a route that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the region. A gentle, 6-kilometre ascent with an average grade of 6.5% takes us to the charming town of Calogna, nestled amidst verdant hills. The descent to Omegna, a delightful village on the northern shore of Lake Orta, heralds our arrival at this small, romantic lake where beauty, art, and mysticism effortlessly intertwine. Lunch awaits at the finest trattoria in Omegna, a culinary experience complemented by stunning views of the enchanting Island of St. Jules. Once satiated, we’ll get back in the saddle, pedalling along peaceful roads that lead us through the quaint village of Oleggio Castello before we make our triumphant return to Arona.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 75 km, elevation 750 meters

As the sun rises, we gather for a nourishing breakfast that primes us for a challenging ride through some of the world’s most captivating mountain scenery. Our journey commences on the flatlands, setting our course for the picturesque town of Stresa, celebrated for its waterfront promenade, a vantage point that bestows breathtaking views of the towering mountains and the enchanting Borromean Islands. Our route unfolds with a gradual ascent of the Mottarone, a climb that delivers us to an elevated realm where the views are simply unmatched. From this lofty perch, we’ll marvel at the splendour of the seven lakes that grace this corner of Italy. After a well-deserved break, we’ll embark on an exhilarating 16-kilometre descent along a stunning provincial road, with the final leg being a private stretch named Borromeo, a road with a history dating back to the 14th century. Once back in Arona, we’ll have time to relax before the evening’s gourmet dinner, a celebration of the day’s achievements and a tribute to the culinary wonders of Italy.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 75 km, elevation 1200 meters

Day four unfolds along some of the most picturesque roads in Italy, a journey that treats your senses to breathtaking views of the lakes’ glistening blue waters and the awe-inspiring Alps. Cycling in the company of Lake Comabbio and Lake Varese, we’ll encounter a series of gentle ascents and smooth descents, all within a landscape graced by luxuriant vegetation. A formidable challenge awaits us—a demanding ascent of 7 kilometres with an average grade of 7%. It’s a climb that leads us to the Alpe Del Tedesco, where a traditional homemade lunch is served, a rewarding reprieve. The descent that follows ushers us to the stunning Lake Lugano, where we pause in Ponte Tresa, situated on the border with Switzerland. Here, the harmonious blend of cultures and landscapes is palpable. Returning to our hotel, we have time to unwind and relax. An evening aperitivo sets the stage for a delightful dinner, a culmination of another remarkable day in Italy. This is the Pedalitaly experience, where every ride is an opportunity for awe-inspiring exploration.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 75 km, elevation 700 meters

Our day begins with a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for a memorable journey that spans both Switzerland and Italy. We’ll wind our way through the enchanting Muggio Valley in Switzerland, a region adorned with chestnut woods, watermills, and meadows bursting with wildflowers. Our route leads us to the western shores of the elegant Lake Como, where the landscape is graced by magnificent neo-classical villas. Our path carries us through two renowned towns, Bellagio and Varenna. Bellagio is a charming destination that stands as one of Lake Como’s major attractions, while Varenna enchants with its narrow winding streets and undeniable must-see status. A pause for a traditional lunch provides a delightful interlude. Continuing along our route, we pedal toward the southern shore of Lake Como, concluding our ride in the chic haven of Cernobbio. This world-renowned lakefront town sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, the perfect conclusion to a day filled with Swiss and Italian charm.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 80 km, elevation 1.300 meters

A sumptuous gourmet breakfast readies us for the most demanding ride of the week. Departing from Como, our journey unfolds with a series of gentle ascents and descents, guiding us along tranquil country roads and through verdant pastures. Today’s centrepiece is the world-renowned Passo Del Ghisallo, a climb that spans 10 kilometres, with 4 kilometres boasting gradients between 8% and 10%. At the summit of this iconic pass, we’ll pay a visit to the famous Madonna del Ghisallo church, a sacred place that holds special significance for cyclists. Our journey continues with a stop at the Fausto Coppi cycling museum in Castellania, a tribute to one of the sport’s greatest legends. It’s a captivating glimpse into the history and heritage of cycling. As the day progresses, we make our way to the most renowned local trattoria, where talented chefs will delight our palates with traditional dishes that exemplify the flavours of the region. In the afternoon, you’re free to relax or explore the surroundings, soaking in the beauty of the area. In the evening, we regroup for a celebratory dinner, a fitting conclusion to this extraordinary holiday.

Meals: Dinner

Cycling: distance 50 km, elevation 1.000 meters

Our journey together culminates with a final breakfast, a time for reflection and gratitude as we bid fond farewells to our dedicated guides. Their expertise and passion have enriched every step of this remarkable adventure. With heartfelt goodbyes, we prepare for the next chapter of your journey, guided by your sense of exploration and the memories we’ve created together. Though our paths may diverge, the connections and experiences forged during our time together will remain with you, an enduring testament to the spirit of Pedalitaly.

Meals: Breakfast

Drop-off: Milano Malpensa Airport