The charm and style of Italy, plus the precision and pristine beauty of Italian Switzerland. Spend time lounging on lake shores bordered by flowers & mountains. Sip iced tea with peaches, try fresh porcini, and gaze at glorious vistas.
Six of the trip's seven nights are spent on the shores of the world's most beautiful lakes.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Over breakfast, admire the warm and welcoming mountains surrounding you. Just a harbinger of greater glory to come. We mount our bikes and enjoy the gentle and downhill roll in the sun through the wide, sleepy Ossola valley, to the world-famous Lago Maggiore. Spend the evening hours admiring the views of flower-covered villas overlooking this wonderful lake.
(B) (D)
Day 2:
Visit Stresa, the Montreux of the Italian Alps. Ferry out to the Borromean islands for the palaces, terraced gardens complete with white peacocks, and antique fishing village. Or just go swimming or boating. The towns are architectural gems (the lake’s shores have been inhabited since the iron age). Determined cyclists can head up-lake for a stunning mountain ride to Santa Maria Maggiore.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
We follow the lake shore along a winding road of little villages and splendid vistas. Take time to swim, delve into more of the local unforgettable cuisine, relax in the sun on a quiet piazza off the road. Idyllic. By mid-afternoon, we cross into Italian-speaking Switzerland and turn away from the lake, following the base of the mountain.
(B) (D)
Day 4:
A day of cycling on quiet roads along Lake Lugano’s shores. Beautiful Morcote, built up a mountain side, starts us off. Stop for a break at the Alpiroz chocolate factory at Ponte Tresa. Wander through Merlot vineyards in Mendrisio. The evening brings us to the jewel of the Italian lakes, Lago di Como, and to the city of the same name.
(B)
Day 5:
Today, one of our favorite loops takes us along the shores of the lake to Bellagio, perched on a tip of land between its two branches. Then down the other arm to come home. It makes for a full and unmatchable day of culture, vistas, cuisine, and biking.
(B) (D)
Day 6:
A morning free to relax or to explore Como, or a short bike ride along the lake shore to Villa d’Este. Our trip breaks up in the afternoon.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Departures in 2008: June 15, July 12, August 24, Sept. 21
Trip price includes the bike!
Optional Single Supplement: $425
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Switzerland
Bicycle Touring
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