ITALY - THE ALPS

Italy’s North: Big Lakes Cycling Tour

Guided 7 days

A fresh and different guided bike tour set on the shores of Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Iseo. Discover the Madonna del Ghisallo, Franciacorta, and Montisola all by bike and soak up the flavours of Italy.

Style
Road cycling
Gain
>5,000 m
Distance
390 km
Level
Medium

Tour overview

MEMORABLE ALPINE LAKES AND RAW ITALIAN BEAUTY

The Northern Italy’s Big Lakes Cycling And More Bike Tour is a special and memorable bike tour, around the largest and most beautiful pre-alpine lakes: Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and then Lake Iseo. This trip by road bike not only allows us to explore these splendid Italian lakes with their picture-postcard scenery but also takes us through the nearby hills and valleys, well off the beaten tourist track.

We will have the opportunity to take routes that wind through places where nature is still unspoiled, where history seems to stand still, cycling through valleys and mountains in picturesque settings where peace and tranquillity reign. Tiny villages and impressive mansions… the lakes offer us splendid landscapes. The final stop on our tour will be Montisola, on Lake Iseo, recently the setting for ‘The Floating Piers’ by the artist Christo.

The accommodation has been inspected and chosen personally by dedicated staff and, together with the excellent dinners based on local products, complement our road bike tour Additionally, you will be provided with the constant presence of a support minibus and technical advice when needed.

Start point
Milan
End point
Sarnico
See program for full itinerary
Flying in
Milan
Flying out
Milan

Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com

Highlights of your cycling trip

ICONIC VIEWS

The views on this tour will make a passionate rider feel euphoric. These routes will be remembered for life and feel proud of having achieved them. The lakes are majestic and a huge part of Northern Italy.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

Stylish traditional hotels offer great relaxing stays where you can unwind after a day full of effort and emotions. Eating well and great Italian cuisine is to be expected. Mountain and lake views from the terrace is a bonus.

View in pyrenees

EXPERT GUIDES & SUPPORT

This is a fully guided tour with professional multilingual guides riding with you, plus a support vehicle covering your back when you need it. Deep local knowledge with the passion to share beloved roads – we have it all.

Tour destination

ITALIAN ALPS

Great vistas and challenging roads. Northern Italy is a charming region filled with a rich history situated at the foot of the high Alps. Expect to discover lavish valleys, wine fields and Roman baths. But what really stands out here for the cycling traveller is the jaw-dropping list of the iconic rides that you can get from the town. Stelvio, Mortirolo, Gavia will make you feel like a Giro hero. And there is a whole bunch of less known rides, like the Cancano Lakes that are no less inspiring. Off the bike, this region also offers a great experience of Italian cuisine of course and the evenings never get boring.

Discover More
  • Weather

    Northern Italy is dominated by the Alps. This side of the Alps is called jokingly 'the sunny side' as compared to the German or Swiss side, but still expect to see the whimsical nature of the alpine weather. It's very hot in the heights of the summer except for the high in the mountains, but spring and autumn can see sudden changes.

  • Terrain

    The great thing about terrain here is that you can choose very much the ride you like. Starting of course with the giants of Stelvio and Mortirolo, which are the absolute rock stars of the area. You don't go to Bormio without riding the Stelvio! Yet you might opt for a flattish ride down the wine road on a recovery day.

  • Culture

    Yes, it's Italy. Italy is amazing and also very different depending on the area. Expect the Italian experience with the Northern and alpine flavour. Always go for typical local dishes that you won't find down there in the South! Architecture is all beautiful from colourful towns on the lakesides to the typical alpine huts closer to the Alps.

Accommodation during your tour

Luxury Accommodation

Enjoy luxurious and comfortable accommodation throughout your trip. Each hotel has been carefully chosen to provide you with the best possible experience.

Breakfasts and dinners are included in acclaimed restaurants, so you can taste typical local dishes and sample wines from famous vineyards after your day spent in the saddle.

Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy the flavours of Italy throughout this cycling tour. Each day will start with a breakfast designed to set you up for a full day of cycling. You may want to pack some extra energy bars to top up your levels during the days.

End each day with a beautiful dinner cooked with locally sourced ingredients and discover the passion of the region.

Tour itinerary

Your guide to a perfect cycling tour

Arona –Druogno Santa Maria Maggiore
  • Distance
    82 km

Arona –Druogno Santa Maria Maggiore 82km

Departure from Arona, a Piedmontese town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. We ride along the entire perimeter of the lake and then get ready to face the Val Cannobina ascent. From the lake, we go up to Sella di Pian di Sale which leads to the Val Vigezzo where the Cannobino stream forms deep gorges and creates evocative scenes, with the valley opening up as we ride higher. In Val Cannobina with its mountains, alpine farmsteads and pastures, we ride back in time: this wild and almost deserted valley is perfect for cycling. And there’s no need to worry about the climb because our minibus is always nearby, so we can relax as we ride through the splendid mountains of Val Vigezzo, with its green forests and evocative atmosphere all year round and, not surprisingly, it is also known as the “Valley of Painters”: portrait and landscape artists used to come here in search of inspiration. Pedalling onwards we then reach the largest and most important town in the valley: Santa Maria Maggiore, a historic village situated on a high plain at just over 800 m a.s.l. Time to relax before dinner together.
Overnight at Hotel Stella Alpina-Druogno

Getting there

Information to help you book your flights and get around.

Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]

Flying in

Fly in airport: Milan (Malpensa/Bergamo/Linate)

When best to fly in: in the morning on the first day of the camp

Transfers: airport transfers are included in the price of this trip; we will reach out to you for your exact flight details to be sure you are picked up

Flying out

Fly out airport best option: Milan (Malpensa/Bergamo/Linate)

When to leave: afternoon of the last day of the tour

Transfers: airport transfers are included in the price of this trip; we will reach out to you for your exact flight details to be sure you can take your flight hassle-free

Tour essentials

What’s included in your cycling trip.

  • Outstanding accommodation

    6 nights in charming boutique hotels, in double/twin bedroom

  • Traditional spanish tapas selection
    Half Board Meals

    Hotels where you'll stay offer great choice of Italian cuisine dishes

  • View in pyrenees
    Professional guides

    Multilingual guides will be there with you on the bike

  • Support van

    Car support for anything you might need on the road at all times

  • Luggage transfers

    When you change location your luggage arrives ahead

Cycling bottle

What’s not included in your cycling trip.

  • Flights

    Flights are not included in the tour package. Please follow our advice about which flights will be best suited for this tour. Reach out to us if you have any questions about flights.

  • Health Insurance

    We strongly recommend that you obtain a dedicated health insurance that covers your sport activities. Reach out to us if you have questions about the insurance.

Extra
Bike rental
Only €190 for the entire trip

High quality carbon bikes are available for rental from €190 for the tour duration as not always is getting your own gear to another country suitable for you. To make sure you get the maximum from your tour, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of kit.

Tailored to your body size and in perfect technical condition. You can select this option when you proceed to checkout. Price includes comprehensive insurance, mechanical service and components.

CARBON ROAD BIKE HIRE

Made fit for you and in perfect condition

More things to maximise your cycling trip

  • EXTRA
    Single accommodation
    €350 for the entire tour

    If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra €350 for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.

Booking options

Choose when you want to travel

Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.

  • Guarantee a spot during busy periods
  • Only 30% down payment to secure your place
  • Fair & Transparent Cancellation Policy
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Booking options