The Italian lakes of Como and Maggiore are famed for both their spectacular scenery and their well-heeled residents. The rich and famous clearly have good taste as the scenery here is simply wonderful with forested hills and mediaeval properties overlooking the glistening blue waters. This is a fascinating place to discover on two wheels with excellent roads that closely follow the winding shores.
We visit the C10 Borromean castle and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a striking overhanging abbey built by a rich merchant. The Villa del Balbianello with its ornate Italian gardens may look familiar to film buffs, having featured in international movies such as Bond's Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.
There will be opportunities to taste plenty of delicious local produce en route, including cheese, cold meats, honey, wines and ice cream, before riding across the border to Lugano in Switzerland for a visit to the Chocolate Museum of Alprose. The excellent cycle rides will hopefully help you build up an appetite!
Our trip starts in Armeno, a small village on the eastern hills of Lake Orta. Optional stroll through the alleys of Orta San Giulio, a stunning town listed among the 'Most beautiful towns of Italy'. Our accommodation on the first night is in a green park near Lake Orta, at the foot of Mount Mottarone. It is part of a complex who also organise spiritual retreats, making it a relaxing place to start the trip.
You stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel (breakfast and evening meal)
On our way to Lake Maggiore we ride south along Lake Orta through the amazing Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park; home to a huge variety of different environments, from swamps to pastures, horses stables to archaeological sites. We continue to the mediaeval town of Angera to visit Borromean Castle's inner decorated halls and outstanding mediaeval garden right by the lake. As a perfect ending we taste Grappa; one of the most renowned Italian spirits from a local and historical distillery. In Angera, where we stay overnight, there will be the opportunity to swim and relax on the lake beaches.
You stay at a 3 or 4 star horel (breakfast and evening meal included)
Cycling along the shores of Lake Maggiore we make our way to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso; directly overlooking the water it is one most charming sights of the lake. We take some time to visit this incredible abbey and then we stop in a traditional 'locanda' (cosy typical restaurant) to enjoy a tasting of local cheese, cold meats and honey. After the tasting we continue through the picturesque village of Laveno to Porto Valtravaglia, where we spend the next two nights. When the weather allows there will be time to explore the local beaches.
You stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel (breakfast included)
On this leisurely day you have some time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Maggiore or to take a ferry to the famous Borromeo Islands. The archipelago is formed by four islands. The main one is the monumental Isola Bella, with its C17 Palazzo Borromeo, surrounded by flam boiled gardens. Then we have the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island), Isola Madre, noted for its botanical garden, the little Island of San Giovanni, and the Rock of Marghera.
You stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel (breakfast included)
Today is quite exciting as we cycle into the second country of our trip: Switzerland. The first stop is Caslano where we visit the Chocolate Museum of Alprose to learn about the traditional art of Swiss chocolate-making and we get the opportunity to sample some of their delicious products! With a happy stomach we continue to Lugano: a Swiss city with a Mediterranean flair, for a guided walking tour. This gives you the opportunity to see how the combination of styles is reflected in its architecture and cuisine. The day ends in Menaggio, on the shores of Lake Como, where we will stay for the next three nights.
You stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel (breakfast included)
Leaving Switzerland we take a circular ride around the northern side of Lake Como to Colico. En route we stop at a local wine cellar to taste some of the excellent wines of the area. Once at Colico, you can visit the Cistercian Santa Maria di Piona Abbey, masterpiece of the Lombard architecture. Built in the C12, it represents the first source attesting a monastic community present in the territory. After the visit we return to Menaggio by ferry, another great chance to admire the beautiful views that the lake is offering.
You stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel (breakfast included)
On our final ride we head to the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, riding south along Lake Como. Built for a prominent Italian family during the C19, it has been recently chosen as setting of international movies such as 007: Casino Royale and Star Wars. After lunch, on our way to the city of Como we enjoy a relaxing break at a traditional gelateria, to try to learn the secrets of real Italian gelato. In Como we take a guided walking tour of the city's main sights, such as the remarkable Renaissance Cathedral, and then we return to Menaggio by ferry boat.
You stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel (breakfast included)
Our trip ends in Menaggio. From here we transfer to Milano Malpensa for our flight home.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
You will spend 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels. All hotels have been carefully selected for their welcoming atmosphere, location and services offered. All rooms provided are en suite.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
friendly and informed service
Service and help from the agent, Helen, was excellent. Everything was made very clear with helpful suggestions over flight alternatives to enable me to get what I needed. A little disappointed with the e-mail information that was sent as it laclked any mention of the luggage allowance that was included and whether I would to pay anything extra to get what I wanted.
Good and efficient at getting booking done
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 evening meal
Management by our sister company, Exodus
Tour leader thoughout
Bike hire
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
All transport and listed activities
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
A minimum of 6 people (in total) are required for each departure.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Guided cycling Managed by our sister company, Exodus.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 evening meal
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Milan airport at 00:00, and back to Milan airport at 00:00.
If you choose to book your own flights please check with us first that your chosen departure date is definitely operating as our guided holidays are subject to minimum group sizes.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
