Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes

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 Selected hotels.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our trip ends in Menaggio. From here we transfer to Milano Malpensa for our flight home.