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 medieval 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. Amongst others, we visit 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 chocolate tasting.
The excellent cycle rides will hopefully help you build up an appetite!
Itinerary
Day 1
Start Armeno
Day 2
Ride south to Lake Maggiore through Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park, Grappa tasting
Day 3
Cycle along Lake Maggiore to Porto Valtravaglia through Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage, cheese tasting.
Day 4
Free day to relax on Lake Maggiore, or take a ferry to the famous Borromeo Islands.
Day 5
Cycle to Lugano, enjoy a chocolate tasting in a historic cafe` and visit the town of Menaggio.
Day 6
Ride to Balbianello Villa, visit to a traditional gelateria and gelato tasting.
Day 7
Circular ride to Colico, wine tasting.
Day 8
End Menaggio
Price
From £1,699
What's Included
- All breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner included
- All accommodation (see below)
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
- Local bike hire
