Italian-Swiss Lakes Adventure

September 28-October 6, 2023

Northern Italy's natural lakes are famous and admired all over the world, nestled between the Alps to the North and the flat lands of the Po Valley to the South. With breathtaking panoramas, ancient villages, and villas on each lake, each spot is full of history and tradition.
These lakes and their mountains have been natural and physical borders for thousands of years. Today they continue to serve as borders between various Italian provinces and between Italy and Switzerland. There's so much diversity environmentally and culturally within this small area--you can only truly grasp all there is to see by bike. We'll be riding many switchbacks, back roads, and "passi"--that is, mountain passes and some steps on foot. When we enter Switzerland the second time, we will take a short, ancient footpath between two towns that was used as a contraband road in the past!
Join us for this 9-night adventure to experience 9 different lakes!

Day 1: Thursday, September 28th, 2023
Arrive at Milano Malpensa Airport
​Rest and hotel check-in Mergozzo
​Dinner and sleep in Mergozzo

Day 2: Friday, September 29th, 2023
​Breakfast​
​9:00 departure for​
​Stage 1: Lago di Mergozzo - Verbania (Lago Maggiore)
97km, 1400m elevation gain
​~14:00 estimated arrival in Verbania
Ferry from Verbania to Laveno
​Dinner and sleep in Laveno

Day 3: Saturday, September 30th, 2023
​Breakfast
​9:00 departure for
​Stage 2: Laveno (Lago Maggiore) - Menaggio (Lake Como)
​105km, 600m elevation gain
~14:00 estimated arrival in Menaggio​
Dinner and sleep in Menaggio

Day 4: Sunday, October 1st, 2023
Breakfast
Stage 3: Menaggio - Bellagio (Lake Como) via Val d'Intelvi across the Swiss Border (again!)
87km, 1300m elevation gain
~15:00 estimated arrival in Bellagio
Ferry from Bellagio back to Menaggio
Dinner (on your own) and sleep in Menaggio

Day 5: Monday, October 2nd, 2023
​Breakfast
Rest Day!
Lunch on your own
Visit Bellagio or take an optional bike ride to the Madonna del Ghisallo!
​Dinner (on your own) and sleep in Menaggio

Day 6: Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023
​Breakfast
​9:00 departure for
​Stage 4: Menaggio-Bergamo
95km, 1500m elevation gain
(Option to ride around North of lake for 50km more)
~15:00 estimated arrival in Bergamo
Suggested afternoon activity: take the funicular and visit città Alta!
Dinner and Sleep in Bergamo

Day 7: Wednesday, October 4th, 2023
​Breakfast
​9:00 departure for
Stage 5: Bergamo - Storo (Lago d'Idro)
​135km, 2300m elevation gain
​~17:00 estimated arrival in Storo
​Dinner and Sleep in Storo

Day 9: Thursday, October 5th, 2023
Breakfast
Stage 6: Storo (Lago d'Idro) - Malcesine (Lago di Garda)
​100km, 800m elevation gain
​~14:00 estimated arrival in Malcesine
​Dinner and Sleep in Malcesine

Day 9: Friday October 6th, 2023
Breakfast
Departure/Airport Transfer to Milan or Verona Airports

Package Details

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
8-night stay in a double room
Daily hotel breakfast buffet
Daily ride lunch, snacks, and energy bars
Daily dinner (except 2 evenings)
Bike rental: Bianchi road bike rental (11/32 cassette and disc brakes)
Bike washing and mechanical assistance
Daily bike storage
Laundry service for cycling clothes on rest day in Bellagio
​Ferry tickets when needed for rides
2 bike guides for each stage
​Follow van for entire route, Lago di Mergozzo - Lago di Garda
Trip Cycling accessories
​Transfer from Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Mergozzo
Transfer from Lake Garda to Milan or Verona Airport (or Bellagio for those returning for the Lombardia)

​SERVICES AVAILABLE WITH EXTRA COST:
​Single occupancy room (price below is based on double occupancy)

Not included:
Airfare
Extras at hotel
Lunch on the rest day
Dinner 2 evenings
Personal health insurance
Personal travel insurance

Price per person: $3450​ (USD) 
Number of participants: 6-12

For more info, or for booking this trip, please e-mail: info@bikeittours.com