RING OSS: +47 22413030 
Vi leter nå etter din drømmereise
SØK
8
Scenic ridings along the shores of the most famous lakes in Italy and Switzerland
Our trip starts in Armeno, a small villageon 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.
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 medieval town of Angera, where, as a perfect ending we taste Grappa; one of the most renowned Italian spirits from a local and historical distillery. In Angera, where we overnight, there will be an opportunity to swim and relax on the lake beaches.
Distance in Km: 51
Distance in Miles: 32
Altitude Gain: 550
Altitude Loss: 800
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.
Distance in Km: 37
Distance in Miles: 23
Altitude Gain: 350
Altitude Loss: 350
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 17th-Century 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. We will reach the enchanting city of Lugano, lied down on the shore of iconic Lake Lugano. We take some time to stroll and explore the city independently and after our lunch at leisure we will get the chance to enjoy a delicious chocolate tasting at the historical Caffé Vanini, situated in a picturesque square in the city centre. The day ends in the charming town of Menaggio, on the shores of Lake Como, where we will stay for the next three nights.
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
Altitude Gain: 350
Altitude Loss: 310
On today's ride we head to the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, riding south along Lake Como. Built for a prominent Italian family during the 19th century 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 you will have time to discover the city's main sights, such as the remarkable Renaissance Cathedral, at your own pace, before returning to Menaggio by ferry boat.
Distance in Km: 36
Distance in Miles: 22
Altitude Gain: 270
Altitude Loss: 310
Today we take a final 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 and to enjoy a light lunch with local products. Once at Colico, you can visit the Cistercian Santa Maria di Piona Abbey, masterpiece of the Lombard architecture. Built in the 12th century, 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.
Distance in Km: 51
Distance in Miles: 32
Altitude Gain: 480
Altitude Loss: 550
* 7 nights hotels all en suite
* 5 days cycling with baggage transfers and full vehicle support
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus leaders. Min age 16 years
* 95% tarmac roads with some climbs
All breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner included
All breakfasts are Continental in style, consisting of coffee or tea, bread,
jam and/or honey.
For lunch and dinner, when not included, our leader will be on hand to
recommend his favourite restaurants based on your budget and preferences. The
standard of food and drink throughout the tour is extremely high and the
Chocolate Museum visit in Switzerland will be an added value to the
experience.
The cuisine of that lakes region encompasses traditional recipes with new
ingredients where the main characteristic is the usage of local products.
Typical dishes are: minestrone, fish and polenta, risotto, roasted meats
(rabbit, kid), stewed, polenta with Bologna sausage or braised meat and many
other delicious proposals.
* 7 nights hotels all en suite
* 5 days cycling with baggage transfers and full vehicle support
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus leaders. Min age 16 years
* 95% tarmac roads with some climbs
This trip is classified Road: *Level 3 Moderate*
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our
website for more important information on classification and grading.
Average daily distance: 45km (28 miles) with 5 days cycling
Terrain and route: 95% tarmac roads
We aim to use mainly quiet roads and cycle paths where possible, but at times
we need to cross busy road sections in order to reach the quieter routes on
the other side. There are no technical difficulties but at times there will
be some climbs therefore a reasonable level of fitness is required, along
with some cycling experience.
Please note that occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary
exactly as planned. Leaders will always look for alternate routes/solutions
whenever required.
Hotels
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.
We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip (subject to availability).
Please check with your sales consultant for availability and prices.
There is a local cycling leader riding with the group at all times and a full
vehicle support is provided. As there is only one leader on this tour they
may ask some clients to act as a ‘back marker’ in busier towns to help
the group move easily through these sections, though this will only be for
short sections.
All breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner included
All breakfasts are Continental in style, consisting of coffee or tea, bread,
jam and/or honey.
For lunch and dinner, when not included, our leader will be on hand to
recommend his favourite restaurants based on your budget and preferences. The
standard of food and drink throughout the tour is extremely high and the
Chocolate Museum visit in Switzerland will be an added value to the
experience.
The cuisine of that lakes region encompasses traditional recipes with new
ingredients where the main characteristic is the usage of local products.
Typical dishes are: minestrone, fish and polenta, risotto, roasted meats
(rabbit, kid), stewed, polenta with Bologna sausage or braised meat and many
other delicious proposals.
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally
minibus). The support vehicle will carry all your luggage and personal
belongings. The vehicle will follow the riders all of the time, allowing you
to cycle as much or as little as you like.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Easyjet (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until
approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Armeno and ending in Menaggio*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Armeno in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any
other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be
able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
The visited areas have a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine
and warm temperatures from the spring through to autumn. Summer departures
will usually have hot weather, with temperatures reaching the low to mid 30s
centigrade. April-June and September-November departures are likely to be
cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer there is the
possibility of heavy thunderstorms (generally in the afternoons), but these
are usually short-lived.
The visited areas have a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine
and warm temperatures from the spring through to autumn. Summer departures
will usually have hot weather, with temperatures reaching the low to mid 30s
centigrade. April-June and September-November departures are likely to be
cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer there is the
possibility of heavy thunderstorms (generally in the afternoons), but these
are usually short-lived.
Cycling helmet (Compulsory on this trip)
Padded shorts and gloves
Sunglasses/eye protection
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproof jacket and long cycling trousers; warm top
Sunscreen
Beach towel and swimwear.
*Local Bike Details:** *21 speed hybrid bikes with pannier bag.
*Discount for bringing your own bike: *£90.
You will need sufficient funds to buy the lunches and dinners that are not
included. We suggest allowing €8‐€12 for lunch and €15‐€25 for
dinner (excluding drinks).
Although optional, a tip for the leaders at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between €15 to
€20 per client per leader.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
-8.png)
Download PDF 
