Save £200 on Guided Coast to Coast WalksSale ends April 30. BOOK NOW
2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 star hotel
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days£1240GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TCL

Trip highlights

  • Discover the sparkling waters of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano
  • Enjoy Swiss mountain beauty and the Italian 'Dolce Vita' lifestyle
  • Visit the Botanical Gardens on the island of Brissago
  • Explore hidden parts of Bellindona, Ticino's capital city
  • Relax or relish in the facilities at your hotel

When staying in Ticino, you could easily forget you are in Switzerland. The palm tree lined lakes of Lugano and Maggiore, which have that Mediterranean sparkle, and Italian influences - from the language to the architecture - seem a world away from the reality of its position as Switzerland's southern most canton. Surrounded by snowy peaks and glaciers nearby, enjoy Italian food while admiring the spectacular Swiss mountain landscapes. This centre based cycling trip provides exceptional daily excursions from the comfort of your relaxing spa hotel. Visit the medieval city of Bellinzona, the regions capital, where you can explore old castles, hidden alleyways and the old city wall. Discover the Botanical Gardens on the island of Brissago, home to over 1600 plant species during your day trip to postcard perfect Ascona. Your rides to Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano will truly immerse you into the Italian Dolce Vita way of life with colourful villages, typical stone church towers and wonderful frescos all providing a great break from the bike as you explore them before rewarding yourself with a well deserved coffee, gelato or lunch at a grotto in the piazza. Despite the nearby mountains you should only be challenged by a few small ascents making the rides suitable for even novice cyclists.

Countries:

Switzerland

Starting Point:

Losone

Finishing Point:

Losone

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Today is simply an arrival day. After checking in to your accommodation the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the many facilities on offer at the hotel.

Meals:  Nil

The first ride of your week of wonderful rides will head in the direction of Locarno along the lake promenade. Cycle through the flat Magadino area, past small forests and big farms, until you reach the city walls of Ticino’s capital, Bellinzona. On arrival it's time to take a break from the bikes so you can encounter the many old castles, seemingly hidden parts of the city and the old city wall. After you've enjoyed Bellinzona it's time to return to the hotel, cycling past many romantic towns on your way back to Losone.

Meals:  B

Today's ride will take you to Switzerland's lowest town, Ascona. Your route will take you to the centre of Ascona, where you can leave your bike behind and take the ferry to the isle of Brissago to visit The Botanical Gardens, which houses around 1700 plant species. Back in Ascona the route leads you from the busier city centre out along small roads to the outskirts of the valley Centovalli. Here you have to face one short uphill section before cycling through sleepy villages. The route then connects you to on an easy path back to Losone.

Meals:  B

For more than 50 kilometres the Maggia River runs through the Alps before finally reaching Lago Maggiore. Today you will experience some of the beauty that lines the river as you cycle past the waterfall at Monte Brolla en-route to the lovely town of Maggia. Here you have time to explore or relax and to visit the chapel of Santa Maria to view its wonderful frescos.

Meals:  B

Begin the morning by riding to Locarno then transferring to the train and head to Melide. Lake Lugano can definitely compete with beauty of Locarno and Ascona. The Italian ‘Dolce Vita’ lifestyle, colourful villages with the typical stone church towers and even palms trees (in the Alps?!) can be enjoyed today! It is a beautiful day out and nicely completes a week of cycling adventures in this stunning region.

Meals:  B

Trips concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 breakfasts - buffet style
  • 5 nights in a 4 star hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, including daily entrance to the spa, swimming pool (massages extra)
  • Bicycle, 24 speed with pannier, helmet & bike computer (electric bike available - supplement applies)
  • Train tickets Locarno-Melide, Lugano-Locarno (with bike)
  • Ferry ticket to Isle of Brissago
  • Digital Information pack including route notes and App per room booked
  • Entrance to the castles of Bellinzona
  • Emergency hotline

  • Transport to and from Losone
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fees - unless specified
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Paper documents on arrival, request at time of booking
  • Hotel/Tourist tax - allow CHF6.10 per person, per night
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 24 speed bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a repair kit and lock. Helmets are provided locally or you can bring your own well-fitted one from home. Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 14 years and a minimum height requirement is 160cm / 5ft25".

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2 Daily cycles are between 25 and 55km/15.5 or 34mi on reasonably level to undulating terrain, surprising due to the surrounding mountainous scenery. The cycling is on low traffic side roads. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request).

Departure dates

Every Sunday from 7 Apr to 23 Jun and 18 Aug to 13 Oct

Priceper person from

£1240GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£120
  • Single SupplementGBP£410
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.