Ticino Lakes Cycle
6 Days Starting and ending in Losone
Visiting: Switzerland
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Losone
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.
Day 2 : Cycle To Bellinzona (Approx. 55Km/34Mi)
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.
Day 3 : Circuit Ride To Ascona, Ferry To The Isles Of Brissago (Approx. 25Km/15.5Mi)
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.
Day 4 : Cycle Into The Maggia Valley (Approx. 30Km/18.5Mi)
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.
Day 5 : Cycle From Melide Along The Shore Of Lake Lugano (35Km/21.5Mi)
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.
Day 6 : Trip Concludes
Trips concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star hotel -
5 breakfasts - buffet style
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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)
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Bicycle, 24 speed with pannier, helmet & bike computer (electric bike available - supplement applies)
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Train tickets Locarno-Melide, Lugano-Locarno (with bike)
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Ferry ticket to Isle of Brissago
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Digital Information pack including route notes and App per room booked
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Entrance to the castles of Bellinzona
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Emergency hotline
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Transport to and from Losone
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
What's Not Included
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Transport to and from Losone at start/end of trip
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Lunches, dinners and beverages
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Tour guide - this is a self guided trip
Accommodation
4 star hotel
Your hotel has a long history. The owners, Mr Glaus and his family, are well known in the region for being excellent hosts. Over decades the hotel has developed from a simple hostel to one of the most welcoming hotels in Switzerland. Today the old manor will charm you with its authentic interior and spacious rooms. You can relax under palm trees at the hotel pool or at the sandy beach, go for a swim in the nearby river Maggia, use the wellness area with hammam or try your luck on the hotel's own golf course.
Grading
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).
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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