Private
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Tailwind on every ride? – See e-bike trips
European Classic booking fast – see the trips
Trip Itinerary
Discover Italy's lake district on a self-guided bike tour, combining picturesque landscapes, medieval towns, and deep-rooted traditions.
Print Tip: For wider content, set Margins to 'Minimum' in the print window settings.
Where to Arrive
Airport:
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Pick-up location:
Hotel Belvedere in Ranco (VA)
Pick-up time:
11:00 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Drop-off location:
Hotel Belvedere in Ranco (VA)
Drop-off time:
11:00 AM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your Lago Maggiore bike tour, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Milan, Malpensa Airport (MXP) and rent a car for the duration of the trip. Most major rental car companies are available at MXP. Advance booking is recommended.
If you are not renting a car, you can take a taxi at the airport (taxis are readily available at the arrival area). The hotel lies approximately 18 miles from the airport and a taxi ride takes about 40 minutes and costs $100. You can also book a private transfer ahead of time at www.malpensatransfer.it. Their chauffeur will be waiting for you at your terminal with a sign with your name on it and will take you directly to your hotel.
Your Trek Travel host will meet you at your trip hotel Belvedere (Via Piave, 11, 21020 Ranco VA) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Depending on the number of guests booked for your departure date, it is possible we will ask you to shift your meeting time by approximately 30 minutes. Please have your riding gear readily accessible to avoid having to unpack your luggage. After a trip overview, you may change into your cycling gear where you will then be fitted to your Trek bike ensuring you will be comfortable for the week. Following a safety talk and a review of the details of the route, you'll set off at your own pace along the beautiful lake shore.
If you will be late for the meeting or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your host. You will receive an email a week before the trip starts with their name and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call your hotel, Hotel Ristorante Belvedere (+39 0331 976609) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
Your Trek Travel host will meet you at 11:00 AM at your trip hotel Belvedere (Via Piave, 11, 21020 Ranco VA) to take your bike and equipment and say farewell before your departure. If you did not rent a car and wish to take a private shuttle to Milan, Malpensa Airport (MXP) we suggest you arrange your transfer ahead of time. The hotel can also help booking a taxi for you. The trip to the airport takes approximately 40 minutes. Please allow adequate connection time for any ongoing travel to accommodate possible traffic delays.
Welcome to the beautiful southern shore of Lago Maggiore!
Overview
Welcome to one of Italy’s most romantic places, where writers and travelers from all over Europe have come to sing the praises of this enchanting landscape. Meet your Trek Travel host at the fantastic Bike Hotel Belvedere overlooking the lake. Settle in and make yourself at home while your host gives you a brief orientation of the week ahead. Your host will also fit you to your bike, ensuring you are comfortable for the week. Then, it's off on your first scenic ride along the shores of the lake to the stunning Rocca d'Angera. Located on a lakeside hilltop, this imposing structure dominates the landscape. As you get acquainted with your bike, you will loop around the town of Taino before finishing back at the hotel. Tonight, we suggest dining at the hotel's restaurant, renowned among locals for its excellent dishes. Alternatively, enjoy dinner at one of the town's restaurants chosen from a provided list of our favorites. The choice is yours!
Hotel
Hotel Ristorante Belvedere
Meals included
Highlight of the Day
Visit the Rocca d'Angera
Also known as Borromeo Castle, the Rocca d'Angera sits on a hilltop on the Southern shores of Lago Maggiore. Pay a visit to admire the historic frescoes and the 360º view of the Southern lake region from the castle tower.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Ranco to Taino Double Loop - Approximately 15 mi | 25 km and 920 ft | 280 m
Explore the "Painted Town" of Arcumeggia
Overview
Another memorable day awaits you on your Lago Maggiore Self-Guided bike tour, as you'll head to the unique village of Arcumeggia, known as "The Painted Town." In 1956, the local tourist board promoted an initiative called "Painters on Vacation," attracting acclaimed national artists to visit the town and paint the external walls of the houses, transforming the village into an open-air museum. If you feel like adding more elevation today, the avid option will satisfy your hunger for a challenge! This route will have you climb Passo del Cuvignone from Cittiglio, a six-mile climb with an average gradient of 8.2%. After exploring the town of Arcumeggia you will reconnect with the "Today's" route, heading to the village of Caldé for lunch. After lunch, a lovely ride along the lake shore will take you back to Ranco, where you you can relax at the pool before deciding your plans for dinner.
Hotel
Hotel Ristorante Belvedere
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Soak in the village atmosphere in Caldé
Caldé is one of the most picturesque villages on Lombardy's eastern shore, featuring a small center with old stone buildings and Belle Époque villas amidst lush greenery.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Ranco to Arcumeggia Loop - Approximately 46 mi | 74 km and 3,168 ft | 980 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Ranco to Arcumeggia Loop via Cuvignone Approximately 51 mi | 77 km and 4,936 ft | 1,419 m
Enjoy a fantastic ride to Lago d'Orta
Overview
Today we suggest to take a ferry boat ride to Arona so you have the chance to visit the Piedmont side of the lake. Our route takes you to Orta San Giulio, a delightful little town overlooking the charming Lago d'Orta, famous for the purity of its water and declared the cleanest lake in all of Europe! As you wander through the cobbled alleyways of Orta San Giulio, we suggest you stop for lunch and order a delicious risotto—the local specialty. Before leaving, take a short walk up to the top of the scenic hill to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta, a sacred site devoted to the life of Saint Francis. You'll enjoy unparalleled views of San Giulio Island, which sits in the middle of the lake. When you are ready, saddle up to continue your ride along the panoramic road Alto Vergante back to Arona. From here, you'll board a ferry boat back to the Lombardy shore to reach your hotel. Tonight, make good use of our hand-selected recommendations for dinner as you explore Ranco at your leisure.
Hotel
Hotel Ristorante Belvedere
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta
One of the nine Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) of northern Italy listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, enjoy unparalleled views of the Lombardy shore and San Giulio island.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Ranco to Orta San Giulio Loop - Approximately 44 mi | 70 km and 4,058 ft | 1,236 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Ranco to Orta San Giulio Loop with Coiromonte Climb - Approximately 46 mi | 74 km and 4,639 ft | 1,430 m
Activities
Activity 1
TODAY’S ACTIVITY:
Ferry ride from Ranco to Arona and back
Discover Santa Maria del Monte and the incredible UNESCO Sacro Monte Di Varese
Overview
This morning, you will ride on a quiet woodland road that winds through the Regional Park of Campo dei Fiori. Your destination is the quaint hamlet of Santa Maria del Monte, sitting high on the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Alps, pre-Alps, and the lakes. It is well worth dedicating some time to explore the maze of little cobbled lanes which form this Italian village. If you are keen, you can walk to the shrine at the top of the Sacro Monte di Varese. The avid option will have you climb an additional six miles to reach a fantastic view point. After enjoying lunch in Santa Maria del Monte, you will descend and ride past the lake of Monate, a smaller lake with crystal clear water, before heading back to your lovely bike hotel in Ranco. Tonight, celebrate with one last dinner in great style at the hotel and toast to a fantastic self-guided Lago Maggiore bike tour spent experiencing glittering lakes, endless mountain landscapes, and phenomenal Italian food.
Hotel
Hotel Ristorante Belvedere
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Visit Santa Maria del Monte
The quaint hamlet of Santa Maria del Monte has so much to offer. From the Sacro Monte di Varese, another of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to its cobbled-streets, small trattorias and stunning views.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Ranco to Santa Maria del Monte Loop - Approximately 57 mi | 92 km and 4,614 ft | 1,406 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Ranco to Santa Maria del Monte Return (with Tre Croci add-on) - Approximately 63 mi | 101 km and 5,794 ft | 1,766 m
Take a final panoramic spin around a beautiful lake
Overview
This morning's loop is the perfect final ride and farewell to the lakes and mountains of Northern Italy. If you'd rather skip the ride, you can sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, and then enjoy a final stroll in town to savor these few last moments and perhaps pick up some souvenirs and gifts. Your Trek Travel host will meet you at the hotel at 11:00 AM to take your bike and say farewell before you depart from your Italian vacation of a lifetime.
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Ranco to Lago di Monate Loop - Approximately 21 mi | 34 km and 1,069 ft | 325 m
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself