Read 4 reviews. 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 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.
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. 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. 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 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.
