GUIDED

ORIGINAL

BICYCLE

TOUR

ITALY

Cycling the Shores of Italy's Northern Lakes

From Switzerland to Venice

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North Italian Lakes The Shoreline Route To Venice

This is the Shoreline route to Venice, dotted with palatial villas, tropical flowers and hillsides cascading in vibrant color surrounded by snow-covered Alps --- everything reflected in the cool, blue waters of five special lakes. Cycle around this magnificent blue heaven, weaving in and out of Switzerland. Sip cappuccino on a lakeside terrace; visit the wineries, castles and villas. The road from Lugano to Como is one of the most spellbinding anywhere. Cycle toward Venice, city of dreams, a legend suspended in time.

Day 1 - Begin in Switzerland at Locarno on Lake Maggiore in the heart of the Lakes region at the foot of the Alps, which drop 6,000 ft. to the shimmering blue lakes beneath. Sail to the Boromeon Islands and visit the castle and gardens. Take the funicular, cable car and chairlift to Cimetta, (5000 feet) sailing over flowery meadows and wooded hills. This evening we'll celebrate new friendships at our champagne reception and dinner.

Day 2 - Cycle the lakeside road. The shoreline scenery of this island studded expanse of blue is sometimes rugged and sometimes lush with tropical vegetation. Follow the northern shore crossing the border into Italy then cycle through a lovely mountain pasture and reenter Switzerland at Lugano on the way to Villa Favorita.

Day 3 - The lakeside road out of Lugano is one of the most spellbinding anywhere. Follow it to Italy and Cross the Porlezzo Plain to Lake Como. Follow its shoreline, crowded with fig and mulberry trees, all the way to Como visiting the villas Olmo and Carlotta along the way.

Day 4 - Take a slow, winding ride to Bellagio with spectacular views across the lake. Visit the Villas Serbelloni and Melzi. Then pedal along the shore of Lake Lecco on the way to the Po Valley.

Day 5 - Cycle tiny country roads to Bergamo, an ancient city perched on a hilltop at the foot of the Bergamese Alps. Explore the walled city and visit Academia Carrara, one of Italy's most important art collections. Then cycle on to Lake Iseo and spend a night on these charmed, romantic shores.

Day 6 - Ride through the vineyards of Franciacorta. Stop in the tiny village of Borgonato for a tasting with our friend Signora Pia Berlucchi and a tour of her 13th century wine cellar. Continue cycling through a gentle landscape to Lake Garda and Desenzano. Enjoy an evening on the lakeside promenade where we'll celebrate our adventure at a gala "Farewell" dinner and party.

Day 7 - Linger over breakfast while saying your good-byes. Venice is just an hour away!

Overnight Itinerary:   Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Lugano on Lake Lugano, Como on Lake Como, Lecco on Lake Lecco, Paratico on Lake Iseo, Desenzano on Lake Garda

Average daily miles = 35

TOUR DATES:  

Inn tour:  June 8 -14,  Aug 30 - Sep 6

"It was an experience of a lifetime. We were given such special treatment... We have had three great trips with you... trips that we will never forget." Bob and Alberta Hansen, CA

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