Gentle and slow cycling experience around Italian Lake District
This leisurely 7-day guided cycling experience around Lake Maggiore, Lugano and Varese is designed to follow the flattest routes possible and avoid all significant climbs..
The Northern Italy's Lake District isn't flat. You might think that this is not the place for more leisurely rides or for gentle and slow cycling. However we can arrange a perfect blend of riding and relaxation for slower cyclists.
The rides are suitable for those who doesn't love to tackle climbs.
Look at the scheduled rides below (distances, elevations).
The Gentle Cycling Tour usually starts and ends on Saturday in Varese and it's based on two hotels. You will be staying a few days in Varese and a few days in Colmegna on Lake Maggiore. 7 nights and 6 days of cycling.
On day 4 we transfer from Varese to Colmegna by bike and on day 7 we transfer back from Colmegna to Varese by bike.
We'll take care of your luggage while you're off cycling on day 4 and on day 7.
Just leave it at reception in the morning when you set off, and it'll be waiting for you at the other hotel.
Varese is 25 km in a crow flies from Milan Malpensa Airport and can be reached in a 43-minute train ride every hour (no change). How to Get Here
Northern Italy's natural lakes are famous and admired all over the world, nestled between the Alps to the North and the flat lands of the Po Valley to the South, with breathtaking panoramas, ancient villages, and villas on each lake.
In the Northern area of the region the mountains fall steeply into the blue waters of the lakes. These lakes and their mountains have been natural and physical borders for thousands of years.
Today they continue to serve as borders among Lombardy (Italy), Piedmont (Italy) and Canton of Ticino (Italian speaking part of Switzerland).
There's so much diversity environmentally and culturally within this small area.
You can only truly grasp all there is to see by bike.
Easy cycle routes around Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Varese
The rides wind mainly on flat routes and on cycle routes away from the main roads. You'll take the back roads as soon as we can to avoid the traffic, anyway the drivers are quite aware and courteous of cyclist. They are pretty used to seeing cyclists and they give room. Just to be on the safe side, though, ride single file, especially when cars are about.
Sometime you've just gotta tackle a few little uphill bits, nothing too strenuous, mind. The whole bike tour has its tricky moments here and there, but the views of the lakes and mountains around is definitely worth the effort.
The cycling guide makes the daily rides good for the level of the slowest rider in the bunch. The guide makes sure the pace is comfortable for everyone and makes sure no one felt left behind.
The bike tour isn't just about pedalling, you know. It's a mix of exercise and sightseeing. You also have a chance to pop into some local places of interest, like some ancient villas, churches, hermitages gardens and whatnot.
Learn more about the best tourist attractions around.
One day you will go on Lake Lugano by service transfer. The Lake Lugano loop is a pretty easy-going ride, nice and flat, and it's almost entirely in Switzerland, partly on cycle path. You've got Monte Generoso and Monte Lema looming in the background,and the lakeside village of Morcote.
Another day, maybe twice, you will cross Lake Maggiore with the bike. The ride is entirely lakeside along several villages and towns on the Lake Maggiore, like Ascona and Locarno. On this route you can get a panoramic view of the upper part of Lake Maggiore.
2026 Gentle cycling tour prices per person in Euro
Start location:
Varese
End location:
Varese
Duration:
7 days, 7 nights, 6 days of cycling
Maximum limit:
8 riders
Minimum:
2 riders
Level of difficulty:
slower / recreational cyclists
Terrain:
flat, undulating with occasional small climbs
2026 scheduled dates
Gentle Cycling Tour
August 22nd – 29rd 2026
August 29th – Sep 5th 2026
September 5th – 12th 2026
September 19st – 26th 2026
September 26th – Oct 3rd 2026
Other dates are possible and we can create a departure for you.
Please contact us, so we will see how we can help you.
This tour requires a minimum of two riders to run.
Book with confidence with our flexible: Terms & Conditions .
Included in guided bike tour:
- 4 nights in double room in Varese & 3 nights in apartment room in Colmegna
- 7 High-calorie continental breakfasts
- 6 Packed lunches, strengthened and protein content snack with bananas and sandwiches
- 6 Post ride lunches when you go back to the hotel
- 6 Dinners (No on Sunday)
- Standard double occupancy
- A skilled bike guide
- Luggage transport when you move from the first hotel to the second hotel
- The use of the jacuzzi tub and the sauna at Relais Villa Porta in Colmegna
- Any travel by ferry or train along the rides
- Info about the routes (on Google my Maps as well)
- Safe storage with CCTV for your bike at the hotel
- Workstand tool bench for basic maintenance
- Washing and cleaning area for bikes
- Daily laundry service for your cycle clothing
- Free Internet Wi-Fi
Not included:
- Bike hire
- 1 Dinner (on Sunday)
- Travel insurance
- Medical and physiotherapy services
- Transportaton to and from Varese
- Entrance fees Castles, Villas, Museums
- Any extra-beverage and other extras at dinner
Gentle Cycling Bike Tour
Details / Daily Routes
You can get our exclusive links to Cycling Routes Selection Map for highlighting your daily rides.
Expect small groups up to 8 riders with a guide leading the way on the road. The reason is to ensure the best riding. In such a way we can garantee you the best quality and attention. If there are more guests, it is better a split-up in two bunches during the daily rides.
We usually meet at the bikes at 8.00/8.30 in the morning, getting back to the hotel in the afternoon at 14.00/15.00, so you can enjoy a post ride lunch. The rest of the day is relax time.
When you’re riding you’ll always have at least one guide on the road with the bunch. There is no vehicle support during the ride.
The guide leads the way on the road giving you the flexibility to ride at your own pace, with regular re-group points and photo opportunities along the way.
A coffee stop, a stop for lunch and stops anywhere you need are suggested during the daily ride.
The programme gives you a good idea of what the cycling tour will be like, but we're flexible with the daily rides. We can adjust the distance, elevation and everything else to fit what the bunch wants.
Please take a look at others key topics below at the end of the page, so you can ensure you are getting a comfortable and enjoyable cycling holiday.
If you have any specific questions or want advice for your next bike tour, feel free to message us.
We’d be happy to share our tips with you.
1 ~ Saturday - Arrival
Assembling your own bike or delivery of rental bike and pre-tour briefing.
Accomodation: Hotel Ungheria Varese. It's a family-run hotel.
2 ~ Sunday, & 3 ~ Monday
We have selected three rides which start from Varese. You can choose from:
- Around Lake Varese (35 km - 22 mi; elevation gain 300 mt - 990 ft),
- Around Lake Lugano (52 km - 32 mi; elevation gain 120 mt - 395 ft),
- Lake Varese and Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (57 km- 35 mi; elevation gain 300 mt - 990 ft).
Accomodation: Hotel Ungheria Varese. It's a family-run hotel.
4 ~ Tuesday
Today we transfer by bike from Varese to Colmegna on Lake Maggiore , while your luggage will be transfered to Colmegna.
You can choose from:
- Route 1 - via Brinzio and Ponte Tresa (42 km - 26 mi; elevation gain 350 mt - 1,150 ft),
- Route 2 – via Gavirate and Ghirla (57 km - 35 mi; elevation gain 450 mt - 1,470 ft).
Accomodation: Relais Villa Porta in Colmegna. It's a family-run hotel.
5 ~ Wednesday, & 6 ~ Thursday
We have selected several rides which start from Colmegna.
You can choose from them:
- Cannero, Ascona, Locarno (63 km - 39 mi; elevation gain 200 mt - 650 ft),
- Lake Maggiore on the inside: Laveno, Villa Della Porta Bozzolo (50 km - 31 mi; elevation gain 230 mt - 750 ft),
- Ponte Tresa, Lake Lugano, Marchirolo (40 km -25 mi; elevation gain 550 mt - 1,800 ft),
- Piano Magadino, Bellinzona and Medieval Castels (80 km - 50 mi; elevation gain 200 mt - 650 ft).
Accomodation: Relais Villa Porta in Colmegna. It's a family-run hotel.
7 ~ Friday
Today we say goodbye to Lake Maggiore and head to Varese again by bike, while your luggage will be transfered to Varese. There are two rides to choose from:
- Route 1 – via Valtravaglia and Cuvio (40 km - 25 mi; elevation gain 400 mt - 1,310 ft),
- Route 2 - via Marchirolo and Bedero Valcuvia (46 km - 29 mi; elevation gain 500 mt - 1,640 ft).
Accomodation: Hotel Ungheria Varese. It's a family-run hotel.
8 ~ Saturday - Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Key topics to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable cycling holiday.
Here you can make sure what the vibe is like and you can make sure the rides aligns with your expectations and that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
These rides are suitable for slower cyclists / recreational cyclists.
Slower / recreational cyclists
Your typical number of weekly rides at home: 1 or 2
In your typical ride you’re comfortable doing up to 40-60 km (27-37 mi), flat to gentle rolling roads with occasional small climbs.
The pace is slow and relaxed, focusing on the sights and stops.
Average daily elevation gain up to 500 m (1,640 ft).
Not significant climbing is involved.
Enjoy the Journey at Your Own Pace
If you have a basic level of fitness and enjoy being in the saddle for a few hours, this experience is for you. We focus on a gentle, leisurely tempo where "pushing the pace" isn’t in our vocabulary. Our goal is to ensure every rider feels supported, relaxed, and fully at ease. We primarily explore flat or gently undulating terrain, making the ride smooth and stress-free.
Safe Routes and Easy Climbing
No advanced skills are required—standard bike handling is all you need. We prioritize quiet backroads, charming lanes, and dedicated cycle paths to stay far away from heavy traffic. While most of the riding is flat, we might occasionally encounter a very short, easy climb, but we promise nothing demanding! There will be endless opportunities to hop off for photos and enjoy the view.
Hydration and Weather
You’ll find plenty of local fountains and taps along our routes to keep your water bottles topped up. Regarding the weather: while we can handle a light drizzle, your safety comes first. If the conditions look risky or just too unpleasant to have fun, we will simply reschedule and find a better time for our adventure.
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Photographer: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Copyright: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Credit: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
