Lake Lugano cycling experience
This is a great opportunity to get a 30 min group transfer service from Varese to Lake Lugano and to ride around the lake without the worry of riding on your own.
Both round-trip service transfer and one-way service transfer are possible.
Fly in to Milan Malpensa Airport and reach Varese in a 43-minute train ride every hour (no change).
How to Get Here
Do you fancy a relaxed and sightseeing ride, or to push yoursef on a challenge ride, or a bit of both?
Are you usually competitive, or more relaxed and social?
We have put together several rides (distance, elevation gain) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced road cyclists.
Take a look at our section Details / Daily Routes below.
Feel free to message us
We are here to offer personalized advice and ensure you choose the perfect rides that matches your comfort fitness level and goals.
You can go by bike along safe routes that follow lakeside roads, flat cycle lanes, back roads, climbs and hidden passageways around Lake Lugano.
Some folks are looking for tackling some serious climbs, while others just want a leisurely spin.
The roads and the climbs around Lake Lugano offer you the opportunity to extend or shorten the ride depending on their fitness level.
You can stay at Hotel Ungheria Varese where we are based. It's a family-run hotel.
Daily group bike tour on Lake Lugano
Thanks to the vastness and diversity of the region around Lake Lugano, you will easily ride along the banks of the lake, or you will toil to climb the valleys.
The loop of the Southern part of Lake Lugano is a 50 km flat ride (via Porto Ceresio, Ponte Tresa, Agno, Morcote, Melide, Riva San Vitale).
The roads away from the water are packed with cyclists enjoying demanding climbs and scenic views.
There are a few loops you can ride.
This isn't just about clocking kms and Strava Segments, this is a vibe.
Join us for one of our daily tours, you will be impressed by the lake's surrounding nature, its several panoramic viewpoints and all the great outdoors has to offer.
The natural setting of Lake Lugano offers a variety of climbs and a network of roads, perfect for distance rides.
What's Lake Lugano like
Lake Lugano is a glacial lake at the southernmost tip of Tessin the holiday region at the southern end of the Alps between Switzerland and Italy.
The lake has many different branches and is surrounded by mountains.
When you ride your bike around Lake Lugano you can see what makes this region an enjoyable destination for the cyclists. Undulating road lead through vineyards, valleys and nice cycle paths.
Explore Lake Lugano's local wonders with us by bike.
What did I like the most? Hard to say really. Probably the combination of the challenging rides and the incredible scenery. It's just such a beautiful place to cycle. You will cycle through loads of lovely little places.
There's Morcote, Carona, Collina d'Oro, Ardena, Sighignola, Lanzo d'Intelvi, Monte Generoso, Monte Bar, Monte Brè, Malcantone, Val di Muggio, Arogno, Melide, Porlezza and many more natural wonders to see on two wheels.
2026 Lake Lugano daily group tour prices per person
Double occupancy
€ 290.00
Double occupancy
€ 250.00
Double occupancy
€ 240.00
Double occupancy
€ 230.00
Start location:
Varese
End location:
Varese
Limit:
8 guests
2026 scheduled dates
Lake Lugano daily group bike tour
Day 1: check in.
Day 2: breakfast, day of cycling, packed lunch, post ride lunch.
Day 3: breakfast and check out.
Book with confidence with our flexible: Terms & Conditions
.Included in guided bike tour:
- 2 nights in double room
- 2 high-calorie continental breakfasts
- 1 packed lunch, strengthened and protein content snack with bananas and sandwiches
- 1 post ride lunch when you go back to the hotel
- Standard double occupancy
- Round-trip transfer Varese - Lake Lugano
- A skilled bike guide
- Maps and information material
- The digital map of the routes drawn by us, so you can look at it on smartphone dispaly
- 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
- No Dinners
- Travel insurance
- Medical and physiotherapy services
- Transportaton to and from Varese
- Entrance fees Castles, Villas, Museums
- Any extra-beverage and other extras at dinner
Lake Lugano daily group tour
Details / Daily Routes
You can get our exclusive links to Cycling Routes Selection Map for highlighting your daily rides.
We generally meet at the bikes around 8.00 for a 8.30 ride start. Then there is a 30 min group transfer service from Varese to Lake Lugano.
We are going to bring our packed lunch for having lunch along the route.
The guide leads the way on the road giving you the flexibility to ride at your own pace expecially along the climbs, regrouping at the summits. There is no vehicle support.
There will be sereral opportunities to stop for coffee, photos, enjoy the scenery and lunch along the route.
We go back to the hotel in the afternoon at 14.00/15.00, where you can enjoy a post ride lunch. The rest of the day is relax time.
Please take a look at others key topics below at the end of the page, so you can ensure you are getting a smooth and enjoyable experience.
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. Lake Lugano short (via cycle path Caslano–Agno)
Main route: distance 51 km - 31 mi; elevation gain 120 m – 400 ft
This ride is essentially flat following the lakeside roads and cycle paths through Porto Ceresio, Brusimpiano, Lavena, Ponte Tresa. For a short time you can then leave the lake and cut across Caslano on back roads. You can carry on your route through Agno, Morcote, Melide, Bissone, Capolago, Riva San Vitale and Brusino.
On the the shores of Lake Lugano lies Morcote at the foot Monte Arbostora: one of the most beautiful village of Switzerland. With its characteristic small alleys, the arcades of old patrician homes, valuable architectural monuments and its natural beauty, Morcote is considered the pearl of the lake. Of particular architectural interest, is the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, the terraced cemetery and the Tower of the Captain.
Other rides around Lake Lugano
You can ride along the previous lakeside route around the lake. Then you can climb up the side valleys to enjoy the inside territory.
We suggest several additional routes for this purpose.
Think of it like this: the nine routes bellow are like puzzle pieces, or even better, like LEGO bricks.
You can fit 'em together. One route leads to a peak, and another one leads to a valley, and you can sort of click them all together in your mind to figure out how to get from one side of the region to the other.
Just like building something cool with LEGO, you can plan your route by seeing how all the different bits connect up.
- 2. Lake Lugano long (94 km – 54 mi; elevation 930 m - 3,051 ft)
- 3. Lake Lugano up and down (109 km – 68 mi; elevation 2,000 m - 6,560 ft)
- 4. Lake Lugano North face (51 km – 32 mi; elevation 830 m - 2,730 ft)
- 5. Val di Muggio (44 km – 27 mi; elevation 1,000 m – 3,280 ft)
- 6. Malcantone (30 km – 19 mi; elevation 730 m - 2,400 ft)
- 7. Lugano Tessetete Gravesano (32 km – 20 mi; elevation 500 m - 1,640 ft)
- 8. Lake Como Valle Intelvi Mendrisio (65 km – 40 mi; elevation 1,000 m - 3,280 ft)
- 9. Monte Bar (49 km – 30 mi; elevation 1,560 m. - 5,118 ft)
- 10. Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore (76 km – 47 mi; elevation 660 m - 2,165 ft)
Look at the page Cycling routes Lake Lugano if you need info and inspiration.
Key topics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
It is all about making sure we are on the same wavelength and have a cracking rides!
The Spirit of Our Rides
Our outings are designed to be social and recreational, rather than competitive. We don't race against the clock; instead, we focus on a pleasant mix of cycling and enjoying the local heritage. We believe in a healthy balance between physical activity and relaxation, so taking a moment to catch your breath or snap a photo is always encouraged. Most importantly, we move as a group—no one is ever left behind, and we always have a contingency plan in place.
Routes & Logistics
To ensure a peaceful experience, we prioritize quiet backroads and secondary lanes, steering clear of heavy traffic whenever possible. While we ride together on the flats, you are free to tackle the climbs at your own natural pace; we simply gather and regroup at the summit. If you’re in the mood, we can pause for a mid-morning coffee and cake, followed by a scenic break for our packed lunches. Hydration is never an issue, as the area is dotted with fresh-water taps for quick refills.
Weather & Safety
While a little rain won't deter a committed cyclist, we never compromise on safety. If the conditions become hazardous or simply too miserable to enjoy the day, we will reschedule the ride and find a suitable alternative for the group.
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Photographer: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Copyright: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Credit: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
