A cycling holiday created by women for women
There will are women only in this 7-day cycling experience.
Varese and Colmegna are our base to discover by bike the surrouding of both Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano between Italy and Switzerland.
A female guide will lead the way on flat and undulating roads with occasional small climbs. Expect small groups up to 8 women.
She always makes sure that the bunch goes as fast as the slowest rider, so it doesn't matter what speed you are.
Safety is our biggest priority along with making riders feel comfortable.
This tour is just for you if you fancy:
- a relaxed pace. A tour that emphasises enjoying the scenery, surely with a plenty of stops. No pressure to be super fit or super fast.
- easy-peasy routes. A mix of flat bits and gentle hills would be nice. Short and sweet climbs. Nothing too crazy, and definitely nothing technical.
- flexible itinerary. There are options for shorter or longer rides, or the chance to chill out for a day if you're feeling tired. We'll always have a backup plan.
- supportive atmosphere. No judgement or competitive vibes, Just a bunch of women encouraging each other, maybe giving tips, sharing stories and having a laugh.
Fancy a chat about your next bike tour? Got any questions or need some pointers?
Give us a shout!
Our female guide is always happy to share her best tips.
Generally we run a weeklong experience that starts and ends on Saturday in Varese and it's based on two hotels: in Varese and in Colmegna on Lake Maggiore.
Varese is 25 km from Milan Malpensa Airport and can be reached in a 43-minute train ride every hour (no change).
How to Get Here
The cycling experience includes 7 nights accomodation and 6 days of cycling.
On day 4 we transfer from Varese to Colmegna on Lake Maggiore 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.
Basically, a tour that's a good mix of cycling, relaxation, socializing and exploring, with a focus on having a lovely time in a supportive environment without feeling like you're going to get left behind.
Bike tour around Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Varese
The Lake District offers pleasant cycling terrains especially for intermediete and advanced roadies in search of more challenging cycling adventures.
It has a network of rides ready to blow your mind.
But don't worry. We can arrange to avoid any big hills and medium sized hills too!
Get ready for visiting by bike the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso on Lake Maggiore, Villa della Porta Bozzolo in Casalzuigno, Ascona and Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Morcote, Caslano and Melide on Lake Lugano, Sacro Monte of Varese (historic site on the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage List).
The Lake District offers ten lakes of different sizes.
It will be very complicate see them all by bike!
The four most important lakes are Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Varese and Como.
Between and around these are several minor lakes - such as Lake Orta, west of Lake Maggiore, and Lake Varese, midway between Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, as well as countless tarns trapped in the high valleys: Lake Brinzio, Lake Ganna, Lake Ghirla, Lake Comabbio and Lake Monate.
Learn more about the best tourist attractions around.
2025 Women's Bike Tour prices per person in Euro
Start location:
Varese
End location:
Varese
Duration:
7 days, 7 nights, 6 days of cycling
Maximum limit:
8 guests - Female riders only
Minimum:
2 guests
Level of difficulty:
slower / recreational cyclists
Terrain:
flat and undulating roads with occasional small climbs
2025 scheduled dates
Women's bike tour
April 26th – May 3rd 2025
May 17th – 24th 2025
September 6th – 13st 2025
September 20th – 27th 2025
Our Woman's Bike Tour requires a minimum of two riders to run.
Other dates are possible and we'll create a departure especially for you if there is a minimum number of 4 guests and a maximum of 8 guests.
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 female 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
Women's Bike Tour
Details / Daily Routes
Expect small groups up to 8 riders with a female 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.
When you’re riding you’ll always have at least one female guide on the road with the bunch.
The guide leads the way on the road giving you the flexibility to ride at your own pace expecially along the climbs. There is no vehicle support during the ride.
She makes sure no one gets left behind so everyone sticks together. 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.
We generally meet at the bikes around 8.00 for a 8.30 ride start. A coffee stop and a light lunch stop on the way are suggested during the daily ride. 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.
Can't find what are you looking for?
Please have a look at:
FAQS
Fancy a chat about your next bike tour? Got any questions or need some pointers?
Give us a shout!
Our female guide is always happy to share her best tips.
1 ~ Saturday - Arrival
Assembling your own bike or delivery of rental bike and pre-tour briefing.
Accomodation: Hotel Ungheria Varese
2 ~ Sunday, & 3 ~ Monday
Three rides start from Varese. You can choose from:
- Around Lake Varese (35 km, elevation gain 300 mt),
- Around Lake Lugano (52 km, elevation gain 120 mt),
- Lake Varese and Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (57 km, elevation gain 300 mt).
Accomodation: Hotel Ungheria Varese
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, elevation gain 350 mt),
- Route 2 – via Gavirate and Ghirla (57 km, elevation gain 450 mt).
Accomodation: Relais Villa Porta in Colmegna
5 ~ Wednesday, & 6 ~ Thursday
Four rides start from Colmegna. You can choose from:
- Cannero, Ascona, Locarno (63 km, elevation gain 200 m),
- Lake Maggiore on the inside: Laveno, Villa Della Porta Bozzolo (50 km, elevation gain 230 m),
- Ponte Tresa, Lake Lugano, Marchirolo (40 km, elevation gain 550 m),
- Piano Magadino, Bellinzona and Medieval Castels (80 km, elevation gain 200 m).
Accomodation: Relais Villa Porta in Colmegna
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, elevation gain 400 mt),
- Route 2 - via Marchirolo and Bedero Valcuvia (46 km, elevation gain 500 mt).
Accomodation: Hotel Ungheria Varese
8 ~ Saturday - Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Why we decided to try offering women-only bike tours
We've been leading mixed groups for years, and we love it! But we've noticed a few things that make a difference for some women cyclists:
- Pace.
Sometimes, when you've got a mixed group, you can end up with a wide range of abilities. It's tough to find a pace that suits everyone, and no one wants to feel held back or left behind. With a women-only group, we can tailor the rides to a comfortable pace for everyone, ensuring no one feels pressured. - Comfort levels.
Let's be honest, some women might feel a bit more relaxed and confident in a group of other women. There's a sense of camaraderie and understanding that can be really valuable, especially when you're out on the road. You don't have to worry about feeling self-conscious or out of place.
- Interests.
Women often have different interests than men when it comes to cycling. Maybe we're more interested in exploring charming villages, stopping for longer at local markets, or enjoying a leisurely picnic with stunning views. A women-only tour allows us to really focus on those interests and create a unique itinerary. - Social dynamics.
Sometimes, in mixed groups, conversations can get dominated by certain personalities. In a women-only group, there's a greater opportunity for everyone to share their experiences, ask questions, and build genuine connections.
So, this tour is really about creating a relaxed and enjoyable cycling experience specifically for women. It's about finding that sweet spot between challenge and comfort, and having a fantastic time exploring beautiful places with a group of like-minded women.
Photographer: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Copyright: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Credit: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
