A cycling holiday created by women for women
There will only be women in this 7-day cycling experience.
Varese and Colmegna are our base to discover by bike the surrounding 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.
Got questions? Fancy a chat about your goals?
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 is a world-class cycling destination, offering breathtaking terrain for every rider. Whether you are an intermediate or advanced roadie seeking challenging alpine adventures or a leisure cyclist looking for a relaxed spin, our network of rides is ready to blow your mind.
The region boasts lakes of different sizes, each with its own character. While it’s a challenge to see them all in one trip, we’ll help you explore the very best:
- The Big Four: Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Varese, and Lake Como.
- Hidden Gems: nestled in the valleys between Varese and Lugano, including Lakes Brinzio, Ganna, Ghirla, Comabbio, and Monate.
Tailored for You: Don’t be intimidated by the mountains! While we love the climbs, we can easily design custom routes that bypass the big hills, keeping your ride flat, smooth, and gentle rolling roads with occasional small climbs.
Our tours are about discovering the soul of the region. Get ready to visit:
- Lake Maggiore: The stunning Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (clinging to the rock) and the glamorous lakeside towns of Ascona and Locarno.
- Lake Lugano: The picturesque villages of Morcote (voted one of Switzerland’s most beautiful), Caslano, and Melide.
- Varese Area: The historic Villa della Porta Bozzolo and the Sacro Monte of Varese, a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site.
2026 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
2026 scheduled dates
Women's bike tour
August 31st – September 7th 2026
September 26th – October 3rd 2026
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
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 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
Got questions? Fancy a chat about your goals?
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. It's a family-run hotel.
2 ~ Sunday, & 3 ~ Monday
Three rides start from Varese. You can choose from:
- Around Lake Varese (35 km - 22 mi; elevation gain 300 mt - 980 ft),
- Around Lake Lugano (52 km - 32 mi; elevation gain 120 mt - 390),
- Lake Varese and Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (57 km - 35 mi; elevation gain 300 mt - 980 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
Four rides start from Colmegna. You can choose from:
- Cannero, Ascona, Locarno (63 km - 39 mi; elevation gain 200 m - 656 ft),
- Lake Maggiore on the inside: Laveno, Villa Della Porta Bozzolo (50 km - 31 mi; elevation gain 230 m - 750 ft),
- Ponte Tresa, Lake Lugano, Marchirolo (40 km - 25 mi; elevation gain 550 m - 1,800 ft),
- Piano Magadino, Bellinzona and Medieval Castels (80 km - 50 mi; elevation gain 200 m - 656 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.
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 real difference for many female cyclists:
- Pace.
Sometimes, in mixed groups, 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. In 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: many women feel more relaxed and confident in an all-female group. There’s a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding that is incredibly valuable 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 priorities than men when it comes to cycling. We might be more interested in exploring charming villages, spending a bit more time at local markets, or enjoying a leisurely picnic with stunning views. A women-only tour allows us to focus on these details and create a truly unique itinerary. - Social dynamics.
In mixed groups, conversations can sometimes be dominated by just a few personalities. In a women-only group, there’s a greater opportunity for everyone to share their experiences, ask questions, and build genuine connections.
This tour is about creating a relaxed and enjoyable cycling experience specifically for women. It’s about finding that "sweet spot" between challenge and comfort, while 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
