A women-only cycling training camp
A weeklong cycling training camp, based in and around the Italian and Swiss Lake District with a group of like-minded women.
The camp is female only. Both guests and guide.
This camp has been specifically designed for women with average-to-good cycling skills and experience. It is also for those who wish to improve cycling skills, socialise with like-minded people and even enjoy discovering the hilly area around Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and Varese.
Our camp is just for you if you are looking for:
- good and challenging routes. Some proper rides, with a mix of rolling hills and some decent climbs to test your legs. Nothing too crazy, but enough to make you feel like you've accomplished something. A good mix of cycling and scenery.
- expert coaching and guidance. Learn from experienced cyclists, improve your technique, and get some personalised feedback. Things like how to climb more efficiently, corner like a pro, and ride confidently in a group. Basically you can come away feeling like a better, more skilled cyclist.
- other cycling fanatics. It's amazing to connect with other women who are just as passionate about cycling as you are. Someone to chat to about bikes, sharing stories, tips, and making new riding buddies, in an enviroment where everyone feels comfortable, no matter their level.
The region serves as training location for Australian cyclists living in Europe.
The AIS European Training Centre is located in Gavirate along the shores of Lake Varese. We can arrage a visit during your stay here.
Got questions? Fancy a chat about your goals?
Give us a shout!
Our female guide is always happy to share her best tips and help you decide if this camp is the right fit for your fitness level.
Expect small groups, up to 8 women, with a female guide giving you the flexibility to ride at your own pace especially on the climbs.
There is no vehicle support during the rides. All guests will receive access to our digital maps and routes on Google My Maps.
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 camp 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.
The hotels will tranfer your luggage for you on day 4 and on day 7. Just drop your luggage off in the morning and it magically appears at the other hotel. Easy peasy.
The natural setting of the Italian-Swiss Lake District offers a variety of climbs and a beautiful network of roads, perfect for rides each day.
The routes are flexible offering you the opportunity to ride through back roads and to extend or shorten the day depending on your fitness level.
Our core pillars: Non-intimidating and supportive Environment.
We believe that in a great cycling camp, no apology should ever be necessary. "Sorry I’m slow" or "Sorry I’m holding you back" are phrases you won't need here.
- We have completely removed the fear of judgment or technical failure.
- The pace is respected, so the slowest rider never feels like a burden.
- The "No-Drop" Promise: We start together and finish together. A "strong rider" isn't someone who rides away; it's someone who uses their strength to give the group a smooth pull at the front.
Our cycling experience for women
Basically the experience combines challenging and rewarding rides with professional coaching, cultural experiences, and the camaraderie of other female cyclists.
All climbs will be ridden at the riders own pace regrouping at the top, offering those who want to push themselves further the freedom to do so, and those who prefer to take it easy can do so without pressure.
You will never be left behind. We'll always have a backup plan.
There are also rugged, remote climbs and secluded villages and minor lakes to discover, allowing you to go back to hotel in the afternoon for the post ride lunch.
Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano
The routes showcase the best of the Italian and Swiss Lake District and its huge variety of terrain. Prepare to explore the best lakeside riding and the mountainous roads in between.
Enjoy the rolling and wooded hills of this classic cycling landscape over Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano at the foothills of the Swiss-Italian Alps.
In just a few days, our skilled female guide will show you the best views, coffee stops and “locals-only” hidden gems that our region has to offer.
2026 Women's cycling camp 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:
intermediate / enthusiast cyclists
Terrain:
rarely flat, mostly undulating and hilly
2026 scheduled dates
Women's cycling camp
August 31st – September 7th 2026
September 26th – October 3rd 2026
Our Woman's Cycling Camp 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 Cycling Camp:
- 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 one hotel to another
- 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
Weeklong Women's Cycling Camp
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 women, with a female guide. 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 gives you the flexibility to ride at your own pace especially on the climbs. There is no vehicle support during the ride.
The programme provides a framework for the camp, but the specifics of each day's ride (distance, elevation and overall experience) can be tailored to the bunch's needs and desires.
We typically roll out at 8.00/8.30 in the morning, getting back to the hotel in the afternoon at 14.00/15.00, just in time for a post ride lunch at the hotel. The rest of the day is relax time. A coffee stop, breaks for snacks or pictures and for regrouping are suggested during the daily ride. We all together ride on the flats and at your own pace on the climbs, regrouping at the top.
Can't find what you are 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 and help you decide if this camp is the right fit for your fitness level.
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
Several rides start from Varese. Some of them:
- Campo dei Fiori (45 km - 28 mi; 540 m - 1,770 ft) or (61 km - 38 mi; 1,200 m - 3,940 ft),
- Lake Maggiore in the inside (73 km - 45 mi; 850 m – 2,780 ft) or (74 km - 46 mi; 950 m - 3,120 ft),
- Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano (97 km - 60 mi; 950 m – 3,120 ft) or (99 km - 62 mi; 1,260 m - 4,130 ft),
- Lake Como (81 km - 50 mi; 650 m – 2,130 ft) or (117 km - 73 mi; 1,470 m – 4,820 ft),
- Sant'Antonio and San Michele (61 km - 38 mi; 1,200 m – 3,940 ft) or (75 km - 47 mi; 1,750 m – 5,740 ft),
- Lake Lugano easy (84 km - 52 mi; 500 m - 1,640 ft) or (88 km - 55 mi; 700 m – 2,300 ft),
- Lake Lugano up and down (113 km - 70 mi; 1,500 m – 4,920 ft) or (135 km - 84 mi; 2,250 m – 7,380 ft),
- Try the UCI GranFondo Tre Valli Varesine (84 km - 52 mi; 1,200 m – 3,940 ft) or (98 km - 61 mi; 1,600 m – 5,250 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 through the Swiss region of Malcantone.
We will descend toward Lake Varese, then we will pass through the village of Ponte Tresa on Lake Lugano and the Swiss region of Malcantone.
There are five rides to choose from:
- route 1 - easy (59 km - 37 mi; 600 m - 1,970 ft),
- route 2 – via Alpe Tedesco, Brusimpiano (70 km - 43 mi; 900 m – 2,950 ft),
- route 3 – via Bedegliora, Astano (71 km - 44 mi; 1,050 m - 3,440 ft),
- route 4 – via Aranno, Miglieglia (84 km - 53 mi; 1,350 m - 4,430 ft),
- route 5 – via Bioggio, Cademario (91 km - 57 mi; 1,600 m - 5,250 ft).
Accomodation: Relais Villa Porta in Colmegna. It's a family-run hotel.
5 ~ Wednesday, & 6 ~ Thursday
Several rides which start from Colmegna. Some of them:
- Locarno, Ascona and Brissago vistas (76 km - 47 mi; 500 m - ft 1,640) or (86 km - 53 mi; 800 m – 2,620 ft),
- Malcantone, Miglieglia, Astano (55 km -34 mi; 800 m – 2,620 ft) or (62 km – 39 mi; 1,150 m – 3,372 ft),
- Lake Lugano loop, Ardena (96 km - 60 mi; 896 m – 2,940 ft) or (112 km – 70mi; 1.381 m – 4,530 ft),
- Try the UCI Gran Fondo Tre Valli Varesine (80 km - 50 mi; 1,550 m – 5,085 ft),
- Sant'Antonio, San Michele, Monte Sette Termini (66 km - 42 mi; 1,540 m - 5,050 ft) or (90 km - 56 mi; 2,350 m - 7,700 ft),
- Val Veddasca, Alpe Neggia (56 km - 35 mi; 1,420 m - 4.660 ft) or (60 km - 38 mi; 1,665 m - 5,460 ft),
- Lake Maggiore, Laveno, Arcumeggia (52 km – 32 mi; 650 m – 2,130 ft),
- Northern Lake Maggiore loop (96 km - 57 mi; 520 m - 1,700 ft),
- Valle Canobbina, Centovalli (104 km - 60 mi; 1,105 m - 3.625 ft),
- Val Verzasca - Jump Bridge – Sonogno (108 km - 67 mi; 880 m – 2,890 ft),
- Contra – Mergoscia (76 km - 47 mi; 600 m - 1,970 ft),
- Valle Maggia (125 km – 78 mi; 500 m – 1,640 ft),
- Monti Motti (84 km - 52 mi; 950 m - 3,120 ft),
- Monte Bré (90 km - 56 mi; 1,150 m - 3,770 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 via Lake Lugano along undulating roads overlooking the coast of the Italian-Swiss lake, while your luggage will be transfered to Varese.
There are four rides to choose from:
- route 6 – no climbs (74 km - 46 mi; 400 m - 1,300 ft),
- route 7 - via Collina d'Oro, (78 km - 48 mi; 700 m – 2,300 ft),
- route 8 - via Collina d'Oro, Arogno (87 km – 54 mi; 1,015 m - 3,330 ft),
- route 9 – via Collina d'Oro, Carona, Arogno (103 km - 64 mi; 1,500 m - 4,920 ft).
Accomodation: Hotel Ungheria Varese. It's a family-run hotel.. It's a family-run hotel.
8 ~ Saturday - Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Why an all-female camp is special:
Whether you’re a recreational rider or a seasoned veteran, this camp will take you to the next level. If you usually ride with "the guys," you’ll find this an incredibly empowering change of pace. It can be a great way to meet other inspiring ladies.
- It’s all about you: just a group of passionate women pushing each other to be better. We’ll be creating a supportive and encouraging environment where you can focus on your cycling without any of the pressures or distractions that can sometimes come with mixed-gender groups.
- Lifelong Bonds: Cycling is a social sport, and this week will be a great opportunity to connect with other women who share your passion. You’ll be sharing experiences, swapping tips, and creating bonds that will last long after the camp is over.
- Tailored Skill-Building: We’re not just going to be churning out the kilometres. We’ll be focusing on specific drills and techniques to improve your climbing, descending, cornering, and overall bike handling skills.
- Confidence & Motivation: Cycling can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you’re pushing your limits. But with a group of supportive women cheering you on, you’ll feel empowered to try new things, tackle climbs, and discover just how strong you really are. Supportive cheering makes the hardest climbs feel easier.
A women's cycling camp between Italy and Switzerland
The region is located on the southernmost end of the Alps, the area between Lombardy (Italy), Piedmont (Italy) and Canton of Ticino (Italian speaking part of Switzerland). It is probably best known for its wonderful lakes and mild Mediterranean climate.
Gorgeous lakeside towns with more than a hint of glamour line the shores of Lakes Lugano, Maggiore and Como, so the area has gained something of a reputation as a rich person’s playground, quite possibly also thanks to its close proximity to fashion capital Milan.
But the region is not actually all about flashy wealth. It’s also a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding mountains as getting off the beaten track and into the wilderness doesn’t take long at all.
The roads following the lakes can get a little busy in the height of summer but there are many easy to access climbs that take you away from the shoreline and deliver views and seclusion between Italy and Switzerland.
The unique appeal of women's-only cycling training camps
One of our female guides says this about the topic:
In these camps, emotional well-being is prioritized alongside physical training. The shared experience fosters a sense of camaraderie, allowing women to push their boundaries and enjoy the process without the pressure to 'battle it out with the guys.' It’s about connecting with badass ladies who share your same passion.
Photographer: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Copyright: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Credit: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
