Itinerary Expand all Day 1 Start Armeno Our trip starts in Armeno, a small villageon the eastern hills of Lake Orta. Optional stroll through the alleys of Orta San Giulio, a stunning town listed among the "Most beautiful towns of Italy". Our accommodation on the first night is in a green park near Lake Orta, at the foot of Mount Mottarone. It is part of a complex who also organise spiritual retreats, making it a relaxing place to start the trip. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Ride south to Lake Maggiore through Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park, Grappa tasting On our way to Lake Maggiore we ride south along Lake Orta through the amazing Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park; home to a huge variety of different environments, from swamps to pastures, horses stables to archaeological sites. We continue to the medieval town of Angera, where, as a perfect ending we taste Grappa; one of the most renowned Italian spirits from a local and historical distillery. In Angera, where we overnight, there will be the opportunity to swim and relax on the lake beaches. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 3 Cycle along Lake Maggiore to Porto Valtravaglia through Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage, cheese tasting. Cycling along the shores of Lake Maggiore we make our way to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso; directly overlooking the water it is one most charming sights of the lake. We take some time to visit this incredible abbey and then we stop in a traditional “locanda” (cosy typical restaurant) to enjoy a tasting of local cheese, cold meats and honey. After the tasting we continue through the picturesque village of Laveno to Porto Valtravaglia, where we spend the next two nights. When the weather allows there will be time to explore the local beaches. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Free day to relax on Lake Maggiore, or take a ferry to the famous Borromeo Islands. On this leisurely day you have some time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Maggiore or to take a ferry to the famous Borromeo Islands. The archipelago is formed by four Islands. The main one is the monumental Isola Bella, with its 17th-Century Palazzo Borromeo, surrounded by flam boiled gardens. Then we have the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), Isola Madre, noted for its botanical garden, the little Island of San Giovanni, and the Rock of Marghera. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Cycle to Lugano, enjoy a chocolate tasting in a historic cafe` and visit the town of Menaggio. Today is quite exciting as we cycle into the second country of our trip: Switzerland. We will reach the enchanting city of Lugano, lied down on the shore of iconic Lake Lugano. We take some time to stroll and explore the city independently and after our lunch at leisure we will get the chance to enjoy a delicious chocolate tasting at the historical Caffé Vanini, situated in a picturesque square in the city centre. The day ends in the charming town of Menaggio, on the shores of Lake Como, where we will stay for the next three nights. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Ride to Balbianello Villa, visit to a traditional gelateria and gelato tasting. On today's ride we head to the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, riding south along Lake Como. Built for a prominent Italian family during the 19th century it has been recently chosen as setting of international movies such as 007: Casino Royale and Star Wars. After lunch, on our way to the city of Como we enjoy a relaxing break at a traditional gelateria, to try to learn the secrets of real Italian gelato. In Como you will have time to discover the city's main sights, such as the remarkable Renaissance Cathedral, at your own pace, before returning to Menaggio by ferry boat. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Circular ride to Colico, wine tasting. Today we take a final circular ride around the Northern side of Lake Como to Colico. En route we stop at a local wine cellar to taste some of the excellent wines of the area and to enjoy a light lunch with local products. Once at Colico, you can visit the Cistercian Santa Maria di Piona Abbey, masterpiece of the Lombard architecture. Built in the 12th century, it represents the first source attesting a monastic community present in the territory. After the visit we return to Menaggio by ferry, another great chance to admire the beautiful views that the lake is offering. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 8 End Menaggio Our trip ends in Menaggio. Meals included: Breakfast
Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Hotels You will spend 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels. All hotels have been carefully selected for their welcoming atmosphere, location and services offered. All rooms provided are en suite. We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip (subject to availability). Please check with your sales consultant for availability and prices.
May 21, 2020 Vania’s Guide to Italian Cuisine – 4 Delicious Dishes From a hands on cookery class with local chefs on our
May 20, 2020 Leaders at Home: Italian traditions with Vania De Paoli Home to some of the world’s greatest works of art like the intricate Sistine Chapel frescos and renowned culinary del
April 6, 2020 Our favourite travel books Travel literature, whether it’s the fascinating memoirs of a life-changing trip into the mysterious Himalayan mountai
April 6, 2020 How we bring travel into our homes During these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever before that we stay in our homes and practice social
Reviewed July 2019 Kileen G Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes cycling the Italian swiss lakes One of the most beautiful bike trips with amazing scenery, food, and guides . Everyday we were riding by one of the lakes, always with spectacular views! The bikes were fabulous, perfect for the terrain. There were a few short, sweet hills. But there was always van support if needed. Loved the guides Sara and Francesco. They were knowledgeable about biking and the area (and delicious restaurants), kept us safe, well fed , were helpful with requests ,were very thoughtful and kept the group laughing! So many extras included, such as the wine tasting with an amazing lunch,another amazing lunch, the gelato tasting, the chocolate tasting in Lugano, the tour of the Villa Balbianello and gardens with our own private guide. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? many;the daily scenery of the lakes, Lake Como and area, the food, the day trip to Borommeo island, the extras of lunches, wine, gelato, chocolate tasting, tours and the psta making! And the last hotel in Menaggio! I could have stayed there for a month! What did you think of your group leader? Our tour guides Sara and Francesco were excellent. They were well organized, kept us safe, well fed, hydrated and happy. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Like any trip rain gear. though we only had one rainy day. Is there anything else you would like to add? I highly recommend this tour!
Reviewed July 2019 Carlo b Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes The scenery on this cycling tour was very picturesque with the riding often along cycle paths or roads beside a lake. There was the occasional hill but they were short. There was 1 day of rainy weather and the rest of the week was a mix of sunshine and clouds with thunderstorms at night on occasion. The food was excellent! The hotels were basic but clean and in good locations; the final hotel in Menaggio had a beautiful view of Lake Como and was staffed by friendly and helpful staff. The hybrid bikes were well-maintained. Sara and Francesco had refreshing snacks during rest stops on cycling days. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Cycling along Lake Lugano and Lake Como was beautiful. The restaurant in Porto Valtravaglia was lots of fun and the food was superb. Visiting the Borromeo Islands. The risotto for lunch on the wine-tasting visit. What did you think of your group leader? Both Sara and Francesco were wonderful guides and always available for any bike fixes or adjustments. They were very knowledgable about the region and cycling route and lots of fun. They recommended really good restaurants. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We had rain on the first 2 days of cycling, although the weather improved for the rest of the tour, so bring rain gear just in case. Is there anything else you would like to add? You should be comfortable cycling with traffic because some cycling is along busy roads; follow Sara's and Francesco's cycling recommendations.
Reviewed June 2019 Robert John Ogden Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes ?? Good trip sightseeing and cycling What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Beautiful scenery What did you think of your group leader? Very enthusiastic. Tried hard to please . Tour meetings long winded Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Easy cycling Is there anything else you would like to add? No
Reviewed June 2019 Liam Gray Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes Great trip Lakes beautiful What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Cycling through Switzerland What did you think of your group leader? Exceptionalit
Reviewed June 2019 Sue Clarke Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes Stunning views of the 4 lakes - best seen from a bike The lakes together with the historic villas and gardens are truly stunning so this is a very worthwhile trip. Fairly straightforward for a moderate grading although the optional first day hill climb took us all by surprise! The hotels are quite basic and we didn’t get a double bed at any point despite requesting it at the booking stage. Sara the leader and Alessandro our back up with the van, were both brilliant throughout - keeping a very mixed ability group safe and happy. Their enthusiasm was infectious even when we were all drenched on day 2. The tour of Lugano would have been far better with Sara or Alessandro than a paid guide who didn’t really tell us much and kept us waiting for lunch until 2.30 by which time we were all starving and completely missed out the chocolate tasting :-(. While the lady at Villa del Balbianello was probably the best local guide I’ve come across. Fab trip in all which could be improved with a few tweaks and some better accommodation. I felt we didn’t get the best Italian food until later in the week - a downside of eating out with a large group. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We loved the mid week trip to The Borromean Islands (Lake Maggiore) which is a non-cycling day - Isola Bella and the Fisherman’s Island are both wonderful. Also the last day at Villa del Balbianello with it’s very interesting villa and stunning gardens. These are both must see places. Most of the trip you are surrounded by stunning views and we took plenty of photos both from the land and the water. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent - 5 stars. Sara had some challenges on the way round but kept her cool and was professional throughout with a very warm and friendly manner. Sara and Alessandro made a great team and it was fun to be with them both. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you are up to doing the miles indicated and the hill climbs as per the trip notes, otherwise it won’t be so enjoyable for you. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was my 7th cycle trip and my 10th Exodus trip. I would put it at number 5 of the cycling trips - behind the Amalfi Coast, Jordan, Northern Sardinia and the Dalmatian Coast.
Reviewed October 2018 Sara Condy Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes Wonderful cycling around 3 lakes in Italy and a one day ride into Switzerland Excellent new trip, up to Exodus usual high standards. Fantastic guides, easily amongst the best in my four cycling holidays (just one other trip with Exodus). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Boat trip to Borromean Islands including Isole Bella. What did you think of your group leader? Francesco and Sara are a dream team. I could not fault them! Thank you so much for your care, hospitality, humour, expertise, support and hard work and positive energy! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read other reviews re. traffic in some parts of the cycling.
Reviewed July 2018 Simone and Bruce Kuklinski Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes Absolutely Superb! This trip was in celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary and suffice it to say, it was a wonderful holiday. Gorgeous scenery, great food, lovely wines, great camaraderie, excellent guides. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every day was full of inspirational moments; however, some do stand out: having a nun as a barista at the spiritual retreat, the hundreds of richly-coloured umbrellas suspended over the streets of Pietrasanta (I think this was the place), the tour of the Borromean castle, grappa-tasting, the wonderful lunch of delicious cheeses, cold meets, pear jelly, and wine tasting at the locanda, our visit to Lugano, as well as our stop at the Villa del Balbianello. The list is long but those are some of our favourite and most inspirational moments. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leaders, Sara Giorgini and Francesco Cavallone, were absolutely superb in every way. They were well-prepared, professional, extremely knowledgeable, helpful and supportive, and clearly have a passion for cycling and working with people. From the moment they greeted us at the airport to the time of our departure, they were thoughtful, kind, joyful, and patient. They work well together and make an excellent team. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If travelling in July, pack light clothes as the heat and humidity is quite high. The cycling is not extremely technical. There are some hills; however, most of the course is relatively easy cycling. Unfortunately, the days seem to fly by so try to take time just to soak everything up. Is there anything else you would like to add? This is our second trip with Exodus and we are hooked! Can't wait for our next adventure!
Reviewed July 2018 John Shipperley Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes The best trip yet. Having now completed nine trips with Exodus this has been one of the best, and of the European trips it is the best. Beautiful scenery, enchanting towns and villages, wonderful food and lots of Gelato. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The whole trip was inspirational due to my fellow travellers, fun and laughter all the way, how lucky I was to be a part of it all. What did you think of your group leader? Francesco and Sara were a good as it gets, not just leaders but a part of the group. Great to be with and they obviously enjoy their work. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The cycling isn't too hard (but this means different things to different people), so for anyone who has a good level of fitness it's fine. The only advisory note is that you need to be confident of occasionally cycling on busy roads.
Reviewed June 2018 robert seatter Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes Cycling the Italian & Swiss Lakes Absolutely great group - I knew some from an Exodus trip to Puglia 2 yrs ago, led by fun and engaging leaders, in a lovely part of the world. Some quibbles about the route, but overall a great time. Thank you Exodus! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Last couple of days were the best: cycling along the border of Lake Como on winding. charming roads with breath-taking vistas More of this pl! What did you think of your group leader? Excellent - Francesco was our main guide, supported by Sara Francesco was charismatic, fun and engaging, but also clear and serious when he needed to be Both guides joined in with everything and made the group go with a swing Big thank you to both of them! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is not a difficult trip - v few hard or arduous climbs, and not long distances I wonder if the rating is correct? More an easy than a moderate? Is there anything else you would like to add? Re the route, I could happily have done without the Swiss section - a lot of cycling on busy roads, to cross the border for a few hours into Lugano which is v expensive and not especially interesting Would much rather have spent longer in Italy Re group mgt, I think guides cld be better briefed at the beginning by Exodus on protocols for taking groups on the roads over a week ie always have a back sweeper, divide groups into smaller groups to aid traffic flow, give each member of group a daily map to take with them so we are not constantly asking 'how much further to next stop? etc' The guides absorbed this quickly when we told them, but if they had this as part of their mgt training it wld have been helpful As an ex language teacher, I do also wonder if you could perhaps help yr guides more with v specific vocabulary eg cycling parts/route instructions/health & safety, rather than leaving them to find their way round this?
Reviewed May 2018 John and Sarah Halpin Trip: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes Stunning scenery Smaller towns of northern Italy with wonderful people. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Riding right along the edge of the lake. What did you think of your group leader? Francesco was such a positive, good natured personality who went above and beyond to make everyone happy. This is no easy feat for a group of 13 from ages of mid 20's to mid 70's. Sara was the steady reliable backup that kept our gear and bikes moving. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The May trip is preseason and a little quieter. Is there anything else you would like to add? Although a moderate rating be prepared to ride in traffic with some hilly terrain.