As the waters of Lake Maggiore sparkle in the sun, couples stroll down the Piazza Grande and palm trees sway gently on the promenade. You could easily forget that you are actually in Switzerland!
On our lush cycling tour, you’ll discover one of the largest Swiss valleys in Ticino’s capital, the fantastic medieval city of Bellinzona. There is much to explore in the southernmost Swiss region, conveniently located close to Lake Maggiore’s stunning landscape.
The Maggia Valley of Ticino is wild and unspoiled, which you can view from our fabulous train journey included in this special cycling holiday.
But no matter how you discover this region, Ticino and Lago Maggiore will put a spell on you.
Day 1: Arrival Losone
Today you will arrive at your four-star manor house hotel where your hire bicycles for the tour will also be distributed.
Day 2: Losone - Bellinzona - Losone (approx. 55 km)
The tour will begin, conveniently, from your hotel. We will head off in the direction of Locarno along the lovely lake promenade. A leisurely cycle to the Magadino area brings you past small forests andbeautiful open farms, until you reach the city walls of Ticino’s lovely capital, Bellinzona. Here, you will find ancient castles, remarkable hidden places and the old city wall. After a short break, you’ll pass through romantic towns on the way back to Losone. You may, if you wish, shorten the cycling distance by taking the train back to Losone (train ticket approximately 20 euros).
Day 3: Circular tour - Ascona, excursion to the Isle of Brissago (25 km)
Today’s adventure will lead you to the centre of Ascona. You can leave your bicycle here and take a ship to the Isle of Brissago, which is renowned for its Botanical Gardens house, which is home to around 1,700 different plant species. Back in Ascona, the cycling route leads you from the busy city centre on small roads to the valley Centovalli. Here you have a short climb by bike, before arriving at the charming, sleepy villages. The route comes to an end on easy paths, that bring you back to Losone.
Day 4: Into the Maggia Valley (30 km)
At more than 50 kilometres in length, the river Maggia passes through the Alps before finally flowing into Lake Maggiore. You’ll cycle past magnificent waterfalls at Ponte Brolla, and can take in many spectacular views until you reach the lovely town of Maggia. Here you will have time for a short break, during which we advise that you make a visit to the chapel Santa Maria with its wonderful frescoes.
Day 5: Excursion to Lugano (35 km)
Today we cycle to Locarno, where you board the train to Melide. Lake Lugano is a perfectly tranquil setting that can easily compete with Locarno and Ascona for stunning vistas. Discover the picturesque villages, with the ancient stone church towers and even palm trees. You will have plenty of time to explore today! This wonderful final bike ride completes your cycle holiday in this region.
Day 6: Departure or extend your holiday !
Why not extend your short break in Switzerland or Italy?
Most of the time, you cycle on tarmac and occasionally on gravel roads. When you come back from Luino, you typically go on the public road. Nonetheless, this road is tranquil during the day. In the city centres of Locarn or Ascona, the cycle paths lead through pedestrian areas.
Total distance cycled: 145 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Losone
It might be better to push your bicycle to get through. In every tour you will encounter small uphills, but this should not be a hindrance for bicycle holiday novices. Generally speaking, the trips are quite easy.
Route Map (for guidance only):
The Lake Maggiore holiday routes may be subject to change or alteration. All route notes, you are given maps and day-by-day information upon arrival at the first hotel or the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX files are available for most of the cycling holidays to Lake Maggiore we offer. Please ask us for details about this or for any of our other cycling holidays in Switzerland.
We recommend flying to Zurich airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday to Lake Maggiore.
Arrival by car From Northern Switzerland you can reach Ticino via the Gotthard- or the San Bernardino-Pass. Drive on the A2 until you reach Bellinzona. From here you may follow the signage direction to Locarno / Tenero. Stay on this road until you reach the exit Losone. At the big roundabout go right and follow the white signs to «Albergo Losone»! Please do not forget to buy a tax sticker for using the Swiss motorways. Price Tax Sticker: CHF 40.- GPS-system: Via dei Pioppi 14, Losone, Schweiz Arrival by train Via Bellinzona it is easy to reach Locarno. From here you take Bus 1 to Ascona. Get off at the stop Ponte Maggia. The ride with the bus takes about 15 minutes and costs CHF 2.50 per person. Albergo Losone is about 200 metres from the bus station. Just follow the signs that lead the way. Arrival by plane Journey to Zurich airport. It takes about 2h40 to get from Zurich to Locarno. Price per person: approx. CHF68.- Parking Parking is free of charge at the Albergo.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport, or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. On this 5-night holiday, customer car parking is available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of this Ticino cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after your Lake Maggiore holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Lake Maggiore Short Break cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Men's Bike (Colour may vary)
Electric Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
For 2020, there is an additional bike rental option available for a supplement. The PLUS hybrid bike now available on most cycling holidays is sportier with higher quality brakes (Magura HS 11) and better specification gears (Shimano Deore XT). The riding position is designed to have a slightly sportier sitting posture and a high quality Suntour suspension fork gives smooth riding on most surfaces. All accessories are compatible with the new PLUS bike rental option.
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gears
7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Hotel: Albergo Losone 4*
Albergo Losone is a house with a long history. Mr. Glaus and his family are well known for being excellent hosts. Over decades this house has developed from a simple hostel to one of the most welcoming hotels in Switzerland. Today the old manor is going to charm you with its athentic interior and spacious rooms. You can relax under palm trees at the hotel pool or at the sandy beach, go for a swim in the nearby river Maggia, use the wellness area with hammam or try your luck on the hotels own golf course.
If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 12.04. to 27.06.2021 | 22.08. to 17.10.2021 | Sundays |
Season | Prices per person including bike hire |
Season 1: | £785 |
Single Room Supplement: | £380 |
Rental bike 24-gear | £105 |
E-Bike: | £215 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 4* Hotel - Albergo Losone |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement SGL/BB |
Losone Season 1: | £150 | £230 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
12 April 2021 | 27 June 2021 |
22 August 2021 | 17 October 2021 |