Ascona and Lake Maggiore (based in one hotel)

Ascona and Lake Maggiore

The crystal clear waters of Lago Maggiore sparkle in the sun, locals and visitors roam down the Piazza Grande, and palm trees grow on the lake promenade. When staying in Ticino, you could easily forget that you are still in Switzerland. On this tour you will discover some of the longest swiss valleys and visit Ticinos capital, the medieval city of Bellinzona.

Discover the southernmost Swiss canton (state) Ticino. Close to the Lago Maggiore the landscape is charming and tame, while the Maggia Valley Ticino is wild and defiant. But no matter how you discover this region: Ticino and its Lago Maggiore will put a spell on you!

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Highlights

• Ascona
• Magadino area
• Ticinos capital: Bellinzona
• Isles of Brissago
• River Maggia and town of Maggia
• Waterfall at Monte Brolla
• The chapel Santa Maria in Maggia

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Learn more about self-guided tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival to Losone
Arrival at your leisure.

Day 2: Losone – Bellinzona – Losone (34 miles/55 km)
Starting at the hotel, heading toward Locarno along the lake promenade, you cycle to the flat Magadino area and go past small forests and big farming areas until you reach the city walls of Ticinos capital: Bellinzona. In this town you find many old castles, hidden places, and the old city wall. After a short break, you will past romantic towns back to Losone.

Day 3: Circle tour Ascona and Iles of Brissago (19 miles/25 km)
Today's discovery leads to the center of Ascona. You can leave your bicycle there and take the ship to the Isles of Brissago. The Botanical Gardens house around 1,700 plant species. Back in Ascona the route leads you from the hectic city center on small roads to the branches of the valley Centovalli. Here you have to face one short uphill before visiting sleepy villages. The route then brings you on an easy path back to Losone.

Day 4: Maggia Valley (19 miles/30 km)
More than 50 kilometers, the river Maggia runs through the alps before finally flowing into the Lago Maggiore. You go past the waterfall at Monte Brolla until you reach the lovely town of Maggia. There you have time for a short break and to visit the chapel Santa Maria with its wonderful frescos.

Day 5: Excursion to Lugano (22 miles/35km)
By bicycle to Locarno. The train brings you to Melide. Lake Lugano can definitely compete with Locarno and Ascona. Italien Dolce Vita, colorful villages with the typical stone church towers and even palms can be discovered today! A wonderful trip completes your cycle holiday in this region.

Day 6: Departure

Surface and terrain

The terrain is mostly flat, but every day you may have a few small hills, though nothing too prohibitive even for beginners. You will cycle on small roads and easy paths through the countryside.

The tour is on tarmac and gravel roads. In the city centers the cycle paths pass through pedestrian areas and you may need to push your bike.

Hotels

Albergo Losone, 4-star
www.albergolosone.ch
You will be booked in Premium Rooms at this hotel.

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 authentic 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 hotel's own golf course.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airport and train station: Locarno, Switzerland

There are regular train connections from Zurich via Bellinzona to Locarno. From the train station you can reach the hotel by bus in only 15 minutes.
If travling by car, the hotel offers free parking spaces. No reservation necessary.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 5 nights accommodation
• Breakfast
• One set of detailed travel documents (maps, route descriptions, places of interest, telephone numbers) per room; well-documented route and personal tour information
• Service hotline throughout the duration of the tour
• Train tickets Locarno to Melide and Lugano to Locarno, including bike
• Excursion to the isles of Brissago on the 3rd day
• Daily entrance to the spa including Hammam
• Entrance to the castles of Bellinzona
• GPS tracks available upon request (must request in advance)

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:

• Hybrid touring bike, 24-speed, unisex
• Electric bike*

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

• Saddle bag (water-repellent), rear
• Tools
• Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
• Pump
• Lock

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour. We recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival for safety and hygiene purposes.

Tour Company