Ascona and Lake Maggiore (based in one hotel)
5 nights from 1193
4Cycle through scenic Ticino.
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!
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival to Losone
Arrival at your leisure.
Day 2: Losone – Bellinzona – Losone
35 miles/56 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 Isles of Brissago
14 miles/23 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
18 miles/29 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
12 miles/19km
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
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.
Bikes
Standard touring bike
Touring Bike Country-Bike TdS
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Derailleur gear: Shimano Alivio 3x9-Gang
- Brakes: V-Brake Shimano Alivio
- Wheel size: 26"
Frame sizes:
- S = 44 cm (body height 150 - 172 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 172 - 186 cm)
- M = 56 cm (body height 186 - 196 cm)
Electrically-assisted bike
E-bike Flyer C-series
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Gearshift:
- built 2021: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gears
- built 2022: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
- Brakes: Magura HS22 (hydraulisch) rim brakes
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour NEX, 63mm
- Motor: Panasonic 36V/250W mid-engine
- Battery: Panasonic Li-Ion-Mangan 15Ah/36V (540Wh)
- Operating distance: max. 100 km
- Wheel size: 28" (size XS: 26")
- Total weight: max. 149 kg
Frame sizes:
- XS = 41 cm (body height < 160 cm)
- S = 45 cm (body height 160 - 170 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 170 - 180 cm)
- L = 55 cm (body height > 180 cm)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
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 but must be reserved in advance. We recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival for safety and hygiene purposes.
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.
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
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Creaky
Swiss sojourn
Good organisation and splendid accommodation with some ok rides. Maps too small and blurry to be useful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 1/9 to 6/9
- How many tours have you completed?
- 13
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
More About This Tour
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