Cycling Lake Como

Day 1: Arrival in Lake Como, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 2: Lake Como – Valle Intelvi, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 3: Monte Generoso Panoramic Hike, 5.5 mi. (9 km)
Day 4: Rifugio Venini Ride & Monte Crocione Hike, 28 mi. (45 km) + 4 mi. (6 km)
Day 5: Scenic Ride to Bellagio, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Bellagio – Como, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Departure from Como

If needed, the itinerary may be adapted due to weather conditions to maintain safety and overall enjoyment.

Day 1: Arrival in Lake Como, 8 mi. (13 km) | Elevation gain + 650 ft (200 m)
The journey begins in Como, a historic town at the southern end of Lake Como, where alpine landscapes meet northern Italy. After a light lunch and bike fitting at a local bike café, there is an optional relaxed afternoon ride along the quieter western shore. Passing elegant villas and gardens that reflect the area’s long history as a retreat for wealthy families, the route leads toward Moltrasio, a small lakeside village known for its stone houses and peaceful atmosphere. For those who choose to ride, a short stop along the way leads to the Cascata di Cam, a small waterfall hidden just above the lake. Unlike the area’s well-known viewpoints, this is a quieter, more local spot, shaped by the steep terrain and seasonal mountain streams that define the lake’s landscape. In the evening, you'll enjoy the first dinner together with a briefing on the week ahead.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Posta Moltrasio

Day 2: Lake Como – Valle Intelvi, 27 mi. (43 km) | Elevation gain + 3935 ft (1200 m)
The route climbs away from the lake into Val d’Intelvi, a lesser-visited valley that sits between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. This area has historically been a crossing point between Italy and Switzerland, and many of its villages developed around trade routes through the mountains. Unlike the busy lakeshore towns, this valley feels more remote and traditional. Stone houses, small churches, and forested slopes define the landscape. As the climb continues, the views open up, offering a clear look back over Lake Como and the surrounding peaks. This shift from busy lakeside to quiet mountain setting is one of the key contrasts of the trip.(B, D)

Sample accommodation: Agriturismo La Nevera

Day 3: Monte Generoso Panoramic Hike, 5.5 mi. (9 km) | Elevation gain + 1310 ft (400 m)
Monte Generoso is one of the most important viewpoints in the region because of its position right on the border between Italy and Switzerland. From the summit, the landscape opens in every direction: the Alps to the north, the lakes below, and the flatter plains stretching toward Milan. What makes this area unique is how clearly it shows the transition between alpine and Mediterranean environments. Forest trails lead to open ridgelines, where the scale of the region becomes easier to understand. The mountain has been a destination since the 1800s, when a railway, still operating today, was built to bring early travelers to the top. (B, D)

Sample accommodation: Agriturismo La Nevera

Day 4: Rifugio Venini Ride & Monte Crocione Hike, 28 mi. (45 km) + 4 mi. (6 km) | Elevation gain + 3940 ft (1200 m) / + 790 ft (240 m)
Today’s ride climbs 28 mi (45 km) into the high Val d’Intelvi, reaching Rifugio Venini, the valley’s highest refuge. The route follows a historic military road built in the early 1900s as part of a defensive line along the Italian border, now a quiet path with wide, uninterrupted views. As the climb progresses, ridgelines open to panoramic vistas over both Lake Como and Lake Lugano. At Rifugio Venini, there is time to rest, enjoy local mountain cuisine, and take in the alpine setting. For those looking to extend the day, an optional 3.7 mi (6 km) hike to Monte Crocione (+790 ft / 240 m) offers even broader views over Bellagio and the surrounding lakes. Support is available for those who prefer to ride or hike only. On the return, a stop at a traditional alpine farm provides insight into local cheese-making, still an active part of daily life in the mountains and rooted in long-standing traditions of the region. (B, D)

Sample accommodation: Agriturismo La Nevera

Day 5: Scenic Ride to Bellagio, 19 mi. (30 km) | Elevation gain + 1800 ft (550 m)
The route descends back toward the lake, passing Lago di Piano, a protected natural reserve that offers a quieter contrast to the more developed parts of Lake Como. This wetland area supports birdlife and preserves a landscape that has largely disappeared elsewhere around the lake. From Menaggio, a ferry crossing gives a different perspective, showing just how steep the mountains are as they rise directly from the water. Arrival in Bellagio marks a shift back into one of the lake’s most visited towns. Its location, at the point where the lake splits into three branches, made it historically important for trade and travel, and today it is known for its narrow streets, waterfront promenades, and historic villas. (B, D)

Sample accommodation: Hotel Fioroni Bellagio

Day 6: Bellagio – Como, 19 mi. (30 km) | Elevation gain + 1800 ft (550 m)
The final ride follows the eastern side of the lake back toward Como. This route passes through a series of small villages where life still centers around fishing, boating, and local agriculture. A highlight is the Orrido di Nesso, a natural gorge carved by water over thousands of years. A stone bridge from medieval times crosses the gorge, connecting the two sides of the village – an example of how communities adapted to the steep terrain. The ride brings together many elements of the week: lakeside scenery, historic sites, and everyday local life. The journey ends in Como. (B)

Sample accommodation: Hotel Le Due Corti

Day 7: Departure from Como
The tour ends today following breakfast. Transfers can be arranged to Como station or onward destinations, and additional nights can be added for those who wish to extend their stay. (B)

Accommodations throughout the tour are a mix of comfortable lakeside hotels and a traditional mountain agriturismo. Properties are chosen for their location, character, and connection to the surrounding landscape, whether overlooking Lake Como or set in a quiet alpine valley. Guests can expect welcoming, locally run accommodations that reflect the style and atmosphere of northern Italy, with a balance of comfort and authenticity.

Bicycles

Electric Full-Suspension Mountain Bike

• Frame: Specialized M5 premium alloy frame with internal cable routing and adjustable geometry
• Motor: Specialized 2.2 Custom Rx Trail Tuned Motor, 90 Nm torque, 565W power
• Battery: Specialized M3-700 integrated battery, 700 Wh
• Front Suspension: FOX front suspension fork
• Rear Shock: FOX FLOAT X Performance (or FOX FLOAT DPS Performance on size S1)
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze hydraulic disc brakes, 220 mm front / 200 mm rear rotors
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle / X01 Eagle, 12-speed
• Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, 10–52t
• Rims: Specialized 29” alloy rims, tubeless ready

Accessories include:

• Helmet
• Water bottle
• Flat pedals (Alternative pedals available upon request)
• Repair kit

Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike

• Frame: Aluminium Superlite frame with integrated battery and internal cable routing
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Gen 3, 75 Nm torque
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube 500 Wh
• Fork: SR Suntour NVX30 NLO Coil, 100 mm travel
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotors (front and rear)
• Drivetrain: Shimano Cues, 9-speed
• Shifters: Shimano Cues Rapidfire-Plus
• Cassette: Shimano Cues, 11–46T
• Crankset: ACID MTB Hybrid, 38T
• Tires: Schwalbe Smart Sam, 2.35
• Rims: CUBE EX25, tubeless ready

Accessories include:

• Helmet
• Water bottle
• Flat pedals (Alternative pedals available upon request)
• Repair kit