About this trip.
The race of the falling leaves
The Tour of Lombardy closes the professional cycling calendar each autumn, winding through the same alpine foothills — the pre-alpi — that this trip uses as its playground. The Giro d'Italia is a near-annual visitor too. So the riding here carries a particular weight for anyone who follows the sport: these are roads with form. The Lakes of Lombardia is built around that heritage, but it is shaped for cyclists who want their climbs paired with proper Italian dinners and a hotel terrace overlooking water rather than a sufferfest.
Maggiore, Como, Garda
The route runs west to east across the three big northern lakes over eight days, starting from Milan Malpensa and finishing on Lake Garda. Day one is a 45 to 60-minute transfer to Angera, a medieval fortified town on Lake Maggiore set against the Monte Rosa massif. From there it's 90km north along the Maggiore shoreline, past nineteenth and twentieth-century villas, to Luino — where the route leaves Italy briefly, crossing into Switzerland to follow the quieter shores of Lake Lugano before dropping to Cernobbio on Lake Como.
The Como days build up to the climb most riders book this trip for: the ascent to Madonna del Ghisallo, the hilltop cyclists' shrine, and the museum that sits beside it. There's an evening in Bellagio at the point where the lake's two arms meet. The route then heads east towards Garda, taking in the Passo Maniva and a long sweeping descent to Lago di Idro before the final ride to Riva del Garda. The week's total ascent is significant but the riding is described as thoroughly rideable rather than punishing.
The towns and the table
Evenings are part of the design rather than an afterthought. Cernobbio, at the southern end of Como's western branch, feels grand and slightly hushed; Bellagio is prettier and more obviously touristy, but the lakeside ride in is hard to beat. Riva del Garda, at the north end of Garda, sits hemmed in by sheer cliffs and feels almost alpine. Hotels are chosen for views and food rather than as somewhere to drop a bike bag, and the wine list is treated as part of the brief.
Eight days, guided
The trip is graded for cyclists who can handle hilly road riding for several days running — not beginners, but not racers either. It runs as a guided group with vehicle support, eight days in total, with prices from £2,395 per person. Flights aren't included; arrivals are timed for Milan Malpensa (MXP), and the transfer to Angera leaves time to build bikes before dinner on day one. There are 23 reviews on file from previous departures, and trip notes are available from Saddle Skedaddle on +44 (0)191 265 1110.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
