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LAKES
OF LOMBARDY
A Cycling Holiday in Northern Italy
  Biking through the sunny side of the Alps; where palm trees grow on the lakeshores and images of snow-capped mountains are reflected on the shimmering surface of deep blue waters. This tour starts in the historic town of Bergamo and includes the highlights of Lake Como, Varese, Lake Maggiore, the Ticino Valley, Milan and Pavia before completing the circuit.
Clear cool water flows from the high mountains filling the glaciated valleys to form tendrils of water twisting between the mountains. In turn these lakes, both great and small, feed the rivers that flow through beautiful valleys heading south to the flat lands of the Po Valley. Lombardy is truly an area where water and mountains combine in a picture book of magnificent scenery. The riding is mainly on flattish terrain, including lakeside cycle paths, trails along riverbanks and canal towpaths, but there are inevitably a few hilly sections. The route passes through 3 Natural Parks and is punctuated by a great mix of cities, historic towns and villages.
Bergamo's Piazza Vecchia encapsulates 700 years of history, with its old buildings and pretty fountain. Before setting off on your bike, climb the bell tower of the Cathedral S. Maria Maggiore for spectacular views towards the Alps. Ride along the River Adda and through the Parco dell'Adda Nord, crossing the river on a ferry powered by the current and invented by Leonardo Da Vinci. Passing pretty countryside and some smaller lakes brings you to Como where you can visit the cathedral, take the funicular to the lighthouse dedicated to Volta, walk to the gardens at Villa Olmo or stroll on the lakeside promenade. A shorter day in the saddle brings you to Varese on the shores of Lake Varese. The old town is a real gem with a cluster of historical buildings forming two squares just oozing atmosphere; there is plenty to see and numerous fine restaurants. Next stop is Sesto Calende on the shores of majestic Lake Maggiore. Such an idilic setting is hard to leave but you must face an early start if you want to enjoy the riverside ride through the Ticino Valley Natural Park and sightsee in Milan, as there is a whole guidebook full of things to see in this great city. The dilemma the next morning will be whether to spend more time in Milan or to head along the canal side route to the Monastery of Certosa di Pavia, dating back to 1396, and on to the medieval towers of Pavia. The last day is a ride of waterways, the Parco Regionale dell'Adda and finally a short train ride back to Bergamo.
| Inn
to Inn 8 days |
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here detailed
dossier
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Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Tour Code: CLL
Grade: Moderate.
Bike Hire: 55 Euros
Day Stages: Min 36km, max 72km. |
| SELF-GUIDED
Dates 2008 |
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| Saturdays April
12 - July 12, August 30 - September 13 and October 4 - October
18 |
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - The first and last nights are spent in Bergamo
and one night is spent in Como, Varese, Sesto Calende, Milan and
Pavia. There are a two possible hotels in each place; which is booked depends on room availability. There will be at least 3 nights in 3* accommodation and the others will be in 2* hotels. All are booked on a bed and breakfast basis and have comfortable rooms with private facilities. Most of the hotels are in the town/city centres close to the main sights and restaurants.
Terrain
This itinerary is mostly on lowlands but with rolling hills for some sections. There are a few short sections on busy roads but the vast majority of the route is through quiet countryside or along rivers, canals and lakeshores.
Sherpa
Notes
Bike Hire
27 speed hybrid bikes that come with bags, repair kit, lock, bottle, gel saddle and tool kit. Helmets are not included, please bring your own. Accommodation and Meals
7 nights in 2* and 3* hotels with breakfast. Evening meals and lunches are not included. There is a wide choice of restaurants on most nights. Start and End of Tour
The nearest airport is Bergamo and Milan is the next best option. It is a short taxi ride between Bergamo airport and the hotel in Bergamo. Trains run from Milan to Bergamo.
Please note transfers, trains on days 2 and 7 and the ferry across the river on day 2 are not included.
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