Cycling Through the Lakes, Valleys and Historic Towns of Ticino, Switzerland
Discover the beauty of Ticino on a cycling holiday based in Losone, surrounded by the landscapes of Lago Maggiore. From your single hotel base, set out each day to explore shimmering lakes, charming lakeside towns, historic castles and peaceful Alpine valleys, returning to the same accommodation after every ride.
A Relaxed Way to Explore Ticino by Bike
This self-guided bike tour combines easy daily rides with the freedom to discover southern Switzerland at your own pace. With one hotel base in Losone, you can enjoy each cycling stage without changing accommodation, making it easy to focus on the landscapes, towns and cultural highlights of Ticino.
ROUTE
Based in Losone, the tour follows a series of circular cycling routes through Ticino. Ride through the flat Magadino area to Bellinzona and its medieval castles, explore Ascona and the botanical gardens of the Brissago Islands, follow the Maggia Valley towards Maggia, and finish with an excursion to Lake Lugano. With daily stages of 19 to 55 km and only moderate elevation gain, the route offers an easy way to discover the varied landscapes of southern Switzerland.
The prepared routes take you through the region’s varied scenery, from the shores of Lago Maggiore and the historic castles of Bellinzona to the Brissago Islands, the Maggia Valley and Lake Lugano. Included train journeys and selected experiences add variety to the cycling days while keeping the focus on discovering Ticino by bike.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Losone
Arrive in Losone and settle into your hotel, which will be your base for the entire cycling holiday. Take the opportunity to explore the surroundings and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: Losone – Bellinzona – Losone
55 km | 200 m ascent | 200 m descent
Ride through the flat landscapes of the Magadino Plain, following quiet roads between fields and villages towards Bellinzona. As the valley opens out, the route leads through a changing landscape of farmland, mountain scenery and small settlements before returning to Losone.
Day 3: Ascona and the Brissago Islands
23 km | 180 m ascent | 180 m descent
Cycle along the shores of Lago Maggiore before continuing through the countryside around Ascona. After leaving your bike behind, take the boat to the Brissago Islands and explore their botanical gardens. Back on the mainland, continue through quieter roads and the valleys towards Losone.
Day 4: Losone – Maggia Valley – Losone
33 km | 270 m ascent | 270 m descent
Follow the Maggia upstream as the landscape gradually changes from the lakeside area to a narrower Alpine valley. Ride through green surroundings and small settlements towards Maggia, with the river and mountain scenery accompanying the route before returning along the valley.
Day 5: Losone – Lake Lugano – Losone
19 km | 210 m ascent | 150 m descent
Begin the day cycling towards Locarno before taking the train to Melide. From there, follow the shores of Lake Lugano through a landscape where the lake, mountains and southern Swiss architecture come together. After exploring the area, return by train and cycle back to Losone.
Day 6: Departure or Extension
After breakfast, your cycling holiday comes to an end. Alternatively, extend your stay in Ticino with an additional night in Losone.
Day 7: End of your trip or extension
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Losone (Departure Point)
By Train: Regular train connections run from Zurich via Bellinzona to Locarno. From Locarno railway station, Losone can be reached by bus in around 15 minutes
By Car: Free parking is available at the hotel and does not require a reservation.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation; final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation in a charming hotel in Losone, including breakfast
- Train journey Locarno–Melide and Lugano–Locarno, including bicycle transport
- Boat trip to the Brissago Islands
- Entrance to the castles of Bellinzona
- Access to the spa / Hammam
- Ticino Ticket
- Carefully prepared route description
- Digital travel documents and navigation app and GPS data
- Subsidy for arrival by train:
10 CHF Swiss Federal Railways voucher per participant - One-year SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription
- Service hotline
NOT Included
- Individual travel to departure point.
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Local tourist tax (where applicable)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned as included
- Reservation fee
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person in a double room in 2027.
Departures: Sundays from 21 March to 17 October 2027
Season 1
21 Mar – 17 Oct
From
1029 CHF
Options & Supplements
✓
+455 CHF Single supplement
Reservation fee: 20 CHF per adult
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Your Accommodation
Charming hotel in a historic house
Combines authentic character with spacious rooms and relaxing outdoor spaces. After a day on the bike, unwind by the pool, enjoy the sandy beach area or make use of the wellness area with hammam. The nearby Maggia River and the hotel’s own golf course add to the relaxed setting.
Additional nights
Prices per person, including breakfast
Losone
Double Room 209 CHF
Single room +90 CHF
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Touring Bike
159 CHF
e-Bike
289 CHF