We Bike Tuscany

I Bike Tuscany is not just about Tuscany. In fact we couldn't resist offering you this tour of two of the most beautiful areas in Italy: Cinque Terre and Lago Maggiore.

This tour is special as it is a combination of both biking and hiking. It has been named Blue Waters, as sea and lake will be the frame of this variegated adventure.

Hike the dramatic cliffs of Cinque Terre through the five fishers' villages on the Mediterranean.

Bike in Piedmont in the jaw-droppingly beautiful setting of Lago Maggiore and Lago d'Orta.

Hike again on the Monte Rosa - the second highest mountain in Europe.

Ferry crossings, sea and lake view hotel rooms, wonderful restaurants, and cozy mountain huts. Has anything been missed?

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

Day 1: Biking

Pick up in Florence in the early afternoon and transfer to Riomaggiore, the first southern village of Cinque Terre. This is just the time for you to enjoy the spectacular view from the terrace of your hotel room and then off you go for the warm up ride! You will crest the hill and view the five villages. Visit at the village of Riomaggiore. Walk to the little harbor where, in the evening, fishermen tend to their boats and nets. Then enjoy the sunset during your fish dinner on a terrace overlooking the sea.
Dinner: Hotel Due Gemelli
Accommodation: Hotel Due Gemelli - Rio Maggiore

Day 2: Hiking

Hike the Blue Path from Riomaggiore to Monterosso. The trail skirts dramatic cliffs, past vineyards and centuries old villages with the sea under your feet. This will probably be your best hike ever! In Monterosso enjoy a swim to take off the fatigue! Then it is back to Riomaggiore by boat. In the evening, a wine tasting awaits you in an inland medieval village.
Dinner: Restaurant Cappun Magru
Accommodation: Hotel Due Gemelli - Rio Maggiore

Day 3: Biking

Transfer day. Driving to Arona, the first stop is by the blue waters of the Lago Maggiore. Visit the town and enjoy (again!) the view of the lake from your hotel room. A short ride will take you to the statue of San Carlo (the Italian version of the Statue of Liberty!) where you can get inside and climb to the top.
Dinner: Hotel Concorde Arona
Accommodation: Hotel Concorde - Arona

Day 4: Biking

You'll have a long day today and a long ride! From Arona, you'll bike through hillside backroads that offer magnificent views towards the surrounding peaks and down to villages dotting the lakeshore. Arrive at Lago d'Orta and visit the quaint small village of Orta San Giulio. Enjoy a picnic by the lakeshore.
Dinner: A local restaurant in Arona
Accommodation: Hotel Concorde - Arona

Day 5: Biking

Transfer day. Travel to Stresa, pedaling through the narrow streets of the villages that dot the shore of the lake. In the early afternoon a ferryboat will take you to the three enchanting little islands of Isole Borromee. At the Isola Madre a private guided tour will disclose the secrets of one of the most romantic and eccentric villas in Italy.
Dinner: Free night
Accommodation: Villa Aminta - Stresa

Day 6: Hiking

Today is the cherry on the sundae. From Stresa you'll be driven to the village of Macugnaga, the starting point of your high mountain hike. A chair lift takes you up to over 6600 ft where you'll begin hiking to a hut by the glacier of Monte Rosa. Lunch is held on the patio surrounded by the highest and most beautiful mountains in Europe.