Today is day 1 for this link adventure. We enjoy a travel day through glorious countryside and backdrops of the Alps. We check into our lakeside Hotel on Lago Maggiore in the beautiful town of Stresa. Dinner in the Piazza tonight is a must washed down by some lovely Italian wines.

A casual pedal today over the hill (reasonably challenging at that), through a valley to the historic village on the Lago D’Orta. Some challenging but fun cobbled descents into the small town right beside the lake for morning tea. We cruise back an alternative route that showcases spectacular views of the Lago Maggiore and our base town of Stresa. Perhaps an afternoon siesta by the lake or a casual walk along the shore passing the many 5 star hotels frequented by the Milanese “in crowd”. A sensational meal again and a wine tasting evening in the old town tonight.

A beautiful ride along the Lake to the Swiss border. The magnificent city of Lugano, although technically Swiss it is more Italian in nature, providing a day of fascinating contrasts. We have options after lunch for a ferry journey home or a cycle return.

Today is departure day for this adventure. If you are travelling on to Lucca for the Tuscan Back Roads tour you have an easy travel day down to Tuscany arriving in the afternoon. This will give you a chance to settle in and orientate yourself in this lovely medieval town. Dinner in the Piazza caps off a wonderful journey from the Alps and sets the tone for the Tuscan cycling adventure that awaits.