The cycle path towards the Alps is a cycle tourism experience that offers incredible landscapes in just 60 km. We start cycling in Menaggio, a very elegant town on the Lario, where we immediately take the beautiful cycle path, with long stretches overlooking the lake. The intense blue colour of the lake and the bright green of the pre-Alps will be our travelling companions.
We pass through the fortified medieval village of Rezzonico, we visit the “Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio” in Gravedona, an architectural jewel of Romanesque architecture, and plunge into the refreshing waters of the upper Lake at Domaso.
Leaving the blue of Lake Como behind us, we cross the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, nestled between the high granite peaks of Val Codera and Sasso Manduino. The vast agricultural plain of the lower Valchiavenna, with its farms and holiday farms, will lead us into the wonderful historic centre of Chiavenna, the crossroads of the Rhaetian Alps, where, for those who wish, there will be the opportunity to have lunch in a “crotto”, the town’s typical restaurant.
The cycle path follows busy roads for very short stretches. We will be far from the noise and close to the sound of the Nature.
Highlights of the tour
- Breathtaking views over the lake
- Romanesque churches, historic stone villages and 19th century villas
- The lake landscape, the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve and the historic centre of Chiavenna
- Chiavenna’s “crotti”, exquisite regional food and excellent local wines.
Technical Data
Length: 60km
Positive height difference: 430
Negative height difference: 300
Type of route: cycle path, asphalt roads, dirt roads
Difficulty level: easy, minimum cycling training required. There are no technical points along the route, which is mainly flat.
Time required: 6 hours, including stops for swimming, cultural visits and resting.
Starting point: landing stage in Menaggio. To reach Menaggio you can use the “Navigazione Laghi Como” ferry service https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/risultati?lake=Como#
Arrival point: Chiavenna. From Chiavenna to return to Menaggio or to the most convenient return point for you, you can load your bike onto the train. For timetable info: https://www.trenitalia.com/it.html
Departures
Every day from June to October.
Price per person: 60 Euro
To book:
Send an email requesting the date of departure and the number of participating cyclists to andreamezzani@yahoo.it
The price includes
Certified bicycle touring guide “Accademia Nazionale di MTB”.
The price does not include
- Gravel bike or personal MTB. The route cannot be covered on a racing bike due to many unpaved sections.
- Helmet (mandatory) and personal water bottle
- Snacks and drinks (there are water sources along the route)
- Lunch in a “crotto” in Chiavenna
- Return train from Chiavenna
- Personal accident insurance
Required equipment
- Bike shorts with pad
- Bike jersey with back pockets (recommended)
- Bandana
- Sunglasses
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Water bottle
- 20 litre rucksack to carry a light windproof jacket, sun cream, a spare jersey, a light towel and
- swimming costume, personal snacks.
