Discovery Italy

Day 1: THE OLD MILAN, SFORZESCO CASTLE, BRERA DISTRICT, NAVIGLIO GRANDE
Arrival to Milan, welcome by the Discover Italy Now Tour Leader and transfer to 3* Hotel or B & B in air-conditioned buses. Refreshing welcome drink and free time to begin to immerse yourself in the fascinating atmosphere of Milan.
Late afternoon: Together with your Tour Leader and your bike you start exploring the historical Milan: a guided tour of Piazza del Duomo, the magnificent Gothic-Lombard Cathedral and a visit to its terraces, the Baptistery of San Giovanni alla Fonti and visit of the Archaeological site of the Dome Cathedral. You are going to be told the history of the visited monuments.
You continue visiting Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery built in an eclectic style typical of the second half of Milan’s nineteenth century , a dear place to all Milanese people and where can be found designer shops, bars and restaurants. A typical macchiato coffee, a delicious cappuccino and a typical Milanese cake must definitely be tasted during a stop in the Gallery.
You continue then towards the charming old Piazza Mercanti, the symbol of the city, created in medieval times, recalling the past.
Sforzesco Castle and the old Brera district, populated by artists and celebrities, are also on the schedule. You are also going to have an ice cream tasting in a famous old gelateria in Milan.

Evening: Dinner at one of the oldest and charming trattoria in the suggestive atmosphere of the ancient vicolo dei Lavandai along Naviglio Grande. You immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the old canals of Milan and the wide variety of ancient Lombard cuisine: you can choose among many delicious dishes such as “risotto alla Milanese”, cottoletta, mozzarella, tomato and basil with a glass of Barbera, Garda Cabernet or Franciacorta

Day 2: MILANO – SESTO CALENDE 57 km by train (bringing your bike)
Your morning begins with a journey by train to Sesto Calende, the charming village located at the southern of Lake Maggiore.You continue then by bike towards the beautiful old Oratorio San Vincenzo, a wonderful place of worship from prehistoric times to the present and the Abbey of San DonatoLunch at “La Biscia o Tre Re”, charming lakeside restaurant
SESTO CALENDE – ARONA 9 km by bike
Tasting of local wines and local cheeses
You continue on the 2 wheels along the western shore of Lake Maggiore with its beautiful scenery and picturesque landscapes on a plain road.You pass through beautiful scenery, castles, colorful flora and a culture rich in culinary history.Once in Arona, you visit the beautiful old town, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Nascente, the ancient church dei Martiri and Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo, the statue overlooking Lake Maggiore.
Later, you are going to visit the largest family of Italian cheese refiners, the company Luigi Guffanti for an afternoon of delicious cheese tasting at the renowned cellar ... seasoning cheeses, flavors and delicious aromas accompanied by delicious local wines will be in store for you

Evening: Stroll and relax by the lake and dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or a Factory farm/Agriturismo

Day 3: ARONA – STRESA 18 km by bike
Leaving Arona, a town surrounded by green hills, you continue by bike to Lesa, a village nestled in a small creek.
You continue then in the direction of Stresa, the famous tourist resort of Lake Maggiore.
Borromeo Gulf Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori are also on the schedule.
Lunch in a lakeside trattoria tasting culinary delicacies of the lake and then walk along the lakeside’s promenade lined with trees and full of liberty style hotels and prestigious villas that distinguish Stresa
You embark together with your bike for a trip to the islands, visiting the pearl of Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella, located a few hundred meters from the shore, reachable in only a few minutes by boat. You are going to visit its great Baroque Palace from the seventeenth century, rich in history, alongside a lush Italian garden, laid out on terraces, rich flowers and rare exotic plants.
Later you are going to reach Isola Madre, covered with a very interesting botanical garden and with beautiful boulevards that run along the riverbank.
Isola Pescatori with its picturesque village inhabited by fishermen and the spectacular tangle of picturesque lanes is your next destination

Evening: You return from the tour and continue biking towards the village of Vedasco of Stresa, where from a quiet and panoramic position the lake can be seen from above.
You dine at “Osteria Vecchio Tram” that offers Mediterranean cuisine.
Accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or Factory Farm/ Agriturismo

Day 4 : STRESA - MOTTARONE 20 km by bike
After a rich breakfast you start a biking itinerary leading from Stresa Lido to Mottarone. You are going to cross the scenic Botanical Garden and enjoy a breathtaking view.
The gulf will be beneath you and once climbed to the top you will enjoy a beautiful scenic view, considering that the view is at 360 degrees.
Packed lunch with sandwiches
MOTTARONE - BAVENO 28 km by bike- VERBANIA by boat and bicycle
You are going to head towards Baveno through forests, soft hills and breathtaking viewsIn Baveno you stop for a while for refreshments and a quick visit of the old town and then by ferry you travel to Verbania

Evening: Accommodation in 3* Hotel , B & B or Farm factory/Agriturismo

Day 5: VERBANIA by bike
The morning starts with a biking tour to discover the charm of the nineteenth-century villas: Villa S. Remigio, Villa Giulia and Villa Taranto, the beautiful scenery of flowers and the beautiful lakeside, Piazza Castello and Piazza San Vittore.
Lunch in local trattoria

Evening:
VERBANIA - INTRA 3.5 km by bike
You continue your journey towards Intra and from there you take the boat and reach the opposite shore of Lake Maggiore, Laveno.
INTRA - LAVENO by boat
Dinner in Trattoria tasting the best lake dishes

Day 6: LAVENO - ISPRA 15 km by bike
Wine and local products tasting
The day begins with a lakeside biking tour among stunning sceneries and hills towards Ispra, making a quick stop to visit the monastic complex of Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso on a cliff which is almost a balcony to the Borromee islands.in Ispra, visit of the historical center and wine tasting at Enoteca Forni located in Via Piave.
ISPRA - ANGERA 5.5 km by bike
a biking tour, enjoying the wonderful smells of the area, you reach Angera and visit the Rock of Angera that with its tower and its laces is a witness of old battles and old times. You are also going to visit the Doll Museum, with its beautiful collection dating back to the old Borromeo family.

Evening: Dinner in a restaurant that offers typical dishes from the lake
Accommodation in 3* Hotel , B & B or Farm factory/ Agriturismo

Day 7: ANGERA – SESTO CALENDE 9 km by bike
Local products and wine tasting
You cover the last part of your journey along the beautiful shores of Lake Maggiore.spend the day at the farm factory “La Fattoria”, surrounded by green and among the animals. Lunch with typical products of the farm factory.

Evening: Walk along the lakeside, accommodation in 3* Hotel, B & B or Farm factory/Agriturismoof itinerary and program