Jump to content
Jump to footer
Book now
To the online version

Cycling from Basel to Lugano

8 Days / 7 Nights
Challenging

The North-South route connects two of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. It starts at the Dreiländereck in Basel and continues over the Jura mountains to Lucerne. It then passes through central Switzerland, up the Gotthard Pass, past the fortresses of Bellinzona and on to Monte Ceneri, where there are wonderful views of Lake Maggiore. The last kilometres to the mirror-clear waters of Lake Lugano are covered on small roads with very little traffic.

The route is challenging on the first stretch in the Jura mountains, but flattens out through the Mittelland and on past Lake Lucerne. It is uphill from Amsteg towards the pass and downhill on the cobbled Tremola road. Some traffic is to be expected on the way into and out of the big cities. Of the approximately 370km of the tour, 35-40km are on gravel roads. The rest are paved or otherwise surfaced.

Get quote

About the route

The route is challenging on the first stretch in the Jura mountains, but flattens out through the Mittelland and on past Lake Lucerne. It is uphill from Amsteg towards the pass and downhill on the cobbled Tremola road

Itinerary

Here you can see the programme for the week.

You arrive at the first hotel in Basel, where you are given maps, directions and any bikes you have rented. You then have the rest of the day to yourself.

The vibrant life of Basel, Liestal and Ergolztal contrasts sharply with the peace and tranquillity of the Jura region of Basel. The tour continues through Jurapark Aargau followed by a steep descent in the southern Jura mountains to Aarau.

Today's stage goes from Aarau to the idyllic Suhrental river valley with views of the Alps to the south and the Jura mountain range to the north, through lush fields and orchards along the Sempachersee and on to Lucerne.

Lake Lucerne is one of Switzerland's largest and most beautiful lakes. Its many tributaries link the Mittelland and the Alps, and when the wind blows, the lake can be a harsh experience. Urnerland is a constantly pulsating traffic corridor.

The tour continues through the canton of Uri, where the wild river Reuss flows down through the Schöllenenschlucht gorge, only obscured by mountain walls and the so-called "devil's bridge" (Teufelsbrücke). There has always been a desire and a need to cross the Gotthard Pass in a southerly direction - in the past on horseback and nowadays by train or car.

The Leventina district has been a popular traffic corridor since ancient times. The further south you go, the milder the climate, and today's route offers a pleasant stretch along the River Ticino past chestnut trees and vineyards. Bellinzona is called "La Turrita" because of its many castles and fortifications.

You cycle to Cadenazzo and take the train up to Rivera-Bironico. From Monte Ceneri there are great views of Lake Maggiore and the vegetable fields of Piano di Magadino. The tour ends at the picturesque Lake Lugano.

 

The tour is now over. You check out of your last hotel in the morning.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

The price includes

Optional

  • Upgrade to Ebike (selected when booking the tour)
Not included
  • Transportation to/from destination
  • Train tickets for the bikes from Cadenazzo-RIvera-Bironico and Bioggio-Molinazzo-Lugarno (T/R - approx. 5CHF)
  • Handling fee (€20)
  • Tourist tax (if due)

Bikes

You can choose from these bikes on the tour.

Unisex Bicycle
  • 26" tires
  • 24-speed
  • Lighting system with hub dynamo
  • V-brakes

Included equipment:

  • Saddle bag
  • Service kit
  • Bicycle lock (per room)
  • Pump (per room)
S = 44cm (150-172cm)
M = 50cm (172-186cm)
L = 56cm (187-196cm)
Road Bike
  • Racing bike Stevens Aspin
  • V-brakes
  • Approx. 8.5 kg
  • 30 gears
XS=50 cm (-165 cm)
S=52 cm (165-170cm)
M=56 cm (170-180cm)
L=60 cm (ab 180-190cm)
XL=62 cm (190cm-)
E-bike
  • Electric bike Flyer C8.1
  • 26" tires
  • 8-speed hub gears
  • Lighting system with hub dynamo
  • Hydraulic rim brakes

Included equipment:

  • Saddle bag
  • Service kit
  • Bicycle lock (per room)
  • Pump (per room)
XS = 41cm (up to 160cm)
S = 45cm (160-170cm)
M = 50cm (170-180cm)
L = 55cm (from 180cm)

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about the trip
Sorry! No FAQs were found. Please try again with a new search term.

The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.

On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.

Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:

  1. Choose your desired start date
  2. Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
  3. Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).

Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.

The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.

Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.

On all our cycling holidays it is possible bring your own bike but it also possible to rent a bike for the tour. The bikes you can rent are all perfectly suited for the tour and the local terrain and all bikes are perfectly maintained. If you want to rent a bike on your holiday, then you select this on the booking form.

Equipment included in the bike rental:

  • Saddle bag (water repellent)
  • Handlebar bag (water repellent)
  • Service-set with tools and extra bicycle tube
  • Combination lock

Roadside assistance
All bikes are equipped with puncture resistant tyres which means that it is virtually impossible to puncture. No rule without exceptions, so should you experience a punctured tyre then you can quickly fix it by using the tools in the service-set. If the damage is greater than a simply puncture then you simply call us and we make sure that your bike is fixed or you will be supplied with a new bike as quickly as possible.

Insurance is included
Insurance against theft and damages are included in the bike rental. Should you have any problems of this nature then all you have to do is to let us know and we will supply a new bike as quickly as possible. Naturally, careless or mischievous behavior is exempt from this.  

The flights to/from Basel are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

It works like this:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
  3. You arrange your transportation

Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio

Accommodation is all in 3-star hotels in the small towns. In Gotthardpass, accommodation is in a hostel (in private rooms).

On this tour we have included breakfast every day. It is generally easy to find restaurants and places to buy lunch or packed lunch.

Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.

Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.

Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.

On this tour, you will receive the following documents:

Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.

One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.

Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags, specific local vouchers and if you have rented a bike, they will also be handed out at the first hotel. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.

This tour has difficulty grade 3.

Grade 3
Longer distances in hilly terrain, often with steep climbs. The distance is usually 65 – 80 km or 40 – 50 miles per day. Requires good shape and health. We highly recommend that you practice on some longer rides before you leave home.

Read more about our Grading System

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

Here is no text

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Bering Travel
We are only a phone call away!
Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Call now
One click to vacation bliss
 
We look forward to your message!
Contact form

See also these journeys

from
€1,699
Book now Book
You now receive special conditions when you book a trip.