Group Bike Tour: Onno & Ghisallino (E-bikes and Road bikes)

If you’re considering a way to see the quieter, scenic corners of Lake Como without the hustle of crowds and traffic, a guided bike tour might be just what you need. We’ve come across this highly-rated experience offered by Bike It! Bellagio, and it’s been getting rave reviews—an honest 5 out of 5 from many travelers. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing feedback suggests it’s a solid option for those who want an active day with beautiful views and some interesting stops.

Two things that really stand out are the variety of bikes available—including e-bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes—and the expert guidance that takes the hassle out of navigation. Plus, the tour’s combination of scenic riding and cultural stops, capped off with a traditional Italian lunch, makes it feel like a well-rounded experience. That said, a potential consideration is that some of the terrain can be hilly, so moderate fitness is recommended and e-bikes make the ride more manageable.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy gentle physical activity, want to explore less touristy spots around Bellagio, and appreciate local sights with a bit of storytelling along the way. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or an experienced rider, this could be a highlight of your Lake Como visit.

Key Points

• Flexible bike options include e-bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
• Visiting Madonna del Ghisallio adds a unique cultural touch to the experience, with its cycling chapel and museum.
• Guided route means you won’t need to worry about navigation or missing hidden viewpoints—just focus on enjoying the views.
• Scenic stops along the way include charming villages and mountain overlooks, perfect for photo ops.
• Delicious Italian lunch rounds out the day, with dietary requests well accommodated.
• Small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures a friendly, personalized atmosphere.

Introduction: An Inviting Way to Explore Lake Como

If you’re looking for a way to see Lake Como beyond the typical boat rides or crowded streets, this bike tour offers a relaxed, scenic alternative. The experience is tailored for those who want to enjoy stunning views while avoiding the hassle of navigating on their own or sticking to busy tourist routes. Imagine pedaling through peaceful countryside, passing charming towns, and taking in mountain vistas far from the crowds—sounds like a perfect day, right?

One of the things we love about this tour is the variety of bikes available. Whether you prefer the ease of an e-bike or the challenge of a road bike, you can pick what suits your mood and fitness level. Another highlight is the knowledgeable guides—they’re praised repeatedly for making the experience informative and friendly, adding a personal touch that turns a simple ride into a memorable outing. The inclusion of a visit to the Madonna del Ghisallo cycling chapel and museum is a special bonus, especially for those interested in cycling culture or looking for a bit of history.

A small downside to keep in mind is the terrain. Some parts involve hills, which might be tricky for very casual riders or those with limited fitness. However, e-bikes seem to be a popular solution, making the ride accessible and enjoyable for most.

This tour is well-suited for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with some light exercise, couples, friends, or even small groups looking for an authentic taste of Lake Como’s countryside. While it’s not designed specifically for families with young children, older teens and those comfortable on a bike will likely find it a rewarding experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start and End Point: Bike It! Bellagio

The ride kicks off at the bike shop, which doubles as the beginning and finish point. This makes logistics straightforward—you can easily find your way there, and after the tour, you return to the same spot for convenience.

Stop 1: Valbrona Viewpoint and Cyclists’ Fountain

The first stop is at a viewpoint along the route, where you’ll enjoy your first sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. A quick break here lets you soak in the scenery and snap photos. The cyclists’ fountain is a charming spot to refill your water bottles, ensuring you stay hydrated for the rest of the ride. Reviews mention this as a lovely little refreshment point, with one traveler noting “we stopped at a viewpoint along the way and then at the cyclists’ fountain for a water refill!”

Passing Through a Charming Town

The route takes you through a town off the main road—a quiet, authentic slice of life that often goes unnoticed by regular travelers. We love the idea of weaving through these lesser-known villages, where the pace slows down and you get a real feel for local life.

Visit to Madonna del Ghisallio: Chapel and Cycling Museum

This is the highlight for many. The Madonna del Ghisallio cycling chapel and museum are two special places that can be enjoyed by everyone. The chapel itself is a unique site, and the museum offers insight into the region’s cycling heritage. One reviewer called this stop “a unique experience,” emphasizing that it’s accessible and interesting regardless of cycling knowledge.

Lunch and Final Pedal Back to Bellagio

After the sightseeing, the group pedals back to Bellagio, where a traditional Italian lunch awaits. The food is often highlighted as a memorable part of the day, with dietary requests accommodated. The ride back is gentle, and the tour concludes at the original meeting point, making it easy to plan your next steps.

What to Expect from the Experience

Bike Options and Comfort

The tour offers a choice of bikes, including e-bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes. Many reviews praise the e-bikes as “the perfect solution,” especially for hills or longer distances. Expect a smooth ride, with the pedal assist helping you tackle inclines comfortably. The bikes are described as “great,” and some travelers who hadn’t ridden in years found using an e-bike completely doable.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the group feels intimate and friendly without being crowded. Guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the ride informative and relaxed. This small group size also means you’re more likely to get personalized attention and ask questions about the area.

Duration and Pacing

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, which is perfect for taking your time and enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed. The route is designed to be manageable for those with moderate physical fitness, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

The Route and Terrain

Expect scenic riding through countryside, some gentle climbs, and flat stretches. Hills are present, but e-bikes make them manageable. The reviews mention “the ride was easily manageable for all,” indicating the route is designed with comfort in mind.

The Food and Cultural Touches

The Italian lunch at the end of the tour is a highlight, often praised for being delicious and well-catered to dietary needs. It’s a chance to relax, chat about the day, and savor local flavors after your ride.

Price and Value

At $173.92 per person, this tour might seem a little on the higher side, but considering what’s included—guidance, bike rental, museum entry, and lunch—it offers good value. Many travelers noted that the experience exceeds expectations, especially given the stunning scenery and the quality of the guides.

Comparing it to other activities around Lake Como, this tour provides a blend of physical activity, cultural interest, and excellent food, making it a well-rounded choice for those who want more than just sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy gentle cycling in beautiful surroundings. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a relaxed, scenic day out. The inclusion of e-bikes makes it accessible to a wider audience, including those who might be concerned about hills or longer distances.

It’s less suited for families with very young children or those who prefer purely leisurely sightseeing without physical activity. However, older teenagers and anyone comfortable on two wheels will likely find this a memorable part of their Lake Como trip.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a scenic, culturally enriching, and well-organized bike tour around Lake Como, this experience hits many marks. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, the views are spectacular, and the food is tasty—making it a good value for the price. The route’s balance of gentle riding and interesting stops means you can soak in the landscape without feeling exhausted.

While the terrain can be hilly, e-bikes make it manageable, ensuring most riders will enjoy the ride. The small group size creates a friendly atmosphere, and the cultural stop at Madonna del Ghisallio adds a unique touch. If you’re someone who loves active sightseeing and relaxing over a good meal at the end, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

For those who want to explore Lake Como from a different perspective—without the crowds or traffic—this guided bike adventure offers both beauty and ease.

FAQ

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
Not at all. The ride is designed to be manageable for those with moderate fitness, and e-bikes help with hills and longer distances.

Are the bikes comfortable and well-maintained?
Yes, travelers consistently mention the bikes as “great” and suitable for all levels, with e-bikes making hills easier.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including stops, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Children aged 12-18 can join if supervised by an adult, but very young children are not specified as suitable.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes are recommended for biking. Dress appropriately for the weather on the day.

Does the tour include food?
Yes, a traditional Italian lunch is included, often praised for its quality and local flavor.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the start time.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 15 travelers makes the experience more personal and flexible.

How do I book?
You can book in advance—most bookings are made about 66 days ahead—through the provided links or directly with Bike It! Bellagio.

If you enjoy active days with scenic views, cultural stops, and local food, this tour offers a wonderful way to experience Lake Como beyond the usual. Just be prepared for some hills and bring your adventure spirit!