Nord-Süd-Route: Basel to Lugano
The North–South Route links two of Switzerland’s most scenic cities and makes for an outstanding cycling holiday itinerary. It begins at the tripoint in Basel and leads you across the Jura Mountains towards Lucerne, offering a rewarding mix of rolling terrain and sweeping alpine views.
From there, the route continues through central Switzerland and steadily climbs towards the iconic Gotthard Pass, a highlight for many touring cyclists on a multi-day cycling holiday. After the descent south, you pass the historic castles of Bellinzona before tackling the gentle ascent of Monte Ceneri, where you’re rewarded with magnificent views over Lago Maggiore.
The final stretch takes you along peaceful, low-traffic roads, ideal for relaxed touring, until you reach the sparkling shores of Lago di Lugano — a fittingly scenic end to a memorable cycling holiday through the heart of Switzerland.
£70 per person off all September and October dates!
Itinerary
Arrival in Basel and spend time exploring the city. Basel is an important cultural location in Switzerland with a vibrant city centre and the home of lots of important industries.
Basel, Liestal and the Ergolztal form a vibrant, confident region, ideal for exploring by bike. In contrast, the Baselbiet Jura offers peace and charming countryside. Continue through the rolling hills of Aargau’s Jurapark, before enjoying a thrilling descent along the southern Jura slopes to Aarau.
From Aarau, the route follows the idyllic Suhrental valley, perfect for cycling, with views of the Alps to the south and the Jura range to the north. Passing through rich orchards and fertile fields beside Lake Sempach, this stage finally brings you to Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s largest and most beautiful lakes, ideal to experience by cycling its scenic shores. Its many arms link the Mittelland and the Alps. When the fierce Föhn wind blows, the lake shows its wilder side. The Urnerland forms a constant, fast-moving transit corridor.
The journey continues through the canton of Uri, where the wild River Reuss rushes through the Schöllenen Gorge, restrained only by steep mountain walls and the Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge). Whether by horse, train, car or even cycling, people have always sought to cross the Gotthard heading south.
The Leventina has served as a transit corridor since ancient times. The further south you go, the milder the climate becomes. It’s an easy cycling route along the River Ticino, soon passing chestnut groves and vineyards. Bellinzona, known as “La Turrita” for its many castles, awaits.
You cycle to Cadenazzo and take the train up to Rivera-Bironico. From Monte Ceneri, there are clear views over the vegetable fields of the Piano di Magadino and towards Lago Maggiore. The picture-postcard beauty of Lago di Lugano marks the end of this cycling tour, with a final train ride from Agno into the centre of Lugano.
Departure from Lugano or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.
Arrival: Basel
Departure: Lugano
Nearest arrival airport(s): Basel
Nearest departure airport(s): Milan Malpensa or Zurich
We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Basel by rail.
Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.
Route overview
Starting point: Basel
End point: Lugano
Distance: approx. 485 km
Route information
The Swiss north–south route begins with demanding, rolling terrain through the Jura hills, where frequent climbs and descents test your strength and rhythm. It then becomes more flowing and gentle across the wide-open Mittelland, with long, smooth stretches ideal for covering distance, including scenic sections past Lake Lucerne. South of Amsteg, the gradient increases sharply as the route climbs steadily into the alpine approach to the Gotthard Pass. The final ascent is sustained and alpine in character, followed by a dramatic descent over the historic cobblestones of the Tremola road. Traffic can be heavier around larger urban centres, but overall the route alternates between quiet rural roads, valley paths and more active town sections.
Bike hire options
We provide high-quality, reliable touring bikes designed for smooth, comfortable travel, so you can enjoy your journey with complete peace of mind. Our bikes are built for comfort and safety on both cycle paths and roads, and come equipped with gel saddles for added support. Each hire also includes removable water-resistant panniers, a service kit, air pump, and bike lock.
Electric bikes (assisted up to 25 km/h) are available on many tours. We also offer a well-maintained range of sturdy children’s bikes and bike trailers for families travelling with children.
Your hire bike will be prepared and ready for collection at the starting point.
Standard Unisex/Men’s Bike 27-gears
Touring bikes are supplied by Tour de Suisse and include a pannier bag for the rear rack. Each bike also comes with a spare inner tube, pump, tool kit, and smartphone holder.
Sizes: S / M / L
Unisex Electric Bike
E-bikes are supplied by Flyer and are speed-limited to 25 km/h. The minimum age to hire one is 16, or 14 with a valid moped licence. Each bike includes a pannier bag for the rear rack, along with a spare inner tube, pump, tool kit, and smartphone holder.
Sizes: XS / S / M / L
What’s included
- Accommodation as mentioned incl. breakfast
- Daily luggage transfers (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg)
- Subsidy for arrival by train
- Ticino Ticket with numerous inclusive services and discounts (upon request at the hotel)
- Boat ride Beckenried – Flüelen (bicycle included)
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Digital travel documents incl. navigation app
- SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year
- Service hotline
Not included
- Travel to/from the start and finish (Flights/Trains)
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets (Please bring your own cycle helmet with you)
- Water bottles
- Travel insurance
- Bike hire (Rental bike insurance included)
- Bike insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: £599 PER PERSON
- EXTRA NIGHT(S) – Basel: £139 PER PERSON PER NIGHT INC. BREAKFAST
- EXTRA NIGHT(S) – Lugano: £149 PER PERSON PER NIGHT INC. BREAKFAST
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Bike Hire Options
- 27-gear unisex/men’s inc. rental bike insurance: £189
- Electric bike inc. rental bike insurance: £349
You can select your bike hire options in the ‘Book Now’ section.
Check Availability
2026/27 cycling holidays
All prices shown are per person, sharing a double/twin room and exclude flights/bike hire.
Special Offer: £70 per person off all September AND ocTOBER prices!
Contact us for more information, a price match, or call 017687 71700. Offer valid on new bookings only and until the 31st August 2026.
NEW FOR 2027
To make a booking, simply use the filter and select the day of the week that the tour operates on. You’ll then see all of the tour dates and prices easily. No payment is taken at this stage. For all bookings, we take a 20% deposit, and the final balance is due 56 days before arrival. An invoice and online payment link are generated after the tour is confirmed.
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