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The Leonardo Greenway
Milan – Trezzo d’Adda – Lecco
Leonardo Greenway: 4-Day Cycling Tour from Milan to Lake Como via the Adda River
The Leonardo Greenway is more than a simple bike tour—it’s a slow-travel journey through the heart of Lombardy, combining nature, history, and local food experiences. Over four days, this scenic cycling itinerary takes you from Milan and its historic canals (Navigli) to Lecco, a charming town on the shores of Lake Como, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Italy.
The route runs almost entirely on dedicated bike paths, following the Adda River through natural parks, waterways, historic villages, and breathtaking scenery. Riders will enjoy lush green landscapes alongside deep blue rivers and lakes that have shaped the region’s culture and traditions for centuries.
Along the way, cyclists can admire Renaissance villas, medieval towns, historic mills, and remarkable examples of Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering genius. Leonardo studied locks, canals, and hydraulic systems along the Adda, many of which remain visible today. Highlights include spectacular river rapids, hanging walkways, and bike paths that blend nature and history.
A must-visit stop is the Leonardo Adda Ecomuseum, an open-air museum spanning the provinces of Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco. Here, visitors can explore Celtic, Roman, and Lombard heritage, Renaissance castles, industrial villages, hydroelectric plants, and the UNESCO-listed Crespi d’Adda, one of Europe’s best-preserved industrial heritage sites.
The tour ends in Lecco, a city immortalized by Alessandro Manzoni’s literary masterpiece, The Betrothed. Enjoy the perfect combination of lake and mountain scenery, local culture, and tradition.
To complete the experience, the region offers exceptional food and wine tourism. Sample local rice dishes, cheeses, cured meats, and fine Lombardy wines at charming trattorias and wineries along the route.
This 4-day cycling tour in Lombardy is ideal for bike enthusiasts, culture lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience that combines sport, nature, history, and gastronomy.
The daily program of the 4-day tour
Arrival in Milan and hotel check-in. Welcome meeting with briefing and distribution of information material and bicycles. Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that enchants visitors with its perfect blend of history, art, fashion and modern lifestyle. As one of Europe’s leading economic and cultural hubs, Milan offers an extraordinary artistic heritage. The iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), with its bright Candoglia marble façade and impressive late-Gothic architecture, is the undisputed symbol of the city and one of the most remarkable landmarks in Northern Italy.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Milan
The cycling route leads you out of Milan, passing through the northern part of the city and following the Martesana Canal, a historic waterway built in 1496 to connect Milan with Lake Como. Along the way, you will encounter ancient navigation locks, remarkable examples of hydraulic engineering. The itinerary continues through medieval castles, charming villages and elegant Renaissance villas. A must-see stop is the workers’ village of Crespi d’Adda, a fascinating UNESCO-listed industrial settlement that offers a journey into Italy’s manufacturing past. The final destination of the day is the picturesque village of Trezzo d’Adda, where its castle, surrounded by a colourful flowered park, provides a perfect ending to the stage.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Trezzo d’Adda
Distance: 40 km /25 miles
After breakfast, you will get back on your bikes to continue along the scenic path that follows the Adda River. Today’s ride leads you into the Leonardo Ecomuseum, where you can enjoy a unique experience aboard the historic “Leonardesco” ferry, offering a short cruise steeped in history and natural beauty. Along the way, you will also admire the Taccani hydroelectric power plant, famous for its distinctive neo-Romanesque style.
Before reaching Lecco, you can stop for lunch in the charming village of Brivio or near two picturesque lakes surrounded by nature.
Upon arrival in Lecco, you will discover a city rich in literary heritage and stunning views: the Pescarenico district mentioned in Manzoni’s The Betrothed, Villa Manzoni, Belgiojoso Palace and the beautiful lakeside promenade with its lovely beaches. On your final evening of the tour, don’t miss the chance to enjoy traditional local cuisine in one of the many restaurants in the city centre.
Overnights stay with breakfast in Lecco
Distance: 36 km / 22,4 mi
Breakfast and end of our services. Return to Milan by train, or choose to extend your holiday with an extra night in Lecco, perfect for a boat tour to Bellagio or for exploring Lake Como. Alternatively, you may opt for an additional overnight stay in Milan to further enjoy the city and its many attractions.
Impressions from the Leonardo Greenway cycle route
Milan – Trezzo d’Adda – Lecco
LEVEL 1,5
Easy also suitable for inexperienced cyclists and families with children. The route will be flat; it will be on bike paths and less-traveled back roads. Some cycling experience is required for children.
The road surface will be mostly paved but with some dirt sections, however suitable for all types of bikes.
Bike paths: about 90%
Daily kilometers: min. 36 km /22 mi – max. 40 km / 25 mi
Total kilometers: 76 km / 47 mi
DEPARTURES:
Arrival every day from March to October 2026
PARTICIPANTS:
2 or more people (solo traveller on request).
START / FINISH:
Milano / Lecco
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