Luino, Lago Maggiore, Italia! Spoken in Italian it sounds wonderful. It is even better when you experience it. La vita is definitely bella here. Come for a Lago Maggiore row. Travellers have been drawn to the Italian Lake District for centuries, attracted by the mild and sunny climate as well as the stunning scenery and of course superb food and wine. Enjoy the best of the Italian lifestyle as you practice your favourite sport. Row past palm trees or with a view of snow-capped mountains, working hard or enjoying a leisurely outing. The afternoon is yours. Enjoy a long lunch, then stroll the waters edge to find the perfect gelato. Hike into the hills for views of the longest lake in Italy where you were just rowing. Bellissimo.
In 2015 Canottieri Luino organized the 2015 World Rowing Tour. Over 70 rowers from 19 countries rowed the length and breadth of Lake Maggiore. Rowing The World has worked with Canottieri Luino since 2016, running group and guided trips in different parts of Italy. We tested the Independent Rowing Experience concept here. Canottieri Luino has a depth of experience in organizing many rowing tours for rowers from all over the world. They bring this experience to your Independent Lago Maggiore Rowing Experience. From the Luino clubhouse you will row coastal boats which can handle big lake conditions. Row Olympic class boats from the boathouse at Ponte Tresa on more sheltered waters. There is a lot of rowing to experience here.
Luino sits on eastern shore of Lago Maggiore in Lombardy, northern Italy. With high hills on one side and crystal blue waters on the other, Luino is perfectly poised for rowing excursions to the south, north and west, and then some. The scenery from the boat is glorious. Charming villages with pastel coloured buildings and stone churches climb up the steep hillsides. Castles sprout from islands. Tiny chapels dot the hillside among olive groves and forests. The lake is long and narrow, offering views of snow-capped Alps in Switzerland to the north, and in other directions there are tantalizing curves that entice you to row just a little bit further. Canottieri Luino also has a boathouse on the Italian shore of Lago di Lugano at Ponte Tresa.
Guide/coach on water with you in a support boat or rowing.
Private rowing outings, tailored to you. Duration likely two or three hours, or shorter.
Both coastal and Olympic boats depending on location and water conditions.
Detailed Information Package, with specifics on getting there, arrival details and contacts, recommendations for accommodation, restaurant and grocery stores.
Evening drink with the guide on arrival day to plan details for rows.
Arrival in Luino area. Welcome drink and briefing to meet your guides and discuss routes. The following is a recommended itinerary, but each day will be planned with your preferences, taking into account water and weather conditions. Three rows are included over four days, rowing different routes each day. This gives flexibility in case of bad weather. You may be able to add a row once there - directly with the rowing club, or plan a longer tour now by purchasing extra rows. When not rowing it is possible to enjoy a visit to one of the many interesting sights around the lake, lunch in a local restaurant or simply a cup of coffee at a lakeside café.
From the clubhouse in Luino, you will row across the lake to Cannero di Riviera, first circling Castelli di Cannero. Follow the western shoreline, head south, passing (and perhaps stopping) at a café with echoes of Earnest Hemmingway. Row the boats back to Luino.
Today you will row north. First, cross the lake and pause to admire the stunning town of Cannobio. This might be a place to stop for a coffee or ice cream, or stroll the streets and window-shop. If a long row makes sense, you can cross the border into Switzerland – no passport required!
For your last day of rowing you have the opportunity to explore a different lake and again potentially row into Switzerland. Canottieri Luino has a base on Lago Lugano at Lavena Ponte Tresa. This is on the sheltered Italian part of the lake. Here you will row Olympic class boats.
