Lake Garda

Italy Road Bike Tour

Pristine Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, is almost 32 miles (51 km) in length and about 10.5 miles (17 km) wide. The lake is almost 99 miles (158 km) in circumference. From the lovely beaches dominating the southern shore to the rocky cliffs above the northern shoreline, the landscape is diverse and breathtaking. The mountains appear to rise out of the turquoise lake itself and the glacial water mirrors the blending of sky and jagged alpine crags. The climate also is diverse, blending both the Mediterranean and the alpine. The beauty of nature in all her splendor awaits you.

Your touring days are also varied. Your days will range from moderately easy to challenging. You will cycle through quaint mediterranean villages, lush vineyards, and Roman ruins, always with the spectacular mountain peaks as your backdrop.

If you need a day of rest, or perhaps are accompanied by someone who is not cycling, there are many things to do. You can visit Gardaland, Italy's largest amusement park, or one of the several water parks in the area, or perhaps you would be interested in a visit to Movieland, a unique show with a variety of entertainment developed by professional stunt men.

If you love history, go to Peschiera del Garda, one of the most picturesque towns on the southern shore of the lake. Its small historic center is inside 16th century walls, or visit Malcesine with its narrow, ancient streets, small harbor, and medieval castle. From there, board the cable car and go to Monte Baldo, known as the Garden of Europe, where you can stroll the botanical gardens, visit the hiking paths, and enjoy the spectacular views.

If you desire the spa environment, indulge yourself in Bardolino's thermal baths and the wellness and beauty center for the ultimate pampering!

New for 2012!

La Dolce Vita, bike package:

The "Dolce Vita" package is designed for medium level cyclists whose focus is more on enjoying the extraordinary landscapes while cycling easier daily excursions of 25 to 38 mi. (40 - 60 km) at a 12 - 13 m/ hr (20 km/hr) accompanied by an exclusive and experienced guide. There will be many coffee and ice cream breaks as well as wine tasting during the excursions. Be ready to experience good food and wine , great fellowship and la dolce vita!

Where You’ll Stay

3 star Veronello Hotel

What’s Included

• Accommodations in single/double/family rooms
• Abundant breakfast buffet
• 3 course dinner menu
• Towel and deck chair for the pool
• Daily laundry service for bike clothing
• Professional guides to accompany and assist
• Detailed maps of routes with technical descriptions in various languages
• Secure storage for bike and provisions for maintenance if needed
• Afternoon snack
• Bananas and sandwiches during the tours
• Picture CDs made during the tours
• Also included if one week tour is booked:
• Transfer service from Verona Valerio Catullo airport
• Wine tasting in local cellar
• In addition to the above, also included in La Dolce Vita package:
• Bardolino wine during the meal
• One dinner in a typical Italian Pizzeria
• Free coffee at the bar
• One entry ticket to the thermal park
• Gardabike hotel cycling jersey
• Sag wagon
• Choice of a day’s excursion to Venice, Verona, or the Dolomites

What’s Not Included

• 2 ferry transfers (€6 per person, including bike)
• Road bike (bike rental available, see Pricing)

Tour Dates

• All year round.

Skill Level

This tour of “Four lakes and three regions” is actually 4 tours in one. Difficulty levels range from easy to difficult. Distances range from 40 to 113 miles. Terrain ranges from quite flat to several difficult climbs.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Cyclists can have many options as they design the length of their rides and which tour to undertake. These are guided tours with professional guides to accompany and assist. Among the tours available are:

1. Peri - Fosse - Castelberto 69 mi./110 km  Difficulty level: Medium/Difficult
   Cycle through the fruitful wine country of Val d'Adige (Adige River valley) between Monte Baldo and Lessini mountain. You will encounter numerous hairpin curves which bring you up to 3116 ft. (950 m). There are two substantial climbs to master.
2. 4 Passes of Valpolicella and Verona: 50-63 mi./80-100 km. Difficulty level: Medium/Difficult
   As the name suggests, this day, you will face 4 climbs. You leave from Veronello and ride to Domegliara. There is then a climb to San Giorgio. After a slope to Fumane, you will face the second pass of Pendolino. Having arrived in Marano di Valpolicella, you encounter the third pass, the masua Climb. A descent follows to Negrar and then up again for the fouth and final climb to Montecchio. Awaiting you at the end of this challenging day is a wonderful panoramic slope to Verona, the city of the world's most famous lovers, Romeo and Juliet. You will have opportunity to visit the town center and Juliet's house. You return to Veronello cycling along the Adige River.
3. Tour of Southern Lake Garda: 70 km/44 mi. Difficulty level: Easy
   This day of touring is rated easy as far as difficulty level. You ride to Torri Del Benaco where you will travel by ferry to Maderno on the opposite side of the lake. You then cycle through Salo, Desenzano, Centenaro, Sirmione,and Peschiera del Garda.
4. Tour of 4 lakes: 180 km/113 mi. Difficulty level: Difficult
   Rated difficult , this day you will also transfer by ferry to Maderno. At that point, your touring day will have you following a curvy route with 2 hard climbs.You ride north in the direction to Toscolano and go up through Val Vestino to reach the top of Capovalle. Then it is a refreshing descent to Lake Idro where you will cycle along the shore to reach Storo and up to Lake Ledro. You follow a panoramic dirt road that slopes to Riva del Garda. You return to Veronello riding along Lake Garda and passing through Torbole, Malcesine, Garda and Bardolino.
5. Adige Valley Tour: 75 mi./120 km. Difficulty level: Medium/Difficult
   You ride to Torbole, up to San Michele and then down to Loppio. You take the route to Val d'Adige through Avio, Brentino Belluno, Rivoli Veronese and Lazise.
6. Panorama of Malcesine: 56 mi./90 km. Difficulty level: Medium/Easy
   You  cycle on the coast of the lake to arrive in Malcesine. The path continues with the Panoramica climb (5 kms) and the slope to Naven and Malcesine. You ride along the lake to Bardolino then up to Cavaion to return to Veronello..
7. Mantova: 63 mi./100 km. Difficulty level: Easy
   Departure from Veronello in the direction of Peschiera del Garda. The route continues to Mozambano, Volta Mantovana, Goito, Rivalta sul Mincio to Mantova. You return to Veronello passing through Porto Mantovano, Roverbella, Valeggio sul Mincio, Oliosi, Castelnuovo and Cola.
8. Santa Barbara: 94 mi./150 km. Difficulty level: Very Difficult
   Cycling along Lake Garda to reach Torbole and on to Arco,  you will undertake the Climb of Santa Barbara (10 mi./16 km). Descending, you will pass through the Gresta Valley to reach Mori and then through the Adige Valley to Ala and Rivoli Veroense. A support vehicle will follow you during this route and you will enjoy a picnic in Val di Ledro.
9. Climb of Mount Baldo: 69 mi./110 km. Difficulty level:  Very Difficult
   Cycling along the Adige River, the route  passes through Avio and then to tackle the Climb of Monte Baldo (13 mi./21 km) passing through San Valentino until the Graziani refuge. A slope will bring you to Bocche di Navene and then to Spaizzi, Caprino, Affi, Cavaion, Veronese and finally Veronello.  A support vehicle will follow cyclist during this route.
10. Stelvio Tour: 63 mi./100 km. Difficulty level: Very Difficult
11. Albisano - San Zeno: Difficulty level: Easy
    Route follows Lake Garda until Torri del Benaco and then to Albisano until the crossroads of San Zeno di Montagna. Once there, the route continues up to Sceriffo and then to Caprino through Limini back to Affi.
12. Madonna del Corona: 50 mi./80 km. Difficulty level: Medium/Difficult
    Through Caprino Veronese, you arrive at the sanctuary of Madonna della Corona in Spiazzi and then head back through Caprino to reach Veronello.
13. Borghetto: 37 mi./60 km. Difficulty level: Easy
    You cycle to  Lazise and up to Peschiera and then along the cycle path along the Mincio River until Borghetto, known as "Venice on Lake Garda" where you can stop and enjoy a coffee and ice cream. You return on a flat route to Veronello passing through Valeggio sul Mincio, Castelnuovo del Gards and  Colá.

Sample of a touring day:

• 7:30: Bike fitting and breakfast
• Briefing
• Departure (be prompt)
• 10:15: Ferry leaves for the other side of the lake.
• Meeting point (if you need assistance,or would like to be transported.)
• End of first climb (Gargnano-Valvestino-Capovalle) with first pit stop.
• Second pitstop: Storo (fountain in the Center of the village.)
• Second climb: Storo-Valle di Ledro
• Lunch.
• Meeting point.
• Ride into Riva.
• Torbole-Veronello: Fun race of 50 km. First to arrive buys the beer for the group!

La Dolce Vita Bike Package

More relaxed itinerary

Book This Trip

Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us