Lake Garda & the Adige River
Italy Bike Tours
Bolzano, Verona, Lake Garda & the stunning Dolomites
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1005 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The stunning mountain scenery of the Dolomites, green landscapes, and gently flowing rivers, this beautiful bike tour in Italy offers this and more.
From the Austrian border through the Italian South Tyrol, you will bike on paved cycle paths or quiet country roads, past ancient fortresses and through peaceful villages, soaking in the art, architecture, and history along the way.
Lake Garda, with its exquisite crystal clear water, can only be described as breathtakingly beautiful! The mountains seemed to loom right out of the water. The 100 km of shoreline is dotted with delightful lakefront towns with medieval centers and picturesque waterfront promenades.
Highlights
- Bolzano and Verona
- Dolomite Mountain scenery
- Breathtaking Lake Garda
- Adige River cycling
- Villages of Montemaria, Clusio, and Glorenza
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Itinerary
Two 8-day options are possible for this tour: One that finishes in Verona and one that finishes at Lake Garda. You decide!
Due to weather conditions, provisions issued by local authorities, or organizational difficulties, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your tour. Temporary deviations/detours due to roadwork or closures due to weather events may not be reflected on your route descriptions. Please follow the instructions posted locally or contact the support hotline.
Variation 1: Bolzano to Verona
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Silandro - Merano, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Day 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Day 6: Trento - Desenzano/Peschiera, + boat ride, 32 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Desenzano/Peschiera - Verona, 22/37 mi. (35/60 km)
Day 8: Departure from VeronaDay 1: Arrival in Bolzano
If you arrive early in the morning you can take a stroll around the old market town of Bolzano. Bolzano has a famous commercial and tourist center and also has a historical and cultural connection between the Italian and the German world, not to mention the incredible backdrop of the Dolomites Mountains.Sample hotel: Hotel Post Gries
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Enjoying the Italian countryside along the way, you will be transferred by vehicle to Resia, 1500 meters in elevation. The transfer takes around 2.5 hours. The majestic bike path that follows will take you past the gorgeous Resia Lake. Passing through small, unique villages including Montemaria, Clusio, and Glorenza, you end today's biking in Silandro.Vertical up: 120 m
Sample hotel: Pension SchweitzerDay 3: Silandro - Merano, 25 mi. (40 km)
You cycle the gently rolling countryside along the Adige River, passing through orchards and landmarks like the imposing Dornsberg Castle. The day's destination is Merano, the second-largest city in South Tyrol, which lies in the center of a valley with the majestic Dolomites as its skyline. Take a walk in the city center and don't miss its famous thermal baths.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel AnatolDay 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Following tranquil country roads and bike paths, you pedal as far as the Adige River and the Isarco confluence. You will pass through the biggest apple plantation in Europe and have the opportunity to visit the apple museum in Lana. The route leads to Bolzano, at an altitude of 262 m. Take your time for a walk around this friendly and beautiful bilingual city, the capital of South Tyrol.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel ChrysDay 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Your route continues through apple orchards, vineyards, and through the villages of Ora, Egna, and Salorno. Salorno is best known for the ruins of the medieval castle, Castello dei Litigi, situated on a limestone rock high above the Adige Valley, You end the day in Trento. This town itself is not well known by tourists but numerous ancient Roman remains, museums and palazzi are waiting to be discovered.Vertical up: 250/30 m
Sample hotel: Hotel BuonconsiglioDay 6: Trento - Peschiera del Garda, 32 mi. (50 km) + ferry ride
Continuing along the Adige, you cycle on a gently rising slope west in the direction of Lake Garda. Upon arrival in Riva, you absolutely shouldn't miss the sight of the lake from above! The view from below will be showcased on a boat cruise to Peschiera del Garda across the lake. The ferry ride is about 4-5 hours. The scenery is stunning.Vertical up: 140 m
Sample hotel: Hotel Clarin 14Day 7: Desenzano/Peschiera - Verona, 22/37 mi. (35/60 km)
The cycling ends today on a beautiful note, one of the most important and beautiful cities of Italy.Vertical up: 150/260 m
Sample hotel: Hotel LeopardiDay 8: Departure from Verona
Your bike holiday in Italy ends after breakfast, individual departure.Variation 2: Bolzano to Lake Garda
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Resiapass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Silandro - Merano, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Day 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Day 6: Trento – Lake Garda, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Lake Garda Free Day
Day 8: Departure from Lake GardaDay 1: Arrival in Bolzano
If you arrive early in the morning you can take a stroll around the old market town of Bolzano. Bolzano has a famous commercial and tourist center and also has a historical and cultural connection between the Italian and the German world, not to mention the incredible backdrop of the Dolomites Mountains.Sample hotel: Hotel Post Gries
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Enjoying the Italian countryside along the way, you will be transferred by vehicle to Resia, 1500 meters in elevation. The transfer takes about 2.5 hours. The majestic bike path that follows will take you past the gorgeous lake. Passing through small, unique villages including Montemaria, Clusio, and Glorenza, you end today's biking in Silandro.Vertical up: 120 m
Sample hotel: Pension SchweitzerDay 3: Silandro - Merano, 25 mi. (40 km)
You cycle the gently rolling countryside along the Adige River, passing through orchards and landmarks like the imposing Dornsberg Castle. The day's destination is Merano, the second-largest city in South Tyrol, which lies in the center of a valley with the stunning, endless Dolomites mountains in the background. Take a walk in the city center and don't miss its famous thermal baths.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel AnatolDay 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Following tranquil country roads and bike paths, you pedal as far as the Adige River and the Isarco confluence. You will pass through the biggest apple plantation in Europe and have the opportunity to visit the apple museum in Lana. The route leads to Bolzano, at an altitude of 262 m. Take your time for a walk around this friendly and beautiful bilingual city, the capital of South Tyrol.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel Post GriesDay 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Your route continues through apple orchards, vineyards, and through the villages of Ora, Egna, and Salorno. Salorno is best known for the ruins of the medieval castle, Castello dei Litigi, situated on a limestone rock high above the Adige Valley, You end the day in Trento. This town itself is not well known by tourists but numerous ancient Roman remains, museums, and palazzi are waiting to be discovered.Vertical up 30/250 m
Sample hotel: Grand Hotel TrentoDay 6: Trento – Lake Garda, 31 mi. (50 km)
The river Adige will take you to Rovereto, famous for its museum of modern and contemporary art. After a short ascent to Passo di San Giovanni, you will enjoy a superb view over Lake Garda, before starting your (well-deserved) descent to the lakeshore.Vertical up: 140 m
Sample hotel: Hotel Everest ArcoDay 7: Free day in Lake Garda
Free day at Lake Garda, a unique location where mountain traditions meet the Mediterranean warmth. The perfect spot to end your cycling trip: you can unwind swimming in the lake or strolling along the lakeside promenades of the small towns at the northern tip of the lake, such as Limone or Malcesine. Don’t miss a visit to Riva del Garda, an enchanting town that climbs the rugged cliffs, and reach the fortress of ‘Il Bastione’ with a panoramic lift.Sample hotel: Hotel Everest Arco
Day 8: Departure from Lake Garda
Your tour officially ends after breakfast at regular hotel check-out time.View all our featured bike trips, specials, and news along with 100s of other bike tours in Europe.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Very nice, comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels and a guesthouse in Silandro
All rooms have en suite facilities. Most hotels have air conditioning while some smaller hotels and hotels located in mountain areas of northern Italy can be without air conditioning.
Bicycles
![Unisex or men’s 24-speed touring bike]()
Unisex touring bike
A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position.
- Aluminum frame
- Upright handlebar
- Comfort Selle Royale Saddle: Comfort Selle Royale
- Water bottle cage
- 27-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Flat pedal
- Mechanical V brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe anti-puncture tire
![Men's 7-speed touring bike]()
Men’s touring bike
An aluminum male frame, ideal for a relaxed riding position
- Aluminum sport frame
- Upright handlebar
- Touring gel saddle
- Water bottle cage
- 7-speed (Shimano Nexus)
- Flat pedal
- Backpedal brake
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe anti-puncture tire
![Unisex electric bike]()
Unisex electric bike
A low entry unisex frame
- Upright handlebar
- 9-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
- Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
- Ergonomic grip
- Selle Royal saddle
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
![Front bike map holder]()
![Helmet]()
![Front bike map holder]()
![Front bike map holder]()
![Repair kit]()
![Child bike]()
![Croozer trailer]()
![Child seat]()
![Adult tandem]()
Accessories
Included accessories
- Mudguards
- Trip computer
- Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
- Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
- Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches and mastic sealant)
Supplemental accessories
Please see pricing.
- Helmet
- Brand: Limar
- Size: one size (55 - 61)
- Adjustable size system and cool pads
- Weight: 260 g
- 10 vents with bug net
- Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
- Child bike
- Frames that fit children
- 20/24" wheels
- FollowMe Tandem
- Latch system locking child's bike onto tail of the adult bike
- Ages 4-7
- Child trailer
- Croozer with one seat
- Ages 1-4
- Maximum weight: 35 kg
- Child seat
- Ages 1 to 5
- Maximum weight: 22 kg
- Adult tandem bike
- Front saddle can seat a child 4-15 years old
- Upright handlebars
- Selle Royal saddle
- Water bottle cage
- 11-speed (Shimano Alfine)
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Mudguards
- 26-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
- Family tandem bike (1 adult + 1 child 6-8 yrs)
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfast buffets
- Luggage transfer (limited to 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg & please note that you cannot change the number of pieces of luggage during the tour!)
- App including maps, road book, points of interest, and GPS tracks
- Digital tour information
- 27-speed city touring bike with accessories
- Bike protection
- Transfer from Bolzano to Resia Pass
- 4-hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda (Variation 2)
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Bike helmet
- Local taxes approx. €10- €15
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2023
Sunday departures
April 30 to October 1, 2023
Wednesday departures
June 28 to August 30, 2023
* Special departure dates for at least 6 people.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Season 1: April 30 to May 13 and September 24 to October 1, 2023
Season 2: May 14 to May 27 and September 10 to September 23, 2023
Season 3: May 28 to September 9, 2023Season 1: $ 1568 £ 899 $ 1,483 € 1005 ₪ 3826 NZ$ 1717 NOK 10995 kr 11493 $ 1,114 Season 2: $ 1740 £ 997 $ 1,645 € 1115 ₪ 4245 NZ$ 1905 NOK 12198 kr 12751 $ 1,236 Season 3: $ 1818 £ 1042 $ 1,719 € 1165 ₪ 4435 NZ$ 1990 NOK 12745 kr 13322 $ 1,292
Single supplement: $ 499 £ 286 $ 472 € 320 ₪ 1218 NZ$ 547 NOK 3501 kr 3659 $ 355
Children Seasonal Supplements
Season 2 Season 3
7-10 years $ 109 £ 63 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 266 NZ$ 120 NOK 766 kr 800 $ 78 $ 172 £ 98 $ 162 € 110 ₪ 419 NZ$ 188 NOK 1203 kr 1258 $ 122 3-6 years $ 78 £ 45 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 190 NZ$ 85 NOK 547 kr 572 $ 55 $ 109 £ 63 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 266 NZ$ 120 NOK 766 kr 800 $ 78 Discount for Triple Room
For 3rd person sharing a triple room.
Triple rooms are usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or sofa bed.Above 11 years $ 281 £ 161 $ 266 € 180 ₪ 685 NZ$ 307 NOK 1969 kr 2058 $ 200 7-10 years $ 468 £ 268 $ 443 € 300 ₪ 1142 NZ$ 512 NOK 3282 kr 3431 $ 333 3-6 years $ 718 £ 411 $ 679 € 460 ₪ 1751 NZ$ 786 NOK 5032 kr 5260 $ 510 0-2 years (baby cot separate, to be paid on site): Free of charge
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental: $ 234 £ 134 $ 221 € 150 ₪ 571 NZ$ 256 NOK 1641 kr 1715 $ 166
Family and adult tandems: $ 156 £ 89 $ 148 € 100 ₪ 381 NZ$ 171 NOK 1094 kr 1144 $ 111
Child bike (20 and 24" wheels): Included
Child bike (20" wheels with FollowMe Tandem): Included
Child trailer: $ 133 £ 76 $ 125 € 85 ₪ 324 NZ$ 145 NOK 930 kr 972 $ 94
Helmet rental (please reserve at time of booking): $ 23 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 57 NZ$ 26 NOK 164 kr 172 $ 17
Child seat (max 22kg): Free of charge
Extra nights
Bolzano Verona Lake Garda Twin/double On request $ 117 £ 67 $ 111 € 75 ₪ 286 NZ$ 128 NOK 821 kr 858 $ 83 On request Single On request $ 187 £ 107 $ 177 € 120 ₪ 457 NZ$ 205 NOK 1313 kr 1372 $ 133 On request Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This bike trip in Italy is considered easy to moderate. It is not very demanding since it takes place on mainly flat roads. However, the total vertical distance is 560/890m (to Verona) and 410/630m (to Lake Garda). The South Tyrol region offers an excellent bike-friendly system. You can ride almost exclusively on well-maintained, asphalted bike paths, part of which run along the Adige River banks. Towards Lake Garda, there is a more challenging climb to face. Almost every cycling day offers the possibility to shorten the route by taking the train.
Airport Info
Fly to Munich International Airport (MUC) and then with Air Dolomiti to Bolzano, or fly to Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, or Milan and take the train to Bolzano.
Local Travel
Train to Bolzano from Munich airport (4½ hr); from Innsbruck (2 hrs); from Verona airport (1½ hrs); or from Milan (3½ hrs). The hotel is just a short distance away from Bolzano train station.
Climate
In Italy, there are different types of climate. In Bolzano, the climate is semi-continental, and around Lake Garda, a sub-Mediterranean climate. One thing that each area has in common is hot summers. Rain can be expected throughout the year, so it is advised you pack rain gear. Please check local conditions before your arrival. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Recommended
Extra night in Verona/Lake Garda after the tour.
Remarks
Electric bicycle available for this tour.
It may also be possible to combine this tour with the bike & boat tour Mantova to Venice.Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
Extra nights available in Bolzano, Verona, Mantova and Lake Garda.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
![Biking Lake Garda, Italy. Photo via Flickr:amira_a]()
![Frescos in Mantova, Lombardy, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Pedro]()
![Windsurfers on Lake Garda, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Andrea Santoni]()
![Castle Maretsch among vineyards in Bolzano, Italy. Photo from Wikimedia Commons:Alex1011]()
![Facades in Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Dan Kamminga]()
![Ponte Pietra in Verona, Italy. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Fabio Becchelli]()
![Near Riva del Garda in region Trentino Alto Adige, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Waldemar Merger]()
![<i>Portoni della Bra</i> in Verona, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Didier Descouens]()
![Most Italian Chardonnay comes from Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:myhobosoul]()
![Bike rest in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Aleksandr Zykov]()
![Palazzo Geremia from the 15th century in Trento, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Eric Huybrechts]()
![Mountains and valleys in Silandro (Schlanders in German), South Tyrol, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Arnold Unterholzner]()
![Peschiera del Garda in Verona, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Dan Kamminga]()
![Chair lift over Merano, South Tyrol, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Leo-seta]()
![Riva del Garda on the Lake in Trentino Alto Adige, Italy. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:High Contrast]()
![Lakeside resort of Riva del Garda, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Alex]()
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