Lake Garda & the Adige River
Italy Bike Tours
Bolzano, Verona, Lake Garda & the stunning Dolomites
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5–8 days
- Prices from€685 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
With 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 - one that finishes in Verona and one that finishes in Lake Garda - are available for this tour.
A 5-day family-friendly option is also available for this tour. 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, 22 mi. (35 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, 22 mi. (35 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 Bolzano (Family)
The family tour follows the same route as variation 1 above from Day 1-5.
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Silandro - Merano, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: BolzanoVariation 3: Bolzano to Lake Garda
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Resiapass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Silandro - Merano, 22 mi. (35 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, 22 mi. (35 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 for the 8-day tours. And 3-star hotels for the 5-day family tour.
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 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
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
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 5 or 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!)
- 27-speed city touring bike with accessories
- Bike Protection
- Transfer from Bolzano to Resia Pass
- 4-hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda (Variation 1)
- App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Beverages
- Bike helmet
- Local taxes approx. €15 (8-day) and €8 (5-day)
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2024
Sunday departures
April 28 to September 29, 2024
Wednesday departures
June 26 to August 28, 2024
* Special departure dates for at least 6 people.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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 28 to May 11 and September 29, 2024
Season 2: May 12 to May 25 and September 8 to September 28, 2024
Season 3: May 26 to September 7, 20248-day tours
Season 1: $ 1803 £ 929 $ 1,602 € 1065 kr 161405 ₪ 4353 ¥ 176109 Mex$ 19772 NZ$ 1942 NOK 12562 kr 12256 $ 1,182 Season 2: $ 2023 £ 1042 $ 1,797 € 1195 kr 181107 ₪ 4884 ¥ 197606 Mex$ 22185 NZ$ 2179 NOK 14096 kr 13752 $ 1,327 Season 3: $ 2108 £ 1086 $ 1,872 € 1245 kr 188684 ₪ 5089 ¥ 205874 Mex$ 23113 NZ$ 2271 NOK 14686 kr 14328 $ 1,382
Single supplement: $ 677 £ 349 $ 602 € 400 kr 60622 ₪ 1635 ¥ 66144 Mex$ 7426 NZ$ 729 NOK 4718 kr 4603 $ 444
5-day tour
Season 1: $ 1160 £ 597 $ 1,030 € 685 kr 103814 ₪ 2800 ¥ 113272 Mex$ 12717 NZ$ 1249 NOK 8080 kr 7883 $ 760 Season 2: $ 1295 £ 667 $ 1,150 € 765 kr 115939 ₪ 3127 ¥ 126501 Mex$ 14202 NZ$ 1395 NOK 9024 kr 8804 $ 849 Season 3: $ 1363 £ 702 $ 1,211 € 805 kr 122001 ₪ 3290 ¥ 133115 Mex$ 14945 NZ$ 1468 NOK 9495 kr 9264 $ 894
Children Seasonal Supplement Discounts
Season 2 Season 3
7-10 years $ 68 £ 35 $ 60 € 40 kr 6062 ₪ 163 ¥ 6614 Mex$ 743 NZ$ 73 NOK 472 kr 460 $ 44 $ 102 £ 52 $ 90 € 60 kr 9093 ₪ 245 ¥ 9922 Mex$ 1114 NZ$ 109 NOK 708 kr 690 $ 67 3-6 years $ 102 £ 52 $ 90 € 60 kr 9093 ₪ 245 ¥ 9922 Mex$ 1114 NZ$ 109 NOK 708 kr 690 $ 67 $ 152 £ 78 $ 135 € 90 kr 13640 ₪ 368 ¥ 14882 Mex$ 1671 NZ$ 164 NOK 1062 kr 1036 $ 100 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.8-day 5-day Above 11 years $ 339 £ 174 $ 301 € 200 kr 30311 ₪ 817 ¥ 33072 Mex$ 3713 NZ$ 365 NOK 2359 kr 2302 $ 222 $ 237 £ 122 $ 211 € 140 kr 21218 ₪ 572 ¥ 23151 Mex$ 2599 NZ$ 255 NOK 1651 kr 1611 $ 155 7-10 years N/A $ 339 £ 174 $ 301 € 200 kr 30311 ₪ 817 ¥ 33072 Mex$ 3713 NZ$ 365 NOK 2359 kr 2302 $ 222 3-6 years N/A $ 525 £ 270 $ 466 € 310 kr 46982 ₪ 1267 ¥ 51262 Mex$ 5755 NZ$ 565 NOK 3657 kr 3567 $ 344 0-2 years (baby cot separate, to be paid on site): Free of charge
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental (8-day): $ 271 £ 140 $ 241 € 160 kr 24249 ₪ 654 ¥ 26458 Mex$ 2970 NZ$ 292 NOK 1887 kr 1841 $ 178
Electric bicycle rental (5-day): $ 169 £ 87 $ 150 € 100 kr 15155 ₪ 409 ¥ 16536 Mex$ 1856 NZ$ 182 NOK 1180 kr 1151 $ 111
Family and adult tandems (5-day): Included
Child bike (20 and 24" wheels): Included
Child bike (20" wheels with FollowMe Tandem - Max. 30 kg): Included
Child trailer (max. 35 kg): $ 34 £ 17 $ 30 € 20 kr 3031 ₪ 82 ¥ 3307 Mex$ 371 NZ$ 36 NOK 236 kr 230 $ 22
Helmet rental (please reserve at time of booking): $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 kr 2273 ₪ 61 ¥ 2480 Mex$ 278 NZ$ 27 NOK 177 kr 173 $ 17
Child seat (max 22 kg): Free of charge
Extra nights
Bolzano Verona Lake Garda Twin/double On request $ 152 £ 78 $ 135 € 90 kr 13640 ₪ 368 ¥ 14882 Mex$ 1671 NZ$ 164 NOK 1062 kr 1036 $ 100 On request Single On request $ 232 £ 119 $ 206 € 137 kr 20763 ₪ 560 ¥ 22654 Mex$ 2543 NZ$ 250 NOK 1616 kr 1577 $ 152 On request Triple room is usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or a sofa bed.
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 for the 8-day tours 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.
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?
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