Lake Garda & the Adige River
Italy Bike Tours
Bolzano, Verona, Lake Garda & the stunning Dolomites
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length5–8 days
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Prices from€685 Rates
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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.
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Map
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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)
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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
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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: $ 1783 £ 901 $ 1,612 € 1065 Ft 448457 kr 158058 ₪ 4139 ¥ 172643 Mex$ 23238 NZ$ 1955 kr 12694 zł 4635 S$ 1539 kr 12479 CHF 1010 $ 1,150 Season 2: $ 2000 £ 1011 $ 1,809 € 1195 Ft 503199 kr 177351 ₪ 4644 ¥ 193717 Mex$ 26075 NZ$ 2194 kr 14243 zł 5200 S$ 1727 kr 14003 CHF 1133 $ 1,290 Season 3: $ 2084 £ 1054 $ 1,885 € 1245 Ft 524253 kr 184772 ₪ 4839 ¥ 201822 Mex$ 27166 NZ$ 2286 kr 14839 zł 5418 S$ 1799 kr 14589 CHF 1181 $ 1,344
Single supplement: $ 670 £ 338 $ 606 € 400 Ft 168435 kr 59364 ₪ 1555 ¥ 64842 Mex$ 8728 NZ$ 734 kr 4768 zł 1741 S$ 578 kr 4687 CHF 379 $ 432
5-day tour
Season 1: $ 1147 £ 580 $ 1,037 € 685 Ft 288444 kr 101662 ₪ 2662 ¥ 111043 Mex$ 14947 NZ$ 1258 kr 8164 zł 2981 S$ 990 kr 8027 CHF 650 $ 740 Season 2: $ 1281 £ 647 $ 1,158 € 765 Ft 322131 kr 113534 ₪ 2973 ¥ 124011 Mex$ 16692 NZ$ 1404 kr 9118 zł 3329 S$ 1106 kr 8964 CHF 726 $ 826 Season 3: $ 1348 £ 681 $ 1,219 € 805 Ft 338975 kr 119471 ₪ 3129 ¥ 130495 Mex$ 17565 NZ$ 1478 kr 9595 zł 3503 S$ 1163 kr 9433 CHF 764 $ 869
Children Seasonal Supplement Discounts
Season 2 Season 3
7-10 years $ 67 £ 34 $ 61 € 40 Ft 16843 kr 5936 ₪ 155 ¥ 6484 Mex$ 873 NZ$ 73 kr 477 zł 174 S$ 58 kr 469 CHF 38 $ 43 $ 100 £ 51 $ 91 € 60 Ft 25265 kr 8905 ₪ 233 ¥ 9726 Mex$ 1309 NZ$ 110 kr 715 zł 261 S$ 87 kr 703 CHF 57 $ 65 3-6 years $ 100 £ 51 $ 91 € 60 Ft 25265 kr 8905 ₪ 233 ¥ 9726 Mex$ 1309 NZ$ 110 kr 715 zł 261 S$ 87 kr 703 CHF 57 $ 65 $ 151 £ 76 $ 136 € 90 Ft 37898 kr 13357 ₪ 350 ¥ 14590 Mex$ 1964 NZ$ 165 kr 1073 zł 392 S$ 130 kr 1055 CHF 85 $ 97 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 $ 335 £ 169 $ 303 € 200 Ft 84217 kr 29682 ₪ 777 ¥ 32421 Mex$ 4364 NZ$ 367 kr 2384 zł 870 S$ 289 kr 2344 CHF 190 $ 216 $ 234 £ 118 $ 212 € 140 Ft 58952 kr 20778 ₪ 544 ¥ 22695 Mex$ 3055 NZ$ 257 kr 1669 zł 609 S$ 202 kr 1640 CHF 133 $ 151 7-10 years N/A $ 335 £ 169 $ 303 € 200 Ft 84217 kr 29682 ₪ 777 ¥ 32421 Mex$ 4364 NZ$ 367 kr 2384 zł 870 S$ 289 kr 2344 CHF 190 $ 216 3-6 years N/A $ 519 £ 262 $ 469 € 310 Ft 130537 kr 46007 ₪ 1205 ¥ 50253 Mex$ 6764 NZ$ 569 kr 3695 zł 1349 S$ 448 kr 3632 CHF 294 $ 335 0-2 years (baby cot separate, to be paid on site): Free of charge
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental (8-day): $ 268 £ 135 $ 242 € 160 Ft 67374 kr 23746 ₪ 622 ¥ 25937 Mex$ 3491 NZ$ 294 kr 1907 zł 696 S$ 231 kr 1875 CHF 152 $ 173
Electric bicycle rental (5-day): $ 167 £ 85 $ 151 € 100 Ft 42109 kr 14841 ₪ 389 ¥ 16211 Mex$ 2182 NZ$ 184 kr 1192 zł 435 S$ 145 kr 1172 CHF 95 $ 108
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): $ 33 £ 17 $ 30 € 20 Ft 8422 kr 2968 ₪ 78 ¥ 3242 Mex$ 436 NZ$ 37 kr 238 zł 87 S$ 29 kr 234 CHF 19 $ 22
Helmet rental (please reserve at time of booking): $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 Ft 6316 kr 2226 ₪ 58 ¥ 2432 Mex$ 327 NZ$ 28 kr 179 zł 65 S$ 22 kr 176 CHF 14 $ 16
Child seat (max 22 kg): Free of charge
Extra nights
Bolzano Verona Lake Garda Twin/double On request $ 151 £ 76 $ 136 € 90 Ft 37898 kr 13357 ₪ 350 ¥ 14590 Mex$ 1964 NZ$ 165 kr 1073 zł 392 S$ 130 kr 1055 CHF 85 $ 97 On request Single On request $ 229 £ 116 $ 207 € 137 Ft 57689 kr 20332 ₪ 532 ¥ 22209 Mex$ 2989 NZ$ 252 kr 1633 zł 596 S$ 198 kr 1605 CHF 130 $ 148 On request Triple room is usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or a sofa bed.
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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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