Lake Garda
Italy Bike Tours
Bike Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length4–8 days
- Prices from€230 Rates
Overview
Serious cyclists take note! This road bike tour offered at Lake Garda, staying in the Garda Bike Hotel, caters specifically to cyclists. Different guided excursions designed by local, expert guides are offered daily. During the peak cycling season, three levels of rides are offered each day: Classic, Enthusiastic, and Epic.
Leisurely cyclists, we have something for you, too! Our Dolce Vita program offers riders fully guided and van-supported routes on flat terrain, with a focus on local, artisanal food & wine. Tour the Italian countryside with ease, and, along the way, enjoy the culture and hospitality this region is famous for.
The landscape is diverse and breathtaking from the lovely beaches dominating the southern shoreline to the rocky cliffs above the northern shoreline. The climate also is mixed, blending both the Mediterranean and the alpine. The beauty of nature in all its splendor awaits you, and this bicycle tour in Italy will prove to be an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- Flexible weekly program
- All-inclusive services for cyclists
- Fabulous food
- Top-rated bike rentals
- The landscape of Lake Garda
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Itinerary
Each day, there are three daily rides to choose from, scaled for pace, distance, and level of climbing. You can feel free to change your ride level from day to day. However, we encourage you to know your abilities and think about how you ride at home when selecting a daily ride. Selecting a ride most suited to your abilities will make for a happier cycling holiday.
Classic ride:
The Classic ride is for experienced cyclists who ride at a moderate pace and are comfortable in various terrain, including longer hill climbs, riding in a group, and who are confident in traffic (though the routes take place mainly on quiet roads, cyclists do sometimes encounter some busier city and village streets).
The Classic ride will generally take the group on 40-60 km (25-37 miles) rides with hills that might extend for 3 - 4 km (1.5-2.5 miles) with undulating terrain.
Cyclists should expect to be on the bike between 3 to 5 hours, including stops
- Distance: 40-60 km (25-37 miles)
- Elevation per tour: 200-500 m
- Climb length: 5-6 km / 3-4 mi
- Max. grade climbs: max 5-6%
- Average speed on flat: 15-20 km/h / 9-12 mi/h
Enthusiastic ride:
The Enthusiastic ride adds just a little more riding challenge to the Classic Ride. The Enthusiasts will still ride the same roads as the classic ride, and see the same beautiful scenery, but they will get a few more opportunities to test out their cycling abilities on some longer and/or steeper climbs, ride at a faster pace, and take on a few longer loops to add more km/miles to their route. This is the most requested ride level.
Cyclists should expect to be on the bike between 4 to 5 hours, including stops
- Distance: max 70-90 km / 43-56 mi
- Elevation per tour: 800-1500 m
- Climb length: max 10 km / 6 mi
- Max. grade climbs: max 10/12 %
- Average speed on flat: 25-30 km/h / 15-18 mi/h
Epic ride:
The Epic ride is meant for the most serious riders. This group tackles the longest, toughest routes, with distances ranging from 90-130 km, and typically at a pace of around 25-35 kph, depending upon terrain. One can expect long climbs.
Cyclists should expect to be on the bike between 4 to 6 hours, including stops
- Distance: 90-130 km / 56-75 m
- Elevation per tour: 1000-2200 m
- Climb length: max 15 km / 9 mi
- Max. grade climbs: max 15 %
- Average speed on flat: 25-35 km/h / 15-21 mi/h
Sample of a touring day for each group:
- 7:30 - 8:00: A hearty breakfast to start your day, with delicious choices and variety to please everyone – from salami to a chocolate fountain, and everything in between!
- 8:30 - 9:00: Final bike preparation and ride briefing. Don’t forget to grab a sandwich and banana for your pocket!
- 9:00: Ride departure along the ride 2 or 3 coffee/gelato stops, and of course, several photo opportunities.
- Coffee Break before the start of the main climbs of the areas, meeting point at the top of each climb to regroup, and prepare for the descent
- Ride into Verona, and start with a short climb to a fortress overlooking the city; ride through the cobbled streets, and view the famous piazzas, churches, & statues in the city; photo opportunities in front of the Arena, and gelato stop in the famous Piazza Bra; ride along the Adige River; Verona to Peschiera: Fun race of 35 km. The first to arrive buys the beer for the group!
- 14:00 - 15:00: Return, tired, but definitely exhilarated, to the hotel.
- 15:00 - 17.00: Post-ride buffet, to rejuvenate and start to relive the ride with your new best friends.
- 16:00 - 19:00: Relax by the pool, sightsee around beautiful Lake Garda, or take a drive to Verona.
- 19:00 - 21:00: 3-course dinner, al fresco as weather permits. Check the ride board - get excited for tomorrow’s adventure!
NOTE: During peak cycling season (May, June, July, & September), there are always three ride levels possible. During quieter periods, there may only be 1 or 2 riding options. We'll still do our very best to accommodate all riding levels. Leisurely cyclists might consider the Dolce Vita Program. See below!
This program is meant for cyclists more interested in "slow travel". Each day, choose between two ride variations with a short and a long option. Totally guided and with van support, you can cycle as much or as little as you want! Your local English-speaking guide is knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area.
One of the best aspects of this program is gastronomy! You'll enjoy local, artisanal food & wine. You’ll cycle to authentic farms, vineyards, & kitchens, as well as visit ancient villages. You'll also visit a winery, a cheesemaker, and a tortellini kitchen, and you'll have no trouble finding gelato in any of the numerous gelaterias you'll pass.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Garda Bike Hotel
You will be greeted at the hotel and have a welcome briefing to start. Once you are settled in and after the bike fitting, including information on how to use your rental bike, the group will take a walking tour of the old city of Peschiera. You'll visit the Venetian walls, ending with an aperitivo in the charming village, before the short walk back to the hotel.Day 2: Verona City, 13 mi. or 40 mi. (20 km or 65 km), elevation gain 300m
You'll be transferred a short way to Piovezzano to start riding on a bike path along the canal until the Chievo Dam. You'll then arrive at the cobblestoned streets of the charming and romantic town of Verona. A delicious lunch awaits in front of the Arena di Verona at Pizzeria Olivo. Once you've renewed your strength, you continue pedaling on the bike path to Bussolengo. A transfer will bring you back to the hotel. Upon request, the longer route of 40 miles will leave directly from the hotel to Verona, using the same itinerary as above, and will return through the suburbs of Verona.Day 3: Colline Moreniche, 13 mi. or 40 mi. (20 km or 65 km), elevation gain 400m
Today you will visit Borghetto and Valeggio, lovely, quaint ancient towns that you'll reach on quiet, secondary roads. After visiting the little village of Borghetto, you'll conquer a short and easy climb bringing you to Valeggio, where Ristorante La Borsa serves the typical meal of the area: Tortellini e tortelli di Valeggio. You won't soon forget this delicious lunch! Those wanting the shorter option will be returned to the hotel in the van after this meal.Day 4: Sirmione, 19 mi. or 31 mi. (30 km or 50 km), flat
The first 18 miles will be on the south side of Lake Garda. You'll eventually arrive in Sirmione, a small medieval town famous for the Scaligero castle. After visiting this special town, a private boat will take you to Punta San Vigilio. This unique location on the east bank of the lake is where, almost 75 years ago, Sir W. Churchill would spend his time painting. You'll enjoy lunch at the harbor, and after you’ll have a short bike ride back to the village of Garda, where the van awaits. Before the ride begins, we suggest leaving a bag with comfortable shoes in the van, for the boat ride and the restaurant.Day 5: Rest day
There are two options for your rest day today, dependent on the weather.Option 1: Walking to Monte Baldo area
In good weather, you will take the van to Spiazzi which sits at 850 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you will walk from the center of town to the uniquely situated church of Madonna della Corona. This church is a feat of engineering, as it is suspended from the rocks above the Adige valley. The view here is stunning, looking into the valley and the mountains of Lessinia. After visiting the church, you’ll walk back to Spiazzi and continue to Agriturismo Pavoni, a local cheese and salami maker. Pavoni will provide you with a true farm-to-table lunch, along with a good “fiasco” of local rosè.
Option 2: Visit Mantova city
While hoping for the best, we also have to plan for the worst. In case of bad weather, the van will transport you to Mantova. The tour starts with a visit to the spectacular museum of Palazzo Te and continues into the heart of the city, Piazza Sordello, just in time to taste the typical cuisine of the area.Day 6: Valpolicella wine area, 31 mi. (50 km), elevation gain 500m
The van takes you to Fumane and once there, you'll begin a beautiful climb (3 mi.) in the Valpolicella region. You'll pedal straight through the heart of the vineyards that produce this world-famous wine. The rustic nature of the area is your backdrop and beautiful views of the lake accompany you as you ride. You'll eat lunch at the Restaurant “I torcoli”.Day 7: Strada della Forra – Tremosine, (35 km or 50 km), elevation gain 500m
One of the most beautiful roads in the world awaits! You might recognize this scenery from the opening scenes of the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace. This road offers a unique view of Lake Garda facing Monte Baldo and Malcesine. The van will take you from the hotel to Malcesine, from where you'll board a ferry across the lake to the charming village of Limone. From Limone, you will cycle to Tremosine. Then, you'll continue on the bike path that connects Limone to Capo Reamol. This section is truly special, as the bike path is suspended over the lake, offering some of the best views of this cycling tour! You'll return to Limone on the bike, where you'll have lunch at Monte Baldo. Your meal will most definitely include the flavors and fragrances of local lemons. The ferry will bring you back to Malcesine.Those opting for the longer ride will skip the initial ferry and cycle the whole way.
Day 8: Check-out
Your guided bike tour in Lake Garda comes to an end!Looking for more? View all our featured bike trips, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
There are choices for your accommodations in Peschiera del Garda, the ideal base from which to discover the beautiful Lake Garda region:
Enjoy Garda Hotel:
The hotel consists of 42 rooms and 2 suites and comes with a wide range of high-quality services in order to provide you with comfort and quality. Private balconies, large screen LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, a safe for valuables, a large shower with a seat, premium bath toiletries, and much more. For your relaxation and entertainment, enjoy the beautiful garden with an open-air swimming pool, a common terrace with Jacuzzi, a modern fitness room, and free city bike rentals. Enjoy Garda Hotel also has a large private outdoor car park to keep your vehicle safe during your stay.
Hatelier Garda Home:
Much more than just suites, these accommodations are stylish and private, refined but simple, just like an atelier, but with a hotel twist. The fully serviced studio flats or two-room apartments are the ideal solution for guests who like to be pampered yet be independent. With the hotel services offered by the partner Enjoy Garda Hotel, just 100 meters away, the staff will be within easy reach to cater to your needs.Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
Standard all-inclusive guided program
- Overnight accommodations in an EASY room. Suites on request (extra charge).
- Extensive breakfast buffet
- Unlimited water with energy drinks, bananas, and sandwiches for the tours
- Afternoon buffet after ride until 5 PM - includes starters, tasty hot dishes, bruschetta, pasta, salami, pizza, cheese, fresh salads, seasonal fruit and desserts
- Dinner in our restaurant
- Bottled water with meals
- Private transfer from and to Verona “Valerio Catullo” airport with reservation (available from 8 am to 8 pm)
- Bike room video-monitored for 50 bikes, with alarm and equipped workshop and washing area
- Daily tours with our guides 7 days a week (from Monday to Sunday included)
- Tours with various difficulty and intensity levels
- Our professional guides will accompany you during the excursions
- Mini-bus for mechanical assistance available for the most demanding itineraries (over 100 km)
- Daily laundry service for your bike clothing
- Possibility to ride on your last day: shower facilities and bag storage available
- Immediate assistance and bicycle recovery service in the event of accidents
- Gift: Custom Alè × Garda Bike Hotel cycling shirt/vest and water bottle
- Pictures: We will provide a selection of all the best pictures taken on your daily ride
- Bike mechanic (on specific days)
- Overnight accommodations in EASY room. Suites on request (extra charge).
- Extensive breakfast buffet
- Lunch in local restaurants, trattorie & osterie during the rides, or in the hotel restaurant
- Al la carte dinner at the hotel, 1 dinner in an upscale restaurant in Verona, 1 dinner at a winery
- Unlimited water with energy drinks, bananas, and sandwiches for the tours
- Free bottled water during meals
- Private transfer from and to Verona “Valerio Catullo” airport with advanced reservation (available from 8 am to 8 pm)
- Bike room video-monitored for 50 bikes, with alarm and equipped workshop and washing area
- Private daily customized tours with guide and support vehicle
- Daily laundry service for your bike clothing including free laundry net
- Immediate assistance and bicycle recovery service in the event of accidents
- Gift: Custom Alè × Garda Bike Hotel cycling shirt/vest and water bottle
- Pictures for free download: We will provide a selection of all the best pictures taken by our guides during the daily cycling
- Bike mechanic (on specific days)
- Family package available. Just ask.
Dolce Vita private all-inclusive guided program
What’s Not Included
- Dolce Vita Program: Dinner on Sunday
- Massage with masseur and physiotherapist (at an extra cost)
- Additional activities
- Bike rental: see options in the pricing section. Don’t forget your shoes and pedals! Bikes include GPS front mount, 2 bottles, and 1 emergency tube and pump.
- Helmet
- Bike Protection (included in rental price)
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Standard program
Arrivals possible from March 1 to October 31, 2024
Dolce Vita program
8-day
April 6-13, May 4-11; June 15-22, August 24-31, & October 19-26, 2024
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
Pricing depends on time of booking and the desired package.
Prices per person/night range from: $ 381 £ 196 $ 353 € 230 Ft 94050 kr 35030 ₪ 963 ¥ 38319 Mex$ 4971 NZ$ 420 kr 2765 zł 1007 S$ 335 kr 2668 CHF 221 $ 256
Single supplement varies from €50 to €90.
Please contact us for additional pricing details!
8-day
April 16, May 4, October 19, 2024 $ 5004 £ 2575 $ 4,645 € 3024 Ft 1236550 kr 460570 ₪ 12657 ¥ 503807 Mex$ 65364 NZ$ 5525 kr 36357 zł 13239 S$ 4402 kr 35083 CHF 2902 $ 3,365 Non-cyclist $ 3018 £ 1553 $ 2,802 € 1824 Ft 745855 kr 277804 ₪ 7634 ¥ 303883 Mex$ 39426 NZ$ 3333 kr 21930 zł 7986 S$ 2655 kr 21161 CHF 1750 $ 2,030 Single supplement $ 1158 £ 596 $ 1,075 € 700 Ft 286238 kr 106613 ₪ 2930 ¥ 116622 Mex$ 15131 NZ$ 1279 kr 8416 zł 3065 S$ 1019 kr 8121 CHF 672 $ 779 June 15, 2024 $ 5831 £ 3001 $ 5,413 € 3524 Ft 1441006 kr 536722 ₪ 14750 ¥ 587108 Mex$ 76172 NZ$ 6439 kr 42369 zł 15428 S$ 5129 kr 40884 CHF 3382 $ 3,921 Non-cyclist $ 3183 £ 1638 $ 2,956 € 1924 Ft 786747 kr 293034 ₪ 8053 ¥ 320544 Mex$ 41588 NZ$ 3515 kr 23132 zł 8423 S$ 2800 kr 22322 CHF 1846 $ 2,141 Single supplement $ 1158 £ 596 $ 1,075 € 700 Ft 286238 kr 106613 ₪ 2930 ¥ 116622 Mex$ 15131 NZ$ 1279 kr 8416 zł 3065 S$ 1019 kr 8121 CHF 672 $ 779 August 24, 2024 $ 6658 £ 3427 $ 6,181 € 4024 Ft 1645462 kr 612874 ₪ 16842 ¥ 670409 Mex$ 86980 NZ$ 7353 kr 48380 zł 17617 S$ 5857 kr 46685 CHF 3862 $ 4,478 Non-cyclist $ 3349 £ 1724 $ 3,109 € 2024 Ft 827638 kr 308265 ₪ 8471 ¥ 337204 Mex$ 43749 NZ$ 3698 kr 24334 zł 8861 S$ 2946 kr 23482 CHF 1942 $ 2,252 Single supplement $ 1489 £ 766 $ 1,383 € 900 Ft 368021 kr 137074 ₪ 3767 ¥ 149942 Mex$ 19454 NZ$ 1644 kr 10821 zł 3940 S$ 1310 kr 10441 CHF 864 $ 1,001 Extra Options
Bike rental
Pinarello Dogma X Disk:
Per day: $ 207 £ 106 $ 192 € 125 Ft 51114 kr 19038 ₪ 523 ¥ 20825 Mex$ 2702 NZ$ 228 kr 1503 zł 547 S$ 182 kr 1450 CHF 120 $ 139
Per week: $ 1241 £ 639 $ 1,152 € 750 Ft 306684 kr 114229 ₪ 3139 ¥ 124952 Mex$ 16211 NZ$ 1370 kr 9017 zł 3284 S$ 1092 kr 8701 CHF 720 $ 835
Pinarello Dogma F Disk:
Per day: $ 207 £ 106 $ 192 € 125 Ft 51114 kr 19038 ₪ 523 ¥ 20825 Mex$ 2702 NZ$ 228 kr 1503 zł 547 S$ 182 kr 1450 CHF 120 $ 139
Per week: $ 1241 £ 639 $ 1,152 € 750 Ft 306684 kr 114229 ₪ 3139 ¥ 124952 Mex$ 16211 NZ$ 1370 kr 9017 zł 3284 S$ 1092 kr 8701 CHF 720 $ 835
Pinarello Grevil F Disk:
Per day: $ 141 £ 72 $ 131 € 85 Ft 34758 kr 12946 ₪ 356 ¥ 14161 Mex$ 1837 NZ$ 155 kr 1022 zł 372 S$ 124 kr 986 CHF 82 $ 95
Per week: $ 935 £ 481 $ 868 € 565 Ft 231035 kr 86052 ₪ 2365 ¥ 94131 Mex$ 12213 NZ$ 1032 kr 6793 zł 2474 S$ 822 kr 6555 CHF 542 $ 629
Pinarello Nytro - road e-bike:
Per day: $ 156 £ 80 $ 144 € 94 Ft 38438 kr 14317 ₪ 393 ¥ 15661 Mex$ 2032 NZ$ 172 kr 1130 zł 412 S$ 137 kr 1091 CHF 90 $ 105
Per week: $ 1072 £ 552 $ 995 € 648 Ft 264975 kr 98693 ₪ 2712 ¥ 107959 Mex$ 14007 NZ$ 1184 kr 7791 zł 2837 S$ 943 kr 7518 CHF 622 $ 721
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This Lake Garda bike tour has a difficulty of varying ranges from easy to very difficult. There are different levels of rides offered. Please see below in the day-to-day section for more details regarding distances, elevation information, and more. Distances range from 40 to 100 miles. Terrain ranges from moderately flat to very difficult climbs. There are a maximum of 30 cyclists per day in the “peak” season (May, June & September). Every guide rides with a maximum of 8 to 10 cycling guests.
Airport Info
Fly to Verona, Milan, Venice, or Bologna.
Local Travel
Private transfer from/to Verona Valerio Catullo Airport is included in your tour price (available from 8 am to 8 pm). If traveling from other airports by train to Peschiera and taxi to hotel. Travel time from Malpensa Airport, Milan is 2 1/2 hours with one transfer at Milano Centrale. From Venice Airport, travel time is just over 2 hours with transfer to Venice Mestre. From Bologna, travel time is 2 1/4 hours. From the airport, you first take a bus to Bologna Centrale train station and then onward travel through Verona Porta Nuova and then onward to Peschiera del Garda.
Climate
The climate at lake Garda is best described as balmy and Mediterranean. This wonderful Lake Garda climate is due to the fact that the lake itself acts like a huge solar panel, and the mountains act as an insulator, keeping the heat in. Especially from May to October, the weather is generally warm and pleasant with lots of sun! Please check local conditions before your arrival!
Day of Rest
Each night is spent at Garda Bike Hotel and therefore, one can easily opt out of a day of riding for rest and relaxation.
Recommended
You are required to wear a helmet at all times while riding. Bike shoes or helmets are not available for rental for hygienic reasons, so you must bring your own helmet and shoes. There are Kask helmets for sale.
Remarks
The Bici & family package gives you the chance to enjoy your riding knowing your family is well looked after and able to enjoy the hotel and the beautiful local area while you are cycling. There are so many things to do for the whole family and for all ages, so bring along your non-cycling family members.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and 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.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Bike rental
There are more than 50 bikes of various brands, models, and sizes. Choose your favorite, and we’ll do our best to assign it to you based on your measurements and availability. During high season or when large groups are visiting, it cannot be guaranteed that the model you select will be available in your size. It is however certain that you will have a top-quality, well-maintained bike in your size, to ride during your holiday.
Please see the pricing section for bike rental options. Insurance for damages is included in the rental price, subject to a deductible amount based on bike type. The difference in the daily rental fee among the various bikes in our fleet is based upon the initial purchase price of the bike. Rest assured that no matter which bike you decide to rent, you will be riding a quality Italian bike
Please understand that there will be no refund for any days that you choose not to ride. If you book for a week and then take any days off the bike you will still be billed for the full time you booked for. This is because the hotel allocates the bike to you at the time of booking and can not reallocate it.
Extra Stay
Extra days and nights possible.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Garda Bike Hotel.
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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