Cycling the Italian Lakes

Activity Level

Moderate

Activity

Cycling

Overview

Journey between seven beautiful Italian Lakes as you explore this colourful and cultural region.

Begin your cycling journey from Lake Garda, riding along the beautiful ‘Ciclopista del Sole’ past the glistening lake shore and Mincio river. Visit the bustling resorts of Desenzano and Sirmione, known as the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda, before arriving in Brescia, a city rich in Roman and medieval remains.

A relaxing ride brings you to Franciacorta, a land of excellent local wines where the nearby Benedictine abbey stands proud amongst the castles of Passirano and Clusane. The second Italian lake you reach is the much smaller Lake Iseo, known for its abundance of water birds within this protected area. Following the Oglio river from Lake Iseo takes you through the medieval old town of Montello, before reaching Bergamo. A pearl of Northern Italy, you’ll have the afternoon to explore both the lower and upper towns of Bergamo, accessible by funicular.

You’ll soon reach the blue shores of Lake Lecco, a branch of Lake Como, where you ride along the green cycle path of the Adda. Pass by the small lakes of Annone, Pusiano, & Alserio, before arriving in the centre of Como and of course its famous lake.

Your last day takes you across the border into Switzerland, along the Monate lake with its clear waters. Finally, you arrive in Ispra on Lake Maggiore with spectacular views all around. The natural beauty of these places, the rich cuisine and excellent local wines, give colour and culture to your cycling holiday, creating some incredible memories of the Italian Lakes.

Key Information

Trip Code: C07TL
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Italy

What's Included

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in 3* & 4* hotels
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Headwater navigation app
Bike hire included
Luggage transfers between hotels

6 days of Cycling

Day 2: 59 km / 36.7 miles
Day 3: 37 km / 23 miles
Day 4: 62 km / 38.5 miles
Day 5: 46 km / 28.6 miles
Day 6: 45 km / 28 miles
Day 7: 64 km / 39.8 miles

Highlights

Cycle between seven beautiful Italian Lakes including Lakes Garda, Como and Maggiore
Sample the excellent local wines and traditional cuisine
Explore lakeside resorts and medieval towns including picture perfect Bergamo

Itinerary

First Destination: Peschiera del Garda
Next Destination: Ranco

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Peschiera del Garda
Next Destination: Ranco

After arriving in Peschiera del Garda, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the shores of Lake Garda or the towns fortress surrounded by the river Mincio. With beautiful ramparts and imposing doors, this small jewel of architecture is enclosed an incredible 16th century pentagonal wall.

Overnight Enjoy Hotel Garda, Peschiera del Garda.

There’s a choice of routes today. The longer route follows a panoramic cycle path along Garda’s shores to the town of Garda and its bustling promenade, whilst the shorter route ambles through the Lugana vineyards. Both routes take you to Desenzano and Sirmione, one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. Arrive in Brescia, a beautiful city rich in Roman and medieval remains, surmounted by the ancient castle.

Overnight Hotel Master, Brescia.

Meals included:Breakfast

Today’s ride leads you into Franciacorta, an area known for excellent wines. Continue onto Rodengo Saiano, home to a Benedictine abbey where the monks still live. Pass near the castles of Passirano and Clusane and by the Sebino Nature Reserve, a protected area rich in water birds. You will end on the banks of the lovely Lake Iseo.

Overnight Hotel Ulivi, Paratico.

Meals included:Breakfast

Cycle along the Oglio river that comes out from Lake Iseo. You reach Grumello del Monte, a pretty village with the stone houses, then enter the beautiful medieval old town of Montello, all in stone. Alternatively, pedal along Iseo’s eastern shores for a spectacular lakeside ride via Toline and Sale Marasino. Your day ends in Bergamo, the pearl of northern Italy, where you should arrive early enough to visit both the elegant lower town and the splendid upper town, accessible by funicular.

Overnight Palazzo Santo Spirito, Bergamo.

Meals included:Breakfast

Today takes you to an area of Lake Como called Lago di Lecco. The route weaves its way along the banks of the Adda river, passing the imposing medieval castle in Brivio. End the day in Garlate, on the lake of the same name.

Overnight Hotel Best Western Nuovo, Garlate.

Meals included:Breakfast

Today you ride past a variety of smaller lakes, Annone, Pusiano & Alserio, partially riding on dirt roads. The end of the path is the most beautiful as you arrive in Solzago and take the Passeggiata Voltiana (takes its name from Alessandro Volta, buried nearby). With an exciting descent first through the woods and then along a beautiful road, you will arrive in the centre of Como, then onto the shores of the beautiful lake.

Overnight Hotel Tre Re, Como.

Meals included:Breakfast

Your last ride goes along the lake surrounded by splendid villas, in particular Villa Olmo, in the direction of Cernobbio. You cross the border with Switzerland, then continue to the beautiful Lake Varese. Pedal along the clear waters of the Monate lake, before finally arriving in Ispra on Lake Maggiore, passing through the green Quassa cyclepath into Ranco; here are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.

Overnight Hotel Belvedere, Ranco.

Meals included:Breakfast

After breakfast, leave Ranco and the beautiful Italian lakes.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Call us on 0203 733 5948

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Accommodation

Hotels

You will stay in 3* and 4* hotels, ranging from a family run 4* hotel just a 10 minute stroll from the shores of Lake Garda to a lovingly converted 14th century convent, complete with indoor pool and wellness facilities, in Bergamo, and a stylish 3* hotel with stunning views over the banks of Lake Maggiore in Ranco.

Essential Information

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.