Lake Garda Getaway
A 5-day cycling escape around Lake Garda, riding panoramic lakeside roads, quiet backroads, and hidden viewpoints while enjoying boutique comfort and flexible routes.
Bike Tour Overview
DURATION
STARTING PRICE
A cycling journey offering a plethora of variety and beauty along the shimmering shores of Lake Garda. Starting from Verona you will ride to the charming lakeside town of Malcesine, your base for the next two nights. In addition to it's spectacular setting, Malcesine is also the perfect take off point for lakeside rides, gondola trips up to Monte Baldo, as well as ferry rides on Italy's largest lake.
After ample exploration of the Northeastern end of Lake Garda, a ferry ride will bring you to the opposite side of the lake for more spectacular lakeshore riding Southward to the resort town of Desenzano del Garda for your final two nights. A last loop ride that passes through Peschiera del Garda and the Mincio river bike path rounds out this Lake Garda cycling adventure.
What's Included in this Trip
- Pick-up and transfer from the airport to the pick up location on the trip start date or the day before the trip start date
- 4 nights accommodation in select boutique hotels including breakfast
- Daily on-trip van support
- All on-trip luggage transfers
- Exclusive access to the CyclingHero Companion App with daily multiple route options and local insights
- Access to Hammerhead Karoo bike computer with pre-installed CyclingHero route options
- Support with set-up of rental bike, or assembly/disassembly of own bike
- Orientation meeting on day 1
- All on-trip transfers
- Bike box storage for the entire duration of the trip
- Post trip drop off at the airport (day of trip end or following day)
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Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary
Gateway to the Lake – Verona to Malcesine
From Romeo & Juliet to the shores of Lake Garda
The tour begins in Piazza Bra, under the arches of the Arena: the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world. Then you clip in and head west.
Both routes leave Verona via the Ciclabile del Canale Biffis, a quiet canal path that carries you through rolling countryside into Bardolino wine country. From Bardolino, the eastern lakeshore road takes you north through the medieval town of Torri del Benaco and along the olive-lined waterfront to Malcesine, a borgo of narrow lanes, a Scaliger castle rising directly from the water, and the cable car to Monte Baldo overhead.
Route B adds the Lumini climb before the lake — a sustained ascent to 727m through the Valpolicella hills, with the first panoramic views over Lake Garda opening on the descent. A proper warm-up for the days ahead.
Lakefront Escapes and Alpine Panoramas
Discover the northern shores of Lake Garda, beginning your day with a ride to Riva del Garda, a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts. From here opt for more serene routes through Ceniga or up to Lago di Tenno, or go all in and tackle the Monte Baldo loop. Take time to explore Malcesine’s cobbled streets or ascend Monte Baldo by cable car for a different perspective on the lake and surrounding peaks.
Across the lake and along the coast to Desenzano del Garda
The morning starts with a relaxing lake cruise to the western coast of Lake Garda. From Gargnano you will remount the bikes and continue South along the lake to the historic town of Saló. From Saló the route leaves the lakeside and climbs up to follow a stretch of the Valtenesi bike path before descending back to the lake and arriving at the small port town of Desenzano del Garda. Spend the afternoon strolling the Lungolago lakeside walking path or soaking in the sun.
Loop ride along the Mincio bike path
The ride today begins with a visit to the walled port town of Peschiera del Garda. From here, the route meets the Mincio bike path, an amazing stretch of cycling heaven that leads all the way to Mantua. The route turns back before reaching Mantua and returns along quiet country roads of the Garda moraine hills before returning to your hotel in Desenzano.
Arrivederci Lago di Garda
A last morning lakeside walk and its time to say goodbye to the Lake Garda for your next destination.
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"The Maratona and Stelvio Bormio Gavia extension was a bucket list trip and so glad that CYCLINGHERO were there to guide and support. The CH team are Italy Cycling experts."
“The support was fantastic, and they did an amazing job of adapting to some crazy weather interruptions. Each day had a base ride with other options for more challenges. I was able to do a lot of great climbs in a relatively short time.”
“Collectively, we have traveled with Backroads, Trek, and others, but we all agreed that CyclingHero rated number one. My expectations regarding the lodging, routes, and especially the level of personalized service were all exceeded.”
“Fabulous accommodation in a great location (and a high-quality spa)… excellent organisation and support from Bob and Caterina.”
"Our cycling trip with CyclingHero was truly unforgettable. The combination of carefully planned routes, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional food and accommodations made for an incredible experience. Bob and Caterina went above and beyond, providing not only the essentials but also a personal touch that made the journey even more special. This trip to Italy will always hold a special place in my heart."
Why Travel With CyclingHero
Life is busy. Your vacation should fit your schedule and preferences. As your locally-based cycling concierge, we will customise an unforgettable trip for you in spectacular Northern Italy, where we live and ride every day.
A good night’s sleep and a proper breakfast are fundamental to an enjoyable day of riding. But a great place to stay is also about connecting with where you are, and having an authentic experience.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Cycling Adventure
Tell us about your dream tour, and we’ll send you customised recommendations. Let us show you why CyclingHero is one of the best cycling tour companies in Italy for avid cyclists.
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Tell us where and how you’d like to ride, and we’ll send you full itineraries for our self-guided cycling tours in the Dolomites, Stelvio, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany — including routes, daily stages, accommodation details, and support services.