Lake garda bike tour

Verona, Brescia, Mantua and Lake Garda by bike

Set off on a cycling getaway where art, nature, and gastronomy intertwine in perfect harmony. Without changing hotels, let yourself be captivated by the enchanting charm of the great cultural cities of northern Italy and the Italian way of life.

From Trento to Mantua, passing through Verona and Brescia, each stop will immerse you in Italy’s rich history and elegance. Verona, the eternal city of Romeo and Juliet, reveals its sumptuous Renaissance palaces, while Trento fascinates with its majestic cathedral square. In Brescia, the remains of the ancient forum will transport you back to Roman times, and Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will enchant you with the unique atmosphere of Piazza Sordello.

Lake Garda, with its shimmering deep-blue waters, invites you to take an idyllic break on its shores or enjoy a refreshing swim. And because no trip to Italy would be complete without a culinary experience, take the opportunity to savor some of the region’s most renowned wines: Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Bardolino, Lugana… A sensory journey where every moment celebrates la dolce vita in all its splendor.

Highlights of the tour :

• Lake Garda
• Verona and Mantua
• Brescia and its ancient Roman forum
• Local gastronomy

Day 1: Arrival in Desenzano

Arrival in Desenzano, where charm and the art of living come together. Stroll along the lively port, admire Piazza Malvezzi, and be captivated by the breathtaking view from Desenzano Castle. Between history, gastronomy, and enchanting landscapes, this town is an invitation to savor la dolce vita.

Overnight in Desenzano.

Day 2: Trip to Trento approx. 50 km + Boat Excursion and transfer

Your day begins with a transfer to Trento, where you can admire its historic center, the majestic cathedral, and the imposing Buonconsiglio Castle. You will then follow a scenic route along the Adige River to Rovereto before heading west toward Lake Garda.

In Mori, a gourmet stop is a must to taste the famous pistachio gelato at Gelateria Bologna. After a short climb, a delightful descent will take you to Torbole and then to Riva del Garda, where you will embark on a panoramic cruise. Let yourself be carried by the shimmering waters of the lake to Sirmione or Desenzano, where this day full of discoveries comes to an end.

Overnight in Desenzano.

Day 3: Trip to Verona approx. 55 km + train journey

Take the train to Verona and immerse yourself in the elegance of the city of Romeo and Juliet. Stroll among Renaissance palaces, Roman arenas, and lively streets, perfect for discovering charming hidden gems.

Then, hop on your bike and ride through rolling landscapes lined with cypress trees and vineyards before reaching the southern shore of Lake Garda. An enchanting setting admired by Goethe, who called it a “delightful spectacle,” and by the poet Catullus, who saw it as a “shining star.”

Overnight in Desenzano.

Day 4: Trip to Mantua approx. 65 km + train journey

Follow scenic trails winding along the Mincio River to Mantua, a city with a rich past shaped by the legacy of the Gonzaga family. Here, art and architecture reveal themselves at every turn: the Castello San Giorgio, the Palazzo Ducale, and the charming Piazza Sordello, home to Rigoletto’s house.

Don’t miss Piazza Erbe, the clock tower, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, and the grand Basilica of Sant’Andrea. After this cultural immersion, a comfortable train ride will take you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Desenzano.

Day 5: Trip into the History of Italy approx. 50 km

Today, ride along peaceful roads winding through vineyards, peach orchards, and kiwi plantations until you reach Solferino, a historic landmark of Italian unification and the site of the famous Battle of Solferino led by Garibaldi.

On the way back to Lake Garda, cycle through the fertile lands where the prestigious Lugana wine is born—a final tribute to the region’s rich flavors.

Overnight in Desenzano.

Day 6: Trip to Brescia approx. 60 km + train journey

Cycle along the shores of Lake Garda toward Cavalgese di Riviera, taking in breathtaking panoramic views. Then, follow the Naviglio Grande Bresciano, a canal lined with a scenic cycling path, leading you to Brescia—a city with a rich Roman heritage and a wealth of architectural treasures.

At the end of the day, a train ride will take you back to Sirmione.

Overnight stay in Desenzano.

Day 7: Desenzano 

End of the tour after breakfast. For those wishing to extend their stay, an additional night can be booked to enjoy more of the city.

General information :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard version : 4*
• Rates for children: contact us

The dates 2025 :

Departures Sundays and Tuesdays from the 06/04 to the 12/10 :

• Low season : 06/04 au 19/04 et du 28/09 au 12/10
• Mid season : 20/04 au 17/05 et du 07/09 au 27/09
• High season : du 18/05 au 6/09

Included :

• 6 nights with breakfast
• Bus transfer to Trento (bike included)
• Return by train from Brescia (bike included)
• Return by train from Mantua (bike included)
• Train transfer to Verona (bike included)
• 1 boat trip on Lake Garda (bike included)
• 1 pistachio ice cream or a freshly squeezed fruit juice
• Roadbook with practical and cultural information
• GPS track available on request
• Assistance (except in case of puncture)

Not included :

• Anything not mentioned in the "included" section
• Transport to the place of departure
• Dinners and lunches
• Tourist taxes (to pay on site)
• Parking

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night at the beginning or end of the circuit in Desenzano
• Bike theft guarantee (for rented bikes)
• Cancellation insurance

Level:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

The course sometimes flat, sometimes slightly hilly. You will cycle on cycle paths, secondary roads and sometimes on country lanes. Only short stretches should be traveled on busier roads, especially when entering or leaving towns.

Weather :

Although considered a mountain lake, it is quite warm at Lake Garda and its surroundings. Springs are mild and summers can be hot. The average annual temperature is 15°C. Little rain in general and plenty of sunshine.

Technicality:

Cycling: 50 to 70 km per day or 4 to 5 hours of cycling. From 100 to 700 m of elevation gain.
Partly marked route, useful roadbook and map reading.

Bibliography:

cycling maps of Italy on cartovelo.fr

Additional nights:

An additional night is offered at the start and/or end of the circuit in Desenzano.

Meal :

• Breakfasts: hearty (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, bread butter, jam, orange juice) or buffet
• Lunches: not included
• Dinners: not included - restaurants nearby 

The bike :

• Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. At the end of the circuit, you must leave this bike at the last hotel and notify the reception. We will take care of his return.
• Personal bicycle: We do not recommend bicycles with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bike before leaving. At the end of the circuit, you will have to take care of your own bicycle.

Support:

Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Travel book :

You will receive your travel booklet by mail and email. It includes all the essential information for your trip, vouchers for hotels and restaurants, as well as luggage tags.

Transportation:

• By train: Desenzano station (allow 8-9 hours on average from Paris)
• By car: Desenzano del Garda is about 1000 km from Paris (allow 10 hours)
• By air: Verona, Venice, Treviso or Bergamo airports

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance.