Short description
This incredibly scenic tour is one of great contrasts: dramatic mountain terrain and the shimmering flat waters of Lake Garda. Youll discover old-world villages in the hills and vibrant cities brimming with culture, history and great gastronomy. The cycle route is mainly along valley bike paths, but as there are a few inclines, we suggest using an e-bike if you want to keep it easy all the way.
The itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive in Silandro
Our English-speaking local staff will meet you at the hotel for bike fitting. Welcome talk on skype or in person, which includes a detailed overview of itinerary and introduction to GPS use, making sure you will be ready for the adventure that awaits.
Day 2 | Cycle the Val Venosta
Ride up the valley toward Malles and its tidy town centre. On the way, visit the small town of Lasa and its marble quarries; the Churburg Castle near Sluderno; and the fortified walled town of Glorenza / Glurns. After Malles, travelers can continue cycling upvalley, if desired, through really beautiful scenery and spectacular cycling completely on paved bike paths. Optionally, there is a train from Silandro that goes to Sluderno and Malles. Then travelers can continue cycling up valley as far theyd like, eventually returning by bike or train to Silandro.
Day 3 | Silandro to Merano
Easier day today offering the chance to take it easy or ride up the valley from Silandro or from Merano if for more cycling. There is also a wonderful brewery just before Merano, for beer lovers, and plenty of sightseeing to do in Merano. Our hotel has a great location on the riverfront strand, with outdoor caf and restaurant.
Day 4 | Merano to Caldaro
The direct route involves cycling over a wonderful bike path through a river valley nestled in the Alps, with rolling hills and three short climbs. Or, the longer route with a detour through Bolzano that allows you to visit this beautiful city, and the option to visit the now-famous Archeological Museum of Bolzano, where Ozi the Iceman is exhibited. For more excitement, theres the option to bike a few additional km and take the funicular up to a plateau above the valley, where you can bike along the plateau on small, winding traffic-less roads. Return to the valley north of Bolzano and then have time to visit the town and continue pedaling through the beautiful Caldaro wine region.
Day 5 | Caldaro to Trento
Continue cycling mostly over bike paths today, joining one of the most famous bike paths, the Adige bike path. Entering the beautiful city of Trento you can enjoy sightseeing and city strolling as well as great restaurants in the heart of the German region of Italy. Alternatively, from Caldaro you can take the funicular up to Passo Mendola, from here pedal the beautiful Val di Non, followed by a fun descent to Trento from the mountains.
Day 6 | Trento to Riva del Garda
A shuttle this morning takes you and your bicycle to Cadine, up above Trento where youll begin a stunning ride through the Sarca Valley, cycling through the Arco and its world-famous peaks, eventually reaching Riva del Garda, on the northern shore of the majestic Garda Lake.
Day 7 | Riva del Garda to Verona
Experience Lake Garda by getting on a ferry boat from the boat dock at Riva, for a lovely 3-hour cruise crossing the stretch of Lake Garda. The boat lands in the peninsula of Sirmione on the south shore of the lake, with a very picturesque old town center and the impressive ruins of a Roman villa that are worth visiting. From here, its an 8km bike ride to Peschiera di Garda, another beautiful fortified medieval town on the south shore of Lake Garda. After visiting Peschiera, you can board the train to Verona.
Day 8 | Tour ends in Verona
After breakfast, explore lovely Verona, home of an amazingly preserved Roman amphitheater and the famous setting for Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet.
Key information
- Highlights
- Fully serviced bikes water bottle and accessories
- Bed & breakfast basis as standard
- 3 & 4 star accommodation (unless otherwise stated)
- Tour information pack upon arrival
- Detailed navigational material often including GPS maps
- Local support whenever needed
- E-bikes available on request
- Flights and transfers not included as standard but available on request
- Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL
