Self-Guided Cycling
Italy: Italian Lakes
Cycling the Italian Lakes
Trip code: C07TL
Average customer rating 4.9 / 5(13 verified reviews)
- Self-Guided Cycling
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel
- Moderate
- CO₂ rating 1/5
- Headwater Navigation app
Trip highlights
Trip details
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.
What's included
Included
- 7 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Bike fitting at the start of your holiday
- Headwater navigation app
- Bike hire included
- Luggage transfers between hotels
Not included
- Flights
- Local taxes/fees
- Travel insurance
Hand-picked for the route, hire included
Kalkhoff or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials.
Travel options
Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099
Itinerary
Day 1 · —Arrive in Peschiera del Garda (Lake Garda)
After arriving in Peschiera del Garda, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the shores of Lake Garda or the town’s 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.
You stay at Palazzo ai Capitani
Palazzo ai Capitani
Peschiera del Garda
- Air conditioning
- ATM
- Bank
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Minibar
- Safe
- Shops
- Television
- Visa cards
With just 15 bedrooms, the Palazzo ai Capitani is a small and intimate hotel situated in the historical centre of Peschiera, just a short walk from the town’s train station. With a contemporary decor throughout, the palazzo retains some of its original historical detail, with some of the rooms and the stairway still adorned with frescoes dating back to the 1500 and 1600s. All rooms benefit from air conditioning, minibar and safe.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Day 2 · 31km/19.3mi or 37km/23.0mi or 58km/36.0miPeschiera del Garda to Brescia
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.
Elevation
You stay at Hotel Master
Hotel Master
Brescia
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Minibar
- Safe
- Swimming pool
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Located in the heart of Brescia, guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, a relaxing wellness area and traditional restaurant. Relax in the indoor heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, and Finnish sauna, before sampling a delicious meal at Il Convivio restaurant.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Day 3 · 38km/23.6miBrescia to Lake Iseo
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.
Elevation
You stay at Hotel Ulivi
Hotel Ulivi
Paratico
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Safe
- Swimming pool
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
A stone’s throw from the lakefront, the Hotel Ulivi boasts lush gardens and a lovely outdoor pool (closed in April and from 16th October). Start the morning with a delicious breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake or enjoy post ride aperitivi from the hotel bar. The hotel’s comfortable bedrooms are in a contemporary design and benefit from air conditioning. In the town centre, there is a good choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Day 4 · 45km/28.0mi or 62km/38.5miLake Iseo to Bergamo
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.
Elevation
You stay at Palazzo Santo Spirito
Palazzo Santo Spirito
Bergamo
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Minibar
- Safe
- Swimming pool
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
As part of a complex of an ancient Celestine Convent from 1309, the Spirito Santo (Holy Spirit) is teaming with historic intrigue. Guests are welcomed into the wellness area with Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and indoor swimming pool. Enjoy local delicacies at their gourmet restaurant including carefully selected fine wines and craft beers.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Day 5 · 46km/28.6miBergamo to Lake of Lecco
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.
Elevation
You stay at Hotel Best Western Nuovo
Hotel Best Western Nuovo
Garlate
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Minibar
- Safe
- Television
- Wifi access
Rooms are modern and welcoming with all the comforts for a lovely stay. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily and the restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Day 6 · 44km/27.3miGarlate to Lake Como
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 stunning lake.
Elevation
You stay at Hotel Tre Re
Hotel Tre Re
Como
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Safe
- Television
- Wifi access
Located in a historic building in the centre of Como, the Hotel Tre Re boasts a prime location, just a few metres from the lake, funicular and Como’s main tourist attractions. The characteristic restaurant has a large frescoed ceiling and serves high-quality Italian cuisine. The ensuite bedrooms are traditional in style and come with air-conditioning, safe and satellite tv as standard.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Day 7 · 64km/39.8miLake Como to Lake Maggiore
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.
Elevation
You stay at Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Belvedere
Ranco
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Swimming pool
- Tea & coffee
- Television
- Wifi access
Originally a tavern when it opened its doors back in 1865, the Belvedere is now a stylish hotel with stunning views over the banks of Lake Maggiore in the peaceful setting of Ranco with a seasonal swimming pool. Their celebrated restaurant serves seasonal dishes offering a ‘taste of the lakes’.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Day 8 · —Depart Ranco
After breakfast, leave Ranco and the beautiful Italian lakes.
What our travellers say
Item 1 of 1
Positive impact
Carbon score for this trip
15.0
Kg CO₂e
per person, per night
Relative to other Headwater trips
We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more
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