Touring Bike (EB)
£114 for 6 days
Lake Garda is one of Italy’s most beloved landscapes — and this 7-day loop gives you the best of it. Cycling directly along flower-adorned promenades, through vineyard-lined hinterland, and into the dramatic valleys that feed the lake, you experience the full variety of a region that blends alpine scenery with Mediterranean warmth.
The route begins in the lively resort towns on the southern shore before heading clockwise up the eastern side to Torbole and Riva del Garda at the northern tip. Highlights include an excursion day into the Valle del Sarca, a bus transfer to the lesser-known but enchanting Lake Ledro, and a spectacular ride through the Val Sabbia back to the lake. The return along the western shore passes through the elegant promenades of Salò before returning to the start.
The terrain is challenging in places — several longer ascents are part of the loop — but the rewards are spectacular views, excellent olive oil, fine wine, and the glistening lake around every corner. Daily stages range from 13 to 42 miles. Accommodation is in 3-star and 4-star hotels throughout.
The lively towns on the southern shore of Lake Garda delight with Mediterranean flair, Venetian-style piazzas, historic palazzi, and inviting promenades. Explore the charming old towns with their winding alleys, stroll past picturesque harbours, and enjoy stunning lake views. Peschiera del Garda, with its impressive 16th-century Venetian fortress, is particularly worth exploring.
Example accommodation: Hotel Bonotto Desenzano ***
You cycle on gently hilly terrain through the Lugana wine-growing area before reaching the shores of the River Mincio. The route passes the historic fortress complex of Peschiera and back to the lake, where a path runs directly along the shoreline through orchards and Bardolino vines. Shaded by pine trees, you follow the water all the way into the charming resort of Garda itself.
Example accommodation: Hotel La Perla ***
You leave the shore and head into the Adige river valley, enjoying marvellous views back across the lake. Following the cycle path through olive groves and vineyards, you reach Mori and then climb over the Passo San Giovanni to Torbole or continue on to Riva del Garda. Just before arriving, a breathtaking view across the lake and the Valle del Sarca rewards the effort of the day's riding.
Example accommodation: Agriturismo Canarino ***
Today’s loop takes you along the River Sarca on a beautifully developed cycle path from Torbole into the valley. The village of Pietramurata, surrounded by the highest Lake Garda mountainsides, offers a fantastic viewpoint over the whole region. Visit the medieval fortress in Arco before following the Sarca back towards the shores of Lake Garda.
Example accommodation: Agriturismo Canarino ***
A morning bus transfer whisks you up to Lake Ledro, a beautiful alpine lake tucked into the mountains above Riva. From here you follow the valley down to the equally picturesque Lake Idro, accompanied for a while by its brilliant water quality and mountain panorama. The Val Sabbia valley then leads you gradually downhill until the full expanse of Lake Garda opens up before you again. Salò, your destination, has a lovely flower-adorned promenade and a gelato that is hard to refuse.
Example accommodation: Rivalta Lifestyle Hotel ***
The final cycling stage leads you on gently hilly terrain through the wine-producing hinterland of the western shore, where Lugana, Chiaretto and Groppello grapes thrive in the mild climate. The route loops back to your starting point on the southern shore — the ideal moment to raise a glass of local wine and toast a wonderful cycling week on Italy’s greatest lake.
Example accommodation: Hotel Bonotto Desenzano ***
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Verona is just 30 minutes by train, making it an easy add-on before flying home from Verona or Venice.
We recommend flying to Verona Airport (VRN) or Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) and returning from Verona Airport (VRN) or Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY).
£114 for 6 days
£198 for 6 days
£312 for 6 days
Not available for hire
Getting to Lake Garda
By plane: Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) is the most convenient, around 20 minutes by bus or taxi to the southern shore. Milan Bergamo (BGY) is around 1 hour by road. Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Brescia (VBS) are further alternatives. All have connections to UK and Irish airports, with Ryanair and easyJet serving Verona and Bergamo in particular.
By train: Take the Eurostar to Paris, then a TGV or overnight train to Milan, connecting to Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda on the Milan–Venice main line. Journey time from London to the lake is around 11–12 hours door to door, or overnight.
Getting home from Lake Garda
This is a loop tour ending back in Desenzano/Sirmione/Peschiera on the southern shore, so your outbound and return travel use the same airport. Verona (VRN) remains the most convenient option for the return.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
Self Guided • 9 nights
Leisurely
From £1,385
Only 7 dates left
Self Guided • 7 nights
Moderate
From £1,570
Only 7 dates left