Bicycle Tours & Trips in Italian Lakes District
Have you ever imagined cycling past Como, Garda, Maggiore with the Alps behind everything? Explore Como's villages like Bellagio and Varenna, before Maggiore crosses into Switzerland. You’ll experience flat stretches by lakeshores, and climbs when heading inland. Stop for lunch along the way because Italian food tastes better when earned cycling uphill.
10 best bicycle Italian Lakes District tours
Compiled by
MelissaItalian Lakes District travel expert at TourRadar
- Cycling the Italian Lakes
- Adige Cycle Path from MERAN to VERONA - Intermezzo (5 Days)
- Adige cycle path from MERAN to LAKE GARDENA - espresso (4 Days)
- Lugano Bike - In the Hills of Malcantone 6 Days
- Around Lake Garda with Charm 7 Days
- Around Lake Garda by Mountain Bike 6 Days
- Cycling Lake Garda by e-bike
- Cycle Tour From the Alps to Lake Como - Sentiero Valtellina 6 Days
- Around Lake Garda 8 Days
- Around Lake Garda - Sparkling Lakes , Green Valleys, Fortified Castles 7 Days
A scenic ride along the 'Ciclopista del Sole' takes you by Lake Garda's shore, through the historic towns of Desenzano and Sirmione. The route winds through Franciacorta's wine country and around Lake Iseo's bird sanctuary. A Leonardesque ferry crossing of Lake Como leads to refreshing swims in Lake Monate's pristine waters before reaching Lake Maggiore.
Duration 8 days Destinations Peschiera del Garda, Lake Garda, Brescia, Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione, Iseo, Bergamo, Lecco, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 168 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- US$2,990
Daily rides cover 55-75 km, cycling through the Italian Alps along the Adige River and passing vineyard-covered valleys from Merano to Verona's Arena di Verona. The path winds through wine towns like Salorno and Mezzocorona, with views of castles and alpine foothills along the way. Accommodations include 3-star hotels with breakfast, and luggage transport between each stop is arranged for you.
Duration 5 days Destinations Merano, Mezzocorona, Rovereto, Verona Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 85 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$853
This 4-day ride follows the Adige River through the Italian Alps, with 65-75 km each day between Merano and Lake Garda. You'll bike below the Dolomites and Sarntal Alps, see Trento's old town at the base of fortified Doss Trento hill, and finish with a descent to Riva and Torbole.
Duration 4 days Destinations Merano, Mezzocorona, Lake Garda Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 74 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$618
Take on narrow single trails along Val Colla's slopes and ride the funicular from Suvigliana up Monte Brè, then wind down through forested paths to Sonvico with great views over the Luganese valleys. Pedal the mountain ridge from Pairolo to Gola di Lago, passing alpine meadows and three huts.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lugano, Monte Brè, Miglieglia, Zug, Ponte Tresa Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 174 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,146
Cycle along oleander-lined promenades around Lake Garda and find the clear waters of Lake Ledro and Lake Idro. Ride through the fertile Adige Valley and quiet Val Sabbia, with stops in charming Garda and Riva del Garda. Try pistachio gelato along the way and taste local olive oil, wines, and fresh lake fish throughout the route.
Duration 7 days Destinations Desenzano del Garda, Garda, Riva del Garda, Gardone Riviera Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 65 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,516
Cycle around Lake Garda on this mountain bike trip through the Italian Lakes District, starting in Bussolengo near Verona. The route takes you from Mediterranean-flavored southern shores to Salò, climbs to Tignale for sweeping vistas, and reaches Malcesine beneath Monte Baldo's peaks.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bussolengo, Salo, Vesio, Malcesine Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Distance 60 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$858
E-bikes glide from Peschiera del Garda to Sirmione's aquamarine peninsula. The path leads through Valpolicella's prestigious vineyards and along Mincio River's waterfront. Ancient mills in Borghetto and Valeggio's hilltop castle highlight the route, with stops at lakeside medieval towns.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lake Garda, Borghetto VR, Veneto, Sirmione, Mantua Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 237 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- US$1,745
The low-traffic Valtellina cycle path takes you from alpine Bormio to Lake Como's Colico Piano, passing through Sondrio and Morbegno with the Adda River as your guide. Ride 60 km to Valchiavenna's Acquafraggia waterfall and check out the unique Palazzo Vertemate in Piuro village. This 6-day comfort tour includes luggage transfers up to 20 kg and detailed digital route descriptions for independent cycling.
Duration 6 days Destinations Tirano, Bormio, Sondrio, Colico Piano Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 78 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$885
Cycle through the Italian Lakes District on this ride, following the near-complete 140 km Lake Garda cycle path. You'll pedal along what's known as the 'most spectacular cycle path in Europe' from Gargnano to Limone sul Garda, where the route floats 50 meters above the water.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bussolengo, Verona, Salo, Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, Garda Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 84 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,174
Ride right around Lake Garda, Italy's biggest lake, along flower-lined promenades and through Bardolino's vineyards, then head to the clear alpine waters of Lake Ledro and Lake Idro with mountain views. Follow the Sarca River path to Arco's fortress and bike through the Adige Valley, covering 45-65 km daily.
Duration 7 days Destinations Desenzano del Garda, Garda, Riva del Garda, Salo Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 67 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,163
What people love about Bicycle Tours in Italian Lakes District
- Three Lakes and More-Luxury Cycling Tour
We were a family of four on this tour. An 82 year old gentleman from Australia had also booked it and was great company.Four of us had electric bikes, so the cycling was a breeze. I had a road bike and found two of the days challenging . Luca and Richi were our guide and driver/mechanic respectively. They could not have been more gracious, fun and accommodating. The rides were beautiful, the hotels were very nice and the meals were outstanding. Lucha and Richi are quasi professional cyclists; they are like jackrabbits on their bikes and could probably take apart a bike and reassemble it blindfolded. Luca is also a professional alpine rescue expert. During the long climbs Luca stuck with me all the way up, making forays ahead to check on the others. Richi would regularly appear with the van , offering water and whatever assistance we needed. They were both a lot of fun and speak English, so the days so there was a lot of laughter and camaraderie. They had plenty of good advice about places to visit during the remainder of our trip after the ride was over and remained in touch via text messaging. We felt we were with friends the whole time.
What our customers ask about Bicycle Tours & Trips in Italian Lakes District
What are the best cycling routes and landmarks around the Italian Lakes District?
The Italian Lakes District features several noteworthy cycling paths. The Ciclopista del Sole runs along Lake Garda offering views of the water and mountains. The Sarca Valley path connects riders to Adamello-Brenta Nature Park while the route through Franciacorta wine region leads to Lake Iseo. Notable stops include the Scaligero Castle in Sirmione a UNESCO site the historic Peschiera fortress and the Madonna del Ghisallo chapel near Lake Como which serves as a sanctuary for cyclists. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The rides were beautiful passing through picturesque settings where peace and tranquility reign with tiny villages and impressive mansions along the lakes offering splendid landscapes."
What is the typical daily cycling distance and difficulty level in the Italian Lakes District?
Cyclists can expect to cover 40-65km (25-40 miles) per day with elevation changes between 300-1000m. Routes mix flat lakeside paths with gentle climbs through wine regions. Popular routes include the Mincio River cycleway and Adige Valley path. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Two of the days were challenging with fairly long and steep climbs but a breeze if you're on an electric bike. The scenery was magnificent and worth every pedal stroke." Tours suit riders with basic fitness and include vehicle support.
When is the best time to take a cycling tour in the Italian Lakes District?
The best months for cycling stretch from April to October. May June and September offer ideal conditions with mild temperatures and less rain. Lake Como's surrounding Lombardy region draws cyclists in spring when gardens bloom. Lake Garda's northern area works well for summer rides thanks to cool mountain air. According to TourRadar travelers "September and October offer comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists on the cycling routes particularly around Lake Maggiore and Lake Iseo."
What type of accommodation can I expect on Italian Lakes District cycling tours?
Tours use 3-4 star hotels in waterfront towns. The Hotel Belvedere in Ranco provides views across Lake Maggiore while Hotel Dori in Peschiera del Garda sits near popular cycling routes. Properties come equipped with bike storage comfortable rooms and outdoor spaces for relaxing after rides. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The hotels were very nice and strategically located along the lakes with excellent restaurants nearby and beautiful views over the water."
How many meals are included in Italian Lakes District cycling tours?
Tour packages cover daily hotel breakfasts and select dinners at local establishments. The Three Lakes tour for example includes 6 dinners with regional dishes like lake fish paired with Franciacorta and Bardolino wines. Lunch stops remain flexible letting riders choose local cafes and trattorias. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food was outstanding especially the dinners in local acclaimed restaurants where we could taste the authentic flavors of the lakes region."
What support services are provided during the cycling tours?
Standard tour support includes vehicle assistance luggage transport between hotels route maps and GPS navigation. Group tours have professional guides while self-guided options come with 24/7 emergency help. A TourRadar review highlighted: "Luca and Richi were our guide and driver/mechanic respectively. They could not have been more gracious with the van regularly appearing offering water and whatever assistance we needed."
More about Italian Lakes District
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