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
- Cycle Tour From the Alps to Lake Como - Sentiero Valtellina 6 Days
- Around Lake Garda 8 Days
- Adige Cycle Path from MERAN to VERONA - Intermezzo (5 Days)
- Around Lake Garda - Sparkling Lakes , Green Valleys, Fortified Castles 7 Days
- Adige cycle path from MERAN to LAKE GARDENA - espresso (4 Days)
- Enjoy Lago Maggiore and Swiss Dolce Vita (6 days)
- Lugano Bike - In the Hills of Malcantone 6 Days
- Cycling Lake Garda by e-bike
- Around Lake Garda with Charm 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
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$877
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$1,164
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$845
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$1,153
Pedal 140-150 km total from the spa town of Merano down the Adige river valley, winding through villages like Mezzocorona surrounded by hillside vineyards and castles. This moderate cycling route through the southern Alps covers 65-75 km per stage on touring bikes or e-bikes, with views of Lake Garda as you descend into Riva. The 4-day self-guided route includes 3 nights in comfortable 3-star accommodations with full breakfast and door-to-door luggage service.
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$612
Pedal 180 km through the Italian Lakes District from Losone base, tackling moderate terrain with 180-meter daily elevation gains through Ticino's valleys. Ride the Maggia Delta trails to Bellinzona's three medieval castles, cycle along Lake Maggiore's waterfront to Ascona's historic center, and climb through Centovalli villages. Bike and train to Lake Lugano near Melide, seeing palm-fringed shores and touring the Monte Brolla waterfall region on self-guided routes with included train transfers.
Duration 6 days Destinations Losone, Bellinzona, Ascona, Lugano Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 56 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,291
Pedal narrow single trails along Val Colla's slopes and climb Monte Brè before tackling the descent down Mount Tamaro's panoramic ridgeline. This 6-day self-guided route starts in Lugano and winds through Ticino's Malcantone hills, with a challenging overnight stay at Pairolo Hut and paths passing through Rivera, Miglieglia, and ending in Ponte Tresa. Designed for cyclists ages 16+ seeking moderate terrain, daily luggage transfers are included along with a SwitzerlandMobility Plus subscription and a complimentary Ticino Ticket offering regional discounts.
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$1,136
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
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$1,503
What people love about Bicycle Tours in Italian Lakes District
Mary and I signed up for the 3 Lakes and more tour and we loved our time with Luca and Michela. Even before we started the tour the communications with Luca were prompt and useful. Luca and Michela met us at Milano Centrale Station and from then till they dropped us off there a week later we had a superb week of cycling, dining, sight seeing, being exposed to the most wonderful sights, laughing, communicating and generally having a great time together. We finished our week feeling that we had become the best if friends and had been successfully challenged to ride in ways not previously thought possible. We highly recommend Luca and Michela's enterprise.
Three Lakes and More-Luxury Cycling Tour
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
BicycleSouth ItalyNorthern ItalyCentral ItalySicilyCampaniaItalian AlpsAmalfi CoastTuscanyTrentino Alto-AdigeProseccoPuglia