Luxury Lakes And vineyards

Breathtaking scenery, fabulous cycling with a touch of Italian flair.

The truth is, that Italians are effortless masters of refinement. The expressions of which can be found in the northern Lakes with opulent villas overlooking Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Iseo. Riding along the lake’s endless cycle paths and meandering roads makes cycling accessible and fun. All the lakes offer a very different experience both on and off the bike. The splendour and luxurious feel of Lake Garda, the stunning beauty of Lake Como and the understated way those living on Lake Iseo go about their daily lives, are all to be enjoyed on this holiday of a cycling lifetime.  This is a holiday for cyclists who appreciate life on the bike as much as off it. It is perfect for couples, groups or even individuals who are looking for new friendship to be found over a glass of fine Italian wine. As with all our trips and is the hallmark of our service, you can expect to unearth ‘real’ Italy. This can only be found when travelling with local experts, whose passion for Italy is matched by their desire to share the joy of the most beautiful country in Europe. 

  • START LINE: Lake Garda
  • FINISH LINE: Lake Como
  • TOTAL DISTANCE: 299km
  • TOTAL ASCENT: 400m
Boat Trip
Lake Swimming
Relaxed Riding
Spa
Lake Garda Boat trip Sunset Strolls
Wine Tasting
  • Activity level:         LEVEL 2 – Gentilissimo
    - I ride my bike most weeks back home. - I enjoy chatting and stoping to take in the view when riding. - The best part of my ride is the coffee stop. - I can’t do a wheelie yet.
  • Duration: 7 days | 6 nights
  • Dates 2024: APril 20 - 26 | April 27 - May 03 | May 07 - 13 | May 26 - June 1 | June 8-14 | June 15-21 | June 21-27 | July 6-12 | July 12-18 | July 23-29 | Sep 7-13 | Sep 13-19 | Sep 24-30 | Oct 1-7 |Oct 15-21
  • Can't see the perfect one? Request dates here.
  • Price from: €3299
  • Single supplement €769
  • Room upgrade available: Yes
  • What's included?
Book Now
 

The Perfect Cycling Holiday

Is this what I’m looking for?  

  • Are you in search of a holiday that balances fabulous riding with an interesting off-bike program?
  • Do you like to chat when riding with friends and stop to take photos along the way?
  • Are you wanting a stress free holiday with the option to not ride if you would rather stay by the hotel pool and read a book?
  • Does swopping stories with new friends from around the world over a glass of wine sound like your kinda evening?
  • Would you like to eat a little too much and pedal 'off' the colories the next day?!
  • Are you looking for a holiday that offers oustanding value for money all delivered by world-class staff?

Magical & Unforgettable

What to look forward to……

  • Savour the Italian coffee lifestyle in Borghetto, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
  • Marvel at the scenery as you take a short boat ride to Monte Isola for a sumptuous dinner.
  • Be thrilled by Bellagio as you gaze out over Lake Como.
  • Ride the rolling hills of the Franciacorta wine region taking in a vineyard tour and taste for yourself the effervescent brilliance of Franciacorta wine.
  • Enjoy an exquisite evening meal in our favourite mountain restaurant overlooking Lake Iseo.
  • Treat yourself to a late-night Gelato in Desenzano.
  • Take inspiration from the stunning vistas on a boat trip along Lake Como.

Stages of your Tour

  1. Day 1 - Lake Garda

    45km | Rolling

    On arrival you will be met by one of our friendly staff and transferred towards the southerly tip of Lake Garda. Desenzano is rightly considered to be one of the jewels in the crown of Lake Garda. Hotel Palace is the perfect place to ride from, relax and unwind. 

    For those hiring bikes, we will be available to do a bike fit and make any adjustments that may be necessary. Fitting pedals, lights, saddles etc. is our job and not yours! In the late afternoon we will head off on our first ride along the western part of Lake Garda. Our destination is San Felice, a small fishing town which overlooks Sirmione. This beautiful ride is the perfect start to your trip. 

    Dinner this evening is in our favourite restaurant looking out over the lake, only a 5-minute walk down the road.  

    Lake Garda | Hotel Palace | Desenzano

  2. Day 2 - Lugana vineyard

    50km | Mostly flat

    After a peaceful night’s sleep and leisurely breakfast, today we head over to Bardolino on the coast road. Along the way we will pass Sirmione.

    The ride today, is largely flat and designed to take you through some of the most attractive parts of the easterly side of Lake Garda. Highlights include Peschiera and Borghetto. We will be stopping on the way for a cappuccino and our staff will be only too happy to educate you on the ways of coffee drinking (Italian style)! We will ride along the Mincio River and back to the hotel through beautiful rolling landscape.  

    Dinner will be in the Marina in Desenzano, blessed with sensational views as the sunset sets on Lake Garda.

    Lake Garda | Hotel Palace | Desenzano

  3. Day 3 - Lake Iseo Loop

    62km | Flat

    This morning we take the short transfer from Desenzano to Lake Iseo, the home of Italy Bike Tours. A place so blessed in beauty and tranquillity you will be sure to return.

    Our ride today is the longest of the week, but in many ways the easiest. With little traffic, flat roads, and arguably the world’s best cycle path, this really is what great cycling holidays are all about. We will delight in showing you why Lake Iseo is regarded as the best kept secret in Italy.

    A boat trip to the island, Monte Isola, for dinner this evening in one of the best restaurants on the lake.

    Lake Iseo | Hotel Riva Lago | Sulzano

  4. Day 4 - Franciacorta

    55km | Rolling

    This morning’s leisurely breakfast will be taken overlooking Lake Iseo. You will then have free time in the morning to enjoy the hotel’s facilities before heading out on the ride in the late morning. Today’s ride is stunning. We head south away from Iseo into the wine region of Franciacorta. It is difficult to imagine two contrasting areas to cycle (Lake Iseo and Franciacorta). Within 10 minutes we leave the shores of the lake and wind our way through endless vineyards, boasting some of the most famous names in Italian wine production. We will visit Boccadoro vineyard for a tour and tasting with a light lunch to accompany the stunning wines on offer. A transfer back to the hotel will be available afterwards.

    We will head up to 800 metres to enjoy dinner on the mountain overlooking the spectacular lake view in a traditional local trattoria.

    Lake Iseo | Hotel Riva Lago | Sulzano

  5. Day 5 - San Pellegrino

    40km | Flat

    This morning we take the transfer to our final destination of the week in Lake Como. Along the way we will stop to begin the ride on the beautiful Valle Brembana cycle path to San Pellegrino Terme, stopping for a coffee before heading to lunch in Piazza Brembana. After lunch we pedal back down the valley to join the transfer to the hotel.

    On arrival at Hotel Promessi Sposi This evening you are free to explore Malgrate and its many restaurants, our staff will be happy to give you suggestions.

    Lake Como | Hotel Promessi Sposi | Malgrate

  6. Day 6 - Bellagio & Ghisallo

    40km | Rolling

    After the now customary excellent breakfast we begin today’s ride. From Malgrate we take the road hugging the shoreline to Bellagio. Bellagio needs no introduction and rest assured we have plenty of time in hand to explore one of the most famous towns in Italy.  

    The museum on top of the Madonna di Ghisallo is a must visit, for those that wish they can ride up the challenging climb, or you can opt to head up in the van. As is customary for Italy Bike Tours, we have saved the best for last! This evening we take a beautiful boat trip from Lecco to Mandello to enjoy your final meal together. A chance to reflect on a cycling holiday of a lifetime.

    Lake Como | Hotel Promessi Sposi | Malgrate

  7. Day 7 - Arrivederci

    N/A

    All good things must come to an end and this morning with heavy hearts and emotional goodbyes we will transfer you to you next destination as agreed prior to your arrival.  

    Home

BIKE HIRE

The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire as a mail and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!


Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. Lightweight, aerodynamic and above all great handling.

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COLNAGO V3

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
  • Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
  • Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
  • Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
  • (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))

3T Primo - in our opinion 3T make the world’s finest gravel bikes. The Primo offers clients the very best in handling and comfort. If you love riding gravel you will love the 3T Primo.

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3T PRIMO GRAVEL

COMPONENTS:

  • SRAM Rival Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (42T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette)
  • Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
  • Pirelli Cinturato 35mm Gravel Tyres
  • SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • WTB SL8 saddle
  • (Sizes: S, M, L, XL)

Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guests looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.

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GUERCIOTTI BRERA TOURING ION

COMPONENTS:

  • SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
  • Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
  • SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
  • 500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
  • DPV Touring saddle
  • (Sizes: S, M)

Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. Assisted road bikes are a real ‘game changer’.

What’s included?

  • 6-nights' 4* accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 5 dinners
  • Boat trip on Lake Iseo
  • Boat trip on Lake Como
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting
  • Beautifully planned rides
  • GPX Routes
  • Van and mechanical support
  • IBT gift bundle
  • City taxes

What’s not included?

  • Travel Insurance
  • Flights
  • Bike hire
  • Beverages at mealtimes other than coffee and water
  • Lunches
 
 

The nuts and Bolts

Useful information about your holiday

Still Undecided?

Here is what our clients say about this tour………

If possible I would give the team 6 stars. From the moment we were met at the train station until dropped at a different one 6 days later the team were fantastic. John Lee was our main guide and his riding ability, guidance and friendliness was outstanding. Alberto and Jacqueline were also great. And the hotel, meals and stops along the rides were all great. Thanks very much and we will both highly recommend you and come back!

Ron | LUXURY LAKES AND VINEYARDS

Where to meet?

Please arrange to meet us at Verona Station (Porta Nuova) at 14:00 - Day 1. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additonal cost.

Drop off location?

We can assist you with planning and booking of onward travel following the conclusion of your tour. We will run one morning transfer to Milan airports.

Transfer time

Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Verona. The transfer time from Verona to the Desenzano is 45 minutes (Day 1).

Riding in the Northern Lakes

The general road conditions around the northern lakes are good with many cycle paths. At certain times of the year roads may be busy with cars and motorbikes. For these reasons we may adjust ride times.
Cuisine

The food is excellent on all three of the lake areas. Polenta ('cornmeal' is often served as a side dish or as a base for various toppings), Risotto (a popular dish throughout northern Italy, risotto is often prepared with local ingredients like lake fish, saffron, or vegetables), look out for local cheeses like Grana Padano, Taleggio, and Gorgonzola. The area around Lake Garda and Iseo is known for its olive groves, producing high-quality olive oil. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. Home made local wines and beer a must to try.

Hotel facilities

The hotels on this tour have spas and we recommend bringing swimming costumes. Hotels also have laundry service, good wifi and bar service. Hotels may charge extra to use some of these facilties.
Private tours & groups

We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements.

Weather

Our highly experienced local guides check the weather on a daily basis and amend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in and around the lakes can range from 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F).

What happens next?

Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM / JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page.

 

Hotels

HOTEL PALACE

HOTEL RIVA LAGO

HOTEL PROMESSI SPOSI

 
 

Get In Touch

If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.

ITA: +39 320 638 4713

Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of page.

Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com