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This superbly scenic and very easy, 4 night cycling break leads cyclists along a beautiful alpine cycle path from the South Tyrol, via Lake Garda, to the Roman city of Verona.
High peaks, green valleys and tumbling rivers characterise the first two days of this tour. This is followed by the grand serenity of Lake Garda with it's pretty fishing villages and deep placid waters.
The above video depicts the sites and scenes from the section between Bolzano and Lake Garda.
From Lake Garda, the route crosses the plain to the magical and historical city of Verona. Wander the narrow winding streets of the old town and sooner or later you will arrive in Piazza Brà, the large square, lined with bustling bars and restaurants - grab a table and drink in the atmosphere. Nearby, you will find the Verona Arena, the magnificent Roman amphitheatre where spectacular operas are performed each summer.
This leisurely cycling holiday follows cycle paths and quiet country roads. It's all either level or slightly downhill and can be enjoyed by cyclists of all abilities.
Read Marcel Theroux's account of this tour in the Guardian
On arrival in Bolzano, check in at your hotel and then spend the rest of the day exploring this alpine town surrounded by spectacular scenery. You are in the South Tyrol, a region that once belonged to Austria and the local people are happy conversing in either German or Italian – many also speak English. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see world famous ‘Ötzi’ the mummified remains of a man who lived 3,300 years ago. The perfectly preserved body emerged from a glacier in the nearby Ötz Valley in 1991. You can also take a cable car ride up into the surrounding peaks to enjoy the views and perhaps go for an alpine walk.
After breakfast your cycling adventure begins in earnest as you ride downhill alongside the Adige river through the Adige Valley to Trento.
There are two route options to choose from. The easiest and most direct route leads you south along the lower Adige valley beside the river which is bigger now, swollen by its confluence with the Eisack River at Bolzano. The second, slightly longer option includes a couple of short climbs but the payoff is a ride through the stunning Caladaro Valley to Lake Caldaro. The lake is one of the warmest in the alps and just perfect for a swim if the weather is hot. The two routes converge in the Adige Valley near the town of Ora from where you continue your journey south. For centuries this wide fertile valley has been one of the primary north-south trading routes through the alps and the scenery is spectacular. Tiny, white alpine villages, perched on the green mountainsides on either side of the valley, are overlooked by towering granite peaks. The easy, level cycle path sticks resolutely to the valley floor leading you through the small pleasant villages of Ora, Egna and Salomo before arriving at Trento, today’s destination. Trento has a long and colourful history, thanks to its strategic position on one of the Alps’ main passes. Head for the picturesque medieval city centre to absorb the atmosphere and learn more.
Please note: It is possible to shorten this route by taking the train from several statons along the route
Leaving Trento you continue downhill to Rovereto where you leave the Adige River and cycle up a ridge to escape the valley. The short climb is rewarded with an exhilarating freewheel downhill to stunning Lake Garda. You can relax now and enjoy a wonderful ferry ride along the entire length of the Lake from Torbole on the north shore to Peschiera in the south. The scenery is spectacular with high limestone cliffs and tree-lined hillsides plunging down into the deep blue lake. Pretty villages line the shore and brightly coloured windsurfing sails flit to and fro across the lake’s surface. (If the ferry is not able to operate due to weather conditions, technical probelms or if it is out of season, you wil be transferred by bus to your hotel, south of the lake). Disembark in Peschiera and make your way to your nearby hotel. Take time to visit Sirmione, a medieval settlement on a tiny peninsular protruding out into the Lake.
Leave Lake Garda behind and cycle eastwards through open countryside to the Roman city of Verona. Shakespeare chose the beautiful city as the setting for Romeo and Juliet and you can visit Casa di Giulietta, purported to be the location of the famous balcony scene. The wonderful Arena, a crumbling roman amphitheater still hosts lavish productions today and you may wish to time your arrival to coincide with a particular performance – use this link to research further but be sure to book in advance as most performances are sold out months in advance. Ascend the Lamberti tower for a great view over the city, enjoy an ice cream in the buzzing Piazza Bra and stroll through the atmospheric old town exploring the maze-like streets.
Please note: Today's route is 60 km if you start from Desenzano and 35 km if you start from Peschiera.
After breakfast it is time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a regular plus bike or an E-bike.
Regular bikes: They are modern alloy framed touring models with 27 speeds and gel saddles which offer a very comfortable riding position. Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Minimum height for male specific bike is 160cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier and per room a front bag, lock and repair kit.
Regular plus bikes: They are 27 speed hybrid bikes which have a lighter, more compact frame and more sporty riding position. They have disk brakes, gravel tyres and do not have mud guards. Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Important: Anyone, male or female, who is 160cm or taller will be assigned a male specific bike. Bikes come equipped with a pannier and per room a front bag, lock and repair kit.
Electric bikes: The 9 speed electric bikes have unisex low-entry frames feature gel saddles and ergonomic grips. The Bosch powerpack offers a range of 90km (over flat terrain at an average speed). Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Minimum age for e-bike is 18. Electric bikes come equipped with a pannier, battery charger plus, per room, a front bag, lock and repair kit.
We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets for adults only, are available for rent at the time of booking.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Good quality hotels and guesthouses.
Bolzano: Hotel Magdalener Hof
Trento: Grand Hotel Trento
Peschiera/Desenzano: Hotel Bell'Arrivo
Verona: Hotel San Marco Verona
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night
Fly to either Verona or Venice airport and then take the train to Bolzano. From Verona the train takes approximately 2 hours and from Venice approximately 3 hours.
Research flights from the UK here.
Research trains in Italy here.
You can also take the train all the way from the UK – checkout this article in the Guardian.
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