Make your way to Peschiera del Garda on the south-western corner of Lake Garda, the largest of Italy’s lakes. The town sits at the mouth of the Mincio River which flows south from Lake Garda into the mighty Po River. Stroll along the lake shore and then follow the river through the town to the grand old Venetian fortress. The cobbled streets of the old town offer plenty of bars and restaurants to toast the start of your cycling adventure.

The longer of today's two route choices is quieter but also a little more hilly. It leads you south along an idyllic cycle path beside the Mincio River before turning west and passing through rural countryside and a succession of small towns and villages to Brescia.

The shorter, busier route sticks closer to the shore of Lake Garda passing through Sirmione and Desenzano, two very beautiful lake-shore towns, before heading west across open countryside to the town of Brescia.

Brescia is an ancient town with both Roman and medieval ruins and artifacts to explore. In the evening take stroll through the old town. Sooner or later you'll end up at the central Piazza della Loggia where the locals gather at the end of the day to chat over a drink.

Today's ride leads you along a network of quiet country lanes to Lake Iseo. Apart from one short climb it's easy, level cycling and before long you reach the the nature reserve of Serbino. This protected aquatic marshland is home to a rich and diverse collection of wildlife. Shortly thereafter, you reach the shores of beautiful Lake Iseo. Stop in Clusane to admire the view down the lake before cycling on to your overnight stop nearby.

Today's route follows the Oglio river south, away from Lake Iseo onto the fertile plains of Lombardy. You then leave the river and head west along narrow country lanes to the pretty, village of Grumello del Monte. A little further on you pass through the medieval town of Montello before finishing the ride in Bergamo. This fascinating city has two sides. An ancient hilltop town with its network of medieval streets and baroque architecture perched on a bluff overlooking the southern plains and below it, its slightly younger sibling, still old but just not quite as old as its lofty neighbour.

A funicular railway connects the two and you’ll enjoy exploring the atmospheric winding streets of this wonderful town. Must sees include the Palazzo del Podestà, an interactive museum telling the story of Bergamo’s Venetian age, the Accadamia Carrera, a gallery exhibiting some great works by Italian masters and a the Palazzo della Ragione, a wonderful palace built during the Venetian era. You should also venture to the top of the Torre del Campanone, an ancient 53 meter high bell tower to take in the stupendous views, and finally sit in one of the marvellous street cafes in the Piazza Vecchia and drink in the atmosphere. You'll spend the night in this lovely old town.

After your night in Bergamo you'll cycle west out of the city and over the Brembo River to Ponte San Pietro and the route is undulating as far as the Adda River. En route we recommend you make a stop at Sotto il Monte to visit the house of Pope Giovanni XXIII. Follow the curves north along the River Adda as it snakes up to Lake di Olginate, touches Lake Garlate and weaves on past Lake Annone with surrounding meadows to enjoy. The view over Lake Como from the town of Lecco is breathtaking but take the time also to explore the flagstone streets of the old town.

Today's route leads you past many small lakes and a short section follows a dirt road past Lake Alserio. Thereafter you have a bit of a climb up to Tavernerio before enjoying an exhilarating descent to the beautiful town of Como on Lake Como. Why not amble through Piazza Cavour this evening as the light fades across the lake and reflect on your journey so far. If you arrive early enough you could also consider a ferry ride to one of the many other beautiful lakeside towns around Lake Como.

Embrace the varied gradient of today’s ride and bid farewell to Como from a high vantage point and then head to Albiolo halfway between Como and Varese that is home to the Romanesque Oratory of San Martino. Further on, you follow a bike path beside the clear waters of Lake Monate where it's possible to stop for a swim if the mood takes you? Then it's on to Ispra on the shores of Lake Maggiore and from here you follow the lovely lake-shore bike path to your final overnight stop in the pleasant lakeside town of Ranco. The views across the lake from the public gardens are sensational and an apt place to bring the curtain down on your Italian Lakes Cycling Holiday.

After breakfast it's time to head for home or your next adventure.