You will spend the first and last night of this holiday in either Desenzano or Sirmione, two neighbouring lakeside towns at the southern end of Lake Garda. On arrival, take a stroll along the lake-front promenade and in the evening you'll find an abundance of al fresco restaurants and bars to choose from in these bustling little places.

Your first ride leads you along a series of quiet lanes and cycle paths, through the wine growing region of Lugana. You then reach the Mincio river and follow a riverside cycle path back towards the lake. At the mouth or the river you will find the town of Peschiera with its impressive historical fortress complex. This is a good place to stop for lunch before continuing northwards up the lake shore. After a while the route branches inland, past fruit orchards and the Bardolino vineyards before returning to the lake shore once again. An idyllic lakeside cycle path delivers you to the charming lakeside town of Garda where you will spend the night.

Today's route leads you eastwards towards the Adige river valley. A gentle climb is rewarded with some fabulous views back across the southern part of the lake. Olive groves and vineyards line the route and before long you begin to follow the Adige river cycle path northwards. The high peaks on either side of the wide, green valley create a dramatic backdrop as you pedal through seas of fruit orchards. The cycle path flirts with the Adige river as you head up the valley to the town of Mori. Here you bid the river goodbye and cycle up the gently ascending Passo San Giovanni back towards the northern end of Lake Garda. In the town of Nago you are met with a jaw-dropping view down the lake and an exhillerating descent delivers you to the charming little lakeside town of Torbole. You will spend the next two nights here, or in the neighbouring lakeside town of Riva.

Today's delightful route leads you north from the lake along a fabuously scenic cycle path up the Sarca valley. The Sarca river will be your constant companion as you pass through small villages and vineyards. The granite peaks on either side of the valley get progressively more impressive until you reach the pictureque alpine village of Pietramurata. You return via the same route to Riva and Torbole but the views facing south are completely different. Make a stop in Arco to visit the fortress perched above the town, the views towards the lake from the Garden of Simplicity in front of the fortress are truly breathtaking and there is also a very nice al-fresco bar for reviving oneself. You'll spend a second night at your hotel in Torbole/Riva.

After breakfast a transfer takes you and your bikes up to Lake Ledro, a beautiful alpine lake with remarkably crystal clear water. You'll ride along the lake shore enjoying the the mesmerising mountain panorama and if it's hot you may even be tempting to take a dip from one of the small beaches along the way. You then follow the green and fertile Sabbia valley, gently descending all the way, past Lake Idro and a sucession of small alpine villages. Eventually a lovely view of Lake Garda opebs up in front of you and you descend to the gorgeous lakeside town of Salò where you will spend the night.

Today you close the circle, returning to where your adventure began 5 days ago. The route leads you inland away from the lake into a region where the the local wines such as Lugana, Chiaretto and Groppello are pressed. The pleasant route eventually circles back to the lake and your are delivered to Desenzano or a little further on to Sirmione. Now it's time to select one of the cosy bars or restaurants to celebrate competing your Lake Garda Cycling Holiday.