Cycling the Italian Lakes

Cycling the Italian Lakes

70 Views
8 Days From

$2135

Cycling the Italian Lakes

8 Days Starting in Peschiera del Garda, Italy and ending in Ranco, Italy

Visiting: Peschiera del Garda, Brescia, Lake Iseo, Bergamo, Lecco, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Ranco

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07TL

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Group size:

1 - 8

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal, Please let Exodus know

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2135

NB: Prices correct on 11-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Begin your cycling journey from Lake Garda, riding along the beautiful 'Ciclopista del Sole' past the glistening lake shore and Mincio river. Visit the bustling resorts of Desenzano and Sirmione, known as the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda, before arriving in Breschia, a city rich in Roman and medieval remains.



A relaxing ride brings you to Franciacorta, a land of excellent local wines where the nearby Benedictine abbey stands proud amongst the castles of Passirano and Clusane. The second Italian lake you reach is the much smaller Lake Iseo, known for its abundance of water birds within this protected area. Following the Oglio river from Lake Iseo takes you through the medieval old town of Montello, before reaching Bergamo. A pearl of Northern Italy, you'll have the afternoon to explore both the lower and upper towns of Bergamo, accessible by funicular.



You'll soon reach the blue shores of Lake Lecco, a branch of Lake Como, where you ride along the green cycle path of the Adda. Pass by the small lakes of Annone, Pusiano, & Alserio, before arriving in the centre of Como and of course its famous lake.



Your last day takes you across the border into Switzerland, along the Monate lake with opportunities to swim in in the clear waters. Finally, you arrive in Ispra on Lake Maggiore with spectacular views all around. The natural beauty of these places, the rich cuisine and excellent local wines, give colour and culture to your cycling holiday, creating some incredible memories of the Italian Lakes.

Highlights

  • Cycle between seven beautiful Italian lakes.

  • Sample excellent local wines and traditional cuisine.

  • Explore medieval towns and popular resort towns.

  • Swim in the famous Italian lakes.

  • Visit the medieval old town of Montello.

  • Experience the stunning views of Lake Maggiore.

  • Discover the elegant lower town and splendid upper town of Bergamo.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Peschiera Del Garda (Lake Garda)

Location: Peschiera del Garda

Accommodation Name: Hotel Dori

After arriving in Peschiera del Garda, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the shores of Lake Garda or the towns fortress surrounded by the river Mincio. With beautiful ramparts and imposing doors, this small jewel of architecture is enclosed an incredible 16th century pentagonal wall.



Overnight Hotel Dori, Peschiera del Garda.



Day 2 : Peschiera Del Garda To Brescia

Location: Brescia

Accommodation Name: Hotel Igea

Meals Included: Breakfast

Choose between two routes today. First is the longer, quieter route along the Mincio cycle path which passes San Martino della Battaglia with its big tower reminiscent of the wars of independence. Secondly, the short route passes closer to the lake and takes you to Desenzano and Sirmione, one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. Arrive in Brescia, a beautiful city rich in Roman and medieval remains, surmounted by the ancient castle.



Overnight Hotel Igea, Brescia.

Day 3 : Brescia To Lake Iseo

Location: Lake Iseo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Stazione

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a shorter ride that leads you into Franciacorta, an area known for excellent wines. Continue onto Rodengo Saiano, home to a Benedictine abbey where the monks still live. Pass near the castles of Passirano and Clusane and by the Sebino Nature Reserve, a protected area rich in water birds. You will end on the banks of the lovely Lake Iseo.



Overnight Hotel Stazione, Paratico.

Day 4 : Lake Iseo To Bergamo

Location: Bergamo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Best Western Piemontese

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle along the Oglio river that comes out from Lake Iseo. You reach Grumello del Monte, a pretty village with the stone houses, then enter the beautiful medieval old town of Montello, all in stone. Your day ends in Bergamo, the pearl of northern Italy, where you should arrive early enough to visit both the elegant lower town and the splendid upper town, accessible by funicular.



Overnight Hotel Best Western Piemontese, Bergamo.

Day 5 : Bergamo To Lake Of Lecco

Location: Lecco

Accommodation Name: Hotel Best Western Nuovo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today takes you to an area of Lake Como called Lago di Lecco. The route goes to Mapello, where there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna of Prada. Another place of great spirituality is Sotto il Monte, the town where Pope John XXIII was born; there's a good museum here that you can visit. A memorable experience is crossing the river Adda on a Leonardesque ferry pulled by cable. You reach Garlate along the Adda cycle path.



Overnight Hotel Best Western Nuovo, Garlate.

Day 6 : Garlate To Lake Como

Location: Lake Como

Accommodation Name: Hotel Tre Re

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you ride past a variety of smaller lakes, Annone, Pusiano & Alserio, partially riding on dirt roads. The end of the path is the most beautiful as you arrive in Solzago and take the Passeggiata Voltiana (takes its name from Alessandro Volta, buried nearby). With an exciting descent first through the woods and then along a beautiful road, you will arrive in the centre of Como, then onto the shores of the beautiful lake.



Overnight Hotel Tre Re, Como.

Day 7 : Lake Como To Lake Maggiore

Location: Lake Maggiore

Accommodation Name: Hotel Belvedere

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your last ride goes along the lake surrounded by splendid villas, in particular Villa Olmo, in the direction of Cernobbio. You cross the border with Switzerland, then reach Varese and immediately after its beautiful lake. Along the Monate lake, you can swim in the clear waters before finally arriving in Ispra on Lake Maggiore, passing through the green Quassa cyclepath into Ranco; here are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.



Overnight Hotel Belvedere, Ranco.

Day 8 : Depart Ranco

Location: Ranco

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, leave Ranco and the beautiful Italian lakes.

What's Included

  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in 3 & 4-star hotels

    Enjoy comfortable stays in 3 and 4-star hotels throughout your cycling journey.

  • All breakfasts

    Start each day with a delicious breakfast included in your package.

  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

    Benefit from the expertise and support of a local Headwater-appointed agent during your tour.

  • Headwater navigation app

    Navigate your cycling routes with ease using the Headwater navigation app.

  • Bike hire included

    Enjoy the convenience of bike hire included in your tour package.

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

    Travel light with luggage transfers arranged between hotels.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

    Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.

  • No solo travellers

    This tour does not accommodate solo travellers.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged independently.

  • Lunches & dinners

    Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour package.

  • Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)

    Transfers for arrival and departure are not included if booking a land-only package.

  • Upgrade to e-bike

    An upgrade to an e-bike is available but not included in the standard package.

Food

Accommodation

Just a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Garda and the historic centre, this is a quiet hotel with modern rooms. Guests can enjoy an excellent breakfast and a drink at the bar on the terrace. There is a good variety of restaurants within walking distance for evening meals.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes bike hire and luggage transfers between hotels, allowing you to cycle between the beautiful Italian lakes. Arrival and departure transfers are not included unless booking a land-only package.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides hotel-to-hotel accommodation, with stays in 3 and 4-star hotels. The accommodation is conveniently located near the shores of Lake Garda and the historic center, offering modern rooms and a quiet environment.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    All breakfasts are included in the tour package. However, lunches and dinners are not included and will need to be arranged separately.

  • Is bike hire included in the tour?

    Yes, bike hire is included in the tour package, allowing you to cycle between the beautiful Italian lakes.

  • Are luggage transfers provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included, so you can enjoy your cycling experience without worrying about your belongings.

  • Can I upgrade to an e-bike for the tour?

    Yes, there is an option to upgrade to an e-bike for the tour, although this is not included in the standard package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is recommended to arrange your own travel insurance separately.

  • Are there any restrictions on solo travelers?

    Yes, the tour does not accommodate solo travelers, and single accommodation is available on request with a compulsory supplement.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Peschiera del Garda and ends in Ranco, allowing you to explore various beautiful locations around the Italian lakes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$2150

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2150

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$2375

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2375

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$2375

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2375

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2375

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$2540

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$2540

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$2540

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$2540

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$2300

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2540

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$2540

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$2540

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$2540

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Similar Tours