Cycling the Italian Lakes
Cycling the Italian Lakes
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:
Tour code:
C07TL
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal, Please let Exodus know
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in 3 & 4-star hotels
Enjoy comfortable stays in 3 and 4-star hotels throughout your cycling journey.
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All breakfasts
Start each day with a delicious breakfast included in your package.
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Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Benefit from the expertise and support of a local Headwater-appointed agent during your tour.
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Headwater navigation app
Navigate your cycling routes with ease using the Headwater navigation app.
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Bike hire included
Enjoy the convenience of bike hire included in your tour package.
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Luggage transfers between hotels
Travel light with luggage transfers arranged between hotels.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.
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No solo travellers
This tour does not accommodate solo travellers.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged independently.
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Lunches & dinners
Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour package.
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Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)
Transfers for arrival and departure are not included if booking a land-only package.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.