Cycling the Italian Lakes

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1859

Cycling

Activity Level

Moderate

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

C07TL

Journey between seven beautiful Italian Lakes as you explore this colourful and cultural region.

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 the excellent local wines and traditional cuisine
Explore medieval towns, popular resort towns, and swim in the famous lakes

Key Information

Management by your local Headwater appointed agent
Headwater Navigation App

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in 3* & 4* hotels
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Headwater navigation app
Bike hire included
Luggage transfers between hotels

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
No solo travellers
Visas or vaccinations
Lunches & dinners
Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)
Upgrade to e-bike

6 Days of Cycling

Day 2

53 km / 32.9 miles

Day 3

33 km / 20.5 miles

Day 4

32 km / 19.9 miles

Day 5

45 km / 28 miles

Day 6

40 km / 24.9 miles

Day 7

60 km / 37.3 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

C07TL - Cycling the Italian Lakes

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Peschiera del Garda Ranco London London

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.

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.

Distance covered: 33mi (53km)

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.

Distance covered: 21mi (33km)

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.

Distance covered: 20mi (32km)

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.

Distance covered: 28mi (45km)

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.

Distance covered: 25mi (40km)

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.

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, leave Ranco and the beautiful Italian lakes.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

TRIP

C07TL - Cycling the Italian Lakes

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotel Dori, Peschiera del Garda

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.

Hotel Igea, Brescia

This lovely hotel is a great base to explore the historical city centre of Breschia. Rooms are comfortable and offer all the amenities you require. A delicious buffet breakfast is served, and for dinner, the hotel restaurant offers an a la carte menu.

Hotel Best Western Piemontese, Bergamo

Located on the main avenue in Bergamo, there’s plenty to explore from your hotel. All 50 rooms are finely furnished and a lovely breakfast is served in the dining room.

Hotel Best Western Nuovo, Garlate

Rooms are modern and welcoming with all the comforts for a lovely stay. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily and the restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine.

Hotel Tre Re, Como

Located in a historic building in the centre of Como, this charming hotel is just a few metres from the lake, the funicular, and the main tourist attractions. Their characteristic restaurant has a large frescoed ceiling and serves high-quality Italian cuisine.

Hotel Belvedere, Ranco

Originally a tavern when it opened its doors back in 1865, the Belvedere is now a stylish hotel with stunning views over the banks of Lake Maggiore in the peaceful setting of Ranco with a seasonal swimming pool. Their celebrated restaurant serves seasonal dishes offering a ‘taste of the lakes’.