Italy - Lake Garda to Venice
A wonderful self-guided cycling holiday in Italy, taking you from the southern shores of Lake Garda to the charming city of Venice. Full to the brim with great riding, you'll be able to check out some wonderful areas of Italy as you ride, including Sirmione, Verona and Chioggia. This is your chance to enjoy a fantastic cycling holiday, giving you an insight into the natural wonders of northern Italy. The trip has been set up to give you the chance to visit the hidden renaissance gems of the “Belpaese”. The first couple of days of your holiday will be spent exploring the stunning countryside and charming lake-side towns that surround the southern shores of Lake Garda. Leaving the lake behind, you will ride through beautiful countryside on your way to Verona. You'll follow the Adige River, alongside canals, through fields cultivated with fruit and vines, and over hills with plenty of time in between to stop and see the sights along the way.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Veneto
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :

Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.

Day 1 : Arrival in Garda
You will spend your first night in the town of Garda, on the southeast shores of Lake Garda.
Accommodation : Hotel Bisesti - "Riva del Garda"

Day 2 : Vineyards and Lake Loop Ride
Option 1 : 25 Miles - 41 Km
Option 2 : 32 Miles - 51 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 547 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 669 Meters
A gentle and relaxing start to your cycling holiday that will allow you to enjoy the delights of Lake Garda and explore the surrounding countryside. Ideally located on the south-east shores, the area is a network of cycle routes leading you into the countryside of expanses of vineyards over gentle hills. Cycle routes will take you through quaint little villages just below the Mt Baldo range, and will then take you back to the shores of the lake, where you can enjoy the lake-front vibrant life of Latize and Garda itself. In the evening, Garda(your home for the night) becomes full of life and with plenty of little restaurants and Italian Trattorias to choose from, you are set up to have a lovely evening out.
Accommodation : Hotel Bisesti - "Riva del Garda"

Day 3 : Lake Garda Mini Cruise - Cycle Sirmione to Peschiera
Option 1 : 15 Miles - 24 Km
Option 2 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 167 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 233 Meters
Your day today will start with a short cruise across the lake to Sirmione. From the boat you can admire the eastern shore of the lake, dominated by the long ridge of Mount Baldo, rising over 2000m above the lake. Sirmione was once a famous Roman spa and still attracts visitors for the curative waters and charming character. In roman times villas were built here, including that of the poet Catullus who wrote of the beauty of the lake in his verses. Sirmione is also full of art treasures and history, starting with the Castle through which one must pass to reach the old centre.
From Sirmione you’ll ride south following quiet country lanes, through vineyards, peach orchards and kiwi plantations, in the rolling hills of the region known as Le Colline Moreniche. You’ll stop at San Martino di Battaglia, with its curious museum of armaments. Meandering past typical farm holdings, you’ll arrive at Castellaro Lagusello, a quaint village and ideal location to stop for lunch in one of the local trattorias. Heading back to Lake Garda, the final section is riding the Mincio cyclepath into the fortified walls of Peschiera, your destination for the night.
Accommodation : Hotel Dori - "Peschiera del Garda"

Day 4 : Peschiera to Verona
Distance 1 : 21 Miles - 33 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 210 Meters
Your destination today is the city of Romeo and Juliet, with renaissance palaces, the roman arena and many cosy corners. Setting off from Peschiera, you’ll start today’s ride, cycling north along the east side of the lake. Heading inland, rolling hills cultivated with kiwi, peach plantations and olive groves will accompany you along the way. The last section is a ride along the Adige cycle path, leading you into Verona.
You’ll have time to enjoy a stroll through this remarkable renaissance city, recently named as a World Heritage Site. Verona has delighted painters, poets, travellers and celebrities for centuries. It is a work of art in itself: a fascinating cross-road of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and Mediterranean influences. After settling into the hotel, you’ll have an evening to explore Verona and try out one of the many quality restaurants in town.
Accommodation : Hotel Relais 900 - "Verona"

Day 5 : Verona to Montagnana
Distance 1 : 37 Miles - 59 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 138 Meters
You will leave Verona riding mostly on cycle paths along the banks of the Adige river. This interesting route, mostly on dirt roads and canal embankments, is a relaxing ride and surrounded by nature, allowing you to explore the plains south of Verona, characterised by expanses of orchards and vineyards which extend to the foot of the Euganean Hills.
Always riding on flat routes, you will reach the medieval town of Montagnana. Montagnana is a beautiful and peaceful town, universally famous for its beautiful, and perfectly preserved, medieval city walls. Time permitting you may have the opportunity to visit some of the ancient walls.
Accommodation : Hotel Aldo Moro - "Montagnana, PD"

Day 6 : Montagnana to Padova
Distance 1 : 38 Miles - 61 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 260 Meters
Today’s route reaches Padova passing through the town of Este, travelling along the banks of the River Frassine. You will be riding along quiet country roads with interesting natural features and the typical landscape of the Veneto countryside. Arriving in Este you will see the tower of the castle and part of the ruins, dating from the eleventh century. They are the only remaining artifacts of the five castles, built on the banks on the outskirts of the city to defend the strategic river accesses. This part of the route is mostly along the banks of the canals that surround the isolated group of hills. In particular you’ll ride along the banks of the River Bacchiglione taking a network of cycle paths.
Padova is a city characterised by complex town planning, a result of 2500 years of history. The city houses some world-famous works of art; from the traces of the Roman Age splendour to the masterpieces of the Middle Ages.
Accommodation : Hotel Al Prato - "Padova"

Day 7 : Padova to Chioggia (via Venice)
Distance 1 : 45 Miles - 73 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 110 Meters
You’ll continue with your journey heading towards Mestre and then onto Venice. Following a mixture of country lanes and cycle paths, you’ll ride through more beautiful landscapes and past regal mansions, following canals and natural reserves. Reaching Mestre, you’ll arrive at the train station. From here you can take one of the regular trains to Venezia St Lucia, only a 12 minute journey, to avoid the busy section over the Liberty Bridge to Venice (train tickets not included, approximately 3€ per person). Here you’ll have time to stop and lock up your bikes for a few hours, allowing time to visit one of the famous Venetian Palaces and explore the city’s most beautiful and fascinating sights on foot. In the afternoon you will jump on the ferry first to Lido and then to Pellestrina Island. The Lidi di Chioggia are long strips of land that divide the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and go from Venice to Chioggia, broken only by a few channels. Large sea defenses run the total length of the island with characteristic embankments called “Murazzi” which you will be cycling along, offering unique views of the sea and the lagoon of Venice. One more ferry will take you to Chioggia. Situated on a small island at the southern entrance to the Lagoon of Venice, Chioggia is a miniature version of Venice, with characteristic narrow streets known as calli. Chioggia has several medieval churches, which were renovated during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period of great prosperity in the area.
Note: You can split today's ride in two, stop in Venice, and overnight there. Then the next day (day 8) carry on riding the last 22 km of the Lido islands and take the ferry to Chioggia. (If you are interested, please contact our sales team).
Accommodation : Grand Italia Hotel Chioggia - "Chioggia"

Day 8 : Departure from Chioggia
Time to say goodbye to this charming part of Italy. Eventual transfer back to Verona will take approx 1.5 hours.
Post-tour night : (Optional)
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Arlecchino - "Venice"
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2

Located on the main road of Garda, the hotel is only 150 mt. from the lake promenade and just a 5 minutes walk from the pitoresque centr of this small town. The accommodation business started in 1957 by Milena Bisesti and her husband Giovanni Lorenzini. Over the years it has always been kept in step with the times by the sons Giuseppe, Graziano, Pietro Luigi and Roberto and now also with the nephew Fabio and the niece Laura.
Day : 3

In Peschiera del Garda Hotel Dori gives you the opportunity, thanks to its 20 rooms, to stay just 200 metres from the historical centre, 500 metres from Lake Garda and a few steps from one of the most majestic gates of the town: Porta Brescia. Lake Garda is very easy to reach by foot, and nearby you can find wonderful beaches which are suitable and equipped for our pet friends too. Hotel Dori on Lake Garda is the perfect destination for walking lovers and bike riders who will enjoy the cycle path connecting Peschiera del Garda to Mantua, by going along the river Mincio and through one of the most famous historical towns of Italy: Borghetto in Valeggio sul Mincio.
Day : 4

The Hotel Relais 900, heritage residence, is located in Verona’s city center UNESCO site close to the Garda Lake ,Verona City is famous by William Shakespeare Giulietta and Romeo Opera also. You will enjoy a unique view of the city. The Hôtel offers Air conditioning and Wi-Fi in each room.
Day : 5

The hotel is located in the center of a magnificent historic village dates back to the 12th century. Quiet charming hotel very well placed. Managed by a family, the atmosphere is there peaceful. The hotel has a very good restaurant.
Day : 6

The romantic beauty of Prato della Valle, the largest piazza in Italy; the majestic grandeur of the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the oldest university botanical garden in the world and at the same time one of the most modern and avant-garde and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Hotel al Prato is nestled amongst these three attractions that form Padua’s pride and joy. You will find a brand new and welcoming hotel created with passion and carefully made to accommodate visitors, travellers and tourists in an excellent location, a link between the marvel of beauty, witness of history, the foundation of faith and love for research and scientific knowledge The Hotel al Prato offers its guests a modern and comfortable environment for a pleasant stay in Padua, in a building restored and furnished in the name of freshness, practicality and passion for contemporary design.
Day : 7

The “Hotel Grande Italia” was founded in 1914, when the inspiration of the first project, in the year 1912, wanted to create a structure that represents the symbol of hospitality of Chioggia, almost to be, also for his position, an ideal extension of Venice. Today, the exclusivity of this place is given by its strategic location, just one hour away from Venice by boat, easily accessible by the public navigation line. The Palace, singular and unique testimony of liberty architecture of the city of Chioggia, was built in the mid of the twentieth century, in the place where it was already old Inn. The project, signed by the engineer Ferruccio Smeraldi, foresaw the expansion of the existing construction of the Palace.
Day : Post-tour Night

The calm and romantic rhythms of Venice are, with 3 star Hotel Arlecchino, more than ever in perfect harmony with the practicality and comfort in reaching and staying in it. For those fond of Venice staying for one day or longer, Hotel Arlecchino dedicates its own professional hospitality in an elegant and convenient 3 star facility at a great price, qualtiy and satisfaction.
Hybrid bike - Standard
GIANT ROAM 1 DISC - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
With the confidence of a mountain bikeand the quickness of a road bike, this bike is ready for streets, paths or trails. For Men.
Frame: ALUXX-Grade Aluminium. Fork: SR Suntour NEX Hydraulic Lock Out, 63mm travel. Shock:N/A. Handlebar: Giant Connect Low Rise. Stem: Giant Connect. Seatpost: Giant Connect. Saddle: Giant Connect, Upright. Pedals: Giant Sports. Shifters: Shimano Deore 30 speed. Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore Trekking. Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore. Brakes: Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotors. Brake Levers: Shimano M365. Cassette: Shimano HG50, 11-36, 10-Speed.
Pannier rack, tool kit, spare inner tube, bike lock, bike pump, km counter, map holder.
Accessories
INCLUDED




Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED




Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
Option 1: 25 Miles - 41 Km Elevation gain 1 : 547 Meters

Option 2: 32 Miles - 51 Km Elevation gain 2 : 669 Meters

Option 1: 15 Miles - 24 Km Elevation gain 1 : 167 Meters

Option 2: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 2 : 233 Meters

Option 1: 21 Miles - 33 Km Elevation gain 1 : 210 Meters

Option 1: 37 Miles - 59 Km Elevation gain 1 : 138 Meters

Option 1: 38 Miles - 61 Km Elevation gain 1 : 260 Meters

Option 1: 45 Miles - 73 Km Elevation gain 1 : 110 Meters

Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
- Ferry tickets on day 3 (approx 10€ incl. bikes)
- Train tickets on day 7 (approx 3€ incl. bikes)
- Ferry tickets on day 7 (approx 20€ day pass incl. bikes)
- Local tourist tax to be paid at each accommodation (approx
2€ per day) - Airport transfers in & back
Informations & Recommendations
Weather : The climate in the Italian Lake District is mild all year round. There are many beautiful days throughout the year, and with the north-south breeze gently blowing throughout the day, it helps to keep you cool when it gets really hot in mid summer, often reaching 30 degrees centigrade.
The best time to visit (depending of course on personal preference) are the Spring & Autumn months when the climate is ideal, the clear blue skies create the perfect visibility, and the flora of Lake Garda is at its best. The lower lands and plains in the Veneto region can get very humid and hot during hotter months.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) |
Standard | 1500 € | 300 € |
Post-tour Night | TBA | TBA |
Accessories
Accessories | |
Guidance Application | Included |
Biking Roadbook | Included |
Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
Bikes available | Options per person |
Hybrid Bike Rental | |
Standard | Included |
Electric assist bike | |
Standard | 100 € |
I bring my bike | Discount of -90€ if you ride with your own bicycle. |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
Services available | |
Cancelation insurance | 6% |
Transfers | |
Airport transfers in & back | 65 € |
Luggage transfer | |
On a 2-person basis | 155 €/pers |