Self-Guided Cycling the Italian Lakes

The adventure

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 Brescia, a city rich in Roman and medieval remains. A relaxing ride brings you to Franciacorta, a land of excellent local wines where the nearby

At a glance

Day by day

Your journey through

Italy

Showing Days 1-7

8-day itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Peschiera del Garda (Lake Garda)After arriving in Peschiera del Garda, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the shores of Lake Garda or the town's 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.

After arriving in Peschiera del Garda, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the shores of Lake Garda or the town's 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.

Day 2Peschiera del Garda to BresciaThere's a choice of routes today. The longer route (59km/36.7mi) follows a panoramic cycle path along Garda's shores to the town of Garda and its bustling promenade, whilst the shorter route (31-37km/19.3-23mil) ambles through the Lugana vineyards. Both routes take 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.

There's a choice of routes today. The longer route (59km/36.7mi) follows a panoramic cycle path along Garda's shores to the town of Garda and its bustling promenade, whilst the shorter route (31-37km/19.3-23mil) ambles through the Lugana vineyards. Both routes take 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.

Day 3Brescia to Lake IseoToday's ride 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.

Brescia to Lake Iseo

Today's ride 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.

Day 4Lake Iseo to BergamoCycle 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. Alternatively, pedal along Iseo's eastern shores for a spectacular lakeside ride via Toline and Sale Marasino. 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. You can choose whether to cycle 45km/28mil or 62km/38.5mi).

Lake Iseo to Bergamo

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. Alternatively, pedal along Iseo's eastern shores for a spectacular lakeside ride via Toline and Sale Marasino. 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. You can choose whether to cycle 45km/28mil or 62km/38.5mi).

Day 5Bergamo to Lake of LeccoToday takes you to an area of Lake Como called Lago di Lecco. The route weaves its way along the banks of the Adda river, passing the imposing medieval castle in Brivio. End the day in Garlate, on the lake of the same name.

Today takes you to an area of Lake Como called Lago di Lecco. The route weaves its way along the banks of the Adda river, passing the imposing medieval castle in Brivio. End the day in Garlate, on the lake of the same name.

Day 6Garlate to Lake ComoToday 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 stunning lake.

Garlate to Lake Como

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 stunning lake.

Day 7Lake Como to Lake MaggioreYour 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 continue to the beautiful Lake Varese. Pedal along the clear waters of the Monate lake, before finally arriving in Ispra on Lake Maggiore, passing through the green Quassa cyclepath into Ranco; here are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.

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 continue to the beautiful Lake Varese. Pedal along the clear waters of the Monate lake, before finally arriving in Ispra on Lake Maggiore, passing through the green Quassa cyclepath into Ranco; here are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.

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