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Lake Garda: Desenzano radial tour

Dolce Vita at Lake Garda

Bike tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
individual tour
easy to moderate
from
1,099.00 €
Book now
Book
from
1,099.00 €

The essentials at a glance

Radial bike tour around Lake Garda from Desenzano, exploring historic Italian cities. Daily excursions to Trento, Verona, Mantua, Brescia, and Solferino with train and boat transfers included. Routes cover 50-65 km per day on mostly flat terrain with some hilly sections, passing through vineyards, cypress groves, and along canals. Highlights include Verona's Roman amphitheatre, Mantua's Renaissance palaces, and the Red Cross memorial in Solferino.

This wonderful cycling tour combines breathtaking mountain panoramas, refreshing swimming, 4-star hotel comfort, and Italian culinary delights: Welcome to the vacation paradise of Lake Garda. Come quickly, check in, and let yourself be pampered at your first-class hotel right on the southern shore of the lake. You’ll also get a taste of luxury on the magnificent cycling routes, in the charming towns, and, of course, through Italian cuisine. Discover art and culture, marvel at the imposing amphitheater in Verona, and let yourself be enchanted by the Italian charm of Lake Garda. Relax by the hotel pool, in the lovely cafés along the way, or in the evening with a good glass of wine. After all, some of Italy’s most famous wines are grown around the emerald-green Lake Garda: Valpolicella, Lambrusco, and Bardolino. During the day, you’ll cycle in good spirits on flat to gently rolling terrain along dedicated bike paths, dirt roads, and side streets; you’ll only need to expect heavier traffic when entering and exiting cities. Knowing that you’ve covered between 35 and 55 km each day makes it even easier to enjoy the “dolce vita” in the evening.

This trip is perfect for:

  • One-time packers: With the star cycle tour offer, you only need to pack and unpack your suitcase once, as you spend the entire trip in the same accommodation.
  • Romantics: The small towns and villages along the cycle route invite you to daydream.
  • Indecisive travellers: On this tour, you don't have to choose between water and mountains.

Highlights

Lake Garda
The Lake Garda Region is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive natural regions in Europe. For Goethe, the sight of the lake alone was worth the detour. The mild climate, the lush Mediterranean vegetation, and picturesque villages set against a mountain landscape that soars imposingly into the sky—which then gives way to a gentle hilly landscape covered with vineyards and olive groves—all of this remains to this day the very epitome of romantic Italy, the “land where the lemons bloom.”

Desenzano
With its approximately 20,000 inhabitants, Desenzano is the largest city on the lake and far less dominated by tourism than the neighboring cities. Around the harbor and in the old town, beautifully restored merchant houses bear witness to Desenzano’s long tradition as one of northern Italy’s most important commercial centers.

 

Verona
Verona captivates visitors with its magnificent squares, winding alleys, and impressive structures from Roman times and the Middle Ages. Highlights include the imposing Arena di Verona, the lively Piazza delle Erbe, and, of course, Juliet’s famous house. With its Italian charm and numerous cafés, this UNESCO World Heritage city is an atmospheric highlight of any cycling trip.

Arena di Verona
The Arena di Verona is a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Originally it had a size of 152 x 123 m, now only 138 x 109 m at a height of exactly 24.1 meters, but it is still the third-largest of the ancient amphitheaters after the Coliseum in Rome and the Arena of Capua.

Solferino
Solferino is a small town ten kilometers south of Lake Garda in the Italian province of Mantua. Solferino is best known for the famous battle of 1859, the events of which later inspired Henry Dunant to found the Red Cross. Today, monuments and museums commemorate its eventful past, while the striking Rocca di Solferino tower offers a magnificent panoramic view across the rolling hills to Lake Garda.

Lake Garda: Desenzano radial tour
easy to moderate
Bike tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
individual tour
from
1,099.00 €
Book now
Book

Your hotel:
Hotel Lido International

This beautiful 4-star hotel is located directly on the southern shore of Lake Garda in a peaceful setting on the outskirts of the historic harbour town of Desenzano. You will find unusual elegance and spacious rooms with terrace or balcony and direct lake view. The 34 spacious rooms are bright and elegantly furnished and have satellite TV, direct dial telephone, minibar, safe and individually controlled air conditioning. The bathrooms all have a shower, hairdryer and beauty set. In the morning, you can fortify yourself with a rich sweet and savoury breakfast buffet

with seasonal fruit and homemade pastries. In fine weather, breakfast is served on the terrace. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped terraces with panoramic views over Lake Garda, a sunbathing lawn and a private pebble beach. You can enjoy swimming in Lake Garda or in the marvellous hotel pool. The recently completely renovated hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the town centre.

Tour

Individual arrival to the hotel in Desenzano. After arrival you will have a personal tour information. During the information you will also get the bikes (if booked). We recommend taking a stroll through the old town.

A transfer to Trento awaits you today. Look forward to the many sights of the city, marvel at Buonconsiglio Castle, the former seat of the prince-bishops and the Renaissance-style church of St. Maria Maggiore, built in 1520, where the meetings of the Council used to take place. Don't miss a stroll through the old town and a café on Cathedral Square with its impressive cathedral and photogenic Neptune Fountain. You start your first cycle tour in the heart of the city surrounded by majestic mountains. You cycle leisurely along a wonderful cycle path via Rovereto to Mori. Here, the separate cycle path slowly but surely winds its way up the small pass to Lake Garda. But your reward is coming. Enjoy a fantastic view of the lake. After this rewarding photo break, you whizz down to Torbole and on to Riva on the northern shore of the lake. Look forward to a boat trip across Lake Garda to Desenzano.

Today, after a short train journey, you will discover Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Marvel at the impressive Renaissance palaces, the many cosy squares and alleyways and, above all, the famous Roman amphitheatre, where gladiator fights were held in Roman times. This magnificent building in the centre of the city still consists of 2 floors, each with 72 arches. With these many impressions in your luggage, you cycle over gentle hills, past cypresses and vineyards back to the southern shore of Lake Garda.

Today you cycle along the southern shore of Lake Garda along the small River Mincio, which flows into Lake Garda. You then follow the canal and the course of the river to the beautiful city of Mantua. Let yourself be mesmerised by this thousand-year-old city. Worth seeing are Castello San Giorgio and Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Sordello with Rigoletto's house, the cathedral, Piazza Broletto with the old town hall, Piazza Erbe with the Palace of Justice, the clock tower, the Rotunda of San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Santa Andrea. After so much culture, take the train back to Desenzano.

Today's cycle tour takes you along lonely paths, through endless vineyards, peach trees and vast kiwi plantations to Solferino. The place where Garibaldi united Italy in the famous Battle of Solferino. Even today, farmers in the village of 2,700 inhabitants still find pieces of bone in the surrounding fields as evidence of the battle of 1859. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the village every year, and the sign at the entrance to the village emphasises its importance as the birthplace of the idea of the Red Cross. There is a small museum in the town, which is mainly dedicated to the history of the Risorgimento (unification of Italy). Here you can discover the weapons, uniforms, flags and equipment of the armies involved and gain an impression of the scale of the conflict through the contemporary depictions of the clashes in paintings and sculptures. On a hill at the end of an avenue of cypress trees, you will also find the Red Cross monument, inaugurated in 1959. After this excursion into Italian history, cycle back to the present and enjoy a leisurely ride back to Lake Garda through the area where the sparkling wines of Lugana are grown.

Unforgettable views of Lake Garda await you today. You then cycle along the Naviglio Grande Bresciano canal to Brescia, a city of Roman origin that is well worth seeing. Discover the cathedral square with the old and new cathedral and the Piazza della Loggia from 1433, one of the most beautiful squares in the city. It is dominated by the magnificent Renaissance building of the Loggia. Marvel at the astronomical clock dating back to the 16th century, whose clock mechanism is still in full operation. After an extensive visit around Brescia, take the train back to Desenzano.

After breakfast your nice cycle holiday ends. Of course you can also stay some extra days on Lake Garda.

Tour

Individual arrival to the hotel in Desenzano. After arrival you will have a personal tour information. During the information you will also get the bikes (if booked). We recommend taking a stroll through the old town.

Starting in Desenzano, your bike tour takes you through a varied landscape of vineyards, orchards, and small villages toward Moniga and Manerba. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lake Garda and the surrounding hills time and again. Finally, you’ll reach Salò, a charming port town with a lovely lakeside promenade and numerous cafés that invite you to take a relaxing break. Afterward, you’ll cycle back to Desenzano along quiet, scenic paths through the region’s rolling hills, taking in the special atmosphere of Lake Garda once more.

Starting in Desenzano, today’s bike tour takes you through the gently rolling countryside south of Lake Garda toward Verona. Passing vineyards, cypress trees, and small Italian villages, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the charming cultural landscape of Veneto along the way. You’ll reach Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Take some time to stroll through the historic old town with its elegant Renaissance palaces, lively squares, and winding alleys. Among the special highlights are the imposing Roman Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and, of course, Juliet’s famous house. In between, savor the Italian atmosphere with an espresso or gelato before taking the train back to Desenzano in the afternoon.

Today's cycle tour takes you along lonely paths, through endless vineyards, peach trees and vast kiwi plantations to Solferino. The place where Garibaldi united Italy in the famous Battle of Solferino. Even today, farmers in the village of 2,700 inhabitants still find pieces of bone in the surrounding fields as evidence of the battle of 1859. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the village every year, and the sign at the entrance to the village emphasises its importance as the birthplace of the idea of the Red Cross. There is a small museum in the town, which is mainly dedicated to the history of the Risorgimento (unification of Italy). Here you can discover the weapons, uniforms, flags and equipment of the armies involved and gain an impression of the scale of the conflict through the contemporary depictions of the clashes in paintings and sculptures. On a hill at the end of an avenue of cypress trees, you will also find the Red Cross monument, inaugurated in 1959. After this excursion into Italian history, cycle back to the present and enjoy a leisurely ride back to Lake Garda through the area where the sparkling wines of Lugana are grown.

Today’s stage takes you along gently rolling hills to the Mincio River. Following the river, you’ll reach the impressive fortress of Peschiera and, from there, the shores of Lake Garda once again. You’ll then leave the lake once more and cycle through the charming countryside, past apple orchards and the vineyards of Bardolino. Later, you’ll return to the shore and follow the path under shady pine trees all the way to the charming town of Garda. To round off the day, you’ll enjoy a relaxing boat ride across Lake Garda back to Desenzano.

First, follow the shore of Lake Garda and enjoy sweeping views of the sparkling water and the surrounding landscape. The route then takes you toward Calvagese della Riviera, into the gently rolling hinterland. Olive groves, cypress trees, and moraine hills dominate the landscape here, as do the famous Chiaretto and Groppello wine-growing regions, which give the area its distinctive character. Another charming section runs along the Naviglio Grande Bresciano, a historic canal that takes you through a peaceful cultural landscape. Afterward, the route winds gently up and down as it heads back toward Lake Garda, where you’ll conclude the stage with beautiful views and Mediterranean flair.

After breakfast your nice cycle holiday ends. Of course you can also stay some extra days on Lake Garda.

Map

Cycling map of Lake Garda region showing numbered routes from Desenzano to towns like Sirmione, Verona, Mantua, and Solferino in Italy.

Prices / Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services / Info

  • 6 nights with breakfast in 4-star Hotel Lido International
  • Room with shower/bath/WC
  • Personal tour breefing
  • 1 transfer Desenzano - Trento including bike
  • Train rides Brescia - Desenzano, Mantua - Desenzano and Desenzano - Verona including bike
  • 1 boat trip on Lake Garda incl. bike
  • 1 pistachio ice cream or 1 fresh fruite juice on your way to Lake Garda
  • Digital route guidance via smartphone app
  • Tips for tour preparation
  • Touristic information
  • 7-day hotline service
Worth knowing about your bike trip

Below please find more information about your bike trip. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.

Arrival by train
Desenzano is easily accessible by train. The train station is about 1,5 km (20 min. walk) from the hotel Lido International. We recommend to take a taxi from the station to get to the hotel Lido International. Current schedule information and price information can be found at:

Train schedule information Deutsche Bahn

Train schedule information Trenitalia

Arrival by plane
There are four airports near the Lake Garda. Verona, Venice, Treviso and Bergamo can be reached cheaply from many German and European airports. Please use a shuttle bus or a taxi to the train station and go by train to Dezenzano.

Lufthansa

Alitalia

Arrival by car
In Austria there are tolls (Brenner) and motorway fees. A vignette is compulsory on the motorways in Austria. You can buy vignettes at petrol stations just before or at the border. In addition, there are tolls for the Brenner motorway on the Italian side from the Brenner Pass to Desenzano del Garda.

Parking facilities at the hotel
There is a car park at the hotel (costs approx. €17.00 per day), reservation required directly at the hotel. It is not possible to pre-book a parking space here.

Condition of the bike paths
The route is mainly flat, but there are also some hilly sections to master on almost every day (especially on the 5th day). You ride on cycle paths, side roads and sometimes on dirt roads. When entering and leaving the bigger cities, you have to expect more traffic at times.

Available rental bikes
You can choose between 21-speed gear shift and freewheel or electric bikes. You simply specify your wishes at time of booking.

Bikes can be hired for additional nights at an extra charge. This charge is €15.00 (tourer bike) or €50.00 (electric bike) per extra night. Please specify this requirement when booking.

Special dates
Special dates are bookable on request. 

Cycling in italy
In Italy, warning vests are mandatory outside closed areas at night and at dusk.

Costs which are not included in the travel price
Any tourist tax and charging fees for bicycle batteries are not included in the tour price and must therefore be paid at the hotel.

7 days hotline service
In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.

Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

For this trip, we recommend using digital travel documents in the interest of sustainability. However, if you prefer, you can choose printed travel documents with a cycling map during the booking process.
Please note that price differences may apply depending on your selection.

Services / Info

  • 6 nights with breakfast in 4-star Hotel Lido International
  • Room with shower/bath/WC
  • Personal tour breefing
  • Train ride Verona - Desenzano incl. bike
  • 1 boat trip on Lake Garda incl. bike
  • Digital travel documents, including a navigation app, GPS data and a route guide
  • 7-day hotline service
Worth knowing about the Lake Garda radial tour

Below please find more information about your bike trip. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.

Arrival by train
Desenzano is easily accessible by train. The train station is about 1,5 km (20 min. walk) from the hotel Lido International. We recommend to take a taxi from the station to get to the hotel Lido International. Current schedule information and price information can be found at:

Train schedule information Deutsche Bahn

Train schedule information Trenitalia

Arrival by plane
There are four airports near the Lake Garda. Verona, Venice, Treviso and Bergamo can be reached cheaply from many German and European airports. Please use a shuttle bus or a taxi to the train station and go by train to Dezenzano.

Arrival by car
In Austria there are tolls (Brenner) and motorway fees. A vignette is compulsory on the motorways in Austria. You can buy vignettes at petrol stations just before or at the border. In addition, there are tolls for the Brenner motorway on the Italian side from the Brenner Pass to Desenzano del Garda.

Parking facilities at the hotel
Parking is available at the hotel (cost: approx. €17.00 per day); reservations must be made directly with the hotel. Advance reservations through Velociped are not possible. Alternatively, you can park in public parking garages and public parking lots; the cost is approx. €15.00 per day.

Condition of the bike paths
The route is mainly flat, but there are also some hilly sections to master on almost every day. You ride on cycle paths, side roads and sometimes on dirt roads. When entering and leaving the bigger cities, you have to expect more traffic at times.

Available rental bikes
You can choose between 21-speed gear shift and freewheel or electric bikes. You simply specify your wishes at time of booking.

Bikes can be hired for additional nights at an extra charge. This charge is €15.00 (tourer bike) or €50.00 (electric bike) per extra night. Please specify this requirement when booking.

Cycling in italy
In Italy, warning vests are mandatory outside closed areas at night and at dusk.

Extra costs that are not included in the travel price
A possible tourist tax, which is not listed among the included services, and charging fees for bicycle batteries are also not included in the tour price and must therefore be paid at the hotel on site.

7 days hotline service
In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.

Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

For this trip, we recommend using digital travel documents in the interest of sustainability. However, if you prefer, you can choose printed travel documents with a cycling map during the booking process.
Please note that price differences may apply depending on your selection.

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