Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Headwater
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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.
This route is mostly on roads with low traffic density, partly following a cycle path. There are some stretches on roads with traffic, especially near towns such as Brescia, Bergamo and Como.
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.
You stay at Hotel Dori.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Hotel Igea.
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This lovely hotel is a great base to explore the historical city centre of Brescia. 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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Hotel Stazione.
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A family-run hotel since 1957, all 39 rooms are well furnished, some with a small balcony overlooking the beautiful lake. Guests can enjoy regional dishes in the rustic restaurant or from the lovely summer terrace.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Hotel Best Western Piemontese.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Hotel Best Western Nuovo.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Hotel Tre Re.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Hotel Belvedere.
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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'.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
After breakfast, leave Ranco and the beautiful Italian lakes.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$722.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$722.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Headwater
Navigation App
