Lake Garda & the Adige River
Italy Bike Tours
Bolzano, Verona, Lake Garda & the stunning Dolomites
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5–8 days
- Prices from€685 Rates
Overview
With stunning mountain scenery of the Dolomites, green landscapes, and gently flowing rivers, this beautiful bike tour in Italy offers this and more.
From the Austrian border through the Italian South Tyrol, you will bike on paved cycle paths or quiet country roads, past ancient fortresses, and through peaceful villages, soaking in the art, architecture, and history along the way.
Lake Garda, with its exquisite crystal clear water, can only be described as breathtakingly beautiful! The mountains seemed to loom right out of the water. The 100 km of shoreline is dotted with delightful lakefront towns with medieval centers and picturesque waterfront promenades.
Highlights
- Bolzano and Verona
- Dolomite Mountain scenery
- Breathtaking Lake Garda
- Adige River cycling
- Villages of Montemaria, Clusio, and Glorenza
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Itinerary
Two 8-day options - one that finishes in Verona and one that finishes in Lake Garda - are available for this tour.
A 5-day family-friendly option is also available for this tour. You decide!Due to weather conditions, provisions issued by local authorities, or organizational difficulties, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your tour. Temporary deviations/detours due to roadwork or closures due to weather events may not be reflected on your route descriptions. Please follow the instructions posted locally or contact the support hotline.
Variation 1: Bolzano to Verona
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Silandro - Merano, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Day 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Day 6: Trento - Desenzano/Peschiera, + boat ride, 32 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Desenzano/Peschiera - Verona, 22/37 mi. (35/60 km)
Day 8: Departure from VeronaDay 1: Arrival in Bolzano
If you arrive early in the morning you can take a stroll around the old market town of Bolzano. Bolzano has a famous commercial and tourist center and also has a historical and cultural connection between the Italian and the German world, not to mention the incredible backdrop of the Dolomites Mountains.Sample hotel: Hotel Post Gries
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Enjoying the Italian countryside along the way, you will be transferred by vehicle to Resia, 1500 meters in elevation. The transfer takes around 2.5 hours. The majestic bike path that follows will take you past the gorgeous Resia Lake. Passing through small, unique villages including Montemaria, Clusio, and Glorenza, you end today's biking in Silandro.Vertical up: 120 m
Sample hotel: Pension SchweitzerDay 3: Silandro - Merano, 22 mi. (35 km)
You cycle the gently rolling countryside along the Adige River, passing through orchards and landmarks like the imposing Dornsberg Castle. The day's destination is Merano, the second-largest city in South Tyrol, which lies in the center of a valley with the majestic Dolomites as its skyline. Take a walk in the city center and don't miss its famous thermal baths.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel AnatolDay 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Following tranquil country roads and bike paths, you pedal as far as the Adige River and the Isarco confluence. You will pass through the biggest apple plantation in Europe and have the opportunity to visit the apple museum in Lana. The route leads to Bolzano, at an altitude of 262 m. Take your time for a walk around this friendly and beautiful bilingual city, the capital of South Tyrol.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel ChrysDay 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Your route continues through apple orchards, vineyards, and through the villages of Ora, Egna, and Salorno. Salorno is best known for the ruins of the medieval castle, Castello dei Litigi, situated on a limestone rock high above the Adige Valley, You end the day in Trento. This town itself is not well known by tourists but numerous ancient Roman remains, museums and palazzi are waiting to be discovered.Vertical up: 250/30 m
Sample hotel: Hotel BuonconsiglioDay 6: Trento - Peschiera del Garda, 32 mi. (50 km) + ferry ride
Continuing along the Adige, you cycle on a gently rising slope west in the direction of Lake Garda. Upon arrival in Riva, you absolutely shouldn't miss the sight of the lake from above! The view from below will be showcased on a boat cruise to Peschiera del Garda across the lake. The ferry ride is about 4-5 hours. The scenery is stunning.Vertical up: 140 m
Sample hotel: Hotel Clarin 14Day 7: Desenzano/Peschiera - Verona, 22/37 mi. (35/60 km)
The cycling ends today on a beautiful note, one of the most important and beautiful cities of Italy.Vertical up: 150/260 m
Sample hotel: Hotel LeopardiDay 8: Departure from Verona
Your bike holiday in Italy ends after breakfast, individual departure.Variation 2: Bolzano to Bolzano (Family)
The family tour follows the same route as variation 1 above from Day 1-5.
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Silandro - Merano, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: BolzanoVariation 3: Bolzano to Lake Garda
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Resiapass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Silandro - Merano, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Day 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Day 6: Trento – Lake Garda, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Lake Garda Free Day
Day 8: Departure from Lake GardaDay 1: Arrival in Bolzano
If you arrive early in the morning you can take a stroll around the old market town of Bolzano. Bolzano has a famous commercial and tourist center and also has a historical and cultural connection between the Italian and the German world, not to mention the incredible backdrop of the Dolomites Mountains.Sample hotel: Hotel Post Gries
Day 2: Resia Pass - Silandro, 31 mi. (50 km)
Enjoying the Italian countryside along the way, you will be transferred by vehicle to Resia, 1500 meters in elevation. The transfer takes about 2.5 hours. The majestic bike path that follows will take you past the gorgeous lake. Passing through small, unique villages including Montemaria, Clusio, and Glorenza, you end today's biking in Silandro.Vertical up: 120 m
Sample hotel: Pension SchweitzerDay 3: Silandro - Merano, 22 mi. (35 km)
You cycle the gently rolling countryside along the Adige River, passing through orchards and landmarks like the imposing Dornsberg Castle. The day's destination is Merano, the second-largest city in South Tyrol, which lies in the center of a valley with the stunning, endless Dolomites mountains in the background. Take a walk in the city center and don't miss its famous thermal baths.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel AnatolDay 4: Merano - Bolzano/surroundings, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Following tranquil country roads and bike paths, you pedal as far as the Adige River and the Isarco confluence. You will pass through the biggest apple plantation in Europe and have the opportunity to visit the apple museum in Lana. The route leads to Bolzano, at an altitude of 262 m. Take your time for a walk around this friendly and beautiful bilingual city, the capital of South Tyrol.Vertical up: 60 m
Sample hotel: Hotel Post GriesDay 5: Bolzano/surroundings - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Your route continues through apple orchards, vineyards, and through the villages of Ora, Egna, and Salorno. Salorno is best known for the ruins of the medieval castle, Castello dei Litigi, situated on a limestone rock high above the Adige Valley, You end the day in Trento. This town itself is not well known by tourists but numerous ancient Roman remains, museums, and palazzi are waiting to be discovered.Vertical up 30/250 m
Sample hotel: Grand Hotel TrentoDay 6: Trento – Lake Garda, 31 mi. (50 km)
The river Adige will take you to Rovereto, famous for its museum of modern and contemporary art. After a short ascent to Passo di San Giovanni, you will enjoy a superb view over Lake Garda, before starting your (well-deserved) descent to the lakeshore.Vertical up: 140 m
Sample hotel: Hotel Everest ArcoDay 7: Free day in Lake Garda
Free day at Lake Garda, a unique location where mountain traditions meet the Mediterranean warmth. The perfect spot to end your cycling trip: you can unwind swimming in the lake or strolling along the lakeside promenades of the small towns at the northern tip of the lake, such as Limone or Malcesine. Don’t miss a visit to Riva del Garda, an enchanting town that climbs the rugged cliffs, and reach the fortress of ‘Il Bastione’ with a panoramic lift.Sample hotel: Hotel Everest Arco
Day 8: Departure from Lake Garda
Your tour officially ends after breakfast at regular hotel check-out time.View all our featured bike trips, specials, and news along with 100s of other bike tours in Europe.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Very nice, comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels and a guesthouse in Silandro for the 8-day tours. And 3-star hotels for the 5-day family tour.
All rooms have en suite facilities. Most hotels have air conditioning while some smaller hotels and hotels located in mountain areas of northern Italy can be without air conditioning.
Bicycles
![Unisex or men’s 24-speed touring bike]()
Unisex touring bike
A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position.
- Aluminum frame
- Upright handlebar
- Comfort Selle Royale Saddle: Comfort Selle Royale
- Water bottle cage
- 27-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Flat pedal
- Mechanical V brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe anti-puncture tire
![Men's 7-speed touring bike]()
Men’s touring bike
An aluminum male frame, ideal for a relaxed riding position
- Aluminum sport frame
- Upright handlebar
- Touring gel saddle
- Water bottle cage
- 7-speed (Shimano Nexus)
- Flat pedal
- Backpedal brake
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe anti-puncture tire
![Unisex electric bike]()
Unisex electric bike
A low entry unisex frame
- Upright handlebar
- 9-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
- Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
- Ergonomic grip
- Selle Royal saddle
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
![Front bike map holder]()
![Helmet]()
![Front bike map holder]()
![Front bike map holder]()
![Repair kit]()
![Child bike]()
![Croozer trailer]()
![Child seat]()
![Adult tandem]()
Accessories
Included accessories
- Mudguards
- Trip computer
- Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
- Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
- Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches and mastic sealant)
Supplemental accessories
Please see pricing.
- Helmet
- Brand: Limar
- Size: one size (55 - 61)
- Adjustable size system and cool pads
- Weight: 260 g
- 10 vents with bug net
- Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
- Child bike
- Frames that fit children
- 20/24" wheels
- FollowMe Tandem
- Latch system locking child's bike onto tail of the adult bike
- Ages 4-7
- Child trailer
- Croozer with one seat
- Ages 1-4
- Maximum weight: 35 kg
- Child seat
- Ages 1 to 5
- Maximum weight: 22 kg
- Adult tandem bike
- Front saddle can seat a child 4-15 years old
- Upright handlebars
- Selle Royal saddle
- Water bottle cage
- 11-speed (Shimano Alfine)
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Mudguards
- 26-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
- Family tandem bike (1 adult + 1 child 6-8 yrs)
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 5 or 7 nights
- Breakfast buffets
- Luggage transfer (limited to 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg & please note that you cannot change the number of pieces of luggage during the tour!)
- 27-speed city touring bike with accessories
- Bike Protection
- Transfer from Bolzano to Resia Pass
- 4-hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda (Variation 1)
- App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Beverages
- Bike helmet
- Local taxes approx. €15 (8-day) and €8 (5-day)
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2024
Sunday departures
April 28 to September 29, 2024
Wednesday departures
June 26 to August 28, 2024
* Special departure dates for at least 6 people.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Season 1: April 28 to May 11 and September 29, 2024
Season 2: May 12 to May 25 and September 8 to September 28, 2024
Season 3: May 26 to September 7, 20248-day tours
Season 1: $ 1767 £ 932 $ 1,607 € 1065 kr 163286 ₪ 4363 ¥ 183459 Mex$ 19692 NZ$ 1928 NOK 12630 zł 4628 S$ 1589 kr 12646 $ 1,181 Season 2: $ 1982 £ 1045 $ 1,804 € 1195 kr 183218 ₪ 4895 ¥ 205853 Mex$ 22096 NZ$ 2163 NOK 14171 zł 5193 S$ 1783 kr 14189 $ 1,325 Season 3: $ 2065 £ 1089 $ 1,879 € 1245 kr 190884 ₪ 5100 ¥ 214466 Mex$ 23020 NZ$ 2254 NOK 14764 zł 5410 S$ 1857 kr 14783 $ 1,380
Single supplement: $ 664 £ 350 $ 604 € 400 kr 61328 ₪ 1639 ¥ 68905 Mex$ 7396 NZ$ 724 NOK 4743 zł 1738 S$ 597 kr 4750 $ 443
5-day tour
Season 1: $ 1136 £ 599 $ 1,034 € 685 kr 105025 ₪ 2806 ¥ 117999 Mex$ 12666 NZ$ 1240 NOK 8123 zł 2976 S$ 1022 kr 8134 $ 759 Season 2: $ 1269 £ 669 $ 1,155 € 765 kr 117290 ₪ 3134 ¥ 131780 Mex$ 14145 NZ$ 1385 NOK 9072 zł 3324 S$ 1141 kr 9084 $ 848 Season 3: $ 1335 £ 704 $ 1,215 € 805 kr 123423 ₪ 3298 ¥ 138671 Mex$ 14885 NZ$ 1457 NOK 9546 zł 3498 S$ 1201 kr 9558 $ 892
Children Seasonal Supplement Discounts
Season 2 Season 3
7-10 years $ 66 £ 35 $ 60 € 40 kr 6133 ₪ 164 ¥ 6890 Mex$ 740 NZ$ 72 NOK 474 zł 174 S$ 60 kr 475 $ 44 $ 100 £ 52 $ 91 € 60 kr 9199 ₪ 246 ¥ 10336 Mex$ 1109 NZ$ 109 NOK 712 zł 261 S$ 90 kr 712 $ 67 3-6 years $ 100 £ 52 $ 91 € 60 kr 9199 ₪ 246 ¥ 10336 Mex$ 1109 NZ$ 109 NOK 712 zł 261 S$ 90 kr 712 $ 67 $ 149 £ 79 $ 136 € 90 kr 13799 ₪ 369 ¥ 15504 Mex$ 1664 NZ$ 163 NOK 1067 zł 391 S$ 134 kr 1069 $ 100 Discount for Triple Room
For 3rd person sharing a triple room.
Triple rooms are usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or sofa bed.8-day 5-day Above 11 years $ 332 £ 175 $ 302 € 200 kr 30664 ₪ 819 ¥ 34452 Mex$ 3698 NZ$ 362 NOK 2372 zł 869 S$ 298 kr 2375 $ 222 $ 232 £ 122 $ 211 € 140 kr 21465 ₪ 573 ¥ 24117 Mex$ 2589 NZ$ 253 NOK 1660 zł 608 S$ 209 kr 1662 $ 155 7-10 years N/A $ 332 £ 175 $ 302 € 200 kr 30664 ₪ 819 ¥ 34452 Mex$ 3698 NZ$ 362 NOK 2372 zł 869 S$ 298 kr 2375 $ 222 3-6 years N/A $ 514 £ 271 $ 468 € 310 kr 47529 ₪ 1270 ¥ 53401 Mex$ 5732 NZ$ 561 NOK 3676 zł 1347 S$ 462 kr 3681 $ 344 0-2 years (baby cot separate, to be paid on site): Free of charge
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental (8-day): $ 265 £ 140 $ 241 € 160 kr 24531 ₪ 655 ¥ 27562 Mex$ 2958 NZ$ 290 NOK 1897 zł 695 S$ 239 kr 1900 $ 177
Electric bicycle rental (5-day): $ 166 £ 87 $ 151 € 100 kr 15332 ₪ 410 ¥ 17226 Mex$ 1849 NZ$ 181 NOK 1186 zł 435 S$ 149 kr 1187 $ 111
Family and adult tandems (5-day): Included
Child bike (20 and 24" wheels): Included
Child bike (20" wheels with FollowMe Tandem - Max. 30 kg): Included
Child trailer (max. 35 kg): $ 33 £ 17 $ 30 € 20 kr 3066 ₪ 82 ¥ 3445 Mex$ 370 NZ$ 36 NOK 237 zł 87 S$ 30 kr 237 $ 22
Helmet rental (please reserve at time of booking): $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 kr 2300 ₪ 61 ¥ 2584 Mex$ 277 NZ$ 27 NOK 178 zł 65 S$ 22 kr 178 $ 17
Child seat (max 22 kg): Free of charge
Extra nights
Bolzano Verona Lake Garda Twin/double On request $ 149 £ 79 $ 136 € 90 kr 13799 ₪ 369 ¥ 15504 Mex$ 1664 NZ$ 163 NOK 1067 zł 391 S$ 134 kr 1069 $ 100 On request Single On request $ 227 £ 120 $ 207 € 137 kr 21005 ₪ 561 ¥ 23600 Mex$ 2533 NZ$ 248 NOK 1625 zł 595 S$ 204 kr 1627 $ 152 On request Triple room is usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or a sofa bed.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This bike trip in Italy is considered easy to moderate. It is not very demanding since it takes place on mainly flat roads. However, the total vertical distance for the 8-day tours is 560/890m (to Verona) and 410/630m (to Lake Garda). The South Tyrol region offers an excellent bike-friendly system. You can ride almost exclusively on well-maintained, asphalted bike paths, part of which run along the Adige River banks. Towards Lake Garda, there is a more challenging climb to face. Almost every cycling day offers the possibility to shorten the route by taking the train.
Airport Info
Fly to Munich International Airport (MUC) and then with Air Dolomiti to Bolzano, or fly to Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, or Milan and take the train to Bolzano.
Local Travel
Train to Bolzano from Munich airport (4½ hr); from Innsbruck (2 hrs); from Verona airport (1½ hrs); or from Milan (3½ hrs). The hotel is just a short distance away from Bolzano train station.
Climate
In Italy, there are different types of climate. In Bolzano, the climate is semi-continental, and around Lake Garda, a sub-Mediterranean climate. One thing that each area has in common is hot summers. Rain can be expected throughout the year, so it is advised you pack rain gear. Please check local conditions before your arrival. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Recommended
Extra night in Verona/Lake Garda after the tour.
Remarks
Electric bicycle available for this tour.
It may also be possible to combine this tour with the bike & boat tour Mantova to Venice.Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
Extra Stay
Extra nights available in Bolzano, Verona, Mantova and Lake Garda.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
![Biking Lake Garda, Italy. Photo via Flickr:amira_a]()
![Frescos in Mantova, Lombardy, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Pedro]()
![Windsurfers on Lake Garda, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Andrea Santoni]()
![Castle Maretsch among vineyards in Bolzano, Italy. Photo from Wikimedia Commons:Alex1011]()
![Facades in Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Dan Kamminga]()
![Ponte Pietra in Verona, Italy. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Fabio Becchelli]()
![Near Riva del Garda in region Trentino Alto Adige, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Waldemar Merger]()
![<i>Portoni della Bra</i> in Verona, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Didier Descouens]()
![Most Italian Chardonnay comes from Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:myhobosoul]()
![Bike rest in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Aleksandr Zykov]()
![Palazzo Geremia from the 15th century in Trento, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Eric Huybrechts]()
![Mountains and valleys in Silandro (Schlanders in German), South Tyrol, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Arnold Unterholzner]()
![Peschiera del Garda in Verona, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Dan Kamminga]()
![Chair lift over Merano, South Tyrol, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Leo-seta]()
![Riva del Garda on the Lake in Trentino Alto Adige, Italy. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:High Contrast]()
![Lakeside resort of Riva del Garda, Italy. Photo via Flickr:Alex]()
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