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Home > Across Lake Garda to Venice
More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description
More infos BOOK NOW !This tour links Bolzano (Bolzen), in the German-speaking area of Italy’s South Tyrol, with Venice, the romantic floating city of the Adriatic Sea. In between, you’ll see and experience amazing treasures, including but not limited to Lake Garda. From the extraordinary natural landscape around Italy’s largest lake to the man-made wonders of the Roman theatre in Verona, to Palladio’s architectural masterpieces in Vicenza, exceptional sites and sights abound!
No fewer than three of the cities on your itinerary have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Vicenza, Verona, and Venice and its lagoon.
For travel and cycling tips to the Veneto, visit our "travel and cycling tips" section.
Arrive in Bolzano, which is easily accessible from all major gateways. Located in the German part of Italy, Bolzano is a crossroads with a unique blend of cultures. Your hotel is a short walk from Bolzano’s train station on the line that links Verona to Munich. With its unmatchable network of bicycle lanes and paths, Bolzano is the ultimate bike-friendly mountain town of many cyclists’ dreams!
Following the Adige River, you’ll ride mainly on traffic-free bicycle paths through vineyards and orchards past several noteworthy places, including the fascinating Reinhold Messner Mountain Museum housed in a hilltop Firmian fortress, and Egna’s arcades. You decide what to visit, how long to linger, or what to skip — as a self-guided rider, this is your choice! Trento, with its impressive Duomo, is your final destination.
The Adige River will show you the way out of town and up to Mori, where our itinerary then takes you west. Up and down you’ll roll through the stunningly beautiful countryside to the resorts of Torbole and Riva del Garda, two extraordinarily picture-perfect waterfront towns. An early arrival will allow you to enjoy lunch al fresco by the lake in Riva del Garda — afterward, you’ll board the ferry for a visually spectacular 3½-hour ride to Peschiera at the extreme southern tip of the lake. Your hotel is located mere steps from the lake, allowing you to savor the scenery and witness the awe-inspiring morning light reflecting off the lake.
Note: If your hotel is in Desenzano, you will ride from Peschiera to Desenzano which adds approx.
25km/16 miles.
Heading east out of Peschiera, you’ll ride along peaceful country roads to the Romanesque town of Verona. After checking in, take time to enjoy Verona’s treasures, such as the hard-to-miss and well-preserved Roman arena made from rose-colored marble, the Romanesque Basilica di San Zeno, and of course the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) and the balcony Shakespeare made timeless!
Note: If your hotel is in Desenzano, you will first ride to Peschiera which adds approx. 25km/16 miles.
From Verona, you’ll ride through flat farmland before heading up Monte Berico in the Berici Hills (or you can opt for the easier option skipping Monte Berico). The steady climb takes you up through small, enchanting villages whose unobstructed views over Vicenza will cause you to stop in your tracks. On the way down, you’ll be gob-smacked by Vicenza’s imposing Basilica — one of Palladio’s foremost works — as it appears out of nowhere when you round the corner. Keep steady on and stay on your bike! Only a few pedal strokes away is Piazza Signeri, Vicenza’s main square.
Note: Today’s ride can be shortened if you take a train from Verona to San Bonifacio (approx. 35 km/21 miles).
Cycling out of Vicenza on a bicycle path and on a gravel road soon after, you’ll quickly reach Palladio’s most famous villa, the Villa Rotonda. Then you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you will have the opportunity to relax in a 4-star spa resort in the largest European thermal district.
Along the cycle path of the Battaglia Canal, you will reach the lively university town of Padua, where Galileo once taught mathematics. We recommend a visit to the grand Basilica del Santo dedicated to Saint Anthony. You will then follow a traffic-free route along the Brenta Canal and pass by some remarkable villas, including Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, and Villa Widmann.
As you get closer to Mestre, where your hotel is located, the traffic tends to get heavier; careful riding is recommended. Your hotel in Mestre is conveniently situated near transportation hubs offering regular service to Venice, allowing you to arrive in a matter of minutes. Get to Mestre early for more time to enjoy the world's dreamiest, most romantic city.
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Mestre at the time of your choice. Please contact us if you choose to do a post-tour stay in Venice.
It’s possible to arrange a transfer back to Bolzano (reservation required) and to book additional nights in Bolzano, Mestre, or Venice, if desired.
7 nights in 2- and 3-star properties
7 nights in 3- and 4-star properties