Our trip starts from Bolzano, the capital and largest city of South Tyrol, which is well serviced by train from all the major gateways of the area such as Verona and Innsbruck. Bolzano is a stone’s throw from the Austrian border, in fact! Once arrived, you will soon notice that your German phrasebook is a lot more useful than your Italian one — German is the prominent language in Bolzano and in the province of South Tyrol! We recommend an early arrival to explore Bolzano and its historic quarters. You can do so by bike or on foot, a real delight in this very pedestrian- and bike-friendly town.

Among other things, you can go visit the famous iceman "Ötzi" in the Museum of Archaeology, a very well-preserved mummy of a man who lived in the Alps 5,300 years ago.

Our detailed itinerary will take you along the peaceful Adige River through farmlands, vineyards, and orchards. On your way, you may choose to climb to the Firmian Castle where Reinhold Messner’s fascinating, thought-provoking, and spiritual Mountain Museum is located. Reinhold Messner — known to be the first person to climb Mount Everest solo without supplemental oxygen — has gathered there an amazing collection of mountain-related artifacts.

Your day’s destination is Trento and its Renaissance and Germanic architecture. Some of the main sights include the Cathedral of Saint Vigilius (Duomo), Palazzo Pretorio and Palazzo Geremia.

Today you will be biking towards Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda. On your way, you will cycle past Torbole, a city visited and written about by the famous German writer Goethe. As you ride down towards Riva del Garda where you will board the ferry, make sure you stop and take pictures of the stunning panoramic views. Once in beautiful Riva, you can enjoy lunch and gelato al fresco by the lakeshore.

Your 4-hour scenic cruise across Lake Garda will take you to Desenzano del Garda, a few pedal strokes from your hotel.

On this final leg, our detailed itinerary will take you on countryside roads to Verona, a Roman city filled with historical and architectural sights. The riding has been kept to a minimum to allow you to spend time in Verona. However, if you wish to skip the whole ride altogether to see and experience more of Verona, you can choose to take a train from Peschiera. Trains run regularly and the ride takes only 20 minutes! As a self-guided cyclist, you have the choice to follow your whim.

Once in Verona, don’t miss the Roman arena. Another remarkable Roman Theatre is the Teatro Romano, where the Shakespeare Festival is held every July and August. Outside these dates, Shakespeare enthusiasts will find solace by visiting Juliet’s House and balcony, Verona’s most visited site.

Note: If your hotel is in Peschiera, you will first ride to Desenzano which adds approx. 25km/16 miles.

After breakfast, depart at the time of your choice.