The Italian lakes are well known for their beauty, elegance and luxury. What many don’t know, is that you can find some terrific easy cycling in Lake Garda. Along with most of the South Tyrol region, there is a huge network of well-maintained cycle paths to explore. These routes connect the best sites in the region, from the romantic Verona to the dramatic Dolomites.
The largest of the Italian Lakes, Garda is also one of the most beautiful. On its shores, you’ll find towns brimming with old-world charm, as well as luxurious villas and ancient ruins. Many a historical event has been played out by these waters; even a naval battle occurred here. With so much to do and see, the easy cycling in Lake Garda is a fabulous way to experience the region. Our South Tyrol, Lake Garda and Verona cycling tour takes you on a journey of discovery on these cycle paths. Read on to discover our guide on how to enjoy the easy life if you’re longing to visit the lustrous lake.
This incredibly scenic tour is one of great contrasts: dramatic mountain terrain and the shimmering flat waters of Lake Garda.
Val Venosta
Going by many names: the Vinschgau, Vintschgau and Val Venosta, this beautiful valley is the upper part of the Adige river in the west of South Tyrol. There are a plethora of exciting towns to visit here, as well as a wealth of history to discover. On day two of our South Tyrol, Lake Garda and Verona cycling tour, the easy route passes by the charming town of Lasa with an impressive marble quarry. Cycle past these huge blocks of alabaster-white stone and on towards the Churburg Castle, near Sluderno. The easy cycling around Lake Garda means that you can visit here as well as the fortified wall town of Glorenza on the same day. Lovers of architecture will delight at what the Val Venosta has to offer.
Caldaro Wine Region
Thanks to the easy cycling around Lake Garda and South Tyrol, you can visit the Caldaro wine region. Typically fresh and light wines, they are best enjoyed on a sunny day, sitting on a balcony overlooking the Alps. Thanks to the hills and mountains that surround the valleys of this region, the terroirs get plenty of sunlight. Both the red and white wines produced here are light, pairing perfectly with the Tyrolean cuisine. In the wine region, you can also cycle to the vibrant city of Bolzano, ripe for exploration. Some of our favourite places here include the Archaeological Museum and the street food stalls which sell rows and rows of delicious specialities. The easy cycling in Lake Garda means you can conquer all this in just one day, with our cycling tour visiting Caldaro on day 4.
Trento
Lake Garda has a long and fascinating history, with the region formerly in Austrian hands. This means there is a large number of German speakers in South Tyrol, with Trento being a capital of sorts for Austrian culture in the region. Thanks to the easy cycling in Lake Garda, the famous Adige bike path can take you here. One of our favourite things to do in the city is simply to stroll around and sightsee. The vibrant architecture shows off the marrying of cultures here, with Italian design meeting Austrian elegance. Sitting at the base of the mountains, the atmosphere is wonderful to experience, especially with a glass of local Caldaro wine. Our tour visits here on day five, where you can experience this atmosphere for yourself.
Riva del Garda
Cycling through the Sarca Valley, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Riva del Garda. Surrounded by flowering gardens and elegant villas, an air of timelessness can be felt here. Enjoy lakeside strolls with dramatic Alpine scenery before you dine al fresco in the fresh mountain air. Sitting on the Northern shore of the lake, the town is mostly south-facing, meaning the sunlight shines down on it all day, lighting up Riva del Garda. The easy cycling in Lake Garda means that travelling here through the Arco peaks is but a breeze on day 6 of our tour.
Verona
The most famous town in the region, Verona is synonymous with romance. Shakespeare himself thought so, writing his most famous work, Romeo and Juliet, set in this town. The easy cycling in Lake Garda takes you here, passing by the ancient Sirmione, a town well known for its sunken ruins and Roman villa. The second stop on the route is Peschiera di Garda, a luxurious resort town filled with canals and vibrant buildings lined with flowers before boarding a train to Verona, the real jewel of the journey where the tour ends. One of the most well-known sites here is the vast Roman amphitheatre which dominates the centre of the city. This is but a taste of the history to explore in Verona.
For more recommendations on easy cycling in Lake Garda, give the experts a call on 020 7471 7760.