Lake Garda to Venice Cycling Tour
Cycling through the picturesque Italian countryside with breathtaking views of Lake Garda
Visiting charming towns and cities such as Verona, Vicenza, and Padova with rich cultural and historical heritage
Riding along the Padua banks, admiring the stunning natural landscapes of the Po Valley
Experiencing the beauty and grandeur of Venice and its islands
Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and wine along the way
Itinerary
Your journey begins on the serene shores of Lake Garda. After settling into your delightful accommodation, take some time to explore the town’s many attractions, or simply relax by the sparkling waters of the lake.
Prepare for an exciting adventure ahead, as you embark on a cycling journey through the stunning landscapes of northern Italy.
Hotel in Garda
Today’s cycling route offers a gentle and relaxing start to your tour as you explore the beautiful Lake Garda and its surrounding countryside. You’ll pedal through expansive vineyards and gentle hills, passing quaint little villages nestled below the majestic Mt. Baldo range.
In the evening, Garda comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of options for a delicious meal at one of the many authentic Italian trattorias or local restaurants. With its stunning scenery and relaxing pace, this day of cycling is the perfect way to start your unforgettable journey through northern Italy.
46km, 380m elevation gain
Hotel in Garda
Your cycling adventure continues with a morning cruise across Lake Garda to the enchanting town of Sirmione. Admire the art treasures and history, including the famous Castle and the villa of the poet Catullus.
Next, you will pedal south along tranquil country lanes, passing through vineyards, peach orchards, and kiwi plantations, in the rolling hills of Le Colline Moreniche. Make a stop at San Martino di Battaglia, which houses a museum of armaments.
The final leg of your journey will take you along the Mincio cycle path, leading you to the fortified walls of Peschiera, your destination for the night.
40km, 200m elevation gain
Hotel in Peschiera del Garda
Today, your destination is the charming city of Romeo and Juliet, which boasts Renaissance palaces, the Roman arena, and various cozy corners. Your journey begins by cycling north along the east side of the lake, departing from Peschiera. As you head inland, you’ll encounter rolling hills adorned with kiwi, peach plantations, and olive groves. The final leg of your journey involves a ride along the Adige cycle path, leading you into Verona.
Once you arrive in Verona, take your time to explore this extraordinary Renaissance city, which was recently designated as a World Heritage Site. Verona has inspired painters, poets, travelers, and celebrities for centuries. The city is a masterpiece in itself, representing a captivating blend of historical periods and cultures, including classical and Germanic influences, as well as a fusion of Nordic and Mediterranean elements.
35km, 200m elevation gain
Hotel in Verona
Leaving Verona behind, you’ll embark on a relaxing ride along the banks of the Adige River. Most of your route will be on cycle paths, leading you through nature on dirt roads and canal embankments. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the orchards and vineyards that extend to the foot of the Euganean Hills.
Pedaling on flat routes, you’ll eventually reach the medieval town of Montagnana. This peaceful town is universally famous for its perfectly preserved medieval city walls, and you may have the opportunity to visit some of the ancient walls if time allows. After a day on the bikes, you can unwind in the main square during aperitivo hour, soaking in the local atmosphere and watching Italian life go by.
57km and mostly flat
Hotel in Montagnana
Your cycling route will take you to the charming city of Padova, passing through the picturesque town of Este and along the scenic banks of the River Frassine. The ride will be on peaceful country roads, allowing you to take in the natural beauty of the Veneto region. In Este, you’ll catch sight of the impressive castle tower and ancient ruins, which date back to the eleventh century and were once part of a network of five castles built to defend strategic river access points. The majority of this route follows the canals that surround the isolated hills, with the River Bacchiglione serving as your guide via a network of cycling paths.
In Padova, you’ll discover a city that has been shaped by over 2500 years of history, resulting in a complex and fascinating urban layout. Throughout the city, you’ll encounter world-renowned works of art, ranging from the remnants of the Roman era to magnificent Middle Age masterpieces.
64km and 200m elevation gain
Hotel in Padova
You will continue your journey toward the beautiful city of Venice, riding on a mix of country lanes and cycle paths, passing through stunning landscapes and majestic mansions, and following canals and natural reserves until arriving in Mestre, where you will spend the night.
Optionally, you can explore Venice and discover the city’s most beautiful and fascinating sights on foot, including one of the famous Venetian Palaces, or simply rest in your accommodation and relax after the long and picturesque journey.
35km and mostly flat
Hotel in Venice
After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and check out of your hotel. We hope you’ve enjoyed your cycling trip through the Veneto region and have made unforgettable memories!
On request, a transfer to Venice can be arranged so you can spend your last day in Italy exploring this gorgeous city and its many sights.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Italy
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Description
Embark on an unforgettable journey through northern Italy on this 8-day cycling tour from Lake Garda to Venice. The adventure begins in the charming town of Garda, situated on the serene shores of Lake Garda. Explore the town’s many attractions, including the historic Castello di Garda, and the picturesque San Vigilio hill, or simply relax by the sparkling waters of the lake.
The cycling route offers a gentle and relaxing start to your tour as you explore the beautiful Lake Garda and its surrounding countryside. Cycle through expansive vineyards and gentle hills, passing quaint little villages nestled below the majestic Mt. Baldo range. Continue to the enchanting town of Sirmione, and start your journey south along tranquil country lanes, passing through vineyards, peach orchards, and kiwi plantations, in the rolling hills of Le Colline Moreniche. Make a stop at San Martino di Battaglia, which houses a museum of armaments.
You will encounter a mix of country lanes and cycle paths, passing through stunning landscapes and past majestic mansions, and following canals and natural reserves. Once in Venice, explore the city’s most beautiful and fascinating sights on foot, including St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
On request, the daily route can be shortened or lengthened depending on fitness levels and expectations. With stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and a relaxing pace, this cycling tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty of northern Italy.
Map
Average weather forecast
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High (°F) | 43 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 43 |
Low (°F) | 30 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
Rain (in) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High (°C) | 6 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 6 |
Low (°C) | -1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
Rain (mm) | 59 | 49 | 65 | 75 | 95 | 67 | 66 | 89 | 93 | 122 | 76 | 61 |
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Things to know
Our priority is to find the ideal accommodation that suits your needs. We collaborate with several lodging providers that meet our criteria, but please note that availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons. Furthermore, we can tailor your holiday to align with your preferences and budget, and are committed to finding a more suitable alternative that matches your taste.
Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day.
Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels.
Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness.
Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.
Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Italy.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.
If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.
The availability of food options in Italy depends on the extent of your dietary restrictions. While it is relatively easy to find vegetarian dishes, locating vegan meals can be challenging, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the traditional lunch stops we make may have limited ability to accommodate special requests beyond their standard menu. We recommend considering this when planning your meals.
To ensure availability, we advise booking your tour as early as possible. Our tours typically pass through highly popular tourist destinations where lodging options are restricted. Many of these desirable locations become fully booked for the summer season well in advance, often filling up by spring.