Lombardia - Italy
Ride the unforgettable Lakes of Northern Italy. The essence of Italian style and culture.
Northern Lakes
Have you just started cycling? Or maybe consider yourself to be a beginner rider. Then join us for our perfect cycling holiday that combines beautiful riding with the essence of Italy. We know that that best cycling holidays are a combination of great coffee, even better ice cream and of course safe and enjoyable riding. With easy access from Milano Malpensa airport the holiday is to be enjoyed in the northern region of Lombardia. You can look forward to discovering on two wheels three beautiful lakes Garda, Como and Iseo. Each offering spectacular scenery and enjoyable riding. We have a number of hire bikes to choose from (if you don’t want to bring your own).
Daily rides will be led by your friendly guide and a support van will follow. Rides have been designed on either bike paths or quiet roads. Rides are both fun and flat with the majority of the route being at ‘lake level’. We have an interesting off-bike program that will allow you to experience the essence of Italy when not pedalling. So join us and discover what makes Italy the most beautiful country in Europe all in the company of your friendly local experts.
Package Highlights
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Take a boat trip to Monte Isola and ride around this
enchanting island.
Cycling paradise as it is carless - Be thrilled by Bellagio as you gaze out over Lake Como Stroll around the enchanting Città Alta di Bergamo
Enjoy an exquisite evening meal in our favourite mountain lodge overlooking Lake Iseo
Be inspired by Lake Garda as you enjoy an ice-cream in Sirmione
**Beginner & Family**
Day 1 – 40km
On arrival at the airport you will be met by one of our friendly staff and transferred (heading East) towards the southerly tip of Lake Garda. Desenzano is rightly considered to be one of the jewels in the crown of Lake Garda. Hotel Palace the perfect place to ride from, relax and unwind after long travel.
For those hiring bikes, we will be available to do a bike fit and make any adjustments that may be necessary. Fitting pedals, lights, saddles etc. is our job and not yours! In the late afternoon we will head off on our first ride along the western part of Lake Garda. Our destination is San Felice, a small fishing town which overlooks Sirmione. This beautiful ride is the perfect start to your trip.
Day 2 – 35km
After a peaceful night’s sleep and leisurely breakfast, we today head over to Bardolino on the coast road. Along the way we will pass Sirmione, a place we will visit in the evening for ice cream and a stroll around the ancient town.
The ride today, is largely flat and designed to take you through some of the most attractive parts of the easterly side of Lake Garda. Highlights include Peschiera and Cisano. We will be stopping on the way for a cappuccino and our staff will be only too happy to educate you on the ways of coffee drinking (Italian style!). We will ride along the Mincio river and back to the hotel through a beautiful rolling landscape.
Day 3 – 62km
This morning we take the short transfer from Desenzano to Lake Iseo, the home of Italy Bike Tours. A place so blessed in beauty and tranquility you will be sure to return. On arrival at Hotel Araba Fenice you will have time to unpack, maybe take a swim in the pool or even in the lake.
Our ride today is the longest of the week, but in many ways the easiest. With little traffic, flat roads, and Europe’s best cycle paths, this really is what great cycling holidays are all about. We will delight in showing you why Lake Iseo is regarded as the best kept secret in Italy. Lovere, a town synonymous with the Giro d’Italia is our coffee stop for sure. Of all the northern Lakes it is Lake Iseo that offers the most for cyclists of all abilities.
Day 4 – 30km
Breakfast overlooking Lake Iseo and free time in the morning to explore the market in Iseo town centre. A chance to observe Italian life, unspoilt by mass tourism and retaining a so much of what is good about life. A life so many of us crave in busy, over scheduled, and hectic lives. Iseo is famous for the first statue of Garibaldi being erected near the turn of the 1900’s. It is also steeped in history related to WW1 and the Roman Empire.
Today’s ride is stunning. We head south away from Iseo into the wine region of Franciacorta. It is difficult to imagine two contrasting areas to cycle (Lake Iseo and Franciacorta). Within 10 minutes we leave the shores of the lake and wind our way through endless vineyards, boasting some of the most famous names in Italian wine production
Day 5 – 35km
This morning we take the transfer to our destination of the week in Lake Como. On the way we will stop in Bergamo Città Alta. Those in the know will already understand that this is a must when visiting Lombardia. With plenty of free time to explore and enjoy a lunch, this is a chance to push the pause button mid holiday. Why not take the funicular to the castle overlooking Milan?
On arrival at Hotel Promessi Sposi the bikes will be unloaded and our late afternoon ride heads north along the westerly shore of Lake Como. After a short climb out of Como, the road is largely flat towards our destination of Argegno. We thought we would stop for ice-cream along the way, but we will let you decide! Those looking for a little more challenge on the way home, can take a short climb towards the border of Switzerland. This evening you are free to explore Malgrate and its many restaurants, our staff will be happy to give you suggestions.
Day 6 – 42km
After the now customary excellent breakfast we transfer you and the bikes over to the east of Lake Como. Our destination and start point is Malgrate. A pretty town overlooking larger Lecco. From Malgrate we take the road hugging the shoreline to Bellagio. Bellagio needs no introduction and rest assured we have plenty of time in hand to explore one of the wealthiest areas in Italy.
No trip to Lake Como is complete without boat journey, and today is no exception. We take the short trip across the Lake to Cadenabbia, phones at the ready for photo’s! The journey back to Como along westerly shore will be familiar as we once again pass Argegno. Tonight we will enjoy a sumptuous dinner among friends to say goodbye and reminisce over our wonderful trip together.
Day 7. Airport
All good things
All good things must come to an end and this morning with heavy hearts and emotional goodbyes we will transfer you to you next destination as agreed prior to your arrival.
What’s Included?
Private Transfers,
• 4* Accommodation
• Welcome Gift Bundle
• Experienced team of professionals
• Beautifully planned rides
• Five Dinners
• All Snack Lunches
• Mechanical support
• EX Pro Guide
• Support Vehicle
What’s Not Included?
• Travel insurance
• Flights
