Lakes of Lombardy Italy by bike: self guided cycling holiday in Lombardy, from Lake Garda to Lake Maggiore

A very varied and fascinating journey through rolling hills and transparent bodies of water that reflect the green of the vineyards and crops. It starts from Lake Garda and follows a stretch of the beautiful Ciclopista del Sole that runs along the Mincio or you pedal near the lake passing through the famous tourist resorts of Desenzano and Sirmione; the tour ends at Lake Maggiore passing by the lakes of Iseo, Lecco and Como and touching cities of art such as Brescia, Bergamo, Varese and Como itself. There is also a short stop in Switzerland in the Canton of Ticino. In total, there are seven lakes that are included in the route. The natural beauty of these places, the wealth of artistic testimonies and the good cuisine accompanied by excellent local wines give color and flavor to your cycling holiday. The route includes some climbs that require a minimum of training and, even if it takes place mainly on cycle paths and secondary roads, it includes stretches where traffic is heavy. GPS track recommended.

1st day  Individual arrival in Peschiera del Garda (Lake Garda)

In Peschiera there is the Fortress, surrounded by the Mincio River, a small architectural jewel, enclosed in a mighty pentagonal wall dating back to the sixteenth century, with beautiful bastions and imposing access gates.   
2nd day  Peschiera del Garda – Brescia approx. 53/63 Km
If you choose the longer, quieter and hillier route, pedal along the Mincio cycle path and then pass by San Martino della Battaglia with its monumental tower that recalls the wars of independence and Desenzano.

The short route passes closer to the lake and takes you to Desenzano and Sirmione, one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. Arrival in Brescia, a city rich in Roman and medieval remains, surmounted by the ancient castle.
3rd day Brescia – Sarnico (Lake Iseo) approx. 35 Km

Today a short and relaxing itinerary that takes us to pedal in Franciacorta, land of excellent wines. The route takes us to Rodengo Saiano, home to a Benedictine abbey where monks still live. We pass by the castles of Passirano and Clusane and by the Sebino peat bog nature reserve (a protected area rich in birdlife), to then end on the shores of the beautiful Lake Iseo.

4th day  Sarnico – Grumello del Monte – Montello-Bergamoca approx. 35 Km

You cycle along the Oglio river that flows out of Lake Iseo; you soon reach Grumello, a pretty village with stone houses of Sarnico and then a few kilometers further on, after crossing a small bridge, you enter the beautiful medieval historic center of Montello, all in stone. The day on the bike ends in Bergamo, pearl of northern Italy, where you will arrive early enough to visit both the elegant lower city, but above all the splendid upper city, reachable by a funicular.

5th day  Bergamo – Garlate (Lake Lecco) approx. 45 km  
Today we reach the branch of Lake Como that takes its name from the city of Lecco. The route takes us to Mapello, where there is a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna di Prada (of the meadows); another place of great spirituality is Sotto il Monte, the town where Pope John XXIII, known as the “Good Pope”, was born; his birthplace is a beautiful free museum; another experience that will remain etched in your memory is crossing the Adda River on a Leonardo-style cable ferry. We reach Garlate by pedaling in the greenery of the beautiful cycle path along the Adda.
6th day Garlate – Como approx. 40 km    
This is the day in which we pass through the greatest number of lakes, all very small: Annone, Pusiano, Alserio, mostly pedaling on dirt roads in the middle of the greenery. The final part of the route is the most beautiful part; in Solzago you take the Passeggiata Voltiana which takes its name from Alessandro Volta, buried nearby, with an exciting descent first through the woods and then along a beautiful road, which will take you to the centre of Como and then to the shores of the beautiful lake.

7th day  Como – Varese – Ranco (Lake Maggiore) approx. 60 Km
The last day starts along the lake surrounded by splendid villas, in particular Villa Olmo, in the direction of Cernobbio; you cross the border with Switzerland and then you reach Varese and immediately after its lake with the cycle path; further on you continue along the lake of Monate with clear waters where it is possible to swim in the Cadrezzate area; finally in Ispra you finally reach Lake Maggiore and here too it is possible to swim. The green Quassa cycle path takes you to Ranco, where you will end today in style.
8th day  Ranco. End of the trip after breakfast.

Tour type  self guided

Departures  minimum 2 people; every Saturday from March 22nd to September 27th; other dates of your choice for a minimum of 4 people

Duration  8 days/7 nights

Difficulty level  medium
The route was chosen mainly on low-traffic roads, in some sections also on cycle paths, despite the reputation of being a very busy area.

Total km   255/280

Type of bike  Trekking bike

Luggage transport  yes

Information meeting/briefing in the first hotel  no

Participation fee  € 1190.-- (minimum 2 people)

                                          € 960.-- (minimum 4 people)

The price includes

Overnight stays in ***/**** hotels with breakfast
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel (1 luggage per person)
GPS tracks
24-hour medical/luggage insurance
Emergency telephone support

The price does not include

The journey to reach the starting point and back

Meals and beverages

Entrance fees to churches, museums and so on

Tips and personal expenses

Everything not specified under "the price includes"

On request

Travel cancellation insurance
Additional nights in Peschiera del Garda and Ranco

Estimates for pre-formed groups

To book, fill out and send the registration form; pay 25% of the participation fee; pay the balance approximately one month before departure.