Self-Guided Cycling the Italian Lakes
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Experience Overview
Trip For You
This self-guided cycling holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation, route guidance and local support. Previous cycling experience is recommended, but no technical cycling skills are required.
Cycling at a Glance
Trip Style: Self-guided
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)
For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Navigation: Headwater Navigation App
How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works
This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently and at your own pace using the Headwater Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience.
Highlights
Cycle between seven beautiful Italian Lakes — Sample the excellent local wines and traditional cuisine — Explore medieval towns, popular resort towns, and swim in the famous lakes
Trip Details
Product Code: 22721
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: C07TL
Starts:
Finishes:
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
7 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation — All breakfasts — Bike hire included — Luggage transfers between hotels — Headwater navigation appAccommodation
HotelsYou will stay in 3* and 4* hotels, ranging from an elegant 4* hotel a short stroll from the shores of Lake Garda to a lovingly converted 14th century convent, complete with indoor pool and wellness facilities, in Bergamo, and a stylish 3* hotel with stunning views over the banks of Lake Maggiore in Ranco. Hotel Palazzo ai Capitani 2 (4*) With just 15 bedrooms, the Palazzo ai Capitani is a small and intimate hotel situated in the historical centre of Peschiera, just a short walk from the town's train station. With a contemporary decor throughout, the palazzo retains some of its original historical detail, with some of the rooms and the stairway still adorned with frescoes dating back to the 1500 and 1600s. All rooms benefit from air conditioning, minibar and safe. Hotel Master, Brescia (4*) Located in the heart of Brescia, guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, a relaxing wellness area and traditional restaurant. Relax in the indoor heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, and Finnish sauna, before sampling a delicious meal at Il Convivio restaurant. Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Visa Hotel Ulivi, Paratico (4*) A stone's throw from the lakefront, the Hotel Ulivi boasts lush gardens and a lovely outdoor pool (closed in April and from 16th October). Start the morning with a delicious breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake or enjoy post ride aperitivi from the hotel bar. The hotel's comfortable bedrooms are in a contemporary design and benefit from air conditioning. In the town centre, there is a good choice of restaurants within easy walking distance. Palazzo Santo Spirito, Bergamo (4*) As part of a complex of an ancient Celestine Convent from 1309, the Spirito Santo (Holy Spirit) is teaming with historic intrigue. Guests are welcomed into the wellness area with Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and indoor swimming pool. Enjoy local delicacies at their gourmet restaurant including carefully selected fine wines and craft beers. Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Visa Hotel Best Western Nuovo, Garlate (3*) Rooms are modern and welcoming with all the comforts for a lovely stay. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily and the restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine. Facilities: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe Hotel Tre Re, Como (3*) Located in a historic building in the centre of Como, the Hotel Tre Re boasts a prime location, just a few metres from the lake, funicular and Como's main tourist attractions. The characteristic restaurant has a large frescoed ceiling and serves high-quality Italian cuisine. The ensuite bedrooms are traditional in style and come with air-conditioning, safe and satellite tv as standard. Facilities: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Aircon, Safe Hotel Belvedere, Ranco (3*) Originally a tavern when it opened its doors back in 1865, the Belvedere is now a stylish hotel with stunning views over the banks of Lake Maggiore in the peaceful setting of Ranco with a seasonal swimming pool. Their celebrated restaurant serves seasonal dishes offering a 'taste of the lakes'. Facilities: Pool, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Tea/coffee Worth knowing: Should any of these accommodations not be available, alternative properties of the same standard will be used.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4040 ($505 /day)
Itinerary
After arriving in Peschiera del Garda, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the shores of Lake Garda or the town's fortress surrounded by the river Mincio. With beautiful ramparts and imposing doors, this small jewel of architecture is enclosed an incredible 16th century pentagonal wall.
There's a choice of routes today. The longer route (59km/36.7mi) follows a panoramic cycle path along Garda's shores to the town of Garda and its bustling promenade, whilst the shorter route (31-37km/19.3-23mil) ambles through the Lugana vineyards. Both routes take you to Desenzano and Sirmione, one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. Arrive in Brescia, a beautiful city rich in Roman and medieval remains, surmounted by the ancient castle.
Today's ride leads you into Franciacorta, an area known for excellent wines. Continue onto Rodengo Saiano, home to a Benedictine abbey where the monks still live. Pass near the castles of Passirano and Clusane and by the Sebino Nature Reserve, a protected area rich in water birds. You will end on the banks of the lovely Lake Iseo.
Cycle along the Oglio river that comes out from Lake Iseo. You reach Grumello del Monte, a pretty village with the stone houses, then enter the beautiful medieval old town of Montello, all in stone. Alternatively, pedal along Iseo's eastern shores for a spectacular lakeside ride via Toline and Sale Marasino. Your day ends in Bergamo, the pearl of northern Italy, where you should arrive early enough to visit both the elegant lower town and the splendid upper town, accessible by funicular. You can choose whether to cycle 45km/28mil or 62km/38.5mi).
Today takes you to an area of Lake Como called Lago di Lecco. The route weaves its way along the banks of the Adda river, passing the imposing medieval castle in Brivio. End the day in Garlate, on the lake of the same name.
Today you ride past a variety of smaller lakes, Annone, Pusiano & Alserio, partially riding on dirt roads. The end of the path is the most beautiful as you arrive in Solzago and take the Passeggiata Voltiana (takes its name from Alessandro Volta, buried nearby). With an exciting descent first through the woods and then along a beautiful road, you will arrive in the centre of Como, then onto the shores of the stunning lake.
Your last ride goes along the lake surrounded by splendid villas, in particular Villa Olmo, in the direction of Cernobbio. You cross the border with Switzerland, then continue to the beautiful Lake Varese. Pedal along the clear waters of the Monate lake, before finally arriving in Ispra on Lake Maggiore, passing through the green Quassa cyclepath into Ranco; here are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.
After breakfast, leave Ranco and the beautiful Italian lakes.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
