Dolomites & Lake Garda
A superb ride from the Austrian border down to Verona – boat cruise the length of Lake Garda included!
- Beautiful river valleys and impressive mountain scenery
- Attractive towns and villages in Italy’s South Tyrol region
- Most of route on cycle paths on flat terrain
- Included boat excursion of the whole length of scenic Lake Garda
- Extend your stay in atmospheric Verona
This exciting tour starts in Resia at the head of the large man-made lake close to the Austrian border. You are technically in Italy but the area has a distinctly Germanic feel to it. From your vantage point at almost 5,000 feet you will cycle on dedicated cycle tracks down the picturesque Val Venosta, passing the attractive towns of Malles (Mals) and Italy’s smallest city Glorenza (Glurns). The mountains either side of you rise up to over 13,000 feet as you descend the valley of the River Adige to the stylish spa town of Merano, and then on to Bolzano, the regional capital.
Lake Garda is your destination as you cycle further down the Adige valley past apple orchards and vineyards. The boat trip from Riva del Garda down the lake to Peschiera is a definite highlight of your holiday with the ever-changing perspective of lake and mountains unfolding before you. Peschiera is a delightful walled town with a traffic–free centre. From Peschiera you have a short ride east to Verona, one of the finest cities in Italy. You may wish to add one or more nights in Verona to appreciate the Arena, the splendid Piazza delle Erbe, and other sights.
You ride almost exclusively on dedicated cycle paths on flat ground or downhill alongside the River Adige for much of the way. There is one challenging section on the approach to Lake Garda. The mixture of lake and mountain scenery and the marvellous city of Verona make the tour a definite winner!
Terrain
Mostly on cycle paths on flat ground and along river banks for much of the way. There is one climb on the approach to Lake Garda before Riva.
Climate
Temperatures from May to September are ideal for cycling. In high summer (July and August) average maximum temperatures are in the range 26-29°C (78-84°F). Rainfall is relatively light.


















