Cycling
Lake Garda for families
- IT037 / Italy
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
- For families For families Travel with children and teenagers: accommodation with family rooms, discounts, itineraries designed for the little ones. Details
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Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- 6 days
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- centre-based tour from Salionze
- Family discount
- Some meals included
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
Lake Garda and the surrounding hills provide the backdrop, while with your family you can look for medieval castles, visit fairy-tale villages, or spend a fun day among the colors at Sigurtà Park, an oasis of nature not far from the lake. The bike trails are kid-friendly, and there's even room to relax: the shores of the lake or the hotel's swimming pool are within easy reach!
- The overnight stay in a special hotel, in an old renovated station
- The delicious tortellini of Valeggio, typical pasta filled with meat
- Bardolino, Peschiera and Sirmione: some of the most charming villages on Lake Garda
What awaits you
A bicycle tour designed for families: it combines easy pedaling with moments of freedom to discover the beauty of Lake Garda, including theme parks and wonderful natural areas. The stages are short and follow secondary roads and some sections of bike paths. You pedal along loop routes, which are on flat terrain, with a few easy ups and downs. On days 3 and 4 there are two transfers (one by van and one by ferry): tickets are already issued with a defined date and time and cannot be changed.
1. Arrival and first overnight stay in Salionze
Individual arrival and first overnight stay at Borgo Stazione in Salionze di Valeggio sul Mincio, a quiet resort conveniently located to many attractions for young and old. Enjoy the start of your family adventure with a delicious dinner and some relaxation at the hotel’s wellness center.
2. A handful of castles and a dip into history at Solferino
The first day’s ride takes you through orchards and vineyards, where Lugana, a typical wine of the area, is grown. Along the way sharpen your eyesight: you will come across the castles of Monzambano, Castellaro Lagusello, Pozzolengo and Ponti sul Mincio. Arriving in Solferino make an interesting historical stop: the village is linked to the famous battle that marked the end of the Second War of Independence, setting the stage for the Unification of Italy. Return to your hotel for dinner.
3. Mantua, the tortellini of Valeggio and the Sigurtà Garden Park
A transfer takes you to Mantua, an enchanting Renaissance city once ruled by the noble Gonzaga family. From here begins the ride to romantic Borghetto, considered among the most beautiful villages in Italy and famous, along with Valeggio, for its tortellini. The icing on the cake today is the Sigurtà Garden Park: an area of 600 thousand square meters, with 18 small lakes, large lawns, a labyrinth, a garden of medicinal plants, a sundial and an educational farm!
4. The Villages of Lake Garda: Garda, Bardolino and Lazise
Cycle to Peschiera and from here take a ferry to Garda, the small town that gave the lake its name. From here you can continue along the lakefront to Bardolino, known for its wine. If you want, you can continue cycling to Lazise, another charming village on the lakeshore. On the way back to Peschiera you pass through an area full of famous amusement parks that attract many families every year. Return to the hotel for dinner.
5. Direction Sirmione, peninsula in the heart of the lake
Today you cross the hills near the southern shore of the lake and pass through San Martino della Battaglia, known for the Wars of Independence along with Solferino. You are then greeted by Sirmione, one of the most picturesque towns in all of Garda thanks to its historic center with a medieval atmosphere. Here you can visit the Catullus caves, an archaeological site where the remains of a Roman villa overlooking the shores of the lake have been unearthed. A final evening of relaxation awaits you at Borgo Stazione to end your vacation on a high note!
The overnight stay is at the Borgo Stazione Bike Inn, a truly unique bike hotel: it was made out of an old disused train station and is nestled in the Mincio Natural Park, just a few kilometers from Peschiera del Garda. The facility has a swimming pool, wellness area and in-house restaurant.
2025
Departures on Sunday
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Accommodation
- 5 nights accommodation
Meals
- 5 breakfasts
- 4 dinners
Hotels usually serve a continental breakfast. However, in some smaller hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
- the voucher for the transfer from Salionze to Mantua
- the voucher for the ferry from Peschiera to Garda
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Transfer Salionze-Mantua on day 3 (bike included)
- Ferry ticket Peschiera-Garda on day 4 (bike included)
Tickets are already issued and cannot be changed.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
- Dinner on day 3
- Tourist taxes (approx 5 € per person)
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotel. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Entrance fees
- Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local supplier.
You can also cycle with your own bike, just make sure that all parts are functioning properly.
Additional excluded services
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Salionze. A minimum stay of two nights including Friday and Saturday is mandatory. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: isn’t it easy? Rental bikes are always serviced and ready for a new cycling adventure; however, should you have any mechanical problems, you can contact our local partner.
Trekking bike
- 28″ wheel
- Shimano 24 speed
- handlebar brakes
- anti-puncture tires
Trekking bike
- 28″ wheel
- Shimano 24 speed
- handlebar brakes
- anti-puncture tires
Standard components
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- phone holder (1 per room)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
Trekking E-bike
- 28″ wheel
- handlebar brakes
- anti-puncture tires
Trekking E-bike
- 28″ wheel
- handlebar brakes
- anti-puncture tires
This model is a mix between an urban bike, a trekking bike and a mountain bike and is suitable for riding on all kinds of roads.
Standard components
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- phone holder (1 per room)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
Child bike 24"
- body height: from 105 cm
- 24” wheel
Child bike 24"
- body height: from 105 cm
- 24” wheel
Child bike 20"
- body height: from 105 cm
- 20″ wheel
Child bike 20"
- body height: from 105 cm
- 20″ wheel
Child trailer
- weight: max 50 kg
Child trailer
- weight: max 50 kg
Child seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 25 kg
Child seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 25 kg
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
FollowMe tandem + 20" bike
- includes hitch + baby bike 20″
It includes a hook (to attach to the back of the adult bike) and a 20" child bike. If the child wants to ride independently, the hook detaches from the toddler bike and folds onto the adult bike.
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Tandem to carry an adult and a 6-8 year-old child. The adult sitting in the back rides, while the child sits in the front and may not pedal.
Recommended for body height: adult min 155 cm and max 200 cm; child min 120 cm and max 135 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Bike Helmet
- Size: L (58-61)
Bike Helmet
- Size: L (58-61)
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 175 km
- Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved
How to get there
Salionze di Valeggio sul Mincio is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Salionze is connected with Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN).
From Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus until Verona Porta Nuova train station. From here bus 16 or taxi.
By train
Peschiera del Garda is the closest station. From here you can take a taxi to Salionze. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park it in the free unattended parking of the accommodation.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
- In case of strike, bad weather conditions, technical breakdowns, safety problems or any other reason preventing the regular departure of the ferry boat (from Riva del Garda to Peschiera/Desenzano), the ferry boat company can delay, cancel or deviate the navigation without notice.
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Francesca G.
Published: 31 Aug 2016
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