Cycling
Pre-trip extension Dolomites and Lake Garda
- IT040 / 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.
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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.
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- 4 days
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- linear from Bolzano to Mantua
- Only bookable with tour IT367 from Mantua
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
This cycling adventure from Bolzano to Mantua offers you a unique opportunity to combine a more classical "bike and hotel" tour with the "bike and barge" trip in the River Po Valley until Venice. The cycling route starts in the heart of the superb Dolomites and following the course of the river Adige takes you to the palm-lined shores of Lake Garda. Further on you will reach the enchanting Renaissance town of Mantua, where you will embark aboard the Ave Maria or the Vita Pugna.
- Vineyards and incredible Dolomite landscapes
- The combination of two experiences: a "bike and hotel" and a "bike and barge"
- The enchanting city of Mantua
What awaits you
A short bike and hotel tour that pleases everyone, both experienced cyclists and those new to cycling vacations. The route runs on well-planned cycle lanes, part of which runs along the Adige banks. Towards Garda Lake, there is a bit more challenging climb to face. Once you arrive in Mantua, you will embark on the barge to start your bike and barge tour.
1. Arrival in Bolzano
Individual arrival in Bolzano, a bilingual city (Italian and German), the hub of the cultural, historical and linguistic link between Italy and Austria. Take the opportunity to visit the old town with its typical Tyrolean character and its Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance palaces. If you haven’t already done so, visit Ötzi, the world’s oldest mummy, at the city’s Archaeological Museum. If you are more fascinated by modern and contemporary art, don’t miss the futuristic Museion.
2. Pedaling along the Wine Route to Trento
Start cycling along the Adige River bike path, among the famous vineyards of the South Tyrolean Wine Route, one of the oldest wine routes in Italy. With its 4,250 hectares of cultivation, the route accounts for 84 percent of the vineyards in South Tyrol and is home to both internationally renowned wines and native grape varieties. Today you can ride a hilly variant, which takes you to the beautiful Lake Kaltern, or you can follow the entire bike path along the Adige River, which is completely flat (total length: 65 km, elevation gain +295 m/-365 m). In either case, you’ll continue on to Trento, where you can explore its charming historic center, admiring the elegant frescoed buildings. The city is guarded by the Buonconsiglio Castle, built starting in 1200 and from where you can enjoy a unique view of Trento and the valley below.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train to Trento at the following stations: Ora, Egna, Salorno, Mezzocorona. Alternatively, you can take the train in Grumo-San Michele all’Adige (line Malè-Trento).
3. Rovereto and Lake Garda in all its glory, from north to south
The Adige River accompanies you to Rovereto, a town famous for its MART museum of contemporary art. From here you leave the valley to tackle the short ascent of Passo di San Giovanni and then the breathtaking descent, which provides spectacular views of Lake Garda and the town of Torbole. In Riva del Garda, you embark on a ferry to reach the southern shore of the lake, enjoying a wonderful, relaxing cruise to Peschiera or Desenzano.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train from Trento to Rovereto or Mori.
4. The tortellini of Valeggio and arrival Mantua
Start cycling from Peschiera to reach the romantic Borghetto, considered among the most beautiful villages in Italy and famous, along with Valeggio, for its tortellini. You will cycle following one of the most famous Italian cycle paths, which runs parallel to the River Mincio. Today you reach Mantua, an enchanting Renaissance city once ruled by the noble Gonzaga family. Once in Mantua, you will embark on your barge. If you slept in Peschiera, this stage is 45 km with an elevation gain +195m/-245m.
You will be accommodated in 3*/4* hotels carefully selected for you. All rooms have en suite facilities and air conditioning.
2025
Departures on Wednesday
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 3 nights accommodation
On Day 3, overnight stay is planned in Peschiera or Desenzano, depending on the availability of facilities on the
dates requested.
Meals
- 3 breakfasts
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.
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
For the luggage transportation we accept only 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg.
The service is not included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Before your departure, you will receive detailed guidance on allowable baggage, luggage labels, service hours.
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 ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the luggage labels.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda, bike included (Day 3)
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”
- Tourist taxes (approx. 8 € per person)
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
The helmet is included, but you need to book it in advance.
Own bicycles are not allowed.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Bolzano before the tour. 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: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
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)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
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: medium-easy
- Total length: 165 km
- Shorter version total length: 160 km
- Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved
- Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 3, 4
- Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2 and 3
How to get there
Bolzano is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Bolzano is connected with the following airports:
Innsbruck: 120 km, Verona: 150 km, Bergamo: 240 km, Venice: 280 km, Treviso: 280 km, Milan Malpensa: 320 km
From Innsbruck airport (INN):
- bus line F from airport to Innsbruck HBF train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Bolzano (possible change in Brennero, approx. 2hrs).
From Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus from the airport until Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min). From here train to Bolzano (approx. 2hrs).
From Bergamo Orio al Serio airport (BGY):
- Autostradale bus and Terravision bus from the airport to Milano Centrale train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano (with change in Verona Porta Nuova, approx. 3h30/4h)
- Alternatively, shuttle bus from airport to Brescia train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 2h30/3h).
From Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- ATVO shuttle service/ACTV line 15 from airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 20/25 min). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4h).
From Treviso Canova (TSF) airport:
- Taxi or Airlink shuttle bus from airport to Treviso train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Mestre (approx. 30 min) and then to Bolzano, with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4h).
- Alternatively, ATVO shuttle bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4 h).
From Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):
- train from the airport to Milano Centrale train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3,5/4h).
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia and Deutsche Bahn official websites.
By car
Some hotels have a private parking, while in other cases you have to use alternative car parks. No reservation is possible and you have to pay on site.
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
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.
- In case of cancellation the ferry boat service will be replaced by alternative means of transport (usually by bus). The same applies if the ferry boat service is no longer foreseen (for example at the end of the season).
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.
Catherine
Published: 23 Oct 2022
Kelly
Published: 07 Sep 2022
Patrice (Patti)
Published: 01 Sep 2022
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