Art & Culture
Itinera Bike Travel
From the Alps to Valpolicella
An breathtaking trip from Bolzano, the gateway of the Dolomites and the Italian Alps, to Italy’s largest lake – Lake Garda, and concluding in the countryside of Valpolicella wine, close to the elegant city of Verona.
Northeast
April to October
8 days / 7 nights
Difficult: 2.0

ABSTRACT

This journey starts with a pedal along dedicated bike paths through the vineyards outside of Bolzano towards the quaint lake of Caldaro. From there bike past Trento, Rovereto and Torbole on the shores of Lake Garda – the largest in Italy. Witness the change in landscape passing from mountains to hills blanketed in olives groves before arriving in Valpolicella area, the elegant countryside around Verona, where a great wine is produced.
Itinera Bike & Travel was founded in 2009 as a tour operator specializing in bicycle holidays in Northern Italy….

Tour Start 

Verona (w/ transfer to Bolzano)

Tour End

Verona

Best start day

Sunday

Tot. distance

125 mi / 201 km

DETAILS

DAILY PROGRAM

  • Day 1: Arrival in Verona, transfer to Bolzano

    Meet at Itinera's headquarters in Verona for a private minivan transfer with bikes to Bolzano. Bike fitting and briefing after check in at your hotel.

    Bolzano is the heart of Italy's German-speaking region of South Tyrol. The city is rich in history, influenced by Germanic culture and surrounded by the Alps. Take some time to visit Piazza Walther – the square facing your hotel, and the portico lined main street and the narrow central alleys.

    Welcome dinner at the Hotel!

    • Accommodation: Stadt Hotel**** (or similar)
    • Meals: Dinner (3-course, water, no beverage)

  • Day 2: Bolzano – Caldaro lake – Bolzano

    After a hearty breakfast, head north on a pleasant out and back ride to the alpine lake of Caldaro, following a very safe bike path along an ancient railway road. Enjoying the mountains views in forefront and vineyards to your sides, your ride brings you to the shores of Lake Caldaro. Before heading back to Bolzano let's enjoy a local winery for a wine tasting.

    • Daily distance: 30 mi / 48 km
    • Elevation gain: +1050 ft / +320 m
    • Accommodation: Stadt Hotel**** (or similar)
    • Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting

  • Day 3: Bolzano – Trento

    The bike itinerary goes South along the verdant Adige valley and crosses immense fields planted with apple trees and vineyards. Along the way, the village of Egna, an ancient market town with beautiful streets flanked by arcades, deserves a visit. Finally you’ll arrive in Trento, a city where history and modernity coexist perfectly.

    • Daily distance: 41 mi / 66 km
    • Elevation gain: +985 ft / +300 m
    • Accommodation: Hotel America**** (or similar)
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 4: Trento – Rovereto – Torbole

    On the fourth day of your bike adventure say farewell to the Alps and make your way to Lake Garda, passing by Rovereto, known for the Mart contemporary art museum and its enchanting castle. Before the lunch break, let's taste coffee at a local producer. There is so much to discover in a small espresso cup! Continuing along a dedicated bike lane you'll descent into Riva del Garda, at the shores of Lake Garda this is a well known spot for windsurfing and sailing.

    • Daily distance: 31 mi / 50 km
    • Elevation gain: +985 ft / +300 m
    • Accommodation: Hotel Caravel**** (or similar)
    • Meals: Breakfast, coffee taste

  • Day 5: Sarca River and the Valley of the Lakes

    Torbole and Riva del Garda are located in a beautiful position in the Northern corner of Lake Garda among green mountains and by Sarca river, the main tributary of Lake Garda. Today you’ll ride by its waters and discover a green plain with crystal water lakes.
    If you want to take a break from cycling, get on the ferry and explore Limone del Garda on the Northwest side of the lake, consider a couple of hours on the wind surf or simply enjoy a relaxing dip in the clear waters of the lake. To accompany this day, you'll enjoy a delicious olive tasting with a local purveyor.

    • Daily distance: 30 mi / 49 km
    • Elevation gain: +585 ft / +180 m
    • Accommodation: Hotel Caravel**** (or similar)
    • Meals: Breakfast, EVO oil tasting

  • Day 6: Garda – Bardolino – Valpolicella

    Today it’s time to head South via ferry to the south end of Lake Garda. You'll notice a distinct degradation of the terrain from mountainous to hilly, with olive groves and vineyards accompanying you on this day of riding. Today you will bike along safe secondary roads, passing from Bardolino and Cisano before entering Valpolicella area, the green countryside by the majestic Verona. Time to sip the local wine… you'll have no regrets!

    • Daily distance: 23 mi / 37 km
    • Elevation gain: +985 ft / +300 m
    • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Giona**** (or similar)
    • Meals: Breakfast, wine-aperitivo at the arrival at the Hotel

  • Day 7: A day in Verona

    “There is no world outside Verona’s walls” as Shakespeare wrote – and it is truly a city full of exploration during your last day. Famous worldwide for the opera festival from June to September, and the UNESCO designated heritage from the Roman Arena to Castelvecchio and Juliet’s balcony. You'll have a last short ride to Verona (easier or more panoramic, you choose it!) and leave the bikes at Itinera, where your tour started. Enjoy now some free time in the romantic city (or book an extra guided tour) before a pleasant cooking class, the best way to enjoy the last dinner of your tour. After dinner, van transfer back to Valpolicella.

    • Daily distance: 16 mi / 30 km
    • Elevation gain: +985 ft / +300 m
    • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Giona**** (or similar)
    • Meals: Breakfast, Cooking class included dinner

  • Day 8: Individual departure

    Breakfast, check out, transfer to Verona airport or train station (to other location on request).
    Arrivederci!

Request information

I consent to the processing of my personal data I confirm that I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy. I authorize the processing of my personal data so that you can provide me with the best possible support. Your security is our priority, and we are committed to protecting the information you provide to us.

Highlights

• Pedal close to the Dolomites on easy, protected bike paths
• Stunning views over Lake Garda
• Scenic boat transfer from Riva del Garda to Malcesine
• Explore the Adige Valley and reach Verona from the Northside
• Taste the sparkling wines of North Italy, the EVO oil and the local roasted coffee
• Enjoy a cooking class and prepare pasta together!

Includes

• Standard 4-star accommodation (in a double room) with breakfast
• Baggage transfer and minivan transfer from Verona to Bolzano
• Briefing and bike fitting in person
• Transfers to/from Verona airport or Verona train station
• Bike routes and tour info on navigation app
• Support line / assistance (8am – 8pm)

Signature Experiences:
• 1 wine tasting
• 1 olive oil tasting
• 1 coffee tasting
• 1 cooking class

Excludes

• Bike rental (see extras)
• Guide and van support (available on request)
• Local tourist city taxes (to be paid at the Hotel)
• Medical or luggage insurance
• Ferry from Torbole to Garda on DAY 7
• Transfers to/from the airport out of Verona
• Meals not specified as included in program

Pricing

Starting price of €2120 per person in double room (min 2 PAX)
• Single room supplement room: €430

Bike Options

• Touring bike
• Gravel bike
• Electric bike – touring/trekking

Extra Costs

Bike Rentals:
• Touring bike: €110
• Gravel bike: €220
• Electric bike: €220

Services:
• Facility upgrades
• Guide
• Van support
• Private transfer (upon request)