Self-Guided Dolomites to Lake Garda Ride

Over View

Descend by bike from the magnificent glacial valleys of the South Tyrol to the dramatic setting of Lake Garda. Ride past charming alpine villages, historic towns, premium vineyards with grand views of the Alps and Dolomites.

Easy, quiet cycling – Ride mostly on dedicated cycle paths with a downhill bias

Lake Garda – Admire the azure waters of Lake Garda and visit the castle of Arco

Dramatic Scenery – Cycle past rugged mountain peaks, pristine lakes and gentle alpine meadows.

Itinerary

Day 1 Holiday starts in Silandro

After arriving in the quaint little town of Silandro (also known as Schlanders), settle-in to the family-run hotel that will be your base for the next two nights. Should time permit, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll around this traditional town, perhaps stopping to view its 92-metre church steeple – the highest in South Tyrol.

Your bike will be delivered either today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

There are various public transport options to get from Innsbruck Airport or Verona Airport to Silandro. Further information is available in the ‘arrival and departure information’ section.

Day 2 Bike to Silandro, via Lake Resia, Glorenza and Lasa

A private transfer will take you up to the starting point of today’s ride at the Passo Resia – a journey of about an hour. Once in the saddle, you will coast alongside Lake Resia, passing the submerged church tower rising out of the water. Your route then winds down a panoramic bike path amidst alpine meadows and passes through beautiful villages like Burgusio and Clusio, before reaching the impressive fortified town of Glorenza. A quiet cycle path along the Adige River takes you through endless apple orchards to the village of Lasa, where you may choose to visit the fascinating marble museum. From here it’s only a short stretch back to your accommodation in Silandro. Please note that in April it is possible that there is still snow at the Resia pass, in which case the ride would start from the lower dam in San Valentino.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres (total 350 metres ascent and 1300 descent).

Day 3 Peddle to the spa town of Merano, via lively Naturno

Leaving Silandro behind you and descending through the Venosta Valley, you will ride through marvellous scenery of snow-capped mountains and endless pine forests. You may choose to stop for a break and a cappuccino in the lively town of Naturno, watching local life taking place around you. The bike path then winds down a narrow gorge before entering a broad glacial valley. The elegant spa town of Merano is today’s destination. Later, you may choose to take a stroll on its beautiful promenade, or spend some time relaxing in its very modern public spa.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 38 kilometres (total 105 metres ascent and 470 descent).

Day 4 Bike to Lake Caldaro via South Tyrol’s capital, Bolzano

From Merano, you ride to Bolzano – the majestic capital of South Tyrol. You may choose to spend some time exploring this city before taking the Adige bike path south, winding through rolling vineyards. Tonight’s accommodation can be found on the shores of spectacular Lake Caldaro, just past the village of the same name.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 48 kilometres (total 340 metres ascent and 475 descent).

Day 5 Cycle through vineyards to Trento

From the crystal clear waters of Lake Caldaro, your cycling route continues along the beautiful ‘Strada del Vino’ (Wine road), meandering through numerous small wine villages. Descending into the Adige Valley, you will join a bike path that takes you all the way to Trento. Along the way, we recommend making a stop at one of the ‘Bici Grills’ (cyclist bars), perhaps also allowing time to visit the traditional villages of Egna and Salorno. After arriving in Trento, you have the rest of the afternoon to explore this university city. Your accommodation is in the old city centre, surrounded by pretty Medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 53 kilometres (total 295 metres ascent and 325 descent).

Day 6 Cycle to Riva del Garda on Lake Garda

On your last day’s cycle ride, the first part of you route follows a bike path along the blue-green waters of the Adige River towards the town of Rovereto. From here, you head westward, reaching a small pass from where a short descent offers spectacular views of Lake Garda. Cycling down to the lakeside, you will peddle through narrow Medieval alleys to your final night stop in the picturesque old town of Riva del Garda. This evening, you may choose to enjoy this spectacular Lake Garda setting with a glass of local wine, perhaps toasting what, we hope, has been an enjoyable week’s cycling.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 48 kilometres (total 150 metres ascent and 500 descent).

Day 7 Holiday ends in Riva del Garda

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

If you would like to extend this tour by one day there is the option to add another night in Riva del Garda, hire your bikes for longer and do an optional 45 kilometre loop cycle ride around Riva del Garda, via Lago di Cavedine. Please enquire at time of booking if you wish to arrange this.

Public transport options are available from Innsbruck or Verona Airports. Further details are available in the ‘arrival and departure information’ section.