Fly into Milan airport and make your way to your Lake Como accommodation in Belaggio. If you have time, consider introducing yourself to the surrounding area by taking a spin to Onno. The trip there and back to the beautiful lakeside village of Onno is short and leisurely. There are no hills and very little traffic, which is perfect for warming up the legs. There is even an ice cream shop near Onno where you can sit and relax before heading back to your hotel.
Saddle up for a legendary climb to the Madonna del Ghisallo, named after the chapel at the top. Inside the chapel, a flame serves as a reminder for those who have died cycling on Italian roads, and the walls are adorned with champions’ donated jerseys and bikes. This includes Fabio Casartelli’s bike, which is still distorted from his crash in the 1995 Tour de France. After tackling the difficult 10.6km climb, you can the take a stab at the Colma di Sormano climb before descending along the lake back to your hotel.
Named after the abundance of places to try the local mountain cheeses en route, today you will experience a scenic ride into the Valley of Cheese. You’ll be riding on mainly the bike path into the mountains surrounding Lake Como, with panoramic views and picturesque villages. Hop on the ferry that takes you across Lake Como and into your climb of the day, Colle di Balisio. Make sure to stop for a snack at the Alva market, then ride back to your hotel right beside the lake’s water. Transfer to your next hotel at Lake Garda this evening.
On undulating terrain, today you will get a chance to visit the towns and villages just south of Lake Garda. Colline Morenich is the Italian name for the gentle hills in this area, which roll seamlessly into each other. There are many places to stop for lunch in the sleepy villages, particularly Volta Mantovana and Solferino. Be in awe of the luscious vineyards and vast fields full of vibrant greens in an area famous for its wine as you loop your way around the quiet roads. If you would prefer to join our supported guided rides at Lake Garda, please let us know!
Explore the Southern half of Lake Garda, with much of your route next to the lake’s sparkling edge. Your first climb will be small but steep, however the glimpses of Lake Garda and mountains in the distance makes the hard work worth it. You will also pass through quaint, traditionally Italian towns, including the laid back Gardone Riviera situated overlooking the lake. Use the ferry to reach the other half of the route across the lake. Take off your helmet and feel the wind in your hair as you find yourself in the middle of Lake Garda.
Get to know Lake Garda a bit better, and embark on an epic journey around its whole perimeter. Although not an easy route, you will be rewarded with incredible views over the lake for the majority of your ride. For the most part, the ascent is spread out evenly without any steep climbs, yet there is one. Chockablock full of switchbacks, the biggest climb takes you 15.6km above your route by Lake Garda, and at the summit offers panoramic scenery down into the valley and lake.
Today you have the freedom to say goodbye to Lake Garda and return home, or extend your trip and spend more time exploring the lake’s abundance of spectacular routes.
For La Dolce Vita, look no further than Lake Gard and Lake Como, arguably the most beautiful area in Europe. Chocolate-box towns appear all round the lake whilst spectacular old church spires stand triumphantly above the buildings.
The dramatic mountainsides flank the lakes and make for spectacular views and even better cycling. Visit the Madonna del Ghisallo in Como and enjoy watersports in Garda where you can join the throngs of windsurfers and kiteboarders catching the lake’s winds. Vineyards populate the hillsides of both lakes. Ride through Valpolicella, stop for a glass of local red, and take in the sights and smells of the olive trees and lemon groves.
