6 Days & 5 Nights

4.4

Cycle Verona to Lake Garda

Dine on fresh gnocchi in Mantova’s cobbled piazzas
Relaxed cycling from Verona to Lake Garda
Explore Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet
Ride to the vineyards of Soave and sample the local Verdicchio
Lake Garda’s delightful villages and the hot springs of Sirmione

Ride from the Renaissance city of Verona to the southern shores of Lake Garda on this relaxed cycling tour across the Veneto plains. Explore Verona’s centuries-old streets, visit Romeo and Juliet’s courtyard, and ‘The Arena’, an exquisitely preserved Roman Amphitheatre. Cycle through vineyards to the wine town of Soave, pairing local white wines with bowls of fresh gnocchi. Head across the Veneto plains to the cobbled streets and piazzas of Mantova, then follow a series of waterways to Lake Garda. Take a lakeside ride to the towns of Lazise and Bardolino, or hop on a ferry to the stunning village of Sirmione to spend the afternoon in the hot springs. Round off your rides dining al fresco, with a chilled bottle of Verdicchio.

From £939.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Verona

Verona airport is easily linked with Verona’s old town via a 20 minute shuttle airport bus service.

On arrival, head to the Piazza Brâ and discover Verona’s exceptionally well preserved Roman amphitheatre, dating back to 1st century BC. Brimming with Renaissance architecture and the romance of Romeo and Juliet, exploring the surrounding streets where cafes serve gelato and sweet pastries.

Overnight Verona

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Accademia | 4 Star | Hotel

Located in the heart of Verona, this 4-star hotel is a former 16^th century academy and is found on the bustling Mazzini Street. Only a few minutes’ walk from the historic sights. Hotel Accademia is within easy reach of the cafes and bars of Piazza Bra and Shakespear' Juliet's famous balcony.

Hotel Touring Verona | 3 Star | Hotel

The boutique historical hotel is based in the city's historical center, located between Galleria Pellicciai and Via Mazzini. It's only 50 meters from Piazza Erbe and all the Verona attractions. The building was once the house of famous artists and celebrities during the Belle Epoque. All rooms are equipped with a smart TV, a safe, free wifi and tea and coffe facilities.

Day 2 Loop ride via Soave Vineyards 38.5 miles / 61 km

Leaving the lively streets of Verona, cross the River Adige and cycle along country lanes to the fortified wine town of Soave. Encircled by medieval fortifications, Soave town has a picture book setting. Sample a selection of locally produced white wines accompanied by the classic regional dish of gnocchi. Later, return to Verona by way of a riverside cycleway.

Ascent/descent: 340m/335m

Overnight Verona

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Accademia | 4 Star | Hotel

Hotel Touring Verona | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 3 Cycle to Mantova 30 miles / 48 km

Cycle south west across the Veneto plains as you pedal to Mantova. Surrounded by 3 lakes, the cobbled piazzas of Mantova were the inspiration behind Verdi’s opera, Rigoletto. Explore the piazzas of Sordello, Broletto and Erbe and later relax at a lakeside café. The perfect setting to soak up the sunshine over a chilled bottle of local Mantovano wine.

Ascent/descent: 15m/60m

Overnight Mantova

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Casa Poli | 4 Star | Hotel

Hotel Casa Poli offers a pleasant, sophisticated environment to its guests. The hotel is furnished in a minimalist, sophisticated style: pure, essential style furniture, plays of light that have been studied down to the finest detail, high technology comfort.

Hotel Broletto | 3 Star | Hotel

Located in the heart of the historical centre, Hotel Broletto is a short walk to the Piazza Sordello, Sant Andrea Cathedral and Dukes Palace. Comfortable, traditional rooms have a contemporary twist. The hotel is also easily reached after a day of cycling.

Day 4: Cycle to Peschiera del Garda (with optional detour to Volta Mantova) 35 miles / 56.4 km

The route today follows a series of waterways along easy-going country lanes and cycleways to the southern lakeside town of Peschiera del Garda. Spending the next two nights in Peschiera allows ample time to explore the lake by bike and ferry. Halfway along the route, you have the option to do a short detour loop ride (approx. 10km) up to the small commune of Volta Mantovana and its 11th-century castle. It’s worth the extra distance for the deserted cycle path alongside the Vigilio Canal, followed by lunch in the centre of town.

Please note that the total distance today includes this optional 10km detour to Volta Mantovana.

On arrival in Peschiera del Garda, head to the beach and relax with the sunset before dining in one of the many family-run trattorias in the historic town centre.

Ascent/descent (with the extra detour): 260m/200m

Overnight Peschiera Del Garda

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel San Marco | 3 Star | Hotel

The Hotel San Marco is located not far from the historic centre of Peschiera del Garda, directly on the waterfront Mazzini. A great location for a relaxing stay and wellbeing in a refined three star hotel. A charming landscape and the elegance of details are some of the aspects that distinguish Hotel San Marco and leave lasting memories on all who stay. The family management makes Hotel San Marco a “second home”, a cosy place where you can feel harmony and tranquillity.

Hotel Garden | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Garden is a family-run hotel, offering recently renovated rooms and guarantees their guests a pleasant stay. The bar has an indoor patio, and the restaurant next door offers discounted rates.

Day 5 Cycle to Garda Town or visit Sirmione 12.5 miles / 20 km

Hop in the saddle for your last day of riding and cycle along the lake shore to the town of Garda. Cycle through the old town of Lazise and take a waterside coffee stop in Bardolino. On arrival in Garda, sample a lunch of fresh lake fish before returning to Peschiera by ferry.

Alternatively, take a day off the bikes and catch a ferry to the lakeside town of Sirmione. Sitting at the edge of a peninsula, the town is possibly Lake Garda’s prettiest, and the hot springs of Sirmione are the perfect way to round off a relaxing day.

Ascent/descent: 45m/45m

Overnight Peschiera Del Garda

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel San Marco | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 6 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 13kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 13kg is equivalent to 3 full English breakfasts. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

5 Nights in 3 and 4-star hotels
All Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
Information pack
Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Verona / from Peschiera del Garda
Bike hire (or upgrade to e-bike hire)
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Ferry journeys on the lake
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire
Upgrade to e-bike hire
Arrival or departure transfers

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances listed are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, cycle clothing and personal medications etc.

Equipment

Bike & E-Bike Hire

21 speed touring bikes are available for hire. Rental bikes come equipped with a basic repair kit, pump and helmet (though we recommend using your own). Male and female frames are available. If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride.

For some battery-powered assistance on longer days, and to ease ascents, we recomend hiring an e-bike. The rechargeable battery on your bike will be your reliable riding partner, getting you to the top of hills or to your final destination with more energy in the tank for an afternoon swim or simply for exploring. E-bikes are growing rapidly in popularity so please make sure to request one at the time of booking so we can secure availability for your trip and avoid disappointment.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip. If you do intend to bring your own bike, please do let us know at the time book as extra transfer arrangements may be required for any large bike cases/boxes.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.