Riding from Como to Garda is one of those ideas that sounds great on paper and turns out to be even better on a bike. We move through three lakes and Bergamo's medieval hilltop over five riding days, covering 314 km (195 mi) at a pace that leaves room for everything worth stopping for: truffle hunts with trained dogs on Iseo, Franciacorta wine in the vineyards that spill down to the water, thermal springs at Sirmione, a swim off a private Garda beach. A support van follows the route, luggage travels ahead, and the nights are spent at 4 and 5-star lakeside hotels. Nothing to think about except which lake looks best from the saddle. Let’s ride together!
Arrive in Como and meet the group and guides in the afternoon. After a bike fitting and equipment check, we’ll sit down for a welcome dinner at a handpicked local restaurant, with the itinerary briefed and the week ahead mapped out. Como itself is worth a wander before or after: the waterfront, the cathedral, and the first views of the lake set the tone nicely.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel in Como
We set off along the shore of Lake Como after breakfast, riding through lakeside villages with the water on one side and the Alps on the other. The route takes in Menaggio and Bellagio, with a stop at Villa Melzi’s gardens or a stroll through Villa Serbelloni’s park. Lunch is at a traditional trattoria, and we cross the lake by ferry to Varenna before the final push to Lecco, a compact town at the southeastern tip of the lake.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel in Lecco
Cycling: 60 km (37 mi)
Elevation: +600 m (+1,969 ft)
From Lecco, we ride toward Bergamo, climbing into the historic Città Alta, the walled upper town perched above the plains with views that justify every meter of ascent. We explore the medieval streets and ancient landmarks before lunch in a local restaurant, then descend and continue through rolling countryside toward Lake Iseo. On arrival, there’s a choice: ferry across to Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe, or settle in for a Franciacorta wine tasting.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel in Iseo
Cycling: 74 km (46 mi)
Elevation: +300 m (+984 ft)
Today is a full loop of Lake Iseo, quieter and more intimate than its famous neighbours, where the roads are calm and the scenery rewards a relaxed pace. We stop for a photoshoot at one of the lake’s most scenic viewpoints, join a truffle hunt led by local experts and their trained dogs, and finish the afternoon with a wine and olive oil tasting. Dinner is with the lake in full view.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel in Iseo
Cycling: 62 km (39 mi)
Elevation: +155 m (+509 ft)
We leave Lake Iseo and ride south toward Lake Garda, with a stop in Sirmione, a narrow peninsula famous for its thermal complex and the Scaliger Castle at its tip. From there we continue into Desenzano del Garda, one of the lake’s most lively towns. The evening ends with a farewell dinner overlooking the wide expanse of Garda.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel in Desenzano del Garda
Cycling: 56 km (35 mi)
Elevation: +340 m (+1,115 ft)
The final riding day follows the shores of Lake Garda north toward Malcesine, with a route choice between the western shore for more experienced riders or the gentler eastern side. We stop at a private beach for a swim and an Aperol spritz, with an optional ferry crossing to Limone sul Garda. The mountains drop straight into the water on both sides and the week ends exactly as it should.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel in Malcesine
Cycling: 62 km (39 mi)
Elevation: +318 m (+1,043 ft)
After a final breakfast at the hotel, we check out and say goodbye to the group, marking the end of this cycling adventure in Italy.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This Italian lakes cycling tour is suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels. Each riding day covers between 56 and 74 km (35 and 46 mi) with a support van on the road throughout, so there’s always the option to hop in if needed.
The biggest day in terms of elevation is the ride from Como to Lecco with 600 m (1,969 ft) of climbing, while the remaining stages are considerably gentler. If you can comfortably ride for 3 to 5 hours at a moderate pace, you’ll be well prepared. Both road bikes and e-bikes are available, making the tour accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more bike tours in Italy here!
Clothing:
Gear:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
An Italian lakes cycling tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Italian lakes cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Please leave a note at checkout if interested.
The starting point of your Italian lakes cycling tour is Como. To get there, most people fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Como.
You will meet your guide in Como city centre on the afternoon of Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.