What you get on this adventure: 8-day cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels (in shared twin or double ensuite rooms, family rooms sleeping up to 4 people available on request) Breakfasts Local representative (with bike delivery and welcome meeting) Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation Luggage transfers Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Verona Airport (VRN) What’s not included: Transportation to Italy Bikes (rental available at an additional cost) Single supplement (available at an additional cost) Meals not listed in the itinerary Personal clothing and equipment Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities, etc.) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions enroute Local tourist tax — to be paid locally, approximately 2 euros per day Train tickets on Day 7 (3 euros including bikes) Ferry tickets on Day 3 (15 euros including bikes) and Day 7 (20 euros including bikes) Venice access fee (approximately 5 euros per day) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival/departure days Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be and what’s the terrain like?

Fitness and experience This cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice is ideal for those looking for an easy-going route, mostly on flat ground. There will be some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge, but other than that, it’s all breezy. So if you recently got into cycling and would like to do more over consecutive days, or you’re looking for a more active alternative to your usual vacation, this tour is for you. Terrain and roads This trip covers various terrains, as it extends from Lake Garda to the lowlands of Venice. The route follows a number of cycle paths and country lanes , with around 50% on roads shared with traffic . South of the lake you’ll find a good network of cycle routes and minor roads which will allow you to explore Lake Garda’s surrounding countryside, away from the traffic. As you leave the lake and the terrain gets hillier, a mix of small roads, compact dirt roads and canal cycle paths will lead you to Verona and on to Montagnana and Padova. On this section of the journey, there will be some small hills, especially when contouring the National Park of Colli Euganei. Day 6 will prove the most challenging, being a longer day in the saddle with some climbing. Another stretch of flat canal cycle path and minor countryside roads will lead you towards Mestre and then into Venice. After boarding the ferry to Lido and Pallestrina islands, the riding on these strips of land is on small, flat roads close to the lagoon. Hybrid or e-bikes are recommended for this route . E-bikes are a great way to cover ground a little quicker on some of the longer days, giving you extra time for exploring in the afternoons, particularly in the hotter summer months.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Bike — available to rent Helmet — available to rent Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material Padded shorts Peaked helmet Sneakers or sport shoes Breathable outside layer or jacket Sunglasses Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder Daypack with snacks Biking gloves are optional but recommended Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) 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.

Indeed you can! If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own to this cycling vacation from Lake Garda, you can rent one with your guides. Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a phone mount, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock and a bike pump. Hybrid bikes or e-bikes are recommended and rented out for this tour. Depending on the size needed, the bikes may have a crossbar, or a step through frame (usually the smaller models). If a smaller frame is required, occasionally a mountain bike with semi-slick tyres adapted for road use may also be provided. A helmet can be provided locally on request, please let us know if you’d like to rent one upon booking.

What is a self-guided tour?

A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps. By going on this cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice, you’ll have lots of things arranged for you, making your cycling experience a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable: accommodation at small hotels (shared twin or double ensuite rooms, family rooms up to 4 persons available on request) all breakfasts airport transfer on arrival app for information and navigation luggage transfers local representative for a welcome meeting After you get transferred to Garda and once you’ve talked to a local representative, the self-guided tour starts! Keep in mind that your guides offer support along the way should you need anything.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice, the maximum group size is generally set to 14 participants. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate. Cycling vacations from Lake Garda to Venice can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. They may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to your cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice, first you’ll land in Verona Airport (VRN) . Transfer from the airport to the town of Garda is included in the price of the tour—aim to arrive between 9 am and 4 pm, and depart between noon and 7 pm. Make sure your tour is confirmed and ready to go before making any travel arrangements. Please note that if you make travel arrangements outside the time windows above, there may be an additional charge for your transfers.

Safety measures in Italy

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Guided cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice

Three cyclists on a street of Italian town

Coffee break while cycling on Lake Garda

LAKE GARDA | ITALY

Cycling From Lake Garda to Venice: A Self-Guided Journey

5.00 ()

Season

April through October

Duration

8 days

Accommodation

Three-star hotels

Difficulty

Self-guided tour

Accommodation, breakfasts, app with navigation and information, luggage and airport transfer arranged for you

Guide

Saddle Skedaddle

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $2,195 () / 8 days

Book now

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

There’s something for every type of biker in Italy, from quiet cycling paths to thrilling MTB trails. This tour from Lake Garda to Venice is ideal for those yearning for a holiday filled with superb views, incredible food, and historic towns. You’ll be pedaling at your own, easy-going pace through a rich tapestry of landscapes, including sweet-scented peach orchards, idyllic vineyards, lakeside Roman resorts, pastoral countryside, and so much more. This part of Italy between Garda and Venice is a true feast for the senses—including, of course, taste—the food and drinks you’ll be having on this adventure are beyond divine. Your next vacation could be under the Italian sun, sampling the very best of this charming area and the bel paese!

Adventure highlights

Ride a gondola in Venice

Explore Venice, one of the world’s most unique places, visit the famous sites, treat yourself to a gelato or an Aperol Spritz
Southern shore of Lake Garda

Italy’s largest lake is brimming with picturesque town and villages, and you’ll get to tour them for a few days
Visit the town of Romeo and Juliet

Spend the night in the Renaissance city of Verona, a true gem of Northern Italy

Itinerary

Spend your next vacation in Italy and let this self-guided tour from Lake Garda to Venice take you through the region’s best-ofs! Over the course of 8 days, you’ll set out for exciting tours and pedal your way from Italy’s largest lake to a world-famous city. The best thing about this adventure is that most things are arranged for you, meaning that it’s as carefree and as simple as possible—airport and luggage transfers, hotels, breakfasts, detailed route maps, all of that is taken care of. Take your time discovering this region’s gems, stop for pics whenever you feel like it, and enjoy your time in Italy to the max!

Following your arrival into Verona (VRN) airport, you will be transferred (approximately 1 hour) to your delightful accommodation in the town of Garda, on the southeast shores of Lake Garda. Make sure to stroll through this charming town and get ready for tomorrow, as that’s when you start cycling!

Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Today you’ll ease into your cycling tour, enjoying the delights of Lake Garda and its surrounding countryside. Ideally located on the south-east shores, the area features a network of cycle routes leading you into the countryside full of vineyards over gentle hills. Cycle routes will take you through quaint little villages just below the Mt Baldo range, and then back to the shores of the lake, where you can enjoy the lake-front vibrant life of Lazise and Garda itself. In the evening, Garda (your home for the night) becomes full of life, with plenty of little restaurants and Italian trattorias to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 25-32 miles / 40-50 km
Elevation gain: 1,640-2,135 ft / 500-650 m
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Kick off the day with a short cruise across the lake to Sirmione. From the boat you can admire the eastern shore of the lake, dominated by the long ridge of Mt Baldo, rising over 2,000 m / 6,561 ft above the lake. Sirmione was once a famous Roman spa and still attracts visitors for the healing waters and charming character. In Roman times villas were built here, including that of the poet Catullus who wrote of the beauty of the lake. Sirmione is also full of art treasures and history, starting with the Castle through which one must pass to reach the old center.

From Sirmione, you’ll ride south following quiet country lanes, through vineyards, peach orchards and kiwi plantations, in the rolling hills of the region known as Le Colline Moreniche. You’ll pass near San Martino di Battaglia, with its museum of armaments. Heading back to Lake Garda, the final section will see you riding along the Mincio cyclepath into the fortified walls of Peschiera, your destination for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 14-28 miles / 25-45 km
Elevation gain: 490-985 ft / 150-300 m
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Your destination today is Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, with its Renaissance palaces, the Roman arena and many cozy corners. Setting off from Peschiera, you’ll start today’s ride, cycling north along the east side of the lake. Heading inland, rolling hills of kiwi, peach plantations, and olive groves will follow you along the way. The last section is a ride along the Adige cycle path, leading you into Verona.

You’ll have enough time to enjoy a stroll through this remarkable Renaissance city, recently named a World Heritage Site. Verona has delighted painters, poets, and travelers for centuries now. After settling into the hotel, you’ll have an evening to explore Verona and try out one of the many quality restaurants in town.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 20 miles / 35 km
Elevation gain: 820 ft / 250 m
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Leave Verona in the morning, riding mostly on cycle paths along the banks of the Adige river. This interesting route, mostly on dirt roads and canal embankments surrounded by nature, is a relaxing and serene ride, allowing you to explore the plains south of Verona, characterized by expanses of orchards and vineyards which extend to the foot of the Euganean Hills.

Riding on flat routes, you will reach the medieval town of Montagnana. Montagnana is a peaceful town, universally famous for its beautiful, and perfectly preserved, medieval city walls. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to visit some of the ancient walls. There’s nothing better after a day on the bikes than sitting on the main square during aperitivo hour with the locals, watching Italian life go by.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 37 miles / 60 km
Elevation gain: 495 ft / 150 m
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Today you will be riding along quiet country roads with charming natural features and the typical landscape of the Veneto countryside. Arriving in Este, you will see the tower of the castle and part of the ruins, dating back to the eleventh century. They are the only remaining artifacts of the five castles, built on the banks on the outskirts of the city to defend the strategic river accesses. This part of the route is mostly along the banks of the canals that surround the isolated group of hills. You’ll ride along the banks of the River Bacchiglione taking a network of cycle paths.

Finally you will reach Padova, a city characterized by complex town planning, a result of 2,500 years of history. The city houses some world-famous works of art; from the traces of the Roman Age splendor to the masterpieces of the Middle Ages.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 38 miles / 60 km
Elevation gain: 1,315 ft / 400 m
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Following a mixture of country lanes and cycle paths, you’ll ride past regal mansions, following canals and natural reserves until you reach Mestre train station. From here, you can take one of the regular trains to Venezia St Lucia, only a 12-minute journey, to avoid the last section between Mestre and the Liberty Bridge. Alternatively, you can ride the new cycle lane over the Liberty Bridge, arriving in Piazzale Roma.

In Venice, you’ll have time to stop and lock up your bikes for a few hours, allowing time to visit one of the famous Venetian Palaces and explore the city on foot. In the afternoon, jump on the ferry to Lido and then to Pellestrina Island. The Lido di Chioggia are long strips of land that divide the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and goes from Venice to Chioggia, broken only by a few channels. One more ferry will take you to Chioggia, a miniature version of Venice, with characteristic narrow streets known as calli. Chioggia has several medieval churches, which were renovated during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period of great prosperity in the area.

Note: You may need to pay the Venice Access Fee for the day you’re traveling there, it can be done via this link. Please check if you need to pay this fee before you arrive in Venice.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 44-47 miles / 70-75 km
Elevation gain: 660 ft / 200 m
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Time to say goodbye to this gorgeous part of Italy as your guides come to pick you up and transfer you (approximately 2 hours) back to the airport for your return flight home. Let us know if you’d like to stay longer in the area, we’d love to give you recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guide

5.00

Saddle Skedaddle

Saddle Skedaddle was founded by a couple of MTB pros (Paul and Andrew) while trapped in a snowstorm during their year-long biking adventure in Chile. They believe travel should move you and that there’s no better way to see a place properly—its people, culture, and natural wonders—than by bike. Saddle Skedaddle currently runs tours in 36 destinations, offering adventure junkies incredible places to tour on two wheels.

5.00 (4 reviews)

Claire (source: Guide’s website)

The overall trip was fabulous! Lake Guarda was a highlight – the whole time there. The last day cycling to Venice and Chioggia was also a favourite day. The overall trip was fabulous. Incredible scenery, great hotels, friendly people, a wonderful experience. Our Skedaddle representative was brilliant. Great riding advice and great restaurant recommendations. Friendly, funny and helpful.

Graham (source: Guide’s website)

Stress free. Excellent hotels, good service by Skedaddle, interesting cycling and places to visit. We really enjoyed the hotel in Verona, but all the hotels provided an excellent service. All the breakfasts were very good. The ride up the valley was fantastic, with the treat of a new ‘Bike and Wine’ cafe on route which was in our route notes. We had rain on two days, but we still enjoyed all the days. The bikes provided were in good condition (nearly new), very reliable and perfect for the type of riding we were doing.

Judith (source: Guide’s website)

We loved our holiday. The route was great and we really enjoyed the rural countryside . the app worked well although it sometimes took a while to update and tell us that we had gone off route. The staff at the bike shop in Verona where we got our bikes were fabulous.

Lynne (source: Guide’s website)

Although lots of mileage to cover, we enjoyed Italy and all the hotels were lovely. We loved all the places we visited and stayed in.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - 8-day cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels (in shared twin or double ensuite rooms, family rooms sleeping up to 4 people available on request)
  - Breakfasts
  - Local representative (with bike delivery and welcome meeting)
  - Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation
  - Luggage transfers
  - Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Verona Airport (VRN)
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Italy
  - Bikes (rental available at an additional cost)
  - Single supplement (available at an additional cost)
  - Meals not listed in the itinerary
  - Personal clothing and equipment
  - Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities, etc.)
  - Entrance fees to museums and other attractions enroute
  - Local tourist tax — to be paid locally, approximately 2 euros per day
  - Train tickets on Day 7 (3 euros including bikes)
  - Ferry tickets on Day 3 (15 euros including bikes) and Day 7 (20 euros including bikes)
  - Venice access fee (approximately 5 euros per day)
  - Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival/departure days
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
Fitness and experience
This cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice is ideal for those looking for an easy-going route, mostly on flat ground. There will be some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge, but other than that, it’s all breezy. So if you recently got into cycling and would like to do more over consecutive days, or you’re looking for a more active alternative to your usual vacation, this tour is for you.

Terrain and roads
- - This trip covers various terrains, as it extends from Lake Garda to the lowlands of Venice. The route follows a number of cycle paths and country lanes, with around 50% on roads shared with traffic. South of the lake you’ll find a good network of cycle routes and minor roads which will allow you to explore Lake Garda’s surrounding countryside, away from the traffic.
  - As you leave the lake and the terrain gets hillier, a mix of small roads, compact dirt roads and canal cycle paths will lead you to Verona and on to Montagnana and Padova. On this section of the journey, there will be some small hills, especially when contouring the National Park of Colli Euganei.
  - Day 6 will prove the most challenging, being a longer day in the saddle with some climbing.
  - Another stretch of flat canal cycle path and minor countryside roads will lead you towards Mestre and then into Venice. After boarding the ferry to Lido and Pallestrina islands, the riding on these strips of land is on small, flat roads close to the lagoon.
  - Hybrid or e-bikes are recommended for this route. E-bikes are a great way to cover ground a little quicker on some of the longer days, giving you extra time for exploring in the afternoons, particularly in the hotter summer months.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Bike — available to rent
  - Helmet — available to rent
  - Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
  - Padded shorts
  - Peaked helmet
  - Sneakers or sport shoes
  - Breathable outside layer or jacket
  - Sunglasses
  - Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
  - Daypack with snacks
  - Biking gloves are optional but recommended
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
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.
Indeed you can! If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own to this cycling vacation from Lake Garda, you can rent one with your guides. Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a phone mount, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock and a bike pump.

Hybrid bikes or e-bikes are recommended and rented out for this tour.

Depending on the size needed, the bikes may have a crossbar, or a step through frame (usually the smaller models). If a smaller frame is required, occasionally a mountain bike with semi-slick tyres adapted for road use may also be provided.

A helmet can be provided locally on request, please let us know if you’d like to rent one upon booking.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps.

By going on this cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice, you’ll have lots of things arranged for you, making your cycling experience a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable:
- - accommodation at small hotels (shared twin or double ensuite rooms, family rooms up to 4 persons available on request)
  - all breakfasts
  - airport transfer on arrival
  - app for information and navigation
  - luggage transfers
  - local representative for a welcome meeting
After you get transferred to Garda and once you’ve talked to a local representative, the self-guided tour starts! Keep in mind that your guides offer support along the way should you need anything.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice, the maximum group size is generally set to 14 participants.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate.
Cycling vacations from Lake Garda to Venice can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. They may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to your cycling vacation from Lake Garda to Venice, first you’ll land in Verona Airport (VRN). Transfer from the airport to the town of Garda is included in the price of the tour—aim to arrive between 9 am and 4 pm, and depart between noon and 7 pm.

Make sure your tour is confirmed and ready to go before making any travel arrangements. Please note that if you make travel arrangements outside the time windows above, there may be an additional charge for your transfers.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A non-refundable $250 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If the Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, the Client will forfeit the deposit.
  - For cancellations thirty (30) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the trip price.
  - If you cancel your booking less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the departure date, Client is not entitled to any refund.
If you need to cancel the trip, please contact us in writing. If you wish to transfer a booking to another person, please write to us at least seven (7) days before your trip. Administration charges may arise.