Arrival, welcome and briefing.  Once you arrive, you’ll have a chance to settle in and then have your bike fitting and a bike review on shifters, braking, riding in Italy, etc. You’ll receive your kit and water bottles and tour the Bike Room, where you’ll conveniently store your gear and find water, cycling food, and electrolytes.

CUSTOZA AND VILLAFRANCA
DISTANCE: 60KM 45mi
ELEVATION: 400m 1300ft

The Custoza hills roll through vineyards down to the flatter Pianura Padana, home to the medieval castle town of Villafranca.  Ride through the vineyards to Villafranca’s historic cafe,’ in operation since the 1850s.  We will splurge on le sfogliatine, the city’s famous pastry. Then we’ll turn toward the Mincio River, the only river that leaves Lake Garda, for a traditional lunch in Valeggio, a town known for a variety of savory delicacies and one of Italy’s famous Scaligeri castles.  We’ll follow the Mincio home on a beautiful cycle path ending back at the hotel in Peschiera.  In the evening, we’ll enjoy a tour of the historic fort that gives the town its name.

Lunch:  Traditional fare in Valeggio, just below the Scaligero Castle
Extra Activity:  Walking tour of historic Peschiera del Garda fort and port

EAST LAKE COUNTRYSIDE
DISTANCE:: 60 KM / 37 MI
ELEVATION: 600 M / 1978 FT

Enjoy panoramic views of the lake as you cycle quiet country roads on the way to the foothills town of Caprino, where we’ll stop for coffee and pastries.  Refreshed, we’ll enjoy a scenic descent to the centuries-old lakeside towns of Torri, Garda, Bardolino and Lazize. Our relaxing lunch will be on the outdoor terrace of a restaurant on the Lake Garda promenade, where we can watch boats and people pass by.  In the evening, we’ll take a guided boat ride on the Lake, complete with Prosecco and other beverages.

Lunch:  Regional specialties at a lakeside terrace restaurant on the Lake Garda promenade.
Extra Activity:  Guided boat tour of southern Lake Garda, with beverages.

MORENIC HILLS AND SIGURTA GARDEN
DISTANCE:: 60 KM / 36 MI
ELEVATION: 310 M / 1710 FT

Glide along quiet roads through rolling countryside.  We’ll visit small historic towns, see farmers tending crops, and even enjoy a castle or two. We’ll slowly bike through the award-winning Parco Giardino Sigurta’, which has been home to a garden since 1407 and is famous for a spring-time tulip display, as well as a wonderful tree collection and hedge maze.  After such a delightfully busy morning, you’ll be ready for a lovely outdoor lunch at a local restaurant.   We’ll return by van, unless you choose to extend the mileage and return by bike.

Lunch:  Local specialities at a garden restaurant close to Parco Giardino Sigurta’

Day off – Spend time relaxing poolside at the hotel, or wander one of our beautiful lakeside towns.  There are two spas within a short cab ride of the hotel, and many delightful shops and museums in the area.

WEST LAKE – VALTENESI AND HELLER GARDEN
DISTANCE:: 63 KM / 39 MI
ELEVATION: 700 M / 2296 F

We’ll take the lake road up to Torri, where we’ll catch the ferry across the lake.  The ferry itself is a treat, with views north to Mt. Baldo and the western cliffs that rise from the lake.  On the west side, a short ride will take us to Heller Gardens, where sculptures by Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Auguste Rodin and other internationally celebrated artists are featured within 2 dense acres of beautiful gardens.   We’ll enjoy lunch in the stunning historic cove town of Salo’, and then return by van, unless you choose to extend the mileage and return by bike along the picturesque western edge of the lake.  In the evening, we will enjoy a tour, tastings, and dinner at a local winery, hopefully under the stars!

Lunch:  Regional specialties at a restaurant in the historic and beautiful cove town of Salo’
Extra Activity:  Dinner at a local winery, complete with tour and tastings

VALPOLICELLA AND WINE TASTING
DISTANCE: 42 KM / 26 MI
ELEVATION: 590 M / 1935 FT

Our entrance into the famous Valpolicella valley will be dramatic – we’ll do a short climb to San Giorgio, where we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley.  Some of the world’s best wines come from Valpolicella, and our ride will take us through vineyards lined with blooming fruit trees to a stop at one of the region’s noted vineyard restaurants for lunch and a tasting.  Enjoy a return by van or you can extend the ride by returning by bike.  In the evening, we’ll enjoy a cooking class hosted by our outstanding chefs, who will teach you to make one of the Italian delicacies you’ve enjoyed during the week.  Don’t worry if you don’t cook – you’ll enjoy the Prosecco, camaraderie, and eating the finished product!

Lunch:  Lunch at a restaurant with stunning views overlooking the spectacular Valpolicella valley
Extra Activity:  Cooking Class with hotel chefs – and Prosecco!

We will have one final breakfast together, then say our goodbyes. We know you will be sad to leave, but you’ll return home with so many stories and photos to share. No doubt, you will have made many wonderful memories on this trip.