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 flow down through vineyards to the flatter Pianura Padana, home to the medieval town of Villafranca, with its historic cafe’ in operation since the 1850s.  We will splurge on le sfogliatine, the city’s famous pastry.  Then we’ll cycle to 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 as well as one of Italy’s famous Scaligeri castles.  We’ll follow the Mincio home on a nature preserve cycle path, ending back at the hotel in Peschiera.  In the evening, we’ll enjoy a tour of the fort that gives the town its name and has important historic ties to the river, lake, and the entire region.

Lunch: Savory specialties in Valeggio, a picturesque town on the Mincio River, just downhill from the Scaligero Castle

Extra Activity:  Walking tour of historic Peschiera del Garda fort and port

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

Enjoy panoramic views of the lake as you cycle quiet country roads 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. A delicious outdoor lunch on a lakeside terrace will replenish us as we watch the 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:  Relaxing summer 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’

MONTE BALDO LIFT RIDE AND HIKE

Take a break from cycling for a day and enjoy the stunning views from Monte Baldo, one of the tallest and most majestic peaks in the lake region. Ride up the mountain by lift, and then hike the ridgeline, featuring one beautiful lake panorama after another.  For lunch, we’ll visit the traditional mountain hut (including a restaurant with more spectacular views!)  We’ll have options for the descent, from a return on the lift or a hike and van ride.  Either way, we’ll enjoy a scenic van ride back to the hotel.

Lunch:  Delicious mountain hut dining on top of Monte Baldo

WEST LAKE – VALTENESI
LENGTH: 63 KM / 39 MI
ELEVATION: 700 M / 2296 FT

We’ll ride the lake road up the east side 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, we’ll take our time winding through the shady, quiet San Michele climb. After a short descent, we’ll enjoy lunch in the stunning and historic cove city of Salo’. We’ll 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 gather for a tour, tasting, and dinner at a local winery, hopefully under the stars!

Lunch:  Post-climb lunch at a restaurant in historic and beautiful cove town of Salo’
Extra Activity:  Dinner at local winery, complete with tour and tasting

VALPOLICELLA WINE AREA
LENGTH: 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 to a stop at one of the region’s noted vineyard restaurants for lunch overlooking the spectacular valley.  Return by van or you can extend the ride by returning by bike.  In the evening, we’ll have fun with 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:  Regional dining at a vineyard restaurant with panoramic views of Valpolicella valley
Extra Activity: Cooking Class with hotel chefs, complete with 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.