Tour of Lake Garda and the Dolomites
DolomitesGarda Lake

From the shores of Lake Garda to the giants of the Dolomites among vineyards, iconic mountain passes and breathtaking views

Tour of Lake Garda and the Dolomites / 8 daysGet a quote for this tour

Dates for this tour

From 27 August to 3 September 2023 Request this date
From 11 to 18 June 2024 Request this date
From 7 to 14 September 2024 Request this date

Tour details 8 days

Day 1: Arrival in Torbole sul Garda

Accommodation at the Hotel Caravel (transfer service on request).

The hotel is located in Torbole, a picturesque town on the northern shore of Lake Garda. Its historic centre is characterised by cobbled streets, stone houses and small shops selling local products such as olive oil and wine. There are also numerous restaurants offering typical specialities and bars where you can enjoy a lively evening atmosphere.

Before dinner, we meet the bike manager for a presentation of the programme and the handover of the bikes.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Limone sul Garda cycle path and Strada della Forra

56 km // 910m of elevation gain

We begin our journey with one of the most scenic routes. The Limone sul Garda cycle path is a tranquil ride that follows the western shore of Lake Garda, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the lake itself. The cycle path is fairly easy to ride, with few challenging climbs and a well-marked, flat route.

We continue on the Strada della Forra, a narrow, winding road through a spectacular gorge, famous for being used as the location for the James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’. The route has recently been closed to motorised traffic, but has steep sections with tight bends and descents that require good physical and technical preparation.

Lunch break by the lake and free afternoon to relax.

Dinner at your leisure (we will suggest some of our favourite restaurants with lake views).

Day 3: Lake Tenno and Ballino Pass

62 km // 1,000 m of elevation gain

On the second day we discover the enchanting Lake Tenno, located in Trentino-Alto Adige on the border of Lombardy. The lake sits at an altitude of about 600 metres above sea level, between the mountains of the Rhaetian Alps, and is characterised by a narrow, elongated shape. Its waters are exceptionally clear thanks to the presence of underground springs.

Lake Tenno is surrounded by an unspoilt landscape of coniferous forests and green meadows, and lies within a protected area that is home to rare animal and plant species of great natural interest. This is the perfect place for a regenerating break before tackling the ascent to the Ballino Pass and absorbing its breathtaking mountain scenery.

Lunch break and return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, we stretch our legs with a walk along the Strada del Ponale on a flat, well-trodden path. The itinerary, full of viewpoints with tables and benches where you can stop to admire the landscape, winds for about ten kilometres through tunnels carved into the rock, waterfalls, and woods of holm oaks and pines. The walk ends in Molina di Ledro, where it is possible to take a bus back to Riva del Garda or to visit the fascinating nature reserve of Lake Ledro.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner at your leisure.

Day 4: Bordala Pass and the vineyards of Aldeno

61 km // 1,530 m of elevation gain

 

Today we cycle through the vineyards of Aldeno, a small town in Trentino known for its exquisite wine production. The grape varieties cultivated in Aldeno are mainly Müller Thurgau, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero and Schiava, characterised by a fresh and fruity taste. Production is largely managed by small, family-run wineries which follow traditional cultivation and production methods. This results in high quality wines that are an authentic expression of the place in which they are made.

Lunch break in Aldeno where we can taste local products, visit wine cellars and discover the culture and winemaking tradition of this area of Trentino-Alto Adige.

Return to the hotel and free time.

Dinner at a restaurant.

Day 5: From Lake Garda to Panchià

100 km // 1,850 m of elevation gain

 

Today we say goodbye to Lake Garda and embrace the mountains of the Dolomites, staying at the Albergo Panorama in Panchià. Let’s prepare to climb the mountains that have been written into the history of the Giro d’Italia.

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for their spectacular beauty and distinctive, craggy rock faces that turn a deep pink colour at sunset. Among the most famous peaks of the Dolomites are the Marmolada, the Civetta, the Catinaccio and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The Dolomites are characterised by the presence of numerous mountain villages, with wooden chalets and traditional houses that give this region its unique charm. Here it is possible to enjoy traditional local dishes, such as canederli, sauerkraut, polenta and malga cheese, accompanied by high-quality local wines.

After arriving at the hotel, we enjoy some relaxation and free time to savour the mountain air.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6: Lavazè Pass, Costalunga Pass and Lake Carezza

70 km // 1,960 m of elevation gain

 

A day dedicated to climbing the Lavazè and Costalunga Passes, two of the most iconic climbs in Italy.

The Lavazè Pass is located at an altitude of around 1,800 metres and offers 17 kilometres of ascent that are as challenging as they are spectacular. The road to the pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomite mountain range and the lush surrounding valleys. During the ascent, one is immersed in a peaceful landscape, far from the traffic of the main roads. The climb has an average gradient of 6-7%, but has some more challenging ramps that require good physical fitness.

The Costalunga Pass, also known as the Carezza Pass, is located at an altitude of around 1,752 metres. The 10 kilometre climb to the summit offers sublime views of the surrounding mountains and the Adige Valley. The road has an average gradient of 7 per cent, but has some very steep sections that will put your legs to the test.

Both climbs are popular with both professional and amateur cyclists who wish to test their climbing skills and enjoy the beauty of the Dolomites.

Light lunch at Lake Carezza.

Return to Panchià with free afternoon. 

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7: Manghen Pass

55 km // 1,540 m of elevation gain

 

We finish our tour with a fun challenge: a time trial to reach the top of the Manghen Pass. The climb to the 2,047-metre-high summit is around 19 kilometres long and is one of the most challenging in the region. Here we find an average gradient of 7.5 per cent — with some tough ramps. The route is certainly very scenic, but requires strong legs, especially considering its length.

Return to the hotel for lunch, free afternoon to relax.

Dinner at the hotel and award ceremony for the day.

Day 8: Breakfast and farewells

After breakfast and check-out we set off with a suitcase full of unforgettable memories. Transfer service on request.

Services included:

  • 4 nights at the Hotel Caravel in Torbole, on the shores of Lake Garda
  • 3 nights at the Albergo Panorama in Panchià, in the heart of the Dolomites
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • 1 dinner at Hotel Caravel
  • 1 dinner in a restaurant at Lake Garda
  • 3 dinners at the Hotel Panorama
  • 5 light lunches
  • Luggage transfer from Torbole to Panchià
  • Wine and food tasting and visit to a wine cellar in Aldeno
  • Panoramic walk at Lake Garda
  • 6 guided cycling tours
  • Accompanying van with hydration, bars, gels and snacks
  • Medical and luggage insurance

Services not included:

  • Flight to and from Italy
  • Transfers to and from the hotels
  • Drinks at meals
  • Anything not mentioned under “Services included”