LAKES OF LOMBARDIA

Let yourself go in this fascinating experience between rolling hills and transparent ponds that reflect the green of the vineyards and cultivated fields.

You start from Lake Garda and cycle along a stretch of the beautiful “Ciclopista del Sole” which runs along the Mincio or you cycle near the lake passing through the famous tourist resorts of Desenzano and Sirmione;

You will pass through the lakes of Iseo, Lecco and Como, touching cities of art such as Brescia, Bergamo, Varese and Como itself and then terminate the tour on Lake Maggiore and last but not least  will also be a short detour in Switzerland, in the Canton Ticino: unforgettable experience!

You will pass seven lakes on your way.

The natural beauty of these places, the wealth of artistic testimonies and the good cuisine with excellent local wines give color and flavor to your cycling holiday. The route includes some climbs that require a minimum of training and even if it takes place mainly on cycle paths and secondary roads it includes sections with intense traffic. 

GPS track recommended.

 

In Peschiera is located the Fortress, surrounded by the River Mincio, a small jewel of architecture, enclosed in a mighty sixteenth-century pentagonal wall with beautiful ramparts and imposing access doors.

If you choose the long, quieter and more hilly route, cycle along the Mincio cyclepath and then pass by San Martino della Battaglia with its big tower reminiscent of the wars of independence. The short route passes closer to the lake and takes you to Desenzano and Sirmione, one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. Arrival in Brescia, a city rich in Roman and medieval remains, surmounted by the ancient castle.

Today a short and relaxing itinerary that leads us to ride in Franciacorta, a land of wines of excellence. The route takes us to Rodengo Saiano, home to a Benedictine abbey where the monks still lives, passes near the castles of Passirano and Clusane and at the Sebino Nature Reserve, a protected area rich in water birds, and then ends on the banks of the lovely Lake Iseo.

We cycle along the Oglio river that comes out from Lake Iseo; in short you reach Grumello del Monte, a pretty village with the stone houses; then, past a small bridge, you enter the beautiful medieval old town of Montello, all in stone. The day on the bike ends in Bergamo, the pearl of northern Italy, where you will arrive early enough to visit both the elegant lower town, but above all the splendid upper town, accessible by a funicular.

Today we reach the branch of Lake Como called Lago di Lecco. The route takes us to Mapello, where there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna of Prada; another place of great spirituality is Sotto il Monte, the town where Pope John XXIII was born; his birth place is a nice free museum. A memorable experience is the crossing of the river Adda on a Leonardesque ferry pulled by cable. You reach Garlate by pedaling through the green of the beautiful cyclepath along the Adda.

This is the day when you pass through the largest number of lakes, all very small: Annone, Pusiano, Alserio, partially riding on dirt roads. The end of the path is the most beautiful part; in Solzago you take the Passeggiata Voltiana that takes its name from Alessandro Volta, buried nearby; with an exciting descent first through the woods and then along a beautiful road you will arrive in the center of Como and then on the shores of the beautiful lake.

The last day we set off along the lake surrounded by splendid villas, in particular Villa Olmo, in the direction of Cernobbio; you cross the border with Switzerland and then you reach Varese and immediately after its lake with the bike path; along the Monate lake from the clear waters where it is possible to swim ; finally you are in Ispra on the Lake Maggiore and passing through the green Quassa cyclepath youarrive to Ranco, where you will enjoy a splendid view of the lake.

-Bicycle	city bike
-Luggage transfer	yes
-Personal briefing	no
-Rental bike only	yes
-Luggage transfer only	yes
-Tailor made tour	yes

On request