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CYCLING TOUR

Italian Lakes Traverse: from Lago di Como to Lago di Garda

ORIGIN - DESTINATION

Lago di Como - Lago di Garda

TOTAL DISTANCE

365 km

DAILY AVERAGE

60km, 1100m

DAYS

7 days, 6 nights

DIFFICULTY

Intermediate / Advanced

Description

What to Expect

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Ride from the iconic shores of Bellagio on Lake Como to the stunning landscapes of Lake Garda on this six-stage journey through Lombardy’s most scenic and lesser-known roads.

Begin with a warm-up ride to the legendary Passo del Ghisallo, then cross by ferry to Varenna and head into the mountains toward the elegant spa town of San Pellegrino Terme. Challenge yourself on the panoramic climb of Passo di Zambla before descending to the peaceful shores of Lake Iseo.

From there, venture off the beaten path through the wild Val Sabbia and over the remote Passo Polaseno to Lake Idro, where quiet roads and untouched nature define the experience. Your final stage leads through the dramatic Valvestino, finishing with a spectacular arrival at Lake Garda.

A perfect blend of iconic climbs, hidden valleys, and lakeside riding—ideal for cyclists seeking both challenge and discovery in northern Italy.

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Terrain

Small roads, mountain passes

Daily average

60km, 1100m

Total distance

365 km

Total elevation gain

6,350 m

Level

Intermediate

Hotels

Region

North of Italy: Lago di Como, Lago di Idro, Lago Iseo, Lago di Garda,

Season

June to September

Price per person from

1,199€

30% deposit reservation Discounts for members or repeat travelers.

Price based in a group of 6 people on 2* & 3* hotels.

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Itinerary

The tour in detail

Your journey begins with a classic warm-up loop from Bellagio, climbing the iconic Passo Ghisallo—one of the most celebrated ascents in Italian cycling. At the top, visit the legendary Museo del Ciclismo and the historic Madonna del Ghisallo chapel, a true pilgrimage site for riders. The route then sweeps down towards Asso and returns along the scenic lakeside road, offering beautiful views of Lake Como all the way back to Bellagio.

Ride: Bellagio Warm-Up Loop – 40km 650m
 Accommodation Example: Hotel Il Perlo Panorama 4*

The day begins with a short ferry transfer from Bellagio to Varenna, followed by a gentle warm-up along the lake before the climb from Bellano into Valsassina. The ascent continues up to Culmine di San Pietro, a quiet panoramic pass offering wide alpine views and peaceful roads. A flowing descent leads to San Giovanni Bianco, where you join the scenic, traffic-free cycle path through the Brembo Valley.

The stage ends in the historic spa town of San Pellegrino Terme—an elegant setting to unwind after your first day in the mountains.

Ride:  68km 1650m
 Accommodation Example: Hotel Bigio 3*

Leaving San Pellegrino, the route climbs steadily through Dossena to reach the panoramic Passo di Zambla, opening spectacular views across the Orobie mountains. A gentle roll into Clusone connects with the region’s scenic cycle path network, setting up the glorious, smooth descent of Val Borlezza.

The final stretch winds through Solto Collina before revealing the shimmering shores of Lake Iseo—a perfect finish to an unforgettable stage.

Ride: 76km 1650m
Accommodation Example: Hotel Miranda 3*

A short descent from Solto Collina leads to the lakeshore before heading south toward Tavernola and the climb to Parzanica—an extraordinary balcony road overlooking Lake Iseo. The ride continues through Vigolo on a scenic ridge, followed by a smooth and gentle descent back toward the water. The final flat kilometres trace the shoreline around the southern tip of the lake, ending in the lively and vibrant town of Sulzano with an amazing accommodation waterfront.

Ride: 55km 900m
Accommodation Example: Hotel RivaLago 4*

Leaving the Sulzano waterfront, the route climbs steadily toward Passo Polaveno, opening panoramic views as you transition from the shores of Lake Iseo into the quieter heart of inland Brescia. A long, flowing descent drops you into the hidden Val Sabbia, an off-the-radar valley of forests, ancient hamlets, and peaceful backroads. The ride continues gently upward along the river before the landscape opens once again to reveal the emerald waters of Lake Idro—remote, pristine, and framed by dramatic alpine foothills. The stage ends right on the lakeshore, a perfect place to unwind after a day of discovering one of Lombardy’s most overlooked gems.

Ride: 72km 1400m
 Accommodation Example: Hotel Pescatore 3*

From the quiet beauty of Lake Idro, the road leads straight into Valvestino—one of Lombardy’s most untouched and atmospheric valleys. The climb unfolds along a narrow, winding road that cuts through rugged terrain, suspended above the emerald waters of the Valvestino reservoir. With minimal traffic and dramatic scenery, this is a hidden gem for riders who love solitude and wild landscapes.

A flowing descent brings you down to the stunning shores of Lake Garda, finishing in the vibrant lakeside town of Toscolano—an epic finale to a truly unforgettable journey.

Ride:  57km 110m
 Accommodation Example: Boutique Hotel Reflection 3*

Departure Transfer to Milan Bergamo Airport

What’s included

Self Guided

Transfers

  • Transfer from Milan Bergamo Airport to Bellagio Lago di Como
  • Transfer from Lago di Garda to Milan Bergamo Airport
  • Daily luggage transfer (maximum 1 suitcase and 1 backpack per person)

Support

  • Telephone assistance

Accommodation & Meals

  • 6 nights in 3* and 4* hotels
  • Daily breakfast

Optional extras

  • Bike rental and accessories
  • Private transfers
  • Other Airport transfers
  • Extra nights at the start or end of the tour

Reviews

What our clients have to say about us

Bike rental

Pick up and ride. We’ll take care of the rest.

Rent Bikes
Terra BikeTours

Rent Gravel

Versatile bikes designed to combine paved roads, tracks, and dirt paths with comfort and stability.

Terra BikeTours

Road

Lightweight and fast, built for long distances and high performance on asphalt.

Terra BikeTours

Mountain

Ideal for off-road routes, trails, and technical terrain. Maximum control and safety beyond the pavement.

Terra BikeTours

Hybrid

Comfortable and practical, combining the best of city and road bikes. Ideal for leisure rides, commuting, and relaxed routes.

Terra BikeTours

Electric

Pedal-assist bikes that help you go further with less effort. Perfect for long routes, elevation gain, or enjoying the ride at your own pace.

FAQS

Some of your questions might be resolved here

We offer a wide range of cycling tours in Spain, Europe, Morocco and soon in South and Central America including gravel bike tours, road cycling holidays, e-bike tours, guided cycling trips, and self-guided bike adventures. Each itinerary is carefully designed to combine scenic routes, quality accommodations, and authentic local experiences.Can you imagine discovering new routes, meeting people who share your passion, and enjoying unique experiences on two wheels? Our cycling routes and events community is the perfect place for those who believe riding is more than just a sport — it’s freedom, adventure, and connection.
On a guided cycling tour, you ride with an experienced local guide and support vehicle, with full logistical coordination throughout the trip. On a self-guided cycling tour, you ride independently using our GPS routes and digital roadbook, while we handle accommodation bookings, luggage transfers, and on-call support. Both options provide a seamless and fully organized experience.
Yes. Most of our gravel and road cycling tours are designed for cyclists with a moderate fitness level. Daily distances and elevation gains are clearly indicated for each itinerary, and we offer e-bike options for riders who prefer additional support on climbs or longer stages. We believe cycling is for everyone who wants to do it, therefore we have lots of different tours options whatever your level is.
Yes, we can customize any of our itineraries to your needs or interests. We can shorten or extend them, include a visit to any special destination that you don’t want to miss or make sure the route goes through that climb you always dreamt of.
Our cycling tour packages typically include selected hotels, daily luggage transfers, GPS navigation, detailed route notes, a welcome briefing, and ongoing support. Guided tours also include a professional cycling guide and support vehicle. Bike rental (road, gravel, or e-bike) is available or included depending on the itinerary.
We specialize in riding all year round. If you want to ride in winter, Morocco or southern Spain are ideal. Spring and Autumn offer lots of possibilities since the weather is great for riding in numerous places. In the peak of the summer, Northern Europe and the high mountain passes ofthe Alps and Pyrenees are the places to go.
We carefully select high-quality 3★ and 4★ hotels, rural boutique properties, and iconic stays such as Paradores or spa hotels (depending on the itinerary). All accommodations are chosen for comfort, character, and strategic cycling locations.

We classify our tours into four difficulty categories to help you choose the right experience:
Leisure: Shorter daily distances, moderate terrain, and relaxed pacing. Ideal for recreational riders or mixed-ability groups.
Intermediate: Balanced stages with regular climbs and moderate elevation gain. Suitable for cyclists who ride regularly and are comfortable with back-to-back riding days.
Advanced – Longer distances, sustained climbs, and higher elevation gain. Designed for experienced cyclists seeking a physical challenge.
Epic – Demanding routes featuring mountain stages, significant elevation, and longer days on the saddle. Perfect for strong, performance-oriented riders looking for a serious challenge.

Contact

We answer all your questions

Looking for a custom tour?

We’re not afraid to explore new regions, and we’re always eager to cycle through countries we haven’t visited before. This allows us to expand our offerings and introduce our clients to the destinations that interest them most. Since 2005, we’ve cycled extensively through Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, and Portugal, and we’re now looking to add new countries to our experience and catalog, such as Ireland, Norway, Finland, and Slovenia.
Let’s plan it together

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After breakfast, a private transfer returns the group to Ljubljana at 10:00 AM. For those wishing to extend their stay, the capital offers excellent dining, compact cultural sites, and easy onward connections.

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