Garda Gravel Adventure is an off-road cycling experience that explores the region around Lake Garda. Not only beaches and sunbathing, but also dust, gravel roads, intense cycling, authentic villages, great panoramas, off-the-beaten-track destinations and a bit of adventure The best of the hills, mountains and Alpine lakes around the largest Italian Lake.
You will ride on secondary roads with little or no local traffic and on some short stretches of roads open to traffic. The road surface is approximately 30% gravel, with the rest being concrete, mixed surfaces and asphalt. The route includes climbs (averaging no more than 7%, with a few short, intense exceptions). A good level of fitness is recommended.
with breakfast in Hotel**/*** or similar (2 in Verona, 1 in Desenzano, 1 in Ponte Caffaro, 3 in Torbole)
GPX tracks and navigation app
on navigation app
in person in Verona
Basic insurance of medical assistance
8:00-20:00
See add-on options
DAY 7
Bike fitting and Meet&Greet at Itinera.
Overnight in Verona.
The itinerary explores the hilly area that surrounds the Southern side of Lake Garda. These rolling and gentle hills are covered with large vineyards, olive groves and orchards and are dotted with beautiful rural house and tiny villages, linked with smooth gravel roads. The route constantly goes up and down on these hills and it finally gets to Desenzano del Garda, a large and charming lakefront town.
Overnight in Desenzano del Garda.
The route initially crosses the area of Valtenesi, a hilly region on the Western side of Lake Garda, famous for the production of excellent olive oil and wine. Beautiful gravel roads pass by medieval castles and panoramic spots where to enjoy the beauty of Lake Garda from the top. After passing by the charming town of Salò, the route goes inland in the green Val Sabbia: the itinerary follows the river Chiese on a gravel path that leads to Lake Idro, an alpine lake surrounded by high mountains. The last miles are all along the lake, on a panoramic path that leads to the northern side of the lake.
Overnight in Ponte Caffaro.
This stage is the one with the highest total altitude and explores the mountainous area between Lake Idro and Lake Garda. The itinerary is initially along a smooth bike path at the bottom of Chiese valley and gradually goes up until it gets at the bottom of the Brenta Dolomites. The itinerary passes by castles and waterfalls, then it heads south towards the deep blue Lake Tenno and finally it reaches Lake Garda again, on its Northern side.
Overnight in Torbole.
The first loop ride from Torbole explores the Valley of the Lakes, so-called because of the presence of some alpine lakes. The itinerary heads North and initially stays at the bottom or river Sarca valley, passes by the charming town of Arco, overlooked by an impressive castle, and then starts to go up the valley in a beautiful rocky landscape, surrounded by high cliffs. The ride flanks the shore of Lake Cavedine and then reaches Lake Toblino, characterized by a castle in the middle of its water, and Lake Santa Massenzia, famous for grappa. The way back to Torbole crosses large vineyards and apple groves.
Overnight in Torbole.
The stage is short but the landscapes are great! The ride starts uphill along the old Ponale road, in ancient times the only road that linked Lake Garda to Lake Idro: nowadays it is a car-free gravel road with great views over Lake Garda. It constantly goes up until it reaches the narrow Ledro valley, it follows the ancient road until it reaches Lake Ledro, another shining lake surrounded by high mountains. After a tour around the lake, same way back towards Lake Garda: even if the road is the same, the landscape will look totally different!
Overnight in Torbole.
The day starts with a short ferry transfer from Torbole to Malcesine: a short and panoramic cruise to approach this beautiful town overlooked by a castle built on a high cliff. The ride initially runs along the lakeside bike path and then follows ancient paths halfway up the mountain side: the paths are always surrounded by hundred-years-old olive trees and offer amazing views over the lake.
Once in Garda, the itinerary heads East and finally reaches Verona.
Overnight in Verona.
Check out and individual departure. Arrivederci!