This gravel bike holiday brings you to some of the charming destinations between Lake Garda and Verona, where to experience the true Italian Dolce Vita, with an adventurous vibe! From charming little ports on the shining waters of Lake Garda to postcard-like landscapes, passing by large vineyards and medieval villages on the hills and the romantic town of Verona: explore this beautiful region on the classic Strade Bianche!

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 35% 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.

Bike fitting and Meet&Greet at Hotel in Desenzano.

Overnight in Desenzano.

The first ride explores the hills of Valtenesi, on the western side of Lake Garda. The hills are covered with vineyards and olive trees and are dotted with villages overlooked by medieval castles. The first part of the ride goes inland and crosses the fertile farmland, passes by the castles of Drugolo and after the panoramic spot of Polpenazze, it reaches the town of Salò, beautifully placed on a gulf. The way back to Desenzano goes back on the hills following secondary roads and gravel paths, always surrounded by large olive groves.

Overnight in Desenzano del Garda.

The southern area of Lake Garda sometimes recalls the rolling hills of Tuscany. The itinerary visits this beautiful area, where smooth gravel roads leads to some authentic and well-preserved medieval villages, such as Solferino, Cavriana and Volta Mantovana. The highlight of the day is Borghetto sul Mincio, fairy-tale like hamlet that lies at the shores of river Mincio. The second part of the ride passes by the Lugana area, famous for the production of white wine. Once in Peschiera del Garda, final destination of the itinerary and UNESCO heritage site, don’t forget to end the day with a few glasses of Lugana!

Overnight in Peschiera del Garda.

Today’s ride follows smooth gravel roads on the eastern side of Lake Garda, where parts of the battles of Independence of Italy were fought. The landscape is Mediterranean, with high cypresses and large vineyards all around. The itinerary gets to the coast by the village of Bardolino, the perfect place for a lakefront aperitif. After following the coastline for a few miles, the itinerary goes back inland on tranquil b-roads and gravel paths until Peschiera del Garda.

Overnight in Peschiera del Garda.

The day starts with a relaxing ride along the river Mincio bike path. After leaving the bike path behind, the itinerary enters the Custoza area, a slightly hilly area where the Custoza white wine is produced. Besides of the wine, the area is a paradise for gravel roads lovers, with nice paths among cultivated fields and rolling hills: the highest one is topped by a obelisk, that commemorates the dead soldiers of the Independence Wars of Italy. The itinerary then heads North-East towards Verona: a bike path leads directly to the city center, our base for the next two days.

Overnight in Verona.

Valpolicella is famous wine region, particularly appreciated for the Amarone wine: today’s ride goes up and down the hills where these vineyards grow. After cycling on the lower side of Valpolicella, the itinerary also explores the higher hills, where it is possible to enjoy great panoramas amidst cherry trees, vineyards and stone-made houses. The way back to Verona follows a path along the river Adige.

Overnight in Verona.

The last day explores the area East of Verona, probably not as know as other regions but as beautiful. The day starts with a relaxing ride along river Adige and some smaller creeks with clear water, then the itinerary starts to climb the hills on gravel roads flanked by large olive groves: the ride passes by three different valleys, all with their own characteristics and beauty. The way back to Verona passes by the panoramic spot of Castel San Pietro, the perfect romantic ending for this biking holiday.

Overnight in Verona.

Check out and individual departure. Arrivederci!