Self-Launched Cycling the Italian Lakes

Make your own way to Peschiera del Garda — the town is well served by direct trains from Milan (Trenitalia, ~£10–14, ~1.5 hrs) or Verona (~£5, ~30 mins). Check into your guesthouse or B&B near the lake, then spend the afternoon exploring the stunning 16th-century Venetian pentagonal fortress walls, the harbour, and the shores of Lake Garda. Pick up your hire bike today if your rental shop allows — book in advance via local operators such as Bike Garda or similar. Download your free route maps on Komoot before you set off tomorrow.

🚌Train from Milan Centrale to Peschiera del Garda via Trenitalia (~£10–14). From Verona: ~£5.

🛏B&B or guesthouse near Peschiera del Garda — e.g. Agriturismo or local B&B (~£35–50/night)

• →Explore the Venetian fortress and ramparts of Peschiera del Garda (free)
• →Walk the lakeside promenade of Lake Garda
• →Collect hire bike from local rental shop (~£15–20/day, book in advance)
• →Download cycling route on Komoot or Strava (free)

Set off on the Ciclopista del Sole cycle path along Lake Garda's shores. Choose your route: the longer scenic path (59km) via Garda town and the panoramic promenade, or the shorter inland route (31–37km) through the Lugana vineyards. Both routes pass through Desenzano and the beautiful Sirmione peninsula — worth a brief stop to admire its Scaliger Castle (entry ~£10). Luggage can be transported yourself by leaving non-cycling bags at the hotel for collection or using a local luggage forwarding service booked independently. Arrive in Brescia in the afternoon and explore the Roman ruins, Piazza della Loggia and the ancient castle (free to walk around).

🚌Self-powered cycling (31–59km). Lock bike securely at hotel.

🛏2–3 star hotel or B&B in Brescia city centre (~£40–55/night)

• →Cycle the Ciclopista del Sole along Lake Garda (31–59km, choose your route)
• →Stop at Sirmione and visit the Scaliger Castle (~£10 entry)
• →Explore Brescia's Roman ruins, Piazza della Vittoria and medieval castle (free)

A lovely 37km ride through the Franciacorta wine country — Italy's answer to Champagne. Stop at the historic Benedictine abbey of Rodengo Saiano (free entry to grounds). Cycle past the castles of Passirano and Clusane and through the Sebino Nature Reserve, a protected wetland teeming with water birds. Arrive at the tranquil shores of Lake Iseo, one of Italy's lesser-known gems. Consider picking up a bottle of Franciacorta sparkling wine from a local cantina along the route (~£10–15). The lake area has excellent affordable restaurants for your first dinner.

🚌Self-powered cycling (~37km from Brescia).

🛏Guesthouse or 2-star hotel on the shores of Lake Iseo (~£40–50/night)

• →Cycle through Franciacorta wine country (37km)
• →Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Rodengo Saiano (free)
• →Explore the Sebino Nature Reserve birdwatching area (free)
• →Wine tasting or bottle purchase at a Franciacorta cantina (~£10–15)

Two route options today: the standard 45km route follows the Oglio river through the pretty stone village of Grumello del Monte and medieval Montello; the scenic alternative (62km) hugs the eastern shore of Lake Iseo via Toline and Sale Marasino for spectacular lake views. Arrive in Bergamo with time to explore both the lower and upper towns — take the historic funicular up to the Città Alta (single ~£1.50, day pass ~£3). Wander the medieval walls, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (free) and enjoy an Aperol Spritz at a café on Piazza Vecchia. Bergamo has excellent budget trattorias.

🚌Self-powered cycling (~45–62km). Funicular within Bergamo (~£1.50).

🛏Budget hotel or hostel in Bergamo lower or upper town (~£35–55/night)

• →Cycle from Lake Iseo to Bergamo (45km or 62km scenic route)
• →Ride the historic funicular to Bergamo's Città Alta (~£1.50–3)
• →Explore the medieval upper town walls and Piazza Vecchia (free)
• →Visit Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (free)

A scenic 46km ride today, weaving along the banks of the Adda river and passing the imposing medieval Brivio Castle. The route is largely flat and follows quiet riverside paths — a relaxing day in the saddle. You arrive at Garlate on the shores of Lago di Lecco, a picturesque southern branch of Lake Como. The lake is perfect for an evening swim. Lecco is famously associated with Alessandro Manzoni's 'The Betrothed' — look out for the literary references around town. Find a lakeside gelateria and enjoy the sunset views across the water.

🚌Self-powered cycling (~46km).

🛏Small hotel or B&B in Garlate or Lecco (~£40–55/night)

• →Cycle the Adda river path from Bergamo to Garlate (46km)
• →Admire the medieval castle at Brivio (exterior free)
• →Swim in Lake Lecco (free)
• →Evening stroll along the Garlate lakefront

Today's 45km ride passes a string of smaller lakes — Annone, Pusiano and Alserio — on a mix of tarmac and dirt tracks. The grand finale is the Passeggiata Voltiana, a beautiful descent through woodland named after inventor Alessandro Volta (buried in Como), which sweeps you dramatically down into the city centre and onto the iconic shores of Lake Como. Explore the elegant Como Cathedral (Duomo, free), the lakeside gardens, and the Volta Temple museum (~£5). Book a short ferry ride across to Bellagio for the afternoon (~£5–8 return) — it's cheaper than any optional excursion the operator would charge for.

🚌Self-powered cycling (~45km). Optional Lake Como ferry (~£5–8).

🛏Budget hotel or hostel in Como city centre (~£45–65/night)

• →Cycle past Lakes Annone, Pusiano and Alserio (45km)
• →Descend the scenic Passeggiata Voltiana into Como (free)
• →Visit Como Cathedral / Duomo (free)
• →Optional: ferry to Bellagio and back (~£5–8)

Your longest and most varied day: 64km taking you along Lake Como past the grand Villa Olmo and through Cernobbio, then across the border into Switzerland (no visa needed for EU/UK passport holders — carry your passport). Continue to beautiful Lake Varese and along the clear waters of Lake Monate, where you can stop for a swim. The final stretch follows the green Quassa cycle path into Ranco on Lake Maggiore, with spectacular panoramic views. This is a satisfying final day in the saddle — reward yourself with a lakeside dinner of fresh lake fish and local wine.

🚌Self-powered cycling (~64km). No transport costs (border crossing on bike).

🛏Guesthouse or hotel in Ranco or Ispra, Lake Maggiore (~£45–65/night)

• →Cycle past Villa Olmo and through Cernobbio along Lake Como
• →Cross briefly into Switzerland (carry passport)
• →Swim in Lake Monate (free)
• →Arrive in Ranco/Ispra on Lake Maggiore via the Quassa cycle path

After a final breakfast with views of Lake Maggiore, return your hire bike if dropped off here (arrange with rental company in advance — some offer multi-point drop-offs for a small fee). Make your own way onward: the nearest train station is Sesto Calende or Arona (~10km by taxi, ~£10–15), from where trains run to Milan (~£6–10, ~1 hr). Milan is your best hub for onward flights or trains across Europe. Alternatively, extend your trip with a night in the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore — reachable by ferry from nearby Stresa.

🚌Taxi to Sesto Calende/Arona station (~£10–15), then train to Milan (~£6–10).

🛏N/A (departure day)

• →Final breakfast with lake views
• →Return hire bike at agreed drop-off point
• →Optional: visit Borromean Islands by ferry from Stresa (~£15–20 return)
• →Transfer to Sesto Calende or Arona station for train to Milan (~£6–10)