Italy

Lake Garda to Venice

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

£1,775 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

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A wonderful self-guided cycling holiday in Italy, taking you from the southern shores of Lake Garda to the charming city of Venice. Full to the brim with great riding, you'll be able to check out some wonderful areas of Italy as you ride, including Sirmione, Verona and Chioggia. This is your chance to enjoy a fantastic cycling holiday giving you an insight into the natural wonders of northern Italy. 
The trip has been set up to give you the chance to visit the hidden Renaissance gems of the “belpaese”. The first couple of days of your holiday will be spent exploring the stunning countryside and charming lake-side towns that surround the southern shores of Lake Garda. Leaving the lake behind, you will ride through beautiful countryside on your way to Verona. You'll follow the Adige River, alongside canals, through fields cultivated with fruit and vines, and over hills with plenty of time in between to stop and see the sights along the way.
An easy-going and quiet route that leads you to the lagoon of Venice, the Venetian Serenissima. You'll finish your cycling journey with one last ride to Chioggia where you will spend your final evening.
Accommodation during your journey will be in a selection of quality hotels and a warm welcome will be waiting for you on arrival. This trip is available for daily departures for a minimum of two people. We book all of your accommodation, transfer your luggage and provide you with cycling routes and a detailed itinerary. Just contact us with your preferred dates.
Do let us know if you'd like to extend your trip, either starting at the northern end of Lake Garda in Riva del Garda, or by adding an extra day in Venice. 
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Holiday Highlights

  • Enjoying a swim in Lake Garda
  • Cycling along Pellestrina Island surrounded by Venetian lagoons and fishing boats
  • Absorbing the hidden Rennaisance gems of the ‘belpaese’
  • Exploring Verona – a piece of art in itself
  • Discovering the medieval fortification of Montagnana
  • Taking a gondola ride along the canals of Venice

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Verona Airport - Transfer to Garda

Following your arrival into Verona (VRN) airport, you will be transferred (approx 1 hour) to your delightful accommodation in the town of Garda, on the southeast shores of Lake Garda.

Day 2
Vineyards and Lake Loop Ride
25 or 32 Miles / 40 or 50 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 500 or 650 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 500 or 650 Metres Approx.

A gentle and relaxing start to your cycling tour that will allow you to enjoy the delights of Lake Garda and to explore the surrounding countryside.

Ideally located on the south-east shores, the area is a network of cycle routes leading you into the countryside of expanses of vineyards over gentle hills. Cycle routes will take you through quaint little villages just below the Mt Baldo range, and will then take you back to the shores of the lake, where you can enjoy the lake-front vibrant life of Lazise and Garda itself. In the evening, Garda (your home for the night) becomes full of life and with plenty of little restaurants and Italian Trattorias to choose from, you are set up to have a lovely evening out.

This is a great day of cycling and a superb way to start a fantastic and unforgettable week.

Day 3
Lake Garda Mini Cruise - Cycle Sirmione to Peschiera
14 or 28 Miles / 25 or 45 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 150 or 300 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 150 or 300 Metres Approx.

Your day today will start with a short cruise across the lake to Sirmione. From the boat you can admire the eastern shore of the lake, dominated by the long ridge of Mt Baldo, rising over 2000m/6561ft above the lake. Sirmione was once a famous Roman spa and still attracts visitors for the curative waters and charming character. In Roman times villas were built here, including that of the poet Catullus who wrote of the beauty of the lake in his verses. Sirmione is also full of art treasures and history, starting with the Castle through which one must pass to reach the old centre.

From Sirmione you’ll ride south following quiet country lanes, through vineyards, peach orchards and kiwi plantations, in the rolling hills of the region known as Le Colline Moreniche. You’ll pass near San Martino di Battaglia, with its museum of armaments. Heading back to Lake Garda, the final section will see you riding along the Mincio cyclepath into the fortified walls of Peschiera, your destination for the night.

Day 4
Peschiera to Verona
20 Miles / 35 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 250 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 250 Metres Approx.

Your destination today is the city of Romeo and Juliet, with Renaissance palaces, the Roman arena and many cosy corners. Setting off from Peschiera, you’ll start today’s ride, cycling north along the east side of the lake. Heading inland, rolling hills cultivated with kiwi, peach plantations and olive groves will accompany you along the way. The last section is a ride along the Adige cycle path, leading you into Verona.

You’ll have time to enjoy a stroll through this remarkable Renaissance city, recently named as a World Heritage Site. Verona has delighted painters, poets, travellers and celebrities for centuries. It is a work of art in itself: a fascinating cross-road of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and Mediterranean influences. After settling into the hotel, you’ll have an evening to explore Verona and try out one of the many quality restaurants in town.

Day 5
Verona to Montagnana
37 Miles / 60 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 150 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 150 Metres Approx.

You will leave Verona riding mostly on cycle paths along the banks of the Adige river. This interesting route, mostly on dirt roads and canal embankments surrounded by nature, is a relaxing ride, allowing you to explore the plains south of Verona, characterised by expanses of orchards and vineyards which extend to the foot of the Euganean Hills.

Riding on flat routes, you will reach the medieval town of Montagnana. Montagnana is a peaceful town, universally famous for its beautiful, and perfectly preserved, medieval city walls. Time permitting you may have the opportunity to visit some of the ancient walls. There’s nothing better after a day on the bikes than sitting in the main square during aperitivo hour with the locals, watching Italian life go by.

Day 6
Montagnana to Padova
38 Miles / 60 Kms Approx
Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.

Today’s route reaches Padova passing through the town of Este, travelling along the banks of the River Frassine. You will be riding along quiet country roads with interesting natural features and the typical landscape of the Veneto countryside. Arriving in Este you will see the tower of the castle and part of the ruins, dating from the eleventh century. They are the only remaining artifacts of the five castles, built on the banks on the outskirts of the city to defend the strategic river accesses. This part of the route is mostly along the banks of the canals that surround the isolated group of hills. In particular you’ll ride along the banks of the River Bacchiglione taking a network of cycle paths.

Padova is a city characterised by complex town planning, a result of 2500 years of history. The city houses some world-famous works of art; from the traces of the Roman Age splendour to the masterpieces of the Middle Ages.

Day 7
Padova to Chioggia (via Venice)
44 or 47 Miles / 70 or 75 Kms Approx
Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.

You’ll continue with your journey heading towards Mestre and then onto Venice. Following a mixture of country lanes and cycle paths, you’ll ride through more beautiful landscapes and past regal mansions, following canals and natural reserves.

Reaching Mestre, you’ll arrive at the train station. From here you can take one of the regular trains to Venezia St Lucia, only a 12 minute journey, to avoid the last section between Mestre and the Liberty Bridge. We’d recommend this option, especially if riding with kids. Alternatively you can ride the new cycle lane over the Liberty Bridge arriving in Piazzale Roma.

In Venice, you’ll have time to stop and lock up your bikes for a few hours, allowing time to visit one of the famous Venetian Palaces and explore the city’s most beautiful and fascinating sights on foot. In the afternoon you will jump on the ferry to Lido and then to Pellestrina Island. The Lido di Chioggia are long strips of land that divide the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and goes from Venice to Choggia, broken only by a few channels. Large sea defenses run the total length of the island with characteristic embankments called “Murazzi” which you will be cycling along, offering unique views of the sea and the lagoon of Venice.

One more ferry will take you to Chioggia. Situated on a small island at the southern entrance to the Lagoon of Venice, Chioggia is a miniature version of Venice, with characteristic narrow streets known as calli. Chioggia has several medieval churches, which were renovated during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period of great prosperity in the area.

NB – As you are accessing Venice for the day, you may need to pay the Venice Access Fee, depending upon the dates you are travelling, which can be done following this link: https://cda.ve.it/en/ Please check if you need to pay this fee before you arrive in Venice.

Day 8
Departure from Chioggia - Transfer to Verona Airport
  • Meals: Breakfast

Time to say goodbye to this charming part of Italy as we transfer you (approx 1hr45) back to the airport for your return flight home.

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The Cycling

Terrain

This trip covers various terrains, as it extends from Lake Garda to the lowlands of Venice.

The route we’ve selected follows a number of cycle paths and country lanes, with around 50% on roads shared with traffic. South of the lake you’ll find a good network of cycle routes and minor roads which will allow you to explore Lake Garda’s surrounding countryside, away from the traffic.

As you leave the lake and the terrain gets hillier, a mix of small roads, compact dirt roads and canal cycle paths will lead you to Verona and on to Montagnana and Padova. On this section of the journey, there will be some small hills, especially when contouring the National Park of Colli Euganei.

Day 6 will prove the most challenging, being a longer day in the saddle with some climbing.

Another stretch of flat canal cycle path and minor countryside roads will lead you towards Mestre and then into Venice. After boarding the ferry to Lido and Pallestrina islands, the riding on these strips of land is on small, flat roads close to the lagoon.

We recommend hybrid or e-bikes for this route. E-bikes are a great way to cover ground a little quicker on some of the longer days, giving you extra time for exploring in the afternoons, particularly in the hotter summer months. For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2: Gentle

Distances generally between 15-30 miles / 24-48 kms per day

For those looking for an easy-going route

Mainly on the flat

Some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Maybe you have recently got into cycling and would like to do more over consecutive days, or maybe you‘re looking for a more energetic alternative to your usual holiday? If you‘re looking for an opportunity to try some quiet roads, cycle paths or some accessible, cycle friendly routes these holidays might be for you. You’ll come across some gently undulating terrain and the odd cheeky challenge, so we’d generally expect those on a Grade 2 holiday to ride their bikes relatively frequently at home, perhaps commuting to work or heading out for some leisurely rides at the weekend.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

2025 21 Apr – 29 Oct (excluding dates throughout July and August)

Season 1 – £1775 21 Apr – 16 Jun and 03 Sep – 29 Oct

Season 2 – £1995 17 Jun – 30 Jun and 01 – 02 Sep

If you‘re looking for a longer holiday, our Via Claudia route links into this tour perfectly; two self-guided tours of a similar grade that you‘re able to do back to back. Contact us if you’d like more info on this!

To ensure you have the best experience possible, we’d recommend travelling in the Spring or in the Autumn. We don’t as standard offer this tour in the hotter, more humid, busier summer months of July and August. If however your dates are set in July or August, please call us for a chat and we’ll do what we can to accommodate you.

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,775.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Hotel accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) English-speaking local representative (with welcome meeting, either in person or via video call)

D) Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation

E) Luggage transfers

F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival & departure day from/to Verona airport (VRN)

G) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required, on request)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (bar bills, souvenirs etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Ferry tickets Day 3: 15€ approx. incl. bikes / Day 7: 20€ day pass incl. bikes

J) Train tickets on day 7: 3€ incl. bikes

K) Local tourist tax to be paid locally (approx 2€ per day)

L) Venice Access Fee (approx. 5€ per day) – subject to date visiting Venice. Please check here: https://cda.ve.it/en/

M) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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The Essentials

Travel Options

Your tour starts in Garda and finishes in Chioggia.

Airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. We ask that you fly into and back from Verona airport (VRN). Please aim to arrive between 09.00 and 16.00 and depart between 12.00 and 19.00.

BA and easyJet offer direct flights from London Gatwick (LGW), and Jet2 from Manchester (MAN).

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the above time windows there may be an additional charge for your transfers.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in centrally located, comfortable 3 star hotels all with en-suite facilities which have been carefully selected for their location, local cuisine and service.

Family rooms (sleeping up to 4 people) available on request.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent. These bikes are typically Velo de Ville hybrid/touring bikes.

Depending on the size needed, the bikes may have a cross bar, or have a step through frame (usually the smaller models). If a smaller frame is required, occasionally a mountain bike with semi-slick tyres adapted for road use may also be provided.

Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock, a bike pump and a phone mount.

We can provide a helmet locally on request. If you would like us to organise this please request a helmet at the time of booking.

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