Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Self-Guided Alps To Lake Garda Verona Bike Tour

This self guided bike tour is a gentle mix of Alpine beauty, lakeside relaxation and the timeless charm of Verona. Your journey begins in the quiet village of Ora, where vineyards and apple orchards set a peaceful tone for the first rides. You pedal to Caldaro and Bolzano, then follow the Adige River on well marked bike paths all the way to Trento.

The scenery shifts as you reach Lake Garda, where two nights in Torbole let you enjoy bright water, mountain views and easygoing local life. A slow ferry across the lake adds a lovely break before you ride into romantic Verona. Your final day circles through the Valpolicella countryside, an area dotted with vineyards and elegant villas. This itinerary offers a friendly balance of nature, culture and relaxed adventure, making each day feel refreshing and memorable.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Verona

Finish

Verona

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

46 km / 28 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)

Fly-Out

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)

Highlights

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Ride through the Adige Valley

Enjoy smooth cycling on safe, scenic bike paths surrounded by vineyards, apple orchards and mountain views.

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Cycle along the shores of Lake Garda

Take in bright blue waters, dramatic cliffs and peaceful lakeside towns as you ride toward Torbole.

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Explore Bolzano and its alpine charm

Visit the historic center, admire the blend of Italian and Austrian culture and see the famous Ötzi museum if you wish.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Ora

You start your journey in Verona, where a warm welcome and an easy bike fitting make the beginning smooth and relaxed. Soon after, a comfortable van transfer takes you, your bike and your luggage north toward the peaceful village of Ora or Auer. The drives takes a little over 90 minutes.

The drive introduces you to the beautiful landscape of vineyards and mountains that will shape the rest of your trip. Once in Ora, you settle into your hotel and have time to unwind, stroll around the quiet village or enjoy the fresh Alpine atmosphere before your cycling adventure begins.

Meals:
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Day 2: Ora

Today you ride through bright vineyards toward the lovely Caldaro Lake, enjoying peaceful views and gentle terrain. A converted old railway path leads you smoothly into Bolzano, a lively city shaped by both Italian and Austrian traditions. You can wander through Piazza Walther, explore narrow streets or visit the museum that houses the famous Otzi mummy.

The return to Ora follows the Adige River on a calm, well marked bike path, giving you an easy finish surrounded by open countryside. It is a refreshing mix of nature, culture and relaxed cycling.

Elevation gain: 450m/ 1476ft

Paved: 100% Unpaved: 0%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 50 km / 31 mi
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Day 3: Trento

You continue south along the Adige Valley on a flat, comfortable bike path lined with vineyards and apple orchards. The ride feels peaceful and steady, perfect for enjoying the open countryside. A highlight along the way is the historic village of Egna, known for its arcaded streets and welcoming charm.

As you approach Trento, the scenery gently transitions into a blend of mountains, elegant buildings and lively city life. Once you reach the city, you can relax, explore its historic center or simply enjoy the mix of old and modern elements that define Trento.

Elevation gain: 150m/ 492ft

Paved: 100% Unpaved: 0%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 44 km / 27 mi
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Day 4: Torbole

The route continues along the Adige River on a well signed bike path that winds past medieval castles and quiet villages. The terrain stays easy as you cycle through the valley toward Rovereto, a pleasant town known for its relaxed atmosphere.

As the path turns west, the scenery begins to shift and the mountains open to reveal your first dramatic view of Lake Garda. The sparkling water and towering cliffs create a beautiful welcome. You arrive in Torbole, a lively lakeside town where you can unwind, enjoy the waterfront and settle in for a peaceful evening.

Elevation gain: 250m/ 820ft

Paved: 100% Unpaved: 0%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 46 km / 29 mi
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Day 5: Torbole

This day is dedicated to the natural beauty surrounding the Sarca River, the main tributary flowing into Lake Garda. You ride through a wide green plain dotted with crystal clear lakes and framed by gentle mountains. The landscape feels calm and refreshing, offering plenty of moments to pause and enjoy the views.

Torbole and nearby Riva del Garda add a colorful lakeside backdrop as you cycle through this peaceful setting. The ride is relaxed and scenic, making it one of the most enjoyable days. You return to Torbole for a second night by the water.

Elevation gain: 400m/ 1312ft

Paved: 100% Unpaved: 0%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 48 km / 30 mi
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Day 6: Verona

Your morning begins with a slow, panoramic ferry ride across Lake Garda. The journey offers wide views of bright water, cliffs and charming towns along the shore. Once you reach Garda, you return to your bike and follow the lakeside before entering quiet countryside paths toward Verona.

The ride is smooth and varied, passing canals, fields and small villages. Arriving in Verona feels warm and welcoming, with its historic streets and gentle atmosphere. You check in for the night and have time to enjoy the city’s beauty after a memorable day by the water.

Elevation gain: 300m/ 984ft

Paved: 95% Unpaved: 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 36 km / 22 mi
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Day 7: Verona

Your final ride explores the rolling vineyards of the Valpolicella region, famous for its traditional wines and elegant countryside. You follow peaceful country roads lined with olive trees, grapevines and charming rural homes. Along the way, you pass historic villas and prestigious wineries that give this area its unique character.

The cycling is gentle and scenic, offering many opportunities to pause for photos or simply enjoy the landscape. After completing the loop, you return to Verona for your last evening, surrounded by beautiful architecture, good food and a relaxed Italian atmosphere.

Elevation gain: 350m/ 1148ft

Paved: 95% Unpaved: 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 49 km / 30 mi
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Day 8: Departure

Your final morning is calm and unhurried. After breakfast, you check out and prepare for your onward journey. Verona offers a warm and graceful setting for your departure, with its historic streets and welcoming character.

You may take a little extra time to explore or simply enjoy the peaceful start to the day before heading home. It is a gentle and fitting close to a week filled with beautiful landscapes, friendly towns and memorable cycling experiences.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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BIO Hotel Kaufmann & Residence Regenbogen

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Hotel Everest Trento - Ristorante e Pizzeria

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Caravel Bike Hotel

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Residenza Pietra di Verona

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $380

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $170



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Are e-bikes guaranteed if I choose the e-bike option?

E-bikes are available on many of our tours, but they are not guaranteed and remain subject to availability. Our local partners maintain a limited fleet, and certain frame sizes— especially for guests below 160 cm orabove 180 cm—may be limited.

We always do our best to secure your preferred bike type, but in some destinations availability is restricted. If your exact size is not available, we will inform you in advance and offer the best possible alternative.

To improve your chances of securing an e-bike, we recommend booking early and providing accurate height details.

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Velo De Ville L200 or similar

touring

Included in your trip price

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Velo de Ville AEB 890 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your cycling tour begins in the South Tyrolean town of Ora or Auer, located 110km ( 68 mi) from Verona. The most convenient airport is Verona Villafranca Airport, with direct connectivity major Europeans hubs such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.

A group transfer from Verona to Ora is included in the tour price.

Departure

The tour ends in Verona after your final overnight stay. On the last morning, you enjoy breakfast, check out and depart individually at your own pace. From Verona city to Verona Villafranca Airport, you can take a taxi for 25 to 35 EUR or the Aerobus for about 6 EUR to reach your departure flight. The city’s compact layout makes the transfer simple and convenient, allowing for a smooth end to your holiday.

Weather

The best time to enjoy this trip is from April to October, when Northern Italy offers pleasant cycling conditions. Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming vineyards and clear mountain views, usually ranging from 15 to 22°C. Summer is warm and lively, with long sunny days and temperatures between 24 and 30°C, perfect for lake scenery and outdoor evenings.

Early autumn is especially beautiful, with cooler air, colorful vineyards and temperatures around 18 to 25°C. Rain is usually light and brief in these months, making the routes comfortable and enjoyable. Overall, the season offers ideal weather for relaxed and scenic cycling.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Good

May

Best

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Best

October

Good

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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