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

Self-Guided Lake Garda to Venice Bike Tour

This self guided bike tour gives you a relaxed way to explore some of Northern Italy’s most iconic places, blending lakeside scenery, charming small towns and famous art cities. You start off in Verona and warm up with a beautiful ride to Lake Garda, where vineyards, olive trees and blue water set the mood for the week.

From there the route becomes a pleasant mix of river paths, quiet countryside roads and gentle hills as you make your way through Lonigo, Vicenza and Padua, each offering its own character and architecture. You’ll see elegant Venetian villas, peaceful farmland and historic centers that are perfect for evening walks and casual aperitivos.

The journey wraps up in the Venice area with a fun bike and boat day to Lido, letting you enjoy views of the lagoon and discover a quieter side of the city. It is a scenic and easy going adventure with plenty to enjoy along the way.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Verona

Finish

Mestre

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

50 km / 31 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)

Fly-Out

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Highlights

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Lake Garda’s Lakeside Beauty

Begin your adventure with stunning views of Lake Garda, cycling through vineyards, olive groves and charming villages like Lazise and Bardolino. The scenery is peaceful, refreshing and the perfect start to the week.

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Art Cities of Northern Italy

Ride through some of Italy’s most iconic cultural cities, including Verona, Vicenza and Padua. Each stop offers beautiful historic centers, elegant architecture and lively squares ideal for evening walks and relaxed aperitivos.

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Venetian Villas and River Paths

Follow quiet countryside lanes and scenic river bike paths along waterways like the Adige, Bacchiglione and Brenta. The route is dotted with centuries old Venetian villas and peaceful rural landscapes.

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.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1Verona Residenza Pietra di Verona
DAY 2Verona Residenza Pietra di Verona B65 km / 40 micycling
DAY 3LonigoCorte Quadri B56 km / 35 micycling
DAY 4VicenzaCityHotel Cristina VicenzaB51 km / 32 micycling
DAY 5PaduaHotel al PratoB44 km / 27 micycling
DAY 6Mestre Hotel VeneziaB42 km / 26 micycling
DAY 7Mestre Hotel VeneziaB40 km / 25 micycling
DAY 8DepatureB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Verona

Arrive individually in Verona and get settled into your hotel in the city center. You’ll have your meet and greet along with bike fitting at our local bike shop. The rest of the day is free to explore Verona at your own pace. Take time to enjoy the historic streets, lively squares or an evening stroll by the ancient architecture.

Meals:
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Day 2: Verona

Start your first ride by leaving Verona and biking through vineyards and olive groves toward Lake Garda. The route offers beautiful views of the lake framed by mountains. You can stop to visit Lazise and Bardolino, two charming lakeside towns. After enjoying the lakeside atmosphere, cycle back to the “City of Love,” Verona. It’s a rewarding round trip with varied scenery.

Elevation : +500 m. Unpaved : 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
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Day 3: Lonigo

This ride begins by crossing Verona’s historic center before heading quickly into the countryside. You’ll follow the Adige River on a quiet and peaceful cycle path. The landscape opens into the Venetian plain, with large agricultural fields and rural scenery. You’ll pass through Zevio and continue on calm country roads toward the Berici Hills.

The cycling is mostly flat and easy. The day ends in Lonigo, an elegant and tranquil town.

Elevation : +50 m Unpaved : 15%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 56 km / 35 mi
Accommodation: Corte Quadri
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Day 4: Vicenza

Today’s route skirts the base of the verdant Berici Hills along low traffic country lanes. You’ll encounter a few gentle climbs that offer lovely views over the landscape. Along the way you’ll pass vineyards, small villages and elegant Venetian villas. Before reaching Vicenza you’ll ride by the famous Villa La Rotonda, perched beautifully on a small hill. The day finishes in the architectural city of Andrea Palladio.

Elevation : +350 m Unpaved : 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 51 km / 32 mi
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Day 5: Padua

Leave Vicenza by following a portion of the Berici Cycle Route into open countryside. You’ll then ride along the scenic Bacchiglione River bike path. The route passes through quiet rural areas and villages, including Montegalda. You’ll also cycle near the San Martino castle before entering Padua. The day’s ride is gentle and peaceful.

Elevation : +50 m Unpaved : 35%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 44 km / 27 mi
Accommodation: Hotel al Prato
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Day 6: Mestre

Depart Padua along secondary roads beside the Brenta River. This stretch is dotted with beautiful Venetian villas, some of which you can visit as preserved historical homes. The area feels like a time capsule of noble life from the 16th century. Continue heading east toward the Venice Lagoon. The day ends in Mestre, your base near Venice.

Elevation : +50 m Unpaved : 20%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 42 km / 26 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Venezia
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Day 7: Mestre

This final cycling day combines biking with a scenic ferry ride. Begin by crossing the Freedom Bridge into central Venice and reaching Tronchetto. Board the ferry to Lido island, enjoying views of Venice and even San Marco from the water. Lido offers quieter streets, beaches and a charming small town atmosphere.

You may optionally take another ferry to Pellestrina island for an extra 20 km of riding. Return to Mestre for your final night.

Elevation : Flat Unpaved : 5%

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Venezia
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Day 8: Depature

Your tour ends after breakfast. Depart individually from Mestre at your preferred time.

Meals: Breakfast

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

Map

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 $300

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $150



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.

Bike Image

Velo de Ville L200 or similar

touring

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Velo de Ville AEB 890 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour begins in Verona, which is served by the Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN). The airport is well-connected to major European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris.

After landing, you can take a taxi or airport shuttle directly to your hotel in the city center. Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal and typically reach central Verona in about 15 to 20 minutes.

If you prefer public transport, the Aerobus shuttle connects the airport to Verona Porta Nuova station, from where you can take a short taxi ride or walk to your accommodation. Arriving the day before the first ride is recommended to settle in comfortably. Your tour includes a friendly meet-and-greet in Verona, along with a professional in-person bike fitting to prepare you comfortably for the journey ahead.

Departure

Your tour concludes in Mestre, the mainland gateway to Venice and well connected to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). From your hotel, you can book a taxi directly to the airport, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, ATVO and ACTV airport buses run frequently from Mestre’s main stations to the airport if you prefer public transport.

Make sure to plan your travel time based on your flight schedule, especially during peak seasons. Departing after breakfast gives you plenty of time for a smooth journey.

Weather

The ideal months to enjoy the Lake Garda to Venice Bike Tour are May, June, September and October, when temperatures stay between 15–26°C (59–79°F) and the days are comfortably warm for long rides. April also offers pleasant cycling conditions, although slightly cooler. July and August are rideable but fall into the Mixed category due to hotter temperatures reaching 30–33°C (86–91°F) and higher humidity near the lagoon.

Early spring and late autumn bring more unpredictable weather, while winter is the Offseason due to cold temperatures, rain and short daylight.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Best

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Best

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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