What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough.Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage.Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable.Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food.If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

Bicyclists riding a bicycle on the ponale street in Riva del Garda

Lago di Garda town of Sirmione colorful street view

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Lake Garda Cycling Holidays

7 days / 6 nights

Cycle Lake Garda, Ledro and Idro on quiet roads and panoramic cycle paths, linking Sirmione, Garda, Torbole and Salò in a relaxed loop between Alps and sun.

Starting point

Sirmione

Finish point

Sirmione

Activity level

3/5

Season

From April to October

Cycle Lake Garda, Ledro and Idro on quiet roads and panoramic cycle paths, linking Sirmione, Garda, Torbole and Salò in a relaxed loop between Alps and sun.

Starting point

Sirmione

Finish point

Sirmione

Activity level

3/5

Season

From April to October

Highlights

Ride balcony roads and panoramic cycle paths around Lake Garda
Follow the Adige valley cycle route and the Mori–Torbole link down to the lake
Pedal the Ponale route above the water between Garda and the Ledro valley
Link three lakes in one tour: Garda, Ledro, and Idro
Alternate between alpine cliffs, olive groves, vineyards, and Mediterranean-style promenades
Stay in characterful lakeside towns like Sirmione, Garda, Torbole, and Salò

Itinerary of the trip

When you arrive at Sirmione on the southern tip of Lake Garda, you can ease into the lakeside atmosphere, checking into your hotel and enjoying the softness of the afternoon light over the water. The medieval center will appeal to you with its narrow historic lanes, the 14th-century Scaligero Castle framed by lake waves and old stone, and the tip of the peninsula offering expansive views of the lake. You can stroll the lakeside promenade, watch the ferry traffic, and sip a drink in the shade of olive and citrus trees as the peaks of the Alps shimmer on the horizon.

Gallery

Rocca Scaligera castle on the island of Sirmione

Accommodation

Hotel in Sirmione

You will depart from Sirmione and follow increasingly peaceful lanes toward the lakeside town of Peschiera del Garda. From Peschiera, you will join quiet paths and minor roads tracing the eastern shore, passing through the fortified village, then on through vine-lined lanes and olive groves toward Monte Moscal, where the terrain lifts gently. After this higher section, you will descend toward the town of Garda, arriving by late afternoon along shaded roads and cycling tracks.

Gallery

Typical Italian vineyards at the base of Monte Moscal

Accommodation

Hotel in Garda

Cycling

39 km and 420 m of elevation gain / 420 m of elevation loss

Today, you will depart from Garda town and climb away from the lakeshore, heading into the quieter upper terrain of the Ciclovia della Valle dell'Adige via the Adige Valley. You will trace the river’s corridor, surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards, on largely protected cycle paths and minor roads. Arriving near Mori, you will pivot back toward Lake Garda via a dedicated link track—the Mori–Torbole bike path—which carries you through the nature reserve around Lake Loppio, then over Passo San Giovanni and down into the northern lake basin. The final descent delivers you to Torbole.

Gallery

Summer landscape along the cycleway of the Adige river

Vineyards along the cycleway from Torbole to Rovereto

Aerial view of Torbole town in Italy on Lake Garda

Accommodation

Hotel in Torbole

Cycling

67 km and 570 m of elevation gain / 570 m of elevation loss

You’ll depart from Torbole and begin the day heading into the upper reaches of the northern lake basin of Lake Garda. The route will carry you along narrow, elevated lanes that hug rock faces, carved tunnels offering dramatic views below and out across the lake. Then, you'll continue toward the valley of Lago di Ledro, following quieter side roads and cycling paths among olive groves and mixed forest. The final leg will lead you toward the tranquil shores of Ponte Caffaro beside Lago d’Idro.

Gallery

"Ciclopista del Garda" - Bicycle road and foot path over Garda lake with beautiful landscape scenery at Limone Sul Garda - travel destination in Brescia, Italy

Cycling woman and man riding on bikes at sunrise mountains and Garda lake landscape. Couple cycling MTB enduro flow sentiero ponale trail track. Outdoor sport activity.

Accommodation

B&B in Ponte Caffaro

Cycling

45 km and 800 m of elevation gain / 500 m of elevation loss

From Ponte Caffaro, you will follow the shoreline of Lago d’Idro, riding along the lakeside route past small towns like Idro. The terrain will stay mostly gentle here, with a mix of quiet roads and lakeside stretches. Near Nozza, you will follow the valley southwest, gradually leaving the wilder feel of the upper lake behind as the route threads through Val Sabbia’s villages and cultivated slopes. As you approach Salò, the landscape will open once more onto Lake Garda, and you will finish the day on its western shore, with a more Mediterranean atmosphere replacing the alpine tone of Lago d’Idro.

Gallery

Accommodation

Hotel in Salò

Cycling

41 km and 260 m of elevation gain / 570 m of elevation loss

From Salò, you will follow the curve of Lake Garda’s southern shore for most of the day, leaving the town along lakeside roads that guide you toward the peninsula of San Felice del Benaco with its small harbours, villas, and olive-lined bays. The route will keep the lake close at hand as you continue past lowheadlands and beaches toward the broader waterfront of Desenzano del Garda. Here, you will join a cycle path that leads you across the flatter southern basin of the lake, giving you a comfortable, largely traffic-reduced run back toward the Sirmione peninsula.

Gallery

beautiful architecture in Salo town on Lake Garda

Bicycle bike near fence of old harbour Porto Vecchio with motor boats on turquoise water and Venetian bridge in historical centre of Desenzano del Garda town

Accommodation

Hotel in Sirmione

Cycling

32 km and 250 m of elevation gain / 240 m of elevation loss

On your departure day from Sirmione, you can take a final slow morning on the peninsula, perhaps wandering once more through the historic centre beneath the towers of the Scaligero Castle or along the lakeside promenade with its views over southern Lake Garda. Depending on your schedule, you can fit in a short coffee in one of the small piazzas or simply sit by the water and watch the ferry traffic and castle walls that guard the tip of the town.

Gallery

Scaliger Castle in Sirmione surrounded by turquoise water of Lake Garda with mountains in background.

Lake view from terrace with sun flare through olive tree and distant mountains, Sirmione

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.

INCLUDED

6 nights in 3-4* hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with detailed itinerary and route instructions

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your tour

Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

E-bike

Hotel upgrades

Regular bike

Single supplement

This tour will show you that Lake Garda is less a single lake and more a compact world of its own, where alpine cliffs, vineyards, and a surprisingly mild, almost Mediterranean shoreline all meet in one place.

You will spend your week moving through this small world by bike, linking the southern peninsula of Sirmione with Garda, Torbole, and Salò, then branching out into the quieter basins of Lago di Ledro and Lago d’Idro.

Along the way, you will ride sections of some of northern Italy’s best-known cycle corridors, from riverside paths in the Adige valley to dedicated tracks connecting Mori with the north shore of Garda, designed to keep you close to water and away from heavy traffic whenever possible.

Balcony roads and the historic Ponale Route above the lake will lift you high over the water at times, while other stretches will carry you almost at shoreline level past small harbours, olive groves, and vineyards that thrive in Garda’s temperate microclimate.

The cycling will be set up for riders who want steady, satisfying days rather than all-out efforts: there will be climbs when you move between the main lake and the side valleys, but they will be balanced by long descents and generous flat sections along lakes and rivers.

You can expect a mix of smooth tarmac, established bike paths, and quieter secondary roads chosen for scenery and comfort, with time to look up and actually register the cliffs, terraced slopes, and villages instead of just counting kilometres.

Away from the saddle, you can explore Sirmione’s castle-topped peninsula, sit in lakeside cafés in towns like Garda or Riva, or simply watch the windsurfers skim across the water in the north while the south leans more towards promenades, villas, and evening passeggiata.

Top Places You’ll See

From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

medieval castle Sirmione on lake Lago di Garda

Castello Scaligero di Sirmione

Dominating the narrow peninsula of Sirmione on Lake Garda, this 13th-century fortress is one of the best-preserved castles in Italy. Surrounded by water, its walls and towers reflect beautifully in the lake, creating an unforgettable sight. Built by the Scaliger family of Verona, the castle once guarded the port and the town.

View from Mt. Monte Baldo on Lake Garda, Monte Baldo massif, Veneto, Italy.

Mt. Baldo Range

The Monte Baldo range stretches for over 30 kilometers along the eastern shore of Lake Garda, earning the nickname “Garden of Europe” for its exceptional biodiversity. Its slopes host alpine and Mediterranean species side by side, creating a natural paradise of rare flowers and sweeping vistas.

Punta San Vigilio, Verona province, Garda Lake, Veneto, Italy

Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a world of contrasts — where alpine peaks meet olive groves and lemon terraces. Its vast, shimmering surface reflects medieval castles, waterfront villages, and Mediterranean vegetation. Ancient Roman villas still stand along its shores, testifying to centuries of admiration.

Lake Ledro

Lago di Ledro is a compact alpine lake in a hanging valley above Lake Garda, framed by dense forests and quiet villages. Its clear blue-green water, among the cleanest in Trentino, is lined with small beaches and an easy lakeside path ideal for walking and cycling. On the eastern shore, reconstructed Bronze Age pile dwellings mark the UNESCO-listed prehistoric settlement discovered here.

Vineyards view in Santa Maddalena Bolzano

Adige Valley

The Adige Valley is the main north–south corridor of Trentino, where the Adige River winds between steep vine-covered slopes and rocky cliffs on its way from the Alps toward Verona. Historical towns such as Trento and Rovereto sit on its floor, surrounded by vineyards, apple orchards, and old castles watching from the hillsides. Busy rail and road routes share the valley with cycle paths and riverside walks, making it a natural gateway between the Dolomites and the plains.

Lake Idro

Lake Idro is a narrow pre-Alpine lake on the border of Lombardy and Trentino, surrounded by steep, wooded mountains and small lakeside villages like Idro, Anfo and Baitoni. Its clear waters, fed and drained by the River Chiese, are lined with pebble beaches and simple campsites, popular for swimming, sailing and windsurfing in summer. Footpaths climb quickly from the shore to panoramic ridges and historic fortifications such as Fort Anfo, giving wide views over the lake and the Chiese valley.

Our Bikes

To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.

To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.

Black and red hybrid trekking bicycle isolated on white background

Trekking Bikes

Best for: Multi-day touring, relaxed pace, and varied surfaces

These high-quality trekking bikes are built for comfort over multiple days. They feature a relaxed riding position, smooth-rolling wheels, and often come with practical additions like an adjustable stem, rear rack, or mudguards. They're not necessarily built for speed, but more for enjoying the ride.

Blue trekking e-bike with rear rack and fenders isolated on white background

Touring E-Bikes

Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes

These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you.However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations.Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Ratings & Reviews

+105

Jek Cooper

Verified customer · 4 days ago

We loved our cycling trip! Cycling Holland were very helpful and responsive. We chose regular bikes and cycled over 5 days from Amsterdam to Bruges. The bikes were excellent - good quality and no issues at all. Our luggage arrived before us each day. The bike paths in The Netherlands are exceptional, we felt safe at all times, even when cycling in/out of big cities. If deciding between regular bikes or e-bikes, consider the wind in The Netherlands. We were on regular bikes and on a couple of days the wind slowed our pace down to around 10km/hr. It was a super fun adventure, we’ll definitely be back for another one!

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Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Mountain bikes parked near blue and white crosswalk in European alpine village street

Wet, narrow street in a European town leading to a church spire, backed by a forested mountain.

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River flowing through a European town with historic buildings and forested mountains in the background.

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I was able to tailor a bike tour itinerary along the Adriatic coast that suited our group during the shoulder season. We added individual pre and post-trip activities which went smoothly. Our trip included stops in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The trip planner, guide and support team were great.

Group posing in front of Pula Arena with a stone wall and parked car.

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Black and white cat with green eyes looking up from light gray tiled floor

Maroon gravel bike resting against a low stone wall in grassy terrain

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Gravel bike with rear rack and phone mount resting against a dry-stacked stone wall outdoors.

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John Woeste

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Cyclist riding on dirt path under green leafy archway toward open field

Cyclist with panniers riding up a narrow cobblestone street in a historic town.

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Toasting with white and red wine glasses outdoors with greenery in the background

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 6 months ago

I would highly recommend anyone doing this tour take the e-bike option. There were only 3 of us on our tour who completed this on regular bikes. Four others who started out on regular bikes swapped over to e-bikes after the first day. The climbs are long and steep. There is pretty much only up or down, not much flat or undulating road. It is doable, but very challenging. If you are on an e-bike then this also helps with the group staying together and no-one having to wait too long for others to catch up. The bikes were really good and had great gearing that was capable of handling the steeper climbs. When we booked we were unaware that we would be riding in a group of 20plus at all time. Thankfully our group had prior group riding experience but we did observe other large groups with less than desirable riding behaviours.Others in our group were extremely understanding and supportive. Our guide, David, was very adamant about staying safe on the road. He was flexible with the itinerary and made changes to suit the weather conditions and to ensure we got in as much riding as possible. He was vey knowledgeable about Croatian history and agriculture and taught us lots about the country he is so passionate about. Our captain, Tolma, was also amazing and along with his awesome crew, made our cruise an enjoyable experience.

View from sailboat bow approaching coastal town with white buildings and green hills under blue sky.

Sailboat on the water during a vibrant orange and yellow sunset over the sea.

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Large sailboat named Toma loading bicycles from a dinghy near a forested coastline.