8 day itinerary for Garda Lake

Itinerary

An 8-day adventure around Lake Garda sounds fantastic, especially with your bike in tow. The area is stunning, with picturesque towns, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of trails to explore. Let’s dive into an ideal itinerary that balances biking, walking, and soaking in the local culture.

## Day 1: Arrival in Riva del Garda

• Morning: Arrive in Riva del Garda, a charming town at the northern tip of the lake. Check into your accommodation and get settled.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade. Don’t miss the iconic Apponale Tower and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Try some local specialties like bigoli or tortellini di Valeggio.

## Day 2: Riva del Garda to Limone sul Garda (Bike Day)

• Morning: After breakfast, hop on your bike and head towards Limone sul Garda. The ride is about 20 km along the scenic lakeside road.
• Afternoon: Explore Limone, famous for its lemon groves. Visit the Limonaia del Castel and take a walk through the charming streets. Grab lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Return to Riva del Garda. If you have energy left, take a short evening walk to the Bastione for panoramic views of the lake at sunset.

## Day 3: Explore the Valle di Ledro

• Morning: Drive to Valle di Ledro, a beautiful valley just a short distance from Riva. Park at the lake and start your day with a bike ride around Lago di Ledro (about 10 km).
• Afternoon: After your ride, take a walk to the nearby Pile-Dwelling Museum to learn about the ancient settlements in the area. Enjoy a picnic by the lake.
• Evening: Head back to Riva and relax. Consider trying a gelato from a local shop!

## Day 4: Sirmione and the Southern Shore

• Morning: Drive to Sirmione, known for its thermal baths and the stunning Scaliger Castle. Spend some time exploring the castle and the charming old town.
• Afternoon: After lunch, take a bike ride along the southern shore towards Peschiera del Garda (about 25 km). The route is flat and offers beautiful views.
• Evening: Return to Sirmione for dinner. Try some fresh fish from the lake, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

## Day 5: Bardolino and Wine Tasting

• Morning: Drive to Bardolino, a lovely town known for its wine. Start your day with a bike ride along the Bardolino wine route, stopping at vineyards for tastings.
• Afternoon: Explore the town, visit the Church of San Zeno, and enjoy lunch at a local trattoria.
• Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade before heading back to your accommodation.

## Day 6: Monte Baldo Adventure

• Morning: Drive to Malcesine and take the cable car up to Monte Baldo. Bring your bike for some thrilling downhill rides or enjoy hiking the trails with breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the mountain trails. If you prefer, you can hike to the summit for stunning panoramic views of the lake.
• Evening: Return to Malcesine for dinner. Enjoy the local cuisine and perhaps a glass of Bardolino wine.

## Day 7: Gardone Riviera and Salò

• Morning: Drive to Gardone Riviera and visit the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a fascinating estate and museum dedicated to poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.
• Afternoon: After exploring, bike to Salò (about 10 km). Stroll along the lakeside promenade and enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes.
• Evening: Spend some time exploring Salò’s charming streets before heading back to Gardone for the night.

## Day 8: Departure Day

• Morning: Depending on your departure time, take a final bike ride or walk around Riva del Garda. Visit any spots you may have missed or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• Afternoon: Pack up and head home, taking with you wonderful memories of your Lake Garda adventure!

Tips:

• Make sure to check local bike rental shops if you need any gear or repairs.
• Always have a water bottle and snacks on hand for your biking adventures.
• Don’t forget your camera; the views are breathtaking!

Enjoy your trip to Lake Garda! It’s a beautiful place to explore, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. Safe travels! 🚴‍♂️🌅