Dolomites cycling - Passo Resia to Lake Garda

Arrive in Silandro (Schlanders in German), the chief town of Venosta Valley, and settle in at your welcoming family-run hotel. Later, a leisurely stroll reveals many sumptuous sights including a soaring steeple, the tallest in South Tyrol.

Start off with a one-hour transfer to Passo Resia, have your bike adjusted then hit the road! Cruising past Lake Resia a strange steeple juts out of the water and the route snakes downhill past quaint villages like Burgusio and Clusio. This panoramic bike path leads next to fabulous fortified Glorenza, where you stop for lunch . . . with a view! Pedalling along the peaceful River Adige, your route meanders among apple orchards. Linger in Lasa at the marble museum and end your day with a short stretch to Silandro.

Challenge: 50 km, 350 m ascent, 1300 m descent

Roll down Venosta Valley beneath snowy peaks and pedal into pine woods for a bit of shade. Lively Naturno makes an ideal spot for a coffee break and some people-watching. The next scenic section leads down a narrow gorge then bursts out into an immense glacial valley. Historic Merano dates back to the 9th century and in the 19th Princess Sissi spent time here, recuperating in the spa town’s mild microclimate. You can rest and relax too and stretch your legs as you amble the pretty promenade to surprising hidden corners.

Challenge: 38 km, 150 m ascent, 470 m descent

Shoot through rows upon rows of apple trees riding to majestic Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol. As your route turns south the bike path winds among vineyards then rolls past Caldaro, Kaltern in German, to the lakeshore.

Challenge: 48 km, 340 m ascent, 475 m descent

Strike out from pristine Lake Caldaro on the ‘Strada del Vino’ wine route and stop off in a wine-making village along the way. Zoom down into the Adige Valley and connect to the cycle path to Trento. Take a breather at a ‘Bici Grill’ bar for cyclists and take time to explore ancient Egna and Salorno. Later you can get lost on dreamy lanes in Trento’s Old Quarter.

Challenge: 53 km, 295 m ascent, 325 m descent

The bike path sticks close to the River Adige on its way to Rovereto. Then a gentle ascent leads west to the pass and your reward: stunning views over Lake Garda. Round your day off with one final section downhill and take Riva del Garda’s twisting lanes all the way to your hotel.

Challenge: 48 km, 150 m ascent, 500 m descent

Optional extra route (45 km)

Book an extra night in Riva del Garda and cycle the Valley of the Lakes, a spectacular loop ride into ‘Valle dei Laghi’. Pause to take pictures in palm-studded Arco, with its medieval castle perched on a rock. Vineyards and apple orchards lead to crystal-clear Lago di Cavedine and a scenic lunch stop by below Montes Brento and Casale. Traversing rocky slopes in Marocche di Dro you cycle back to Arco then take the Garda lakeshore ‘home’ to Riva del Garda.

Challenge: 45 km, 390 m ascent, 390 m descent

Your bike adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Departure is from Riva del Garda, by bus or taxi. An optional private transfer can be booked in advance. There are easy connections from Rovereto train station to your airport of departure.