In May 2024, six British riders spent nine days with us riding across Northern Italy: from the shores of Lake Garda, up through the mountains of Trentino, and down through the foothills to the Euganean Hills, the volcanic wine hills of Veneto that most visitors to Italy have never heard of.
They had asked for three things. Traffic free roads and some light gravel. Places to stay that were each a little different. And plenty of food and wine to recharge on. This is how the week came together.
Can you really cycle across Northern Italy without traffic?
Mostly, yes, once you know where to look. Between the cycle paths and the old military roads in this part of Italy, you can ride for hours hearing rivers, birds and the occasional table of locals ordering another spritz, rather than engines.
That changes the riding. With no cars coming up behind you, a group can ride two abreast and talk. Some of the paths on this route are narrow lanes through vineyards; others run along raised ridges of smooth tarmac above lakes, turquoise rivers and fields of poppies. Busy roads were the exception all week, not the rule.
Do e-bikes work in a mixed group?
They are the reason mixed groups work at all. With e-bikes, nobody gets left behind on the climbs, and the group stays a group for the whole holiday rather than splitting by fitness.
This group rode gravel bikes from our friends at Basso Bikes: the Tera, quick and comfortable over long distances; the Palta, Basso's gravel racer; and the Volta, a pedal assisted gravel bike that is discreetly electric. Each rider decided for themselves how hard to work and when to use the battery. On our holidays an e-bike costs the same as a standard bike.
Where did they stay?
We kept most of it a surprise. Part of the fun of this week was rolling up each evening somewhere they had not expected, and we chose each place because it was unlike the one before and tied to the area around it. We do not name hotels here, but if you ride with us, you will find out.
The Euganean Hills, the finish
The week ended in the Euganean Hills, south west of Padua: a cluster of old volcanic hills rising out of the plain, covered in vineyards and small villages. After the scale of Garda and Trentino, it is a quieter, softer landscape to finish in, with wine to match.
Could we do a week like this?
Yes. This was a bespoke trip, built around what the group asked for. If you want lake swims, mountain climbs or a week organised around wine, we plan it around you, starting with a conversation. Our closest regular holiday is Bassano to the Trentino Lakes, and you can also build your own.
Questions
Can you cycle from Lake Garda to the Euganean Hills?
Yes. This group rode it over nine days, from Lake Garda through Trentino and down to the Euganean Hills in Veneto, mostly on cycle paths and quiet roads.
Are e-bikes available on your cycling holidays?
Yes. You can ride an e-bike at the same price as a standard bike, and on this trip the group rode Basso gravel bikes, including the pedal assisted Volta.
Is the route traffic free?
Mostly. The route uses cycle paths and quiet military roads wherever it can, with short stretches on ordinary roads between them.
Can you plan a cycling holiday around our group?
Yes. This trip was planned around one group's requests: traffic free riding, light gravel, varied places to stay and plenty of food and wine. Every trip starts with a call with Susi and Benji.
