The lakes of Northern Italy have been romanticized by kings, poets, composers, and all those who visit their shores. The snow capped Dolomite Mountains rise up from the shores of these cherished lakes and provide one of the most dramatic and beautiful backdrops for cycling. The most notable of these lakes are Lake Como, Lake Garda, and lake Maggiore.

Easily accessible from fashion-center Milan, the lakes of Northern Italy are one of Europe's most prized possessions. Shaped like an inverted 'Y', Lake Como has been a tourist destination since the reign of the Roman Empire. Its Shores are dotted with picturesque villages, including memorable Bellagio and the main center of Como, and an entire 160km circumnavigation will take you through them all. The riding around Lake Como can be either mellow and enjoyable by all, or you can choose to take some of the higher roads and make things more difficult. There are numerous tour operators and bike rental agencies in Milan, Como, and Bellagio that will all be able to help you on you vacation.

Lake Garda is Italy's biggest and most visited lake, and at 53kms long and 17kms wide, Lake Garda is big enough to generate its own micro-climate. Much like Lake Como, Garda is surrounded by picture perfect cycling routes that range from easy to Giro d'Italia in difficulty. Accessible from either Milan or the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and setting for Romeo and Juliet - Verona getting to Garda is easy. There are larger communities at either ends of the lake, and the scenic shores are dotted with small villages that openly welcome bicycle enthusiasts. The lesser visited (but just as beautiful) Lake Maggiore sits in the western portion of northern Italy and crosses over the border into Switzerland in the north. Maggiore tends to be a little easier on the wallet than Lake Como and Garda, and its amenities are just as plentiful. Choose one of the many cycling routes around the Maggiore area, or for the ambitious why not book a cycle tour adventure that takes you to all three of Italy's most iconic lakes!

Best Seasons:Apr - Oct
Popular Locations:Lake Garda, Verona, Lake Como, Bellagio