Dolomites + Lake Garda Chef on Wheels Bike Tour
Food + Wine of the Italian Alps: Bikes, Kitchens, and Pastures of our Local Chefs
Tour Highlights
- Experience northern Italy alongside local chefs and enjoy insider access at restaurants, wineries, and farms
- Pedal in peace on a traffic-free network of local bike paths, crossing three regions from the Italian Alps to Lake Garda
- Cook dinner with local chef, Simone, at a small winery and then ride to his mountain village for lunch at his restaurant the next day
- Taste the authentic flavors of regional cuisine at three different Michelin-starred restaurants and meticulous family-run trattorias
- Discover sophisticated wines from DOC appellations, including a tasting at beloved producer Elisabetta Foradori
Eat
Risotto, handmade gnocchi and ravioli, trout, roasted meats, mountain cheeses, wild herbs and mushrooms
Drink
Amarone and Ripasso from the Valpolicella; lighter reds from Bardolino; Gewürztraminer; deep red Teroldego and world-class sparkling wine from the Trentino DOC
As featured in:
Itinerary
Print Itinerary- Day 1
Garda Gourmet
Meet your guides in the city of Brescia for a transfer to the start of our ride. Get fitted on the bikes and enjoy a scenic warmup with views of the lake and lunch with a local chef friend. Then board a private boat for a cruise across the lake and a refreshing swim before getting back on our bikes to pedal to our 16th-century villa hotel in the heart of Bardolino. Taste the best vintages from this DOC wine region during dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Brescia, Gargnano, Bardolino
Accomplished: 15 miles / 24 km, elevation gain: 941 feet / 287 meters
Longer Option: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 1,925 feet / 587 meters
Accommodations: Villa Cordevigo - Day 2
Visiting with Friends
Meet Simone, a local chef and cyclist, this morning as we ride to the town of Rivoli out along the Adige River Valley. Perhaps the Rue de Rivoli shopping street in Paris comes to mind—in fact, it was named for Napoleon’s 1797 victory over the Austrians that took place right here. It’s not the only notable moment this valley endured: as the geographic link between Italy and northern Europe, it was a hotbed for invading armies and enterprising merchants. History is echoed in the fortifications that dot the valley, and we’ll visit one such castle before continuing our ride to the town of Rovereto. Here our friend and Michelin-starred chef, Alfio Ghezzi, will welcome us into his restaurant and kitchen for a private lunch. Then ride or transfer to tonight’s accommodations outside Trento. Join Chef Simone in the kitchen at this boutique farmhouse and winery as he shares the secrets of local ingredients and cuisine during a convivial evening of wine, cooking, and alpine hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Rivoli Veronese, Rovereto, Trento
Accomplished: 37 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 1,784 feet / 544 meters
Longer Option: 61 miles / 98 km, elevation gain: 2,722 feet / 830 meters
Accommodations: Cobei or Maso Grener - Day 3
Into the Mountains
Today we transition from the vineyard-rich Adige Valley to the alpine gem of Campiglio, nestled in the Brenta Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage site and home of Italy’s largest glacier. Beginning from our hotel, we’ll pedal across the valley to visit our friend Elisabetta Foradori, a well-respected and iconic Italian winemaker. Afterwards, a classic mountain train takes us up to the Val di Non, passing apple orchards, castles, and mirrored mountain lakes en route to the beginning of a bike path. Ride through farming villages to lunch at Chef Simone’s restaurant, then opt for an extra climb all the way to our sustainably-minded hotel in Campiglio (or choose a transfer for some extra time at the spa). Tonight we are the special guests of Chef Veronica Forchielli, a native of Umbria who has worked all over Italy including at Alfio Ghezzi’s Senso and the three Michelin-starred Casadonna Reale in Milan.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Mezzolombardo, Dimaro, Madonna di Campiglio
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,479 feet / 451 meters
Longer Option: 33 miles / 54 km, elevation gain: 4,710 feet / 1,436 meters
Accommodations: Chalet del Sogno - Day 4
The Chef’s Backyard
Trade the road bikes for mountain e-bikes as we set off to meet Chef Veronica in her element, and discover the alpine bounty above Campiglio. Rushing waterfalls, towering peaks, and tinkling cowbells set the scene. Forage in the meadows and pastures for wild herbs and greens—we’ll put it all together for a picturesque mountain picnic. Spend the afternoon however you prefer: head back to the hotel for some downtime, enjoy some additional time on the mountain bike, or fit in a bit of hiking.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Carlo Magno, Monte Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio
Accomplished: 3-5 hours of e-mountain biking; hiking
Accommodations: Chalet del Sogno - Day 5
The Kitchen Larder
Say goodbye to Campiglio as we hop on a bike path in Pinzolo and pedal towards Lake Garda. These valleys are an abundant heartland of small farms that supply high-quality ingredients to top local restaurants. Continue to one of the most beautiful sections of the bike path above the Sarca River, which springs directly from the Italian Alps, then ride or transfer the final few kilometers to Riva. Check into our palatial hotel, located on private shores of Lake Garda, then take a swim or stroll around town. This evening, a private boat delivers us to a storied Michelin-starred restaurant where we’ll enjoy the sunset and a memorable final dinner.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pinzolo, Stenico, Riva del Garda
Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 1,814 feet / 553 meters
Longer Option: 54 miles / 87 km, elevation gain: 2,230 feet / 680 meters
Accommodations: Lido Palace - Day 6
Departure in Verona
Take an early morning dip in Lake Garda or head into town for coffee before your guides transfer you to the Verona train station. Buon viaggio to wherever your journey may take you next!
Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Riva del Garda, Verona
DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
Arrival Details
Airport City: Milan or Venice, Italy Pick-Up Location: Brescia Train Station Pick-Up Time: 9:30 am
Departure Details
Airport City: Milan or Venice, Italy Drop-Off Location: Porta Nuova Train Station, Verona Drop-Off Time: 12:00 pm
Arrival and departure details for alternate itineraries and future year departures may be subject to change.
Travelers Take Note
Accommodations on Day 2 are simple farmhouse lodgings in order to have a more intimate family-style evening with Chef Simone.
Dates + Availability
- DatesPriceSpecial Events
- Jun 15 – 20$6,295
- Jun 22 – 27$6,295
- Jul 6 – 11$6,295
To reserve call +1 888 396 5383
- Jul 27 – Aug 1$6,195
- Sep 7 – 12$6,295
- Sep 14 – 19$6,195
Inclusions + Details
Accommodations
- Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
- Luggage transfers
Meals
- Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
- 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
- Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal
Activities
- Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
- Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service
Gear
- Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
- Bike helmet
- Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
- GPS in most destinations
Support
- Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
- Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
- Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
- Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
