On the Valtenesi and Gavardina cycle paths: ring tour from Desenzano

The day did not look promising, but Lake Garda is beautiful even when it is angry. When the sun came out, then, a spectacle: the Garda hinterland is enchanting. But be careful: the paths and slow roads are not as well maintained as you would expect. Between sudden potholes and gravel you always have to be careful!

Difficult but very very beautiful, on an e-bike recommended for everyone otherwise you need good training!

We start from Rezzato and follow the signs for Desenzano, mostly along cycle paths or secondary roads. As soon as you pass the ancient Pontenove viaduct, on the Chiese river, you begin to glimpse the morainic hills of Valtenesi. You climb gently through the vineyards lying on wide valleys until you reach the Salò-Desenzano cycle path, a route that crosses the coastal municipalities overlooking the south-west shore of Lake Garda. On the route you come across various villages with castles and spectacular historic centers overlooking the lake. A point of folklore are the numerous places with outdoor service, a classic meeting point for crowds of cyclists enjoying their coffee before returning. After passing the quiet lake of Soiano, you begin to descend towards Salò from where the next destination is already visible: the church of San Pietro a Roè. Once you reach the church, you quickly descend and take the beautiful "Gavardina" cycle path, which runs alongside suggestive waterways, until the triangle closes at the starting point.