Along the Oglio River Cycle Path

What you will do:

You will travel the "most beautiful cycle path in Italy". This is how the Oglio cycle path was described by the Guide of the "Italian Green Road Award" in 2019.

Discover the Camonica Valley, Lake Iseo, Montisola and Franciacorta by bike in 4 days

What awaits you:

We will start by bicycle from the Tonale pass, which marks the border with Trentino, finding ourselves in the mountains that saw the Great War and at the foot of Adamello. A little below we will reach Ponte di Legno, a beautiful town in the High Mountains in the Camonica Valley because here, the union of the two springs "Frigidolfo and Narcanello" form the Oglio River. We will continue pedalling through the land of the prehistoric Camuni, which preserves the first UNESCO site of rock carvings recognised in Italy. We will continue at times along a historic road that was once the only communication route with the Republic of Venice.

We will reach Edolo, an important crossroads between the Camonica Valley, Valtellina and Switzerland since ancient times, now home to a prestigious mountain university. We will discover this territory and its flavours, stopping at a typical restaurant, and then ride amid historic villages, castles and fortifications built on remains of houses even before medieval times.

We will be riding along the river and amid other crumbling villages, discovering how art developed in this valley. We will have the mountains "Concarena and Pizzo Badile Camuno" which will give us superb views and will learn what Brè is and the refuge where it is aged as well as wine and craft beer.

And here we are at the lake!

We will continue along its shore where we will load our bicycles on the boat and cross the lake to one of the most beautiful villages in Italy "Montisola". It is here that the Oglio River enters Lake Iseo, marking the border of two provinces: Brescia and Bergamo. Montisola is the largest inhabited lake island in Europe, where in 2016 the famous artist Christo managed to create his work “Floating Piers”, of which we will see pictures. We will continue our ride along the circular-route and complete the tour of the whole island. If you want, there is the possibility to go up to the Madonna della Ceriola. We will stop to eat something or for a coffee on a beautiful terrace with a panoramic view. The fishing-net museum is not far away, and tells the story of women's lives on this island. The youngest axe master in Italy lives on the island.

We will leave the island, taking the boat again and then we will pedal to Franciacorta. We will cycle through the vineyards on a dirt path surrounded by greenery, between the rows of vines. Immersed in a landscape between Lake Iseo, the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve and the surrounding mountains, which protect this land making it famous for its wine all over the world. Sometimes we will cross the famous "Gimondi Bike" route, passing through villages, wineries, castles and cellars and tasting the famous bubbles of Franciacorta.

Here we are at the end of the first part of the Oglio river cycle path. From here we can continue or start again on another occasion, passing through walled cities, the countryside and visiting Cremona, famous all over the world for violin makers and nougat. In this second part, we will see how the river changes its appearance, its use and how the people who live there are linked to it. And here, the Oglio, passes under a unique bridge made of boats from 1926, and enters the Po shortly after. And now? We cannot end here, with one last little effort, we will arrive in the wonderful city of Mantua to end our adventure!

Period:

All year round in the absence of snow. The start of the tour is recommended - from Saturday to Tuesday.

On request it is possible to customise the day of departure.

Departure time to be agreed based on the collection points. Indicatively if from Lovere and within a 15km radius at 8.30am. If within a 50km radius departure from your accommodation at 7.30am.

What you need to know:

The route does not present particular difficulties, but requires the ability to ride a bicycle for 4 days and have moderate training.

Plan your tour in advance, this way it will be easier to get a better price by joining other people.

Two rates, based on where we will pick you up and drop you off at the end of the four days:

Starting from Lovere and covering an area up to a 15km radius (e.g. Pisogne, Boario Terme, Solto Collina, Riva di Solto)

Airport pick-up or at the accommodation where you are staying within 50km from Lovere in (e.g. Bergamo, Brescia, Scalve Valley, Seriana Valley).

1) Possibility to reserve the minibus.

2) The cost of the tour varies according to the number of participants.

3) Trek X-Caliber 8 and 2 E-BIKE Trek bikes already included in the offer. For more E-Bikes in addition to the 2 included, the price will be communicated to you on request.

4) For families with children, but over 14 years, 10% discount for the children.

Helmet compulsory

Price:

For departures from Lovere and towns within a 15km radius from €270.00 per person.

minimum 2 people and maximum 8 people

Price for departures from Lovere and towns within a 50km radius such as Bergamo, Brescia, Scalve Valley or Seriana Valley A/R €310.00 per person.

Booking conditions:

Booking can take place within 15 days from the date you choose to start the Tour and will be made based on availability.

50% of the tour cost must be paid at the time of booking, the rest of the balance is to be paid 7 days before the day of departure and can also be made by credit card, bank transfer or PayPal.

For the reservation of the three nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner, we will provide you with information, so you can book personally or through a trusted travel agency that will provide for you.

Ask for payment methods and prices when booking by contacting +39 340 6301313 or writing to: susanna@lagoiseotrasportoebiketour.eu