Imagine cruising along the shores of two of Italy’s most famous lakes, surrounded by towering Alpine peaks and winding mountain roads. We at Italy Moto Tours have crafted a spectacular lakes-and-mountains route that does just that. In this Lakes & Alps loop, you’ll ride the scenic eastern shore of Lake Como, tackle thrilling Alpine passes, and sweep along the western rim of Lake Garda. Along the way, discover charming lake villages, legendary hairpin roads, and even a visit to Italy’s historic Moto Guzzi motorcycle museum. In short, it’s a journey for riders who love epic scenery and open-road freedom.
As one guidebook puts it, the northern Italian lakes “invite you to discover them, conquer them and then fall head over heels in love with them. We can’t think of a better way to experience this beauty than on two wheels. In this blog post, we’ll give you a taste of the highlights: what you’ll see, the roads you’ll ride, and why our all-inclusive guided tour makes it all effortless. By the end, we hope you’ll be itching to jump on a bike and join us on this unforgettable Italian adventure.
Riding the Shores of Lake Como
Lake Como, in the foothills of the Alps, is famous for its deep-blue water and cliff-backed villages. It’s Italy’s second-largest lake (after Garda), stretching about 50 km long with two branching southern arms. The classic ride circles the lake in a day, but with our loop you’ll savor every breathtaking stretch. You and your fellow riders will follow a route we picked for its stunning lakeside panoramas and characterful towns.
By mid-morning, you’ll leave Milan and head north toward Como. Soon the road begins hugging the water’s edge. Gliding past elegant villas and cypress groves, the road curls around bays and headlands. One highlight is riding the eastern shore of Como – a section so beautiful it “has few competitors in the world for beauty and charm”. As we wind between the lake and mountains, look out for shimmering reflections of the sky on the water and picturesque towns like Bellagio or Varenna perched on the shore. Each bend reveals a new view: old stone chapels, pink peonies, and sailboats drifting in the distance.
A rider’s-eye view of Lake Como: crystal waters, villa-dotted shores, and mountains in the distance – the kind of vista you’ll savor on this tour.
Along the way we’ll stop at some of the most famous Como towns (you’ve probably seen their names on postcards). Picture stopping in historic Bellagio at the tip of the central promontory, or grabbing a gelato by Varenna’s colorful harbor. These short pauses let you take in the scenery – and maybe stretch those legs – before we continue. In all, expect about 130 miles of incredibly scenic roads around Como. Trust us, this loop is so enjoyable that riders often say it’s one of the best days of their trip.
Another neat bonus on our Como day: we’ll visit the legendary Moto Guzzi Museum. This is Italy’s oldest motorcycle brand and a true shrine for bikers. Touring its factory and museum is “a real gem for motorcyclists”. You can see classic bikes and learn about Italy’s two-wheel heritage before the ride wraps up. Late afternoon we head back to Milan or our hotel area, full of great memories and Italian espresso.
High Above: Alpine Passes and Dolomites
From Lake Como, our adventure climbs into the Alps. Italy’s northern regions are studded with famous mountain passes, and we’ll conquer some real gems. Think steep switchbacks, tree-lined valleys, and peaks so close you could reach up and touch them. Each morning on the tour we hit the road after breakfast, and return by evening to relax in cozy hotels.
On the way north, we pass through Val di Fiemme and ride the Manghen Pass (2,000 meters high). This route is a tester for even experienced riders – “tight curves and breathtaking views” make it unforgettable. As you angle up Manghen’s zigzag road, the valley drops away to reveal sparkling alpine lakes far below. Then there’s Passo Tonale (1,883 meters) and Passo Bernina (2,328 meters), two of the highest, most spectacular passes in the Alps. The landscapes here are jaw-dropping: craggy peaks dusted with snow, pine forests on the slopes, and mirror-like lakes at altitude.
These roads were made for riders. Each hairpin turn rewards you with a new vista. In fact, Navigazione Laghi, the official lakes ferry company, calls Strada della Forra (another alpine road on our route) “a 5.8-kilometre serpentine stretch” meant to be savored with frequent stops for the view. On our tour you won’t have to rush – we pace each day so you can fully enjoy the Alps. You’ll stop to take photos at scenic overlooks and breathe in the fresh mountain air. The feeling of cresting a summit pass on a warm Italian day is unlike any other.
To give you a sense of scale: on day rides we may cross multiple valleys and passes. One day of our Dolomites tour (for example) spans Val di Sole, Valtellina, and Val Poschiavo, topping out at Tonale and Bernina Passes. We also ride in the Brenta Dolomites (a UNESCO heritage site) with jagged peaks and “silent valleys”. Every turn of the throttle up here makes the Italian Alps come alive.
Tour Highlights: On this loop, expect a feast of rider thrills and sights:
- Lake Como’s Eastern Shore: Enjoy the entire eastern lakeside road – “one of few roads in the world” that rivals it in beauty. The pictures we take will look like movie stills.
- High Alpine Passes: Conquer twisty roads up to 2,300+ meters. Passes like Tonale and Bernina feature hundreds of hairpin bends and outstanding panoramas.
- Lake Garda’s West Shore: Descend to Lake Garda via winding mountain routes. You’ll ride through towns like Salò and Limone where the mountains “plunge directly into the lake”, creating jaw-dropping vistas.
- Strada della Forra: A legendary 5.8 km road carved into rock. Churchill dubbed it “the eighth wonder of the world” and it “must be experienced by motorbike”. Imagine adrenaline-pumping tunnels and sheer drop-offs to the lake below.
- Moto Guzzi Museum: A special stop on Lake Como for bike fans. Tour Italy’s historic Moto Guzzi factory – a real gem for motorcyclists.
Cruising Lake Garda’s Shore
The loop would not be complete without Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. We approach Garda from the north, arriving at Riva del Garda, a charming town where cliffs rise straight from the water. From Riva, our ride takes us south along the lake’s western shore – widely regarded as the most scenic side. In fact, Italy Moto Tours describes this side of Garda as “the most fascinating one where the mountains plunge directly into the lake”. It truly feels like a fjord.
As you twist through the road hugging the shore, notice how the scenery changes every half-mile. On one side: olive groves and pastel villas; on the other: steep mountains with stone gorges. We wind through tiny villages like Limone sul Garda, famous for lemon groves clinging to cliffs, and Salò, a historic lakeside town once home to Mussolini’s government. Across the water rise peaks of the Monte Baldo massif – often shrouded in mist in the morning.
One of our favorite sensations is floating on the Garda breeze. You can open your visor at every turn and feel the lake’s cool air rush by. Sometimes we pause for a coffee by the water, soaking in the reflections of the mountains. Occasionally, if schedules allow, riders can even hop on a short ferry across the lake with their motorcycles – a fun way to experience Garda from the water’s surface.
And, of course, the adrenaline hit of Strada della Forra awaits. A short detour up the mountainside from Tremosine, this narrow road tunnels through rock and clings to the canyon wall. It’s a short 6 km stretch, but oh what a ride: tight hairpins, echoing walls, and vertical drops to the lake below. Both Italy Moto Tours guides and other experts rave about it. As one guidebook says, it “winds through a deep cleft in the rock, through moist gorges and tunnels,” offering “enchanting views” before rewarding you with a terrace overlooking the entire lake. Here, even Winston Churchill once called this road “the Eighth Wonder of the World”. We’ll make sure you experience this sensation safely, with our support vehicle nearby if needed.
By the time we finish Lake Garda’s ride and head toward our final hotel, you’ll have covered the whole north-south expanse. Think of Grand Hotel Gritti on Garda or similar: dinner will be waiting with local specialties (perhaps lake-fresh trout or homemade pasta) and a glass of Lombardy wine. You’ll swap stories of the day’s rides and watch sunset turn the lake gold.
Why Choose Italy Moto Tours?
You might wonder what makes Italy Moto Tours special. The answer is our all-inclusive, rider-focused approach. From the moment you sign up, our team takes care of every detail so that you just enjoy the ride. Here are some reasons why our group tours stand out:
- Expert Guiding and Support: Our English-speaking guides know these roads by heart. They lead the way on the most thrilling routes and can give you history or tips on the local culture as you ride. Plus, for every 6 riders we have a support vehicle following the group. If you ever need fuel, a snack, or help with luggage or small repairs, the support team has you covered.
- All Logistics Handled: No worries about hotels or meals – we book comfortable 3- or 4-star hotels each night (7 nights total on a week tour). Every day starts with breakfast at the hotel and ends with a delicious dinner featuring local Italian cuisine. You’ll feel pampered by the mountain spas and lakeside dining after a day in the saddle.
- Top-notch Motorcycles: We provide high-quality rental motorcycles of various categories (with basic insurance) for all guided days. Whether you want a nimble 600cc or a powerful 1000cc bike, we’ve got options. The bikes come checked and ready, so you can focus on the road ahead.
- Inclusive Pricing: The price of the tour covers nearly everything. As one itinerary notes, “All hotel stays (7 nights), all breakfasts and dinners, [and] rental of the motorbike… an expert English-speaking guide, [and a] support vehicle” are all included. (You only need to pay for fuel, any optional extras, and travel to/from Italy.) This means no hidden fees – once you’re on tour, you simply ride.
- Safety and Fun: We follow safe but scenic routes, adjusting pace for the group. From tight Alp passes to lakeside curves, we’ll choose the best roads for maximum fun. You also get travel insurance options and 24/7 tour assistance. Basically, we handle the planning and risk management so you can have a blast.
In short, Italy Moto Tours is designed by riders for riders. We want you to have the ultimate Italian motorcycling adventure, not hassle over bookings or directions. We blend thrilling ride days with cultural experiences (like that Moto Guzzi museum stop) and let you taste Italy’s best—both road and cuisine.
Tour Inclusions
When you book this Scenic Lakes & Alps loop with us, here’s a snapshot of what’s included (so you know exactly what you’ll get):
- Lodging: 7 nights in comfortable hotels (typically 3-4 star), chosen for great locations and motorcycle parking. Many have superb mountain or lake views.
- Meals: Daily breakfasts and dinners are covered (7 days). Enjoy hearty Italian breakfast spreads and gourmet dinners at family-run restaurants or hotel dining rooms. We’ll often savor regional specialties along the way.
- Motorcycle Rental: Your choice of bike for the entire ride portion of the tour (6 guided days). Basic insurance for the bike is included.
- Professional Guide: An expert English-speaking motorcycle guide leads the ride. They know local roads inside-out and handle all navigation. Often our guides are native Italians who love sharing stories about the places we visit.
- Support Vehicle: A van or small truck follows our group. It carries luggage, spare parts and tools, a cooler of drinks, etc. If any rider needs a break or if you want to explore a spot off-bike, the support crew can give you a lift. Safety first!
- Other Perks: We cover things like local taxes and any scheduled ferry crossings (for example, if we need a ferry on a different tour). We also provide help with any paperwork or tips to ease your travels.
What’s not included? Things like flights to Italy, personal travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, or extra museum tickets are up to you. But basically, once you arrive, your bike and adventure are ready and waiting.
Here’s a quick highlights recap of the tour package:
- All-inclusive: No surprises—hotels, meals, bike, guide, support vehicle, and assistance are all bundled.
- *Ease: Forget maps and bookings. Just pack your riding gear; we handle the rest.
- *Community: Ride with fellow enthusiasts from around the world in a friendly group.
The Ride of a Lifetime
By now you’ve seen why the Lakes & Alps loop around Como and Garda is so special. It combines the best of everything northern Italy has to offer: dazzling lakes, dramatic mountains, and medieval towns. Each day’s ride will leave you exhilarated by twists and views. As one motorcyclist put it, the roads around Como and Garda are “some of absolutely stunning roads… easily the best roads I’ve driven” (and he’s driven a lot). We think you’ll agree.
We write this guide to give you confidence to join us. Picture yourself leaning into a bend on the road above Lake Como, sun on your face, or stopping for an espresso in a stone piazza by Garda. Our Italy Moto Tours team is there to make it happen. You don’t need to be a pro rider – just someone who loves adventure, scenery, and riding motorcycles. We’ll match the pace and keep the day enjoyable for everyone.So, are you ready to answer the call of the Italian Alps and lakes? Come ride with Italy Moto Tours and write your own story on these legendary roads. Adventure (and that perfect photo for Instagram) awaits!
