Garda is Italy’s largest lake and is amongst the most beautiful lakes in Europe.

Situated at the foot of the Alps it is perfectly placed for excursions to historical cities such as Verona and Venice and let’s not forget the Dolomite Mountains are only a couple of hours ride away.

Of course the lake is only part of the tour; the route south to the lake is as always, brilliant. From the moment we leave Calais the adventure begins.

Following our morning channel crossing from Dover to Calais we immediately take to the back roads of northern France. Although this part of France is a little uninspiring for a biker, the route gives us the chance to settle down and acclimatise to riding on the right. As the roads take us south towards the Ardennes the scenery begins to change giving you a feel of what’s to come. Our hotel for the night provides secure underground parking* and a fabulous restaurant.

Day two and we ride towards Germany and the Black Forest. En route we will ride the amazing B500, a long sweeping banked road that must have been designed by a biker. A night at an excellent family owned hotel deep in the forest will set us up for the next day when we ride to Austria.

As we pass Lake Constance we start to get our first look at the Alps, tomorrow will see us riding one of the many passes that make the area biking nirvana. Our superb four star hotel in Austria is equipped with swimming pool, sauna and steam room which are all at your disposal.

Our journey towards Italy and our final destination takes us over the fantastic Timmelsjoch Pass which rises to 2509 meters.

This “secret gap” as it was called between North and South Tyrol joins the impressive glaciers of the Oetz Valley Alps to the Passeier Valley vineyards of the south. This really is one pass you could ride over and over again.

Day five sees us arrive at our fabulous lake side hotel which will be our home for the next five nights. From this base you have the choice to visit the multitude of small villages in the area, go on a boat trip across the lake, or get the bike out and explore the fantastic landscapes of the surrounding countryside.

The time at the lake is a time to relax with only one official ride-out scheduled, this however does not mean we have nothing planned. Local buses and coaches leave from the hotel to take us on some of the many excursions available.

Last year we visited Verona with Venice being our planned outing for 2009, but the choice is yours. If you do not fancy a coach trip then boats leave from the harbour directly outside the hotel and will take you anywhere on the lake from Sirmione in the south to Riva del Garda in the north. With so much to see and do around the lake relaxing may not be as easy as you think. The nights will find us taking advantage of all the fantastic restaurants and bars in the area.

Reluctantly on day ten we have to leave the lake behind and retrace our tracks back to Austria.

Do not think the adventure is over as we still have the mighty Stelvio to conquer. The Stelvio with its 48 hairpins bends is a must do experience for any biker. Followed by the Umbrail trail this is a fantastic days riding.

Of course if you don’t want to ride the Stelvio a slight detour will have you meeting the group on the other side or riding directly back to the hotel.

Over the next two days we still have many great roads to ride before finally making our way back to Calais for our mid afternoon ferry back to Dover.

As you return home and try to recount all the good times you had, don’t forget that very soon you will have a fully edited DVD arriving on your door step to bring back all those memories. Enjoy.

Daily Mileage: 180 – 240 mile (excluding ride-outs)

*hotel charges a small fee for secure motorcycle parking

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01257 410686

TOUR 309

Tour Extended for 2009

*** Verona Airport is only 20 miles away - why not fly out and join your partner ***