Desenzano d/G: guided bike day trip + selected wines, cooking class

Exploring Lombardy’s Morainic Hills by Bike with Wine, Food, and History

This guided bike day trip from Desenzano del Garda offers a delightful mix of cycling, wine tasting, and culinary experience. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, the detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-rounded, authentic way to enjoy the region’s scenic beauty and cultural richness. We love how it combines gentle exercise with savoring award-winning wines and traditional dishes, all led by a knowledgeable guide. The chance to visit the historic Spia d’Italia museum adds a touch of history and local pride.

One thing to consider is the physical aspect—the tour is rated “easy,” but you’ll be cycling about 25 km with only 90 meters of elevation gain, making it suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness. If you’re a serious cyclist or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. This experience suits travelers seeking a relaxed, immersive day in Italy’s wine country, especially those eager to combine outdoor activity with authentic food and wine experiences.

Who will love this tour?
It’s perfect for curious wine lovers, foodies wanting a hands-on cooking session, and anyone who enjoys combining gentle physical activity with cultural discovery. Lovers of scenic countryside, historical stops, and regional wines will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

Beautiful scenery: The tour traverses the morainic hills, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape from traffic.
Expert-led tastings: Curated by a certified AIS sommelier, the wine tastings include award-winning Lugana wines and vintage vertical tastings.
Authentic food experience: A traditional cooking class with a focus on regional dishes adds a tactile, flavorful element.
Historical insights: The guided visit to the Spia d’Italia museum enriches your understanding of the Second Italian War of Independence.
Small group intimacy: Limited to 10-15 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Flexible itinerary: The route can be adjusted depending on the season or time of day, allowing for a customized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting the Day: Meeting and Setting Off

The tour begins at a designated meeting point in Desenzano del Garda, where you’ll find signs pointing to local wine shops and Podere Selva Capuzza. The guide, Licia Arvati, who is also an AIS-certified sommelier, will wear a bicycle helmet for easy identification. Expect to start around a set time, which varies depending on the day. The group size is small—no more than 15—to keep things personal and manageable, fostering engaging conversations and tailored stops.

The Bike Ride: Scenic, Easy, and Refreshing

Covering approximately 25 km with just 90 meters of elevation gain, this bike ride is suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness. The route is carefully curated for safety and scenic value, allowing you to enjoy the landscape without the stress of busy roads. During the ride, you’ll pass through the morainic hills — a landscape shaped by glacial activity—offering superb views across vineyards and the countryside.

We loved the way the route avoids traffic, so you can truly relax and take in the surroundings. The bikes are likely to be comfortable, and there’s the option of e-bikes for those who prefer an extra assist, at an additional cost of €35. The timing is flexible, with options for a daytime or sunset ride, depending on the season.

Visit to Spia d’Italia: History Comes Alive

A highlight is the guided visit to the Spia d’Italia in Solferino. This small museum, once a strategic lookout point, played a pivotal role during the Second Italian War of Independence. The guide will offer insights into this significant part of Italian history, bringing the landscape and its stories to life. The museum has an entrance fee of around €4, payable on-site, which is a small price for a deeper understanding of the area’s historical importance.

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The Aperitif at the Winery: Savoring Lugana Wines

After the ride, the group heads to a charming farm or winery for an aperitif featuring Lugana DOC Metodo Classico. The curated selection of wines is led by the guide, ensuring an educational experience. Participants often comment positively on the professionalism and enthusiasm of Licia, who makes wine tasting informative and enjoyable.

You’ll enjoy a vertical tasting of two old D.O.C. vintages, giving you a sense of how these wines age and develop complexity over time. This is a rare opportunity for wine lovers to appreciate the nuances of vintage differences—something few tours offer. The farm atmosphere provides a relaxed setting for conversation, with plenty of delicious local foods to complement the wines.

Culinary Experience: Traditional Cooking Class

Next, you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class, focusing on regional dishes. Expect to prepare and taste traditional recipes that reflect local flavors. The class is designed to be accessible, with an emphasis on authenticity and fun. The experience allows you to learn new skills and connect with the culinary heritage of Lombardy.

Participants often mention the high quality of the dishes prepared and the chance to ask questions about regional ingredients and cooking techniques. The class typically ends with a shared meal—either lunch or dinner—featuring the dishes prepared, paired with more of the farm’s wines.

Final Tasting: Passito and Vintage Wines

The experience wraps up with a final tasting of Passito wine, a sweet, Passito-style wine made from dried grapes. This conclusive sip offers a perfect end to a day of sensory indulgence. If you choose the dinner option, you’ll enjoy your meal with this sweet wine, complementing the flavors of the dishes.

Logistics and Value

The entire experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours — a well-paced day that balances activity, tasting, and cultural insights. Prices include the guide, the winery visit, and the cooking class, but not the museum entry fee (€4) or wine and food at the farm, which are paid separately. The €35 for e-bike rental and insurance is a fair addition if you prefer pedal assistance.

The small group size (up to 10 participants) means plenty of personalized attention, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. The flexible schedule and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance add to the appeal, especially for travelers who like to keep plans loose.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to experience Lombardy beyond the usual tourist spots. If you enjoy light outdoor activity coupled with culture, this is a perfect fit. It’s also great for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Lugana wines in a hands-on, authentic setting. Food lovers will appreciate the cooking class, which offers a tangible connection to regional traditions.

However, it’s not ideal for unsteady cyclists, those with allergies to nuts (as the tour involves tasting local foods), or travelers who prefer a more sedentary, less interactive experience.

Final Thoughts

This guided day trip offers a well-rounded look at Lombardy’s landscape, history, wine, and cuisine. It’s a wonderful way to see the gentle hills and vineyards while learning from passionate guides who bring stories and flavors alive. The combination of outdoor activity, cultural stops, and hands-on culinary experiences makes it a memorable, enriching day out.

While the cost might seem higher than a simple sightseeing tour, the value is reflected in the authenticity of the experiences, the quality of the tastings, and the personal touches from the guide. It’s an accessible, engaging way to spend a day that balances exercise, education, and indulgence — perfect for curious travelers who want a multi-sensory taste of Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or teenagers?
The tour is generally suitable for ages 11 and up, especially if they can comfortably ride a bike and enjoy tasting and cooking activities. Children under 11 might find the pace or activities less engaging.

What should I wear for the bike ride?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and appropriate clothing are recommended. Avoid high heels, sandals, flip flops, or anything that isn’t suitable for cycling.

Can I join if I have food allergies or intolerances?
Yes, but you should inform the organization ahead of time so they can accommodate your dietary needs, especially for the cooking class and food tastings.

What is included in the price?
The tour guide, visit to the winery, and the cooking class are included. Wine tastings, the farm aperitif, and the final Passito wine are part of the experience but might involve additional costs for food and wine.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Rated as “easy,” the ride covers about 25 km with minimal elevation. It’s suitable for most people with basic cycling ability, but not for those with mobility issues or very low fitness levels.

Are e-bikes available?
Yes, e-bikes can be rented for €35, which is recommended if you prefer some pedal assistance during the ride.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

This guided bike trip in Lombardy promises an authentic, multi-sensory experience blending scenic views, historical insights, and regional flavors. Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, it’s a carefully curated day that offers richness in every turn—literally and figuratively.

You can check availability for your dates here: