The Sirmione-Desenzano Wine & Bike Journey offers an immersive exploration of Northern Italy’s captivating landscapes and renowned wine heritage. Guests embark on a private cycling tour, soaking in the charms of Sirmione and its surroundings. The journey includes a guided visit to the historic Tower of San Martino, followed by a wine tasting at the Famiglia Olivini Winery. This unique experience combines the thrill of cycling, the beauty of the natural scenery, and the opportunity to savor the flavors of the local Lugana and Valpolicella wines. Discover why this tour has become a must-do for wine enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Key Points
- Explore the picturesque landscapes of Sirmione and surrounding regions on a 3.5-hour private bike and wine tour.
- Discover the charming town of Sirmione with a guided tour, including photo stops at scenic viewpoints and the Roman Grotte di Catullo ruins.
- Admire the medieval Scaliger Castle and enjoy panoramic views from the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia.
- Experience a 70-minute guided tour and tasting at the renowned Famiglia Olivini Winery, sampling Lugana DOC white and Valpolicella Ripossa DOC red wines.
- Capture the natural beauty of the region with scenic photo stops, ensuring lasting memories of the cycling and wine adventure.
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Tour Overview
This 3.5-hour private bike and wine tour in Northern Italy takes participants on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Sirmione and the surrounding region.
You’ll start your adventure at the Take.it Rent a Bike Sirmione shop, where you’ll meet your local guide and get fitted for your bike and helmet.
From there, you’ll explore the charming town of Sirmione, stopping for photos and a guided tour before hopping back on your bike.
Next, you’ll ride to the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia for another photo stop and sightseeing.
Sirmione Highlights
The charming town of Sirmione offers a wealth of highlights for visitors to explore during the bike and wine tour. Situated on a peninsula jutting into Lake Garda, Sirmione boasts picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty that captivate the senses.
Key highlights of the Sirmione portion of the tour include:
- A guided tour of the town’s narrow streets and picturesque piazzas
- Photo stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake and its shores
Exploring the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient villa dating back to the 1st century BC.
Admiring the medieval Scaliger Castle, a well-preserved fortress on the water’s edge.
Strolling through the serene gardens and olive groves that line the peninsula’s edge.
Bike Tour Experience
Traversing the picturesque landscapes of Sirmione on two wheels, the bike tour offers guests an exhilarating and immersive way to experience the town’s highlights.
As they pedal through the narrow streets and along the lakeshore, participants can admire the stunning vistas and historic landmarks that define this captivating destination. The tour guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of Sirmione’s rich history and cultural significance.
Stopping at key locations like the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia, guests have the opportunity to snap photos and explore the site’s fascinating features.
The bike tour seamlessly blends sightseeing, exercise, and the chance to savor the region’s world-renowned wines, creating an unforgettable experience.
Tower of San Martino
Perched atop a hillock near Lake Garda, the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia stands as a poignant reminder of the region’s turbulent past.
Visitors on the bike and wine tour will make a brief stop to explore this historic site, where they can:
- Admire the tower’s striking 19th-century architecture
- Snap photos of the breathtaking panoramic views
- Learn about the Battle of San Martino, a pivotal moment in the Italian unification
- Discover the site’s connections to local Risorgimento heroes
- Enjoy a guided tour of the tower and its surroundings
This 10-minute stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history, complementing the tour’s focus on the region’s natural beauty and acclaimed wines.
Famiglia Olivini Winery
After exploring the historic Tower of San Martino, the tour moves on to the renowned Famiglia Olivini – Vignaiuoli dal 1970 winery, where visitors will explore the region’s celebrated wine heritage.
During this 70-minute guided tour, guests will learn about the winery’s history and the winemaking process. They’ll enjoy a tasting of two local wines, expertly presented by the knowledgeable staff.
The winery’s scenic vineyards provide a picturesque backdrop as guests stroll through the property. This immersive experience offers a chance to savor the flavors that make Northern Italy’s wines renowned worldwide.
It’s a highlight of the day’s wine and bike adventure.
Wine Tasting Notes
During the wine tasting at Famiglia Olivini, visitors are led through a sampling of the winery’s renowned offerings. The expert guide presents two local wines, guiding guests through the nuances of each varietal’s aroma, flavor profile, and distinct characteristics. The tasting highlights the region’s winemaking heritage and showcases the expertise of the Famiglia Olivini team.
The Lugana DOC white wine features a pale straw color, delicate floral aromas, and a crisp, refreshing palate with notes of citrus and stone fruit.
The Valpolicella Ripasso DOC red wine boasts a deep ruby hue, complex bouquet of ripe berries and spice, and a full-bodied, well-structured taste that lingers on the finish.
Scenic Photo Stops
Along the route, the tour takes cyclists to several scenic spots where they can capture breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
One such stop is the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia, a historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the rolling hills and vineyards characteristic of this picturesque region. Cyclists will have the opportunity to disembark their bikes and explore the tower, taking in the sweeping vistas and snapping photos to commemorate the experience.
These photo stops allow guests to enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Italy, ensuring they return home with lasting memories of their cycling and wine adventure.
Meeting Point Information
The tour meets at the Take.it Rent a Bike Sirmione location, situated at Via Colombare, 2, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy.
The tour guide will be waiting outside the bike rental shop.
Arrive at the meeting point 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Look for the guide holding a sign or wearing a company uniform.
If you have any trouble finding the location, don’t hesitate to call the tour operator.
The tour will depart promptly, so be sure to arrive on time to avoid missing out.
Getting to the meeting point is easy, and the tour operator is happy to provide any additional assistance you may need.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Enchanted Sirmione: A Romantic Journey Through Time
- From Milan: Verona, Sirmione and Lake Garda Small-Group Tour
- Sirmione: Scenic Afternoon Boat Cruise With Prosecco & Snack
- Festive Journey in Sirmione Christmas Walking Tour
- Lake Garda: Historic Castle Cruise With Wine Tasting
- Sirmione Private Tour: on the Shores of Lake Garda
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Bikes on the Tour?
No, guests cannot bring their own bikes on this private bike tour. The tour includes the rental of bicycles and helmets, which are provided by the tour operator for the duration of the excursion.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Wine Tasting?
The tour doesn’t mention any specific dietary restrictions for the wine tasting. However, it’s best to inform the tour provider of any allergies or dietary needs in advance so they can accommodate you accordingly during the wine tasting.
Can We Explore Sirmione on Our Own Before or After the Tour?
Yes, you can explore Sirmione on your own before or after the tour. The tour only covers a portion of Sirmione, so you’ll have time to wander the town at your leisure outside the scheduled activities.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour has no minimum or maximum group size. It’s a private tour, so you’ll have a personalized experience with just your group. The size can vary to accommodate your preferences and party.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not specify any discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator directly as they may offer discounted rates for certain groups upon request.
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Recap
The Sirmione-Desenzano Wine & Bike Journey offers a unique blend of cycling, sightseeing, and wine tasting in the picturesque northern Italian region.
Guests will pedal through charming Sirmione, visit the historic Tower of San Martino, and enjoy a guided wine tasting at the Famiglia Olivini Winery.
This tour provides an exhilarating way to explore the area’s natural beauty and renowned wine heritage.