Dolomites + Lake Garda Chef on Wheels Bike Tour

Meet your guides in the city of Brescia for a transfer to Capovalle, a very special place for Chef Stefano Righetti. Since 1901, the mountain village has been home to his grandmother’s trattoria—the place where he first learned to cook and where the table is set for a nostalgic lunch that introduces us to the region’s cuisine and Stefano’s culinary roots before we meet him tomorrow. After lunch, we’ll get fitted to our bikes and begin riding through the narrow valley. The mountainous slopes eventually give way to olive groves and a view of Lake Garda that guides us to its shores. Embark on an easy boat cruise across the lake, then get back on our bikes and pedal to our 16th-century villa hotel in the heart of Bardolino. Taste the best vintages from this DOC wine region during dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Capovalle, Toscolano-Maderno, Bardolino
Accomplished: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 712 feet / 217 meters
Longer Option: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 1,696 feet / 517 meters
Accommodations: Villa Cordevigo

Meet Stefano this morning as we ride to the town of Rivoli out along the Adige River Valley. Perhaps the Rue de Rivoli shopping street in Paris comes to mind—in fact, it was named for Napoleon’s 1797 victory over the Austrians that took place right here. It’s not the only notable moment this valley endured: as the geographic link between Italy and northern Europe, it was a hotbed for invading armies and enterprising merchants. History is echoed in the fortifications that dot the valley, and we’ll visit one such castle before continuing our ride to the town of Rovereto. Meet our friend and Michelin-starred chef, Alfio Ghezzi, for a private lunch at his newly opened culinary project inside the Modern Art Museum, then ride or transfer to tonight’s accommodations outside Trento. The boutique farmhouse and winery is a familiar name on Chef Stefano’s wine lists, and the tasting dinner he’s prepared for us tonight is paired with his best-loved bottles.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Rivoli Veronese, Rovereto, Trento
Accomplished: 37 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 1,784 feet / 544 meters
Longer Option: 61 miles / 98 km, elevation gain: 2,722 feet / 830 meters
Accommodations: Cobei or Maso Grener

Today we transition from the vineyard-rich Adige Valley to the alpine gem of Campiglio, nestled in the Brenta Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage site and home of Italy’s largest glacier. Beginning from our hotel, we’ll pedal across the valley to visit our friend Elisabetta Foradori, a well-respected and iconic Italian winemaker. Afterwards, a classic mountain train takes us up to the Val di Non, passing apple orchards, castles, and mirrored mountain lakes en route to the beginning of a bike path. Ride through farming villages to lunch at a traditional family-run maso, then opt for an extra climb all the way to our sustainably-minded hotel in Campiglio (or choose a transfer for some extra time at the spa). Tonight we are the special guests of Alessandro Nocella, an up-and-coming chef who has worked all over the world—including the three-Michelin-star Fat Duck in London—and has brought his talents back home.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Mezzolombardo, Dimaro, Madonna di Campiglio
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,692 feet / 516 meters
Longer Option: 33 miles / 54 km, elevation gain: 4,763 feet / 1,452 meters
Accommodations: Chalet del Sogno

Trade the road bikes for mountain e-bikes as we set off to meet Daniel, a young local chef, and discover the alpine bounty above Campiglio. Visit the malga (mountain dairy) where Daniel sources his butter and cheese, then forage in the meadows and pastures for wild herbs and greens—we’ll put it all together for a picturesque mountain picnic. Spend the afternoon however you prefer: head back to the hotel for some downtime, enjoy some additional time on the mountain bike, or fit in a bit of hiking. This evening, we join Daniel as he prepares a hearty meal, dining together at sunset in a private chalet.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Carlo Magno, Monte Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio
Accomplished: 3-5 hours of e-mountain biking; hiking
Accommodations: Chalet del Sogno

Say goodbye to Campiglio as we hop on a bike path in Pinzolo and pedal towards Lake Garda. These valleys are an abundant heartland of small farms that supply high-quality ingredients to top local restaurants. Continue to one of the most beautiful sections of bike path above the Sarca River, which springs directly from the Italian Alps, then ride or transfer the final few kilometers to Riva. Check into our palatial hotel, located on private shores of Lake Garda, then take a swim or stroll around town. On our final evening together, a private boat delivers us to dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant where Stefano spent the first several years of his career.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pinzolo, Stenico, Riva del Garda
Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 1,814 feet / 553 meters
Longer Option: 54 miles / 87 km, elevation gain: 2,230 feet / 680 meters
Accommodations: Lido Palace

Take an early morning dip in Lake Garda or head into town for coffee before your guides transfer you to the Verona train station. Buon viaggio to wherever your journey may take you next!

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Riva del Garda, Verona