Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione
From the old port in Desenzano (0,0 km), going east, take the cycling road on Lungolago Cesare Battisti towards Rivoltella, which you will reach after about 2 km. Continue on the side of the lake road towards Sirmione and you will arrive to the roundabout where, on the left, you will enter Via Matteotti (5,2 km), which becomes Via Salvo d’Acquisto, then stop by the dock. From here turn right going towards an old gate indicating the entrance to the Sirmione peninsula (6,5 km). Continue on Via XXV Aprile, here begins the most interesting part of the itinerary: the narrow stretch of land that takes you to Sirmione.
Once beyond Lido Galeazzi, the view opens on the lake both on the left and on the right on an unusual point of view, up to the panoramic spot “Sandro Pertini” (7,0 km), which deserves a short break. In a few minutes you will reach the historic centre of Sirmione, dominated by Castello Scaligero (8,9 km). Beyond the bridge, enter the walls of the borough to reach the pier (9,0 km). You can continue the excursion up to the Grotte di Catullo (Catullus's caves), located on the northernmost part of the peninsula, to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake. Walking all the way back will take you to the starting point.
Make sure you take with you all the necessary equipment and clothes for bicycle excursions according to the season. Check the weather forecast the day before you trip and verify that the track is open on the day you choose. During the excursion respect the highway code and the environment, do not leave your waste along the path. The itineraries described here and the GPS tracks do not alert bikers of possible dangers, nor indicate the only path available for excursions.
Emergency number: 112
Desenzano del Garda, Porto vecchio, 64 m slm
Bus service available to Desenzano and Sirmione (www.arriva.it), also via ferry boat from the main ports on the lake (www.navigazionelaghi.it). Check that your bicycle can be transported on the bus or train you choose.
Desenzano and Sirmione can be easily reached from the top and from the bottom of the lake, parking available close by the starting point. A4 motorway exit in Desenzano.
