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

Thinking of combining exercise, culture, and culinary delights in Italy? This 6-hour guided bike tour in Desenzano del Garda offers a compelling way to enjoy the region’s landscape, wine, and food. Led by Licia, a knowledgeable guide and certified AIS sommelier, this experience takes you through scenic hills, unique historical sites, and authentic farm life, all while savoring award-winning wines and traditional dishes.

What we love about this experience is the chance to cycle through the stunning morainic hills—a landscape shaped by glaciers—without the stress of traffic, plus the opportunity to sample some excellent Lugana wines directly at the farm. The interactive cooking class adds a hands-on touch, letting you learn how to prepare local dishes, which you can enjoy later.

A potential consideration is that the difficulty level is ‘easy,’ making this perfect for most, but if you’re not comfortable on a bike or have mobility issues, it might not be suitable.

This tour suits travelers looking for an authentic, relaxed experience that combines physical activity, culture, and gastronomy—perfect if you’re keen on tasting regional wines, exploring lesser-known historical sites, and learning about traditional Lombard cuisine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Scenic route: 25 km bike ride through the picturesque morainic hills and historic sites.
Expert guidance: Led by Licia, an engaging guide and certified sommelier who enriches the experience.
Taste of tradition: Includes curated wines, a vertical tasting of vintage Lugana wines, and hands-on cooking.
Authentic farm visit: Aperitif at a farm featuring Lugana DOC Metodo Classico and Passito wine.
Historical insight: Visit to the Spia d’Italia in Solferino, site of significant 19th-century battles.
Flexible timing: Ride during the day or at sunset, adjusted seasonally for the best experience.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Group Size

Your adventure begins in Desenzano del Garda at a central meeting point, where signs will guide you to the wine shops, Podere Selva Capuzza, and the guide will be easily recognizable by the bicycle helmet she wears. The group is small—limited to 10 participants—which means more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Scenic Bike Ride

You’ll cycle around 25 km over about 5-6 hours, with an elevation gain of just 90 meters, so it’s considered an easy route. The terrain is gentle enough for most, but a basic level of comfort on a bike is recommended. The ride is flexible, with the possibility of adjusting the itinerary depending on the season and your preference, during daylight or at sunset.

The highlight of the bike portion is the chance to enjoy the lush landscapes. We loved the way the guide seamlessly explained the geological history of the morainic hills, giving context to the scenery. It’s a soothing way to connect with the land while getting some gentle exercise.

More Great Tours Nearby

Historical Stop at Spia d’Italia

A notable stop is the Spia d’Italia in Solferino, a site famous for its role in the Second Italian War of Independence. The guide shares stories and insights that transform the scenery from just a pretty view into a tangible piece of history. The visit offers a peaceful pause where you can reflect on Italy’s past, making this tour both scenic and educational.

The Farm and Aperitif

After the ride, you’ll arrive at a working farm for an aperitif featuring Lugana DOC Metodo Classico—a sparkling white wine with a distinct character. The farm visit is curated by a certified AIS sommelier, who guides you through a vertical tasting of two vintage wines, showcasing the evolution of flavors over time.

We appreciated the exclusivity of this part of the trip—sampling wines directly where they’re made, and learning about the process from the expert. The farm setting is tranquil and authentic, far from touristy crowd noise, which enhances the enjoyment.

Cooking Class

Next is a hands-on cooking course focusing on traditional Lombard dishes. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn to prepare recipes that are simple but full of flavor—perfect for recreating at home. The class introduces you to the regional culinary heritage, and the experience of cooking together fosters camaraderie.

Lunch or Dinner with Wine

Following the class, you’ll savor the dishes you’ve prepared during a local meal, paired with more selected wines, including a Passito—an aromatic, sweet wine ideal as a dessert accompaniment. This meal is a highlight, giving you an authentic taste of regional flavors in a cozy, welcoming setting.

Total Experience and Cost

All this takes place over about 6 hours. The total distance covered on the bike is manageable, and the cost includes the guide, the winery visit, the tasting, and the cooking class, providing excellent value for a full day of activities. Additional costs cover the museum entrance (~$4) and optional extras like e-bike rental (~$35).

Why This Tour Works

This experience is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy combining physical activity with cultural learning. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the landscape beyond just photos and learn about the land’s geological and historical significance. The hands-on cooking class makes it especially appealing for food lovers eager to bring home new culinary skills.

The small group size creates an intimate, friendly environment, and the flexible timing means you can choose to admire the sunset or enjoy a full daytime adventure, depending on your mood and the season.

Authentic and Fun

The overall vibe is informal but professional, with Licia’s warm and knowledgeable guidance shining through. She makes complex topics accessible, and her enthusiasm for the wines and local history is contagious.

Considerations

While the ride is easy, you should be comfortable on a bike and prepared for about 6 hours of activity. Those with mobility issues or who dislike cycling might find this less suitable. Also, if you have food allergies or intolerances, it’s good to notify the organizers beforehand, since the cooking class involves traditional dishes.

Final Thoughts

This guided bike, wine, and cooking experience offers a well-rounded taste of Lombardy’s scenic, historical, and culinary charms. It balances active outdoor exploration with relaxed, intimate tastings and meaningful learning. The setting feels genuine and far from mass tourism, making it ideal for curious travelers looking to deepen their appreciation of Italy’s northern region.

If you love wine and food, enjoy gentle outdoor activities, and value authentic experiences, this tour will delight you. It’s especially suited for those who want more than just a sightseeing trip—who want to connect with the land, its history, and its flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 11 are welcome at a reduced rate, and the tour can be enjoyable for families with kids comfortable on a bike. However, the focus on wine tasting means it’s best suited for older children or teenagers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes suitable for cycling and walking, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing are recommended. High heels, sandals, flip-flops, and bulky clothes are discouraged to stay comfortable during the ride.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to ride a bike?
This tour is designed for those comfortable on a bike; if you cannot ride or have low fitness, it might not be suitable. E-bike rentals are available for an extra fee, which can help those who prefer pedal assistance.

How much does the wine tasting and cooking class cost?
The tour price includes the guided visit, the wine tasting, and the cooking class. Additional costs might cover museum entrance (~$4) and optional e-bike rental (~$35).

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
Yes, if you have food intolerances or allergies, it’s important to inform the organizers beforehand so they can accommodate your needs during the cooking class and meal.

What makes this experience different from other wine tours?
Unlike typical tasting sessions, this experience combines a scenic bike ride, a historical visit, a farm-to-table cooking class, and exclusive wine tastings in a small-group setting—delivering a genuinely immersive day in Lombardy.

This Desenzano guided bike and wine adventure offers a refreshing way to explore Lombardy’s landscape, history, and cuisine—perfect for curious travelers eager to go beyond the usual sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: