A COMPLELLING MAKEUP OF ART, NATURE, AMUSEMENT, WINE AND GASTRONOMY – ESCORTED BIKE TOUR – KM 45 – FULL DAY
We follow the bike trail Lonato – Salò whose route runs through the heart of Valtenesi with height differences up to 2100 ft requiring a decent physical condition, the wonderful views of the Lake are a good reward for the effort. We start with a visit of Lonato, village out of massive inflows, with its small but precious treasure : the minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the Town Hall, the House of the Podestà a home-library with over 50,000 volumes and the Rocca which rises on the top of one of the reliefs of the morainic amphitheatre. After a few Km we reach the medieval castle of Padenghe built between the ninth and tenth centuries and rebuilt between the 13th and 14th centuries; immersed in a landscape of olive trees and vineyards we get to Soiano, an ancient village with a castle on a high-ground overlooking the Lake and the hills. Tasting of Olive Oil. Passed by Polpenazze, known for its wine, the path heads towards Puegnago, name of Roman origin although the town preserves remains of dwelling villages at the Lakes of Sovenigo where we stop on patrol. We ride down towards the Lake through Cunettone along the beautiful Salo’s lakefront with Palazzo della Magnifica Patria and Palazzo del Podestà: the old town, is a thick succession of streets, alleys and squares with mansions, elegant shops, restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the Cathedral of S. Maria Annunciata in late Gothic style with Renaissance façade and precious works inside. We embark on the ship with destiny Desenzano, on the last stretch of the route back to the starting point. To enjoy indeed: the Castle, which dates from the 10th century on the foundations of a Roman “castrum”, the Cathedral Interior late Renaissance and Baroque façade, the Antiquarium of the Roman Villa and the archaeological museum
OPTIONAL ADMISSION TICKETS/SERVICES, not included :
Rent a bike
Any monument/museum/villa/other
Lunch
Tastings
Motorboat