Horse Riding, E-Bikes and Walking at Lake Garda: What to Book and What to Do Yourself
Updated October 18, 2026 · 5 min read
Lake Garda has more to offer on land than its crowded shore suggests. The hills behind the southern towns are vineyards and olive groves, a flat cycle path follows a river to a medieval village, and a gorge near Arco is set up for canyoning. The question is which of these you need to book, and which you can simply do.
On horseback through the vineyards
The two-hour horseback ride in the countryside runs through Lazise, Colà di Lazise and Castelnuovo del Garda and costs €79 (4.7 stars, 91 reviews). The operator describes a ride through vineyards, olive groves and open fields with views of the hills around.
Two practical things to know. The operator says the ride is suitable from 15 years, and children under 15 are not accepted. It names no weight limit, which is what a heavier rider will ask, so ask the operator before you pay. And there is a second ride, a guided ride in the Lessinia hills near Verona, at €72, but it has a single review so far, it is in the mountains north of Verona, not at the lake, and it is adults only: the operator excludes under-18s, people under 150 cm and people over 100 kg.
E-bikes: the easy way up the hills
The southern shore is flat; the hills behind it are not. An e-bike turns the second into the first. Your options, from least to most guided:
| Option | Price | Duration | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-bike rental from Peschiera del Garda | €35 | not stated | 4.7 stars, 78 reviews |
| Self-guided e-bike ride from Verona to the lake with lunch | €99 | 7 hours | 4.9 stars, 28 reviews |
| Guided e-bike tour from Peschiera to Borghetto sul Mincio | €80 | 4 hours | 5.0 stars, 26 reviews |
| E-bike tour and wine tasting from Lazise | €115 | 3.5 hours | 4.8 stars, 61 reviews |
| E-bike tour and wine tasting in the Bardolino hills | €115 | 4 hours | 4.6 stars, 34 reviews |
The rental is the cheapest, with solid reviews behind it (4.7 stars from 78). The operator says it is suitable for people at least 155 cm tall, which rules out many children, and it is meant for the area around the lake and Borghetto.
The Peschiera to Borghetto tour follows the Mincio river. Along the same river runs the Peschiera to Mantua cycle path, a paved, car-free track with only a modest difference in height, according to the rental listing, so you can ride much of that stretch yourself with the rental. A guide gets you the history of Borghetto and its watermills; the bike is the same.
The wine tours (Lazise and Bardolino) cost €115 each and combine a ride through vineyards and olive groves with a wine tasting in a cellar. If wine is the point, they are good value; if the ride is the point, the rental is €80 cheaper. For a comparison of the tastings themselves, see our guide to the wine tours.
Canyoning near Arco
Wild Jump Canyoning with jumps or guided rope descents takes 3.5 hours and costs €99 (4.6 stars, 50 reviews). The operator describes jumps, slides and clear pools in a rocky gorge, for beginners and experts. The operator excludes non-swimmers and anyone under 40 kg or over 120 kg. Arco is at the north end of the lake, so it is a trip of its own from the southern towns. Ask about age and fitness before you book.
What you do not need to book
- The cycle path. Rent a bike and follow the river from Peschiera.
- Walking. The hills and the shore have marked paths, and the easiest high-level walk is at the top of the Monte Baldo cable car: see the Monte Baldo guide.
- A guide, if you only want the exercise. A guide earns the fee when there is something to explain: a village, a cellar, a mill.
Who should skip it
- Anyone who is not a confident cyclist. The cycle path is flat, but the hill tours include climbs, and a motor only helps so much.
- Families with small children. The rental is for riders at least 155 cm tall. See the outdoor activities page for other options.
More on bike tours at Lake Garda.
Prices, hours and conditions are the operators’ own and can change; the booking page shows what applies on your date.
