Rebecca Denne cycles and eats her way around three of Italy’s most famous lakes on a six-day cycling trip with Italy Bike Tours 

Where is it?  

The tour has three key destinations, all in northern Italy – Lake Garda, Lake Iseo and Lake Como.

What’s the accommodation like?  

The five-night trip includes three luxury hotels across the week*, each with their own distinct decor.  

The first two nights are at Palace Hotel Desenzano, a traditional-style hotel with spacious rooms and a sun-kissed rooftop pool.  

Night three and four are at the James Bond-style Hotel Araba Fenice, perched on the edge of Lake Iseo. You can enjoy an invigorating dip in the lake, with easy access from the hotel bar.  

Finally, Casa Sull’Albero is the most boutique of the three stays, with modern decor and a chic, city vibe. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer killer views across Lake Como, and there’s a spa at the sister hotel next door (fees apply).  

What did you eat and drink?  

All the pasta! Our lead guide, Savi, is also a chef, so I try to sit with him at mealtimes to get the scoop on what to order. Highlights include ravioli stuffed with burrata, served with a rich prawn bisque and a flourish of ceviche; and sardines from Lake Iseo, grilled and served on polenta (a regional staple). Plus, something I was slightly dubious about, but it’s a dream combination: vitello tonnato, a Piemontese dish of very thinly sliced veal, served with a tuna and caper mayonnaise sauce.  

What is there to do?  

The Luxury Lakes and Vineyards tour is designed for mixed abilities of cyclists. With a variety of routes planned across the week, you can dip in and out as you please. All the hotels have pools, and the itinerary also includes non-cycling activities, such as visiting the Bersi Serlini winery to sample some local fizz, a coffee-tasting and tour at Trismoka, and kicking back with a spritz or two in Bellagio.  

What do I need to pack?  

Padded cycling shorts, sunglasses and your camera. The views, whether from your bike or the van, are moments you’ll cherish forever, with each lake offering a different experience.  

Lasting memory?  

The first pit stop – in the charming fishing town of San Felice, overlooking Lake Garda – about an hour after meeting my fellow cyclists. If there’s one way to break the ice it’s by sharing a tub of pistachio gelato! 

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip

Look out for restaurants offering pranzo di lavoro (working lunch). You’ll often get a two- or three-course meal with a glass of wine for about €12 (£10.50). And avoid ordering a cappuccino after 10am if you want to make like a true Italian.