Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes – so large that it straddles the border of three distinct regions: Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, and Veneto.
The shores of Garda Lake are dotted with quaint, postcard perfect towns, like Desenzano the town we visited. With a population of about 25,000 residents, Desenzano del Garda is characterized by its labyrinthine streets, a castle overlooking the city, and a small harbor.
When we arrived in Desenzano, the three-day “Colnago Garda Gravel” Cycling Festival was under way. Across the 3-day festival, there are three routes that always start and finish from Piazza Matteotti, on the lakefront of Desenzano del Garda. The three routes will cross unique locations and panoramas, where history and nature merge into three itineraries close to each other but at the same time with completely different landscapes and totally unique and spectacular features.
We finished up the day with a tour of a local Olive Mill. Owned and operated by the Manestrini family, this mill is well-known for its extra virgin olive oil and has even received national recognition over the years.
