Monte Isola round trip

Peschiera Maraglio-Sensole-Menzino-Senzano-Cure-Siviano-Carzano-Peschiera Maraglio

At the port of Peschiera Maraglio we go to the left, along the tarmac road by the lake shores to Sensole (view of S. Paolo island) and then start a steep, but short, climb to Menzino (Oldofredi rock).

Still pedalling, we firstly reach the ancient village of Sinchignano and then, at the height of the S. Carlo church, we turn to the right in the direction of Senzano. After this, we follow signs for the characteristic mountain village of Cure.

If we like, we can detour up a rather difficult ascent of 3 kilometres on an unmade or cobbled track to the splendid panorama that can be enjoyed from the Shrine of the Madonna della Ceriola (the last stretch is a flight of steps). Taking up the route again from Cure we reach the tiny historical centre of Masse.

We then cross a flat cultivated plain that appears unexpectedly between chestnut trees to arrive at the gracious rural village of Olzano. A steep climb with a rocky surface leads to the island’s main town, Siviano (a medieval nucleus, fortified with towers and narrow streets).

A descent to be enjoyed all in one go (view of Loreto island) leads us to Carzano (a picturesque fishing village).

From here, we recommend a brief diversion to the rural village of Novale (a cobbled panoramic road with flights of steps). The route ends by returning to Peschiera Maraglio. An island tour of around 9 kilometres can also be made, even on a bicycle without gears, by following the tarmac roads from Peschiera Maraglio to Sensole, Menzino, Siviano, Carzano and then again to Peschiera Maraglio.

Monte Isola is served all year round with regular ferries from Iseo - Sulzano to Peschiera - from Sale Marasino to Carzano.

From spring to autumn, services also run from other lake villages. Bicycles can be taken onboard with a special supplementary ticket.

Info: IAT offices and “Gestione navigazione Lago d’Iseo” (Lake Iseo Navigation Management).

• Length: 15 km +deviations
• Difficulty: quite difficult
• Height difference: max. 400m
• Parts that can be cycled: almost all the way, but with some difficulty
• Average duration: 3 hours