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This enchanting journey takes you through the historic Veneto region of north-east Italy. Taking in the splendid cities of Trento, Verona and Vicenza you'll have time to appreciate the architectural and cultural delights specific to each. Starting from the mountains around Bolzano, passing the beauty of Lake Garda and winding through pretty meadows and orchards you'll head east to the lovely town of Mestre, located on the doorstep of Venice, offering the perfect opportunity to celebrate your adventure with a stroll along its canals or a visit to its iconic landmarks.
Along the way, you can experience a wonderful blend of alpine scenery, rolling countryside and elegant historic centres, where medieval streets, Renaissance architecture and vibrant piazzas invite exploration. Cycle through charming villages, sample regional cuisine and local wines, and soak up the relaxed Italian lifestyle that defines this region.
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27kg of CO2-e PP per day
(190kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Bolzano
The trip begins in Bolzano, gateway to the Alps in the heart of the dramatic Dolomites. Located along the Isarco river, bilingual Bolzano stands at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and central Europe. Today it is an important commercial and tourist centre. Depending on the time you arrive we recommend taking a stroll around the Piazza Walther where the life of the city is found. Additional nights before the trip can be added on request, please ask for our rates.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Trento along the Adige (70km/43.5mi)
This morning there will be a meeting at the bike centre with a local representative who will deliver your bikes and answer any questions. You will start riding along the River Adige cycle path, through orchards and the vineyards of the renowned Wine Route. You can choose to ride a hilly variant which takes you to the beautiful Lake Kaltern, or follow the entire bike path (65km) along the Adige River, which is flat. Half way between Bolzano and Trento you will reach Salorno, which represents the linguistic border between the German and the Italian world. It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train at several train stations along the way. Elevation +410m/1345ft, -475m/1558ft or along the bike path: +295m/967ft, -365m/1987ft
Meals: B
Day 3
By bike and boat to Lake Garda south (50km/31mi)
Continue cycling alongside the Adige to Rovereto, famous for its museum of modern and contemporary art. After a short ascent to Passo di San Giovanni, you can enjoy a superb view over Lake Garda and the little town of Torbole. Continue to Riva del Garda, from where you will take a ferry* (approx 4-5 hours) to reach the southern part of the lake. Overnight in Peschiera or Desenzano del Garda, dependent on availability. *if the ferry is cancelled or not operating eg at the end of the season, you will travel by alternative means, usually by bus. Elevation +300m/984ft, -430m/1410ft
Day 4
Cycle to historical Verona (35 or 60km/21.5 or 37mi)
After crossing the hilly landscape surrounding Lake Garda you will again meet the Adige river, which will take you into bustling Verona, one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region and the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”. An early start will ensure you'll have time to explore its many sights including the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House. You can take a short walk or cycle across the river and up the hill for a great view of the city. With no shortage of attractions, gelato and fine food in Verona, the night time café scene is worth staying up for. Elevation from Peschiera +255m/836ft, -260m/853ft or from Desenzano +-490m/1608ft
Day 5
Continue to Vicenza via Soave (70km/43.5mi)
Cycling in the countryside at the foot of the Lessini mountains and among the vineyards you will reach the castle of Soave. Continuing, there are two options from Montebello. The flatter path brings you close to the beautiful castles of Romeo and Juliet in Montecchio Maggiore, while the hilly route leads you through the Berici hills. Vicenza lies ahead. Vicenza's old centre is characterized by beautiful private and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect. Elevation +-460m/1510ft or via the Berici Hills +-700m/2297ft It is possible to shorten this stage by taking the train in San Bonifacio (just after Soave - 35km/21.5mi).
Day 6
Cycle past Palladio's Villa la Rotonda to Padova's thermal district (50km/35mi)
Cycling out of Vicenza along the cycle path of the Bacchiglione river you can admire the Palladian masterpiece Villa La Rotonda. Continuing past the hamlet of Montegalda you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you will have the chance to relax in the largest European thermal district. With a small detour of about 10km at the end of the stage, you can enjoy a wine and oil tasting (included). Elevation +220m/721ft, -260m/853ft
Day 7
Cycle along the Brenta Canal to Mestre (55km/34mi)
From the thermal district you follow the cycle path of the Battaglia canal to the fascinating city of Padova, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. Here you’ll find the famous Scrovegni Chapel, with frescoes by Giotto, and one of the largest squares in Europe, 'Prato della Valle'. It's an easy day through the flat Veneto. From Padova, continue along the Piovego Canal to Stra then follow the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann), until you reach Mestre on Venice's mainland. Elevation +195m/640ft, -200m/656ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
Arrangements conclude after breakfast in Mestre. Extra nights can be arranged on request, in Mestre (Venice mainland) or on Venice island.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed touring bike with handbrakes. Available with a unisex or high cross bar in various sizes, with the size based on your height. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day and a lock, along with a handlebar bag and repair kit per room. Helmets will be provided locally.
An optional upgrade to a hybrid bike is available - supplement applies. This is a 27 speed aluminium high cross bar bike, suitable for gravel, road and touring.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. The electric bike provided has a low-entry frame and a battery with an average range of 90km.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 18 years (or 14 -17 years on request - note the insurance is not valid for e-bikes under the age of 18) and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in.
GRADE 3 - with daily cycles of around 35 to 70km/22 to 44mi. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The route is predominantly flat mixed with easy hills; the only strenuous part is the Berici Hills. The cycle is mainly on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. The vast majority of the route is on paved surfaces. You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. It's possible to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 3, 5 and 7. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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