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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1390USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: BTV

Trip highlights


  • Cycling at the base of the stunning Dolomites
  • Experiencing the outstanding scenery and small villages en route
  • Sipping coffee (or something stronger) in a café in one of Verona’s magnificent piazzas
  • Enjoying the culinary specialties such as marinated sardines
  • Delighting in the warm hospitality of the hotel owners

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.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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

This morning there will be a meeting at the bike centre with a local representative who will deliver your bikes, discuss the tour and answer any questions. You will start riding along the River Adige cycle path, through orchards and the vineyards of the renowned Wine Route. 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 in several train stations along the way. +30m/98ft or +250m/820ft

Meals:  B

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 will 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 hours) to reach the southern part of the lake. Overnight in Peschiera or Desenzano del Garda. *if the ferry is cancelled or not operating eg at the end of the season you will travel by alternative means, usually by bus. +140m/459ft

Meals:  B

After crossing the hilly landscape surrounding the Garda Lake, you will meet the Adige river again which will take you into the fabulous city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”. An early start will ensure that you have time to explore the many sights including Juliet’s Balcony, the main piazza and the Roman amphitheatre. You can take a short walk or cycle across the river and up the hill for a great view of the town centre. There is no shortage of attractions, gelato and fine food in Verona and the night time café scene is worth staying up for. +140m/459ft or +260m/853ft

Meals:  B

Cycling in the countryside at the foot of Mounts Lessini and among the vineyards you will reach the castle of Soave. Further on the fortress of Brendola will show you the way to the Berici hills and to Vicenza. Vicenza's old centre is characterized by beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect. There are two options to enter Vicenza - one is more panoramic but more challenging across the Berici Hills, the other is a level cycle although on roads with a little more traffic. It is also possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in San Bonifacio. +230m/755ft or +440m/1444ft

Meals:  B

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. +30m/98ft

Meals:  B

From the thermal district you will cycle along 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 cycle day through the flat Veneto. From Padova, cycle along the Piovego Canal to Stra then follow the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Widmann), until you reach Mestre, the mainland of Venice. +0m/0ft

Meals:  B

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged on request, in Mestre and on request on Venice island.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts – buffet breakfasts are served
  • 7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star (Category B) or 3-4 star (Category A) hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPS Tracks per room booked (smartphone required)
  • Luggage transfers, 1 piece maximum 20kg per person - supplement applies for excess
  • Rental touring bike with helmet, pannier, puncture resistant tyres and gel saddle (electric & hybrid bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Bike insurance against theft and damage (does not cover negligence)
  • Welcome briefing
  • 4 hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda
  • Ice cream in the best gelateria in Vicenza
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Bolzano and from Venice/Mestre
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are booking a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Excess luggage
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app / GPX files
  • Local hotel taxes - approx. 15-20 € per person
  • Venice Access Fee: effective from Spring 2024 (approx. 5 €/day, if applicable) to be paid on site
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

The cycling is moderate (3) grade 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.


Departure dates

Weekly on Saturday & Sunday from 30 Mar to 12 Oct, and also Tuesday & Wednesday from 30 Apr to 4 Sep

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 11 May to 6 Sep. Mid season is from 20 Apr to 10 May and 7 to 27 Sep. A supplement applies for mid and high season departures. Some late Sep departures may not be available due to an event in Verona (Marmomac) - on request only
Note:
Due to logistics this trip is not suitable for solo travellers. It can be possible for single travellers to book on a date which already has bookings. Contact our team for more details. Custom departure dates are available for groups of 6 or more.
Note:
For Saturday departures only: it's possible to add an extra night in the middle of the tour - must be requested at time of booking.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1390USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Hybrid bike supplementUSD$50
  • Upgrade Supplement - Category A hotelsUSD$160
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$170
  • Single Supplement - Category BUSD$400
  • Single Supplement - Category AUSD$470
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

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.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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