8
11 555
Make your way to Bolzano. The nearest airports are Innsbruck and Verona, but Bergamo, Treviso, Venice and Munich are approx. 4 hours by train. Bolzano is the capital of the South Tyrol, with its pretty network of winding alleys and upmarket shops to explore. The world-famous Museum of Archaeology with the ‘Otzi’ Iceman and the Reinhold Messner Mountain Museum at nearby Sigmundskron Castle make Bolzano a city of mountaineering history and culture.
Today you will ride mainly along the Adige River, through orchards and vineyards and passing through the villages of Ora, Egna and Salomo. The dam pathways lead onward to Trento, set in a wide glacial valley guarded by the peaks of the Dolomites. There is the possibility of taking the train at several points to shorten this stage.
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
As you pedal along the Adige, you reach Rovereto and Mori, which is famous for its quality wines. From here you cycle westwards to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. After a short ascent, a refreshing descent will follow and lead you to the picturesque towns of Torbole and Riva. The ferry cruise will take you to the southern part of Lake Garda. Depending on the availability tonight your accommodation will either be in Peschiera or Desenzano; both pleasant Italian towns on the shore of the lake. (Please note that the ferry service across Lake Garda is a seasonal service and schedules are generally released quite late. If the ferry is not running, or cancelled due to adverse weather/strikes etc. then we will organise a van transfer to your next hotel).
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Today your ride is mainly on quiet roads and cycle paths as you make your way to the legendary city of Verona. Located on the Adige River, Verona is arguably the most beautiful city in Veneto. Verona is easily discoverable on foot, taking in the famous sites such as the Roman arena, the Basilica San Zeno and of course, Juliet's house and the famous balcony!
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
At first the route today is flat, and then you head through the Monti Berici; a hilly region just south of Vicenza, with wonderfully panoramic views of the local vineyards and then Vicenza. On your route there are plenty of places to stop and admire the view, and have a break from the climbs! The old city centre of Vicenza is characterized by the beautiful private palaces and public buildings designed by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th Century architect known all over the world. Today's route can be shortened by taking the train or there is a slightly flatter route for those who would prefer to avoid any major climbs.
Distance in Km: 75
Distance in Miles: 46
Cycling out of Vicenza you come across the beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda. Along the Bacchiglione river, the route continues towards the scenic landscape of the Euganean hills, the biggest European thermal resort, with an overnight in a wonderful hotel in verdant surroundings, complete with a thermal pool.
Distance in Km: 55
Distance in Miles: 34
The tour continues easily through the flat Veneto. You will cycle along gentle minor roads to Mestre, Venice’s mainland. Cycling out of Padua, the route continues towards the Adriatic sea and the city of Venice. Your hotel is located in Mestre, a short bus ride from the fascinating and iconic city. We choose to stay in Mestre as the logistics of cycling into Venice are incredibly difficult; the road connecting Venice and the mainland can be very busy and cycling is certainly not recommended. Getting to Venice from Mestre is simple; buses are every 15 mins and take approximately 15 mins. If you would prefer to stay in central Venice this can be arranged for an additional supplement.
Distance in Km: 55
Distance in Miles: 34
End your trip in Mestre (Venice). If you have time, Mestre (Venice) is an excellent place to spend a couple of days enjoying the delights of this world famous city; take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, marvel at Venetian art through the ages and relax with a gelato (or two!)
* 7 nights 2 and 3-star hotels, with an option to upgrade
* 6 days cycling with luggage transfer between hotels
* 95% tarmac, 5% gravel tracks
* Mainly quiet roads and cycle paths
* Possibility to take the train to make the route shorter on days 2 and 5
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 8 yrs
All breakfasts are included on this trip.
For breakfast you can expect a continental style buffet including cold meats,
eggs, cheese, breads, pastries, jam, tea and coffee.
For lunch and dinner, you will find an abundance of cheap and hearty Italian
food available from local restaurants and cafes. You will always find a good
'menu del giorno' in the restaurants and cafes in towns and cities, these
tend to feature a number of antipasti/starters, followed by a pizza or pasta
dish, and a local dessert. There are also plenty of supermarkets to stock up
on picnic items, an excellent way to enjoy lunches on a self-guided trip.
* 7 nights 2 and 3-star hotels, with an option to upgrade
* 6 days cycling with luggage transfer between hotels
* 95% tarmac, 5% gravel tracks
* Mainly quiet roads and cycle paths
* Possibility to take the train to make the route shorter on days 2 and 5
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 8 yrs
*Cycling Conditions*
This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently,
but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your
accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle
at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
We aim to use mainly quiet roads and cycle paths where possible, but at times
we need to cross busy road sections in order to reach the quieter routes on
the other side. Although there are no really steep climbs or technical
difficulties, at times the route is undulating and requires a reasonable
level of fitness. It is possible to take the train in some sections to make
the days' ride shorter.
*Classification*: Self-Guided
*Activity Level*: 3 (Moderate)
*Average daily distance*: 50km (31 miles). Please note that this is the
average of the longest distances, on some days it is possible to take the
train to make the rides shorter, and in some instances the location of the
hotels will make a difference to the total distance covered on a particular
day.
*No. of days cycling*: 6
*Terrain and route*: 95% tarmac, 5% easy gravel roads. Route mainly follows
quiet roads and designated cycle paths.
*Vehicle Support*: Bags are transported from one hotel to the next by van. On
days 2 and 5 it is possible to take the train to make the route shorter.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes: we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where
possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as
pleasant as possible, but on occasion we have to use busier routes.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe
others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised
together. The routes notes include a emergency assistance telephone number
should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to
dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this
service.
*Families*
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer
the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as
and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your
family and the sites that interest you. Our local partner is able to offer a
range of bikes that suit children and carrying options for parents, these are
all subject to availability, therefore we ask that you enquire about these on
booking. As a guide we have suggested that 8 years is the minimum age for
this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family
we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all
published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so
you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions
please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is
that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support
but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Hotels/Inns
We use a variety of 2 and 3-star hotels and inns throughout with en suite
facilities. They may be located either in the towns themselves or in the
surrounding countryside. It is possible to upgrade to a higher standard of
accommodation (3 to 4-star standard) from £130 per person. Please speak to
your sales consultant at the time of booking. Please note that the
accommodation (both standard and upgraded type) is usually located within
walking distance to the centres of the towns (i.e. 15-20 mins walk).
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of
people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a
compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.
For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
*Additional Accommodation*
Extra accommodation can be booked in Bolzano before the trip, or in Mestre or
Venice at the end of the trip.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your
luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes
contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating between 08:00 and
20:00hrs). In emergency, the local representative is normally able to
dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this
service.
All breakfasts are included on this trip.
For breakfast you can expect a continental style buffet including cold meats,
eggs, cheese, breads, pastries, jam, tea and coffee.
For lunch and dinner, you will find an abundance of cheap and hearty Italian
food available from local restaurants and cafes. You will always find a good
'menu del giorno' in the restaurants and cafes in towns and cities, these
tend to feature a number of antipasti/starters, followed by a pizza or pasta
dish, and a local dessert. There are also plenty of supermarkets to stock up
on picnic items, an excellent way to enjoy lunches on a self-guided trip.
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Bolzano and ending in Venice*
Your trip starts at our hotel in Bolzano on the afternoon of Day 1 of the
itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final
Joining Instructions.
Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local
emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining
Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure,
or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
*Flights from the UK*
The easiest way to reach Bolzano from the UK is to fly to Innsbruck airport.
From here, it is only 120km away. Other airports are Verona (150km) or Venice
(275km).
You can take the connection bus from Innsbruck airport and then the train to
Bolzano from HBF railway station (approx. 2 hours, ticket is about €30)
Alternatively there is a bus from Verona airport (prebook tickets at least 4
days in advance on www.altoadigebus.com [1]). You could also fly to Venice
and take a bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre station (Fly Bus ATVO
shuttle service) and then the train to Bolzano (about €35), or fly into
Treviso and head to Venezia Mestre from that airport.
[1] http://www.altoadigebus.com
In the Dolomites - as always in the mountains - the weather can be very
changeable. On average in summer months you can expect some rain on one day
in two, but it is likely to come in heavy and thundery outbursts of
relatively short duration rather than prolonged showers. Down in the valleys
daytime temperatures range on average from 12degC to 22degC, although 25degC
is not unusual. As we ride out of the mountains the weather often gets
warmer, therefore you need to be ready for anything, and to pack shorts as
well as warmer clothes, full waterproofs as well as sun cream. In the summer
months it can get hot - it is important to be prepared for this.
In the Dolomites - as always in the mountains - the weather can be very
changeable. On average in summer months you can expect some rain on one day
in two, but it is likely to come in heavy and thundery outbursts of
relatively short duration rather than prolonged showers. Down in the valleys
daytime temperatures range on average from 12º to 22ºC, although 25º+ is
not unusual. As we ride out of the mountains the weather often gets warmer,
therefore you need to be ready for anything, and to pack shorts as well as
warmer clothes, full waterproofs as well as sun cream. In the summer months
it can get hot - it is important to be prepared for this.
*Local Self-Guided Bikes*
All bikes are supplied with:
- 1 front bar bag with a plastic folder for your route notes and maps - 1 per
2 people (if you are travelling together)
- 1 set of rear panniers
- 1 bike lock per 2 people
- 1 repair kit per 2 people, which includes 1 spare inner tube and a pump,
plus a lock
- Front and rear lights
Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from the heights
you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will
be the opportunity to test and adjust. Electronic bikes are available for
this trip, please request one as early as possible as they are subject to
availability. Helmets can be requested if you wish, but please be aware we
can never guarantee the quality of these so we do recommend bringing your
own.
We recommend you bring the following items:
Normal daily clothes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Water bottles
Breathable cycling top
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
A couple of warm layers
Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
Mobile phone with roaming capabilities
*Bike Repairs*
As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or
change an inner tube before setting off on your bike! Please visit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s [1] for a comprehensive
guide on fixing a puncture.
The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems
- however, there are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more
complex problems.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s
Panniers are provided with the bikes. If you want to carry more with you
during the day we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daysack.
You may find that you want to take some cycle-specific clothing such as cycle
gloves and padded cycling shorts. In addition to this it is worth taking some
leggings and long sleeved tops for the mornings and evenings when it may be
cooler. It is also recommended that you take a swimming costume so you can
take advantage of any bathing opportunities that come your way.
Suncream
You will need sufficient funds to buy the lunches and dinners that are not
included. We suggest allowing €8-€12 for lunch and €15-€25 for dinner
(excluding drinks). A budget of €300 is generally a good approximation for
the whole week, eating at local restaurants, taking advantage of the 'meal of
the day' dishes and drinking the inexpensive local wine.
Travelling into Venice from Mestre costs approx €7 on the local bus.
All accommodation is included in the price of the trip but the hotel taxes in
Italy have to be paid for locally when checking into the hotel. Please allow
the following to cover this, although during the season some variations may
occur:
Bolzano: 3* hotels 1.20 €, 4* hotels 1.60 €;
Trento: 2/3/4* hotels 1.50 €;
Peschiera: 3* hotels 1.10 €; 4* hotels 1.65 €;
Desenzano: 3* hotels 1 €;
Verona: 3* hotels 2.50 €; 4* hotels 3.50 €;
Vicenza: 2/3* hotels 2 €; 4* hotels 2/2.50 €;
Galzignano: 4* hotels 1 €;
Padua: 3* hotels 2 €, 4* hotels 3 €;
Mestre: 3* hotels 2.40 €, 4* hotels 3.10 €;
Venice: 3* hotels 3.50 €, 4* hotels 4.50 €
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (compulsory)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Arrival & departure transfers
* Electric bikes available for a supplement
* Flights (available on request)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.