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Cycle from the stunning Dolomites, past meadows, orchards and vineyards to the shores of Lake Garda.
Spend some time relaxing by the hotel's pool or spa area. (Staying at the Hotel Santer, Breakfast only)
Take some time to explore the beautiful church in Dobbiaco before setting off along the Val Pusteria following the milky blue Rienza River, passing deep green meadows, whilst mountains loom above. You'll admire a series of quaint Austrian-style towns, where there are plenty of opportunities to stop and have refreshments. Arriving in Brunico, take the time to walk up to its castle and enjoy wonderful views of the town. You stay at the Hotel Corso (Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 36
Distance in Miles: 23
Make your way to the head of the Val Pusteria today, continuing along the Rienza river, passing castles and lovely towns. You could wander around Chienes, with its Baroque church and the parish church with the best-preserved altar in the Tirol. Just before Rio Pusteria you'll see the impressive ruins of the Chiesa di Rio Pusteria, and heading onwards, the biggest fort in Alto Adige, the Forte di Fortezza. Then it's on a forested track to meet the Isarco River and into Bressanone, perhaps stopping at the Abbaza di Novacella (or return on your day off). (Staying at Hotel Krone, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 29
You could easily spend the day exploring the stunning town of Bressanone. Visit the 10th century cathedral, rebuilt in Baroque style in the 13th century, the Renaissance Bishop's Palace, which houses several artworks, including a nativity scene with more than 5,000 figurines, and the interesting Pharmacy Museum. Or cycle back to visit the Abbiaza de Novacella or take a trip on the Plose cable car from nearby San Andrea. (Staying at Hotel Krone, Breakfast only)
The Isarco River leads you out of Bressanone. The cycle tracks today hug the river, at times you are almost above the river, as you meander along the edge. Take time to stop in impressive Chiusa, the medieval town with narrow streets and little art and craft shops. Standing above the town is the impressive Castel Sabbiona. Enjoy the downhill ride as you criss-cross the river on perfect cycle tracks. At the exit of the village of Blumau, perhaps stop for lunch in their lovely beer garden before heading into Bolzano for your next two nights. (Staying at Parkhotel Laurin, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 43
Distance in Miles: 28
Bolzano is a treat of a city to walk round; it was in 2014 voted as having the 'best quality of life in Italy'. It is where Italy really begins, despite still being in the German-speaking region, 75% of its inhabitants now speak Italian as first language. Aside from wandering around the city's piazzas and porticoes, there are some interesting monuments and museums. The big attractions are the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, which houses a mummy of Otzi the Iceman, the Gothic cathedral, modern art museum, or the Dominican Church housing a series of 14th century gothic art. There are also three castles and a cable car that takes you out of the city to the small town of Ritten, where there are some nice walking routes. Alternatively, you can take the train to the spa town of Merano, and cycle back along the Adige River for 32km. (Staying at Parkhotel Laurin, Breakfast only)
The longest day of the holiday is a lovely flat ride following the Adige River, and the narrow Adige valley, passing beautiful cliffs as you cross into Trentino and out of German-speaking Italy. Apples turn to vines as you cycle alongside vineyards. Maybe take time to stop in Egna, once a Roman village, you can still see one of the old Roman houses and pass the old arcades in the old town. Follow the river through a lovely relaxed nature reserve before arriving in bustling Trento with its stunning architecture. (Staying at Grand Hotel Trento, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 66
Distance in Miles: 41
Highlights today include the Piazza del Duomo where the magnificent late Baroque fountain is framed by the 12th century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and the frescoed Museo Diocesano Tridentino, home to one of the most important ecclesiastical collections in the country. Don't miss either the Castello del Buonconsiglio, residence of the Prince-Bishops of Trento between the 13th and 18th centuries, and the Via Prepositura, where beautifully restored pastel buildings date back to the ancient Roman City. (Staying at Grand Hotel Trento, Breakfast only)
You'll have a real sense of achievement today as you complete your final leg, with the option to visit Rovereto en route, down from the mountains to the shimmering waters of Lake Garda. Writers and artists, inspired by the wild beauty and vibrant Mediterranean-style colours, have been coming here for centuries, with Goethe calling it 'a marvel of nature, an enchanting place'. (Staying at Astoria Park Hotel Spa Resort, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
We take you to Rovereto for your train to Verona or onwards, or maybe spend a couple of extra nights relaxing on the lake.
9 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 4-star hotelsGPS Route
directions and mapsAll buffet breakfastsManagement by your local
Headwater-appointed agentRoute directions and mapsHigh quality bikesLuggage
transfers between hotels
The geography has influenced the region’s cuisine, combining elements of
Italian specialities with the colourful flavours of traditional Tyrolean
dishes. The cuisine is first class - pasta dishes like Schlutzkrapfen:
spinach ravioli topped with melted butter and parmesan cheese. Gerstesuppe
mit gerauchertem Schweinefleisch is a delicious barley soup with smoked pork
and dumplings. Other dishes include hearty ingredients designed for the
mountains - Groestl is a warming dish of pan-fried onions, potatoes and pork,
while Kartoffelnocken is a form of potato gnocchi. Typical desserts will
probably feature delicious Gezogener Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), which
comes sprinkled with sugar and laced with cream, and a range of Italian
gelati (ice cream) is typical too.Wine features heavily in this region as it
is home to the appropriately named Südtiroler Weinstraße / La Strada del
Vino (The Wine Road). This is a road that runs along the Adige Valley from
the city of Bolzano for 70km, meandering through 15 municipalities.
9 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 4-star hotelsGPS Route
directions and mapsAll buffet breakfastsManagement by your local
Headwater-appointed agentRoute directions and mapsHigh quality bikesLuggage
transfers between hotels
Classification: Self-GuidedActivity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)Average
daily distance on move on days: 48km (30 miles). No. of days cycling:
5Terrain and route: The cycling on this holiday is gentle, taking you through
vineyards and apple orchards, past mountains, lakes and castles. The majority
of the cycling is along dedicated tarmac cycle paths, often alongside rivers.
When necessary we have used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and
villages and have managed to stay away from major roads for most of the
time.Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to
cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, 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. A representative will be there to
meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout
the trip should you need.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, however, on occasion we have to
use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no
leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will
not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day,
which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by
detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance
telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotelier is
normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to
charge for this service.
HotelsEn route you'll stay in 4-star hotels located in the centre of the towns -
offering the chance to sample the local food in a simple pizzeria or even a
high-end restaurant. The accommodation styles vary from quaint Tyrolean-style
hotels to a relaxing spa hotel in Riva. Four have swimming pools.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out
particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes
and maps are provided. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance
telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able
to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for
this service.
The geography has influenced the region’s cuisine, combining elements of
Italian specialities with the colourful flavours of traditional Tyrolean
dishes. The cuisine is first class - pasta dishes like Schlutzkrapfen:
spinach ravioli topped with melted butter and parmesan cheese. Gerstesuppe
mit gerauchertem Schweinefleisch is a delicious barley soup with smoked pork
and dumplings. Other dishes include hearty ingredients designed for the
mountains - Groestl is a warming dish of pan-fried onions, potatoes and pork,
while Kartoffelnocken is a form of potato gnocchi. Typical desserts will
probably feature delicious Gezogener Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), which
comes sprinkled with sugar and laced with cream, and a range of Italian
gelati (ice cream) is typical too.Wine features heavily in this region as it
is home to the appropriately named Südtiroler Weinstraße / La Strada del
Vino (The Wine Road). This is a road that runs along the Adige Valley from
the city of Bolzano for 70km, meandering through 15 municipalities.
Alternative Air TravelAlternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area,
and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If
you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these
on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to
connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
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.
We recommend packing the following items:Normal daily clothesCycling helmet
(compulsory on this tour)Padded cycling shorts and glovesBreathable top or
cycling jerseySunglasses/eye protectionStiff-soled shoes suitable for
cyclingWaterproofs and long cycling trousersFor the earlier departures you
may need some warmer layersSun creamWater bottle
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or
gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your
preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own
equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot
guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.If you prefer the
familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it along. Please advise
us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount off the price of
the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra
baggage charges, please speak to our Sales team for individual airline fees.
Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover
for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist
insurance policy. If Exodus is confident that we have taken all reasonable
care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or
theft you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all
drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per
day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend
€10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.
Visas and vaccinationsTravel insuranceSingle supplements
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.