Italy - Lake Garda to Venice - Self-Guided Family Cycling Holiday

Oversikt

A wonderful self-guided holiday, taking you from the southern shores of Lake Garda to the charming city of Venice. Full to the brim with great riding, you'll be able to check off some wonderful areas of Italy as you ride, including Sirmione, Verona, Padova, Venice and Chioggia.

Reiserute Vis detaljert reiserute

Day 1: Arrival into Verona Airport - Transfer to Bardolino

Day 2: Vineyards and Lake Loop Ride

Day 3: Lake Garda Mini Cruise - Cycle Sirmione to Peschiera

Day 4: Peschiera to Verona

Day 5: Verona to Montagnana

Day 6: Montagnana to Padova

Day 7: Padova to Chioggia (via Venice)

Day 8: Departure from Chioggia - Transfer to Verona Airport

This trip has been set up to give you the chance to visit the hidden Renaissance gems of the “Belpaese”. The first few days will be spent exploring the stunning countryside and charming lake-side towns that surround the southern part of Lake Garda.

 

Leaving the lake behind, you'll ride through lush countryside on your way to Verona. Continuing on, you'll follow the Adige Valley alongside canals, through fields cultivated with fruit and vines, and over hills. Your route will lead you to the lagoon of Venice, for some sightseeing before you finish your cycling journey with one last ride to Chioggia where you will spend your final evening.

 

With plenty of time in between to stop and see the sights along the way, this will be a memorable holiday for the whole family! 

 

Do let us know if you'd like to extend your trip, either starting at the northern end of Lake Garda in Riva del Garda, or by adding an extra day in Venice.  

Day 1. Arrival into Verona Airport - Transfer to Bardolino   

Following your arrival into Verona (VRN) airport, you will be transferred (approx 30 minutes) to your delightful accommodation in the town of Bardolino, on the southeast shores of Lake Garda.

Day 2: Vineyards and Lake Loop Ride (B)

A gentle and relaxing start to your cycling holiday that will allow you to enjoy the delights of Lake Garda and explore the surrounding countryside. Ideally located on the south-east shores, the area is a network of cycle routes leading you into the countryside of expanses of vineyards over gentle hills. Cycle routes will take you through quaint little villages just below the Mt Baldo range, and will then take you back to the shores of the lake, where you can enjoy the lake-front vibrant life of Letize and Garda itself. In the evening, Bardolino (your home for the night) becomes full of life and with plenty of little restaurants and Italian Trattorias to choose from, you are set up to have a lovely evening out. This is a great day of cycling and a superb way to start a fantastic and unforgettable holiday.

Approx. distance: 25 or 32 Miles / 41 or 51 Kms

Day 3: Lake Garda Mini Cruise - Cycle Sirmione to Peschiera (B)

Your day today will start with a short cruise across the lake to Sirmione. From the boat you can admire the eastern shore of the lake, dominated by the long ridge of Mount Baldo, rising over 2000m above the lake. Sirmione was once a famous Roman spa and still attracts visitors for the curative waters and charming character. In Roman times villas were built here, including that of the poet Catullus who wrote of the beauty of the lake in his verses. Sirmione is also full of art treasures and history, starting with the Castle through which one must pass to reach the old centre.

From Sirmione you’ll ride south following quiet country lanes, through vineyards, peach orchards and kiwi plantations, in the rolling hills of the region known as Le Colline Moreniche. You’ll stop at San Martino di Battaglia, with its museum of armaments. Meandering past typical farm holdings, you’ll arrive at Castellaro Lagusello, a quaint village and ideal location to stop for lunch in one of the local trattorias. Heading back to Lake Garda, the final section will see you riding along the Mincio cyclepath into the fortified walls of Peschiera, your destination for the night.

Approx. distance: 14 or 28 Miles / 24 or 45 Kms

Day 4: Peschiera to Verona (B)

Your destination today is the city of Romeo and Juliet, with Renaissance palaces, the Roman arena and many cosy corners. Setting off from Peschiera, you’ll start today’s ride, cycling north along the east side of the lake. Heading inland, rolling hills cultivated with kiwi, peach plantations and olive groves will accompany you along the way. The last section is a ride along the Adige cycle path, leading you into Verona.

You’ll have time to enjoy a stroll through this remarkable Renaissance city, recently named as a World Heritage Site. Verona has delighted painters, poets, travellers and celebrities for centuries. It is a work of art in itself: a fascinating cross-road of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and Mediterranean influences. After settling into the hotel, you’ll have an evening to explore Verona and try out one of the many quality restaurants in town.

Approx. distance: 20 Miles / 32 Kms

Day 5: Verona to Montagnana (B)

You will leave Verona riding mostly on cycle paths along the banks of the Adige river. This interesting route, mostly on dirt roads and canal embankments surrounded by nature, is a relaxing ride, allowing you to explore the plains south of Verona, characterised by expanses of orchards and vineyards which extend to the foot of the Euganean Hills.

Riding on flat routes, you will reach the medieval town of Montagnana. Montagnana is a beautiful and peaceful town, universally famous for its beautiful, and perfectly preserved, medieval city walls. Time permitting you may have the opportunity to visit some of the ancient walls. For the adults, there’s nothing better after a day on the bikes than sitting in the main square during aperitivo hour with the locals, watching Italian life go by.

Approx. distance: 35 Miles / 57 Kms

Day 6: Montagnana to Padova (B)

Today’s route reaches Padova passing through the town of Este, travelling along the banks of the River Frassine. You will be riding along quiet country roads with interesting natural features and the typical landscape of the Veneto countryside. Arriving in Este you will see the tower of the castle and part of the ruins, dating from the eleventh century. They are the only remaining artifacts of the five castles, built on the banks on the outskirts of the city to defend the strategic river accesses. This part of the route is mostly along the banks of the canals that surround the isolated group of hills. In particular you’ll ride along the banks of the River Bacchiglione taking a network of cycle paths.

Padova is a city characterised by complex town planning, a result of 2500 years of history. The city houses some world-famous works of art; from the traces of the Roman Age splendour to the masterpieces of the Middle Ages.

Approx. distance: 38 Miles / 61 Kms

Day 7: Padova to Chioggia (via Venice) (B)

You’ll continue with your journey heading towards Mestre and then onto Venice. Following a mixture of country lanes and cycle paths, you’ll ride through more beautiful landscapes and past regal mansions, following canals and natural reserves.

Reaching Mestre, you’ll arrive at the train station. From here you can take one of the regular trains to Venezia St Lucia, only a 12 minute journey, to avoid the busy section over the Liberty Bridge to Venice (train tickets not included, approximately 3€ per person). Here you’ll have time to stop and lock up your bikes for a few hours, allowing time to visit one of the famous Venetian Palaces and explore the city’s most beautiful and fascinating sights on foot. In the afternoon you will jump on the ferry to Pellestrina Island. Pellestrina is a long strip of land that divides the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and goes from Chioggia to Venice, broken only by a few channels. Large sea defenses run the total length of the island with characteristic embankments called “Murazzi” which you will be cycling along, offering unique views of the sea and the lagoon of Venice.

 

One more ferry will take you to Chioggia. Situated on a small island at the southern entrance to the Lagoon of Venice, Chioggia is a miniature version of Venice, with characteristic narrow streets known as calli. Chioggia has several medieval churches, which were renovated during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period of great prosperity in the area.

Approx. distance: 44 Miles / 71 Kms 

Day 8: Departure from Chioggia - Transfer to Verona Airport (B)

Time to say goodbye to this charming part of Italy as we transfer you back to Verona airport for your return flight home (approx. 1.5 hours).

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Viktig Informasjon Vis detaljert viktig informasjon

• What's Included:

  • Hotel accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) 
  • Meals as per the itinerary 
  • English-speaking local representative (with welcome meeting) 
  • Detailed route notes and maps 
  • Luggage transfers 
  • Pre-loaded GPS unit (1 per group) 
  • Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Verona APT (VRN) 
  • Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Verona APT (VRN)

  
  

  What's Not Included:

  • Bike hire (available if required)
    Adult bike hire from GBP 140
    Child bike hire from GBP 115
    Child seat hire from GBP 45
    Electric bike hire from GBP 250
    
  • Flights and charges for travelling with your bike 
  • Meals not stated in the itinerary 
  • Single room (available if required,  from GBP 210) 
  • Travel insurance 
  • Personal clothing and equipment 
  • Personal expenditure (bar bills, souvenirs etc) 
  • Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route 
  • Ferry tickets Day 3: EUR 15 approx / Day 7: EUR 20 day pass – incl. bikes 
  • Train tickets on day 7: EUR 3 incl. bikes 
  • Local tourist tax to be paid locally (Aprx. EUR 2 per day) 
  • Airport transfers outside of trip schedule
  • Hotel upgrade from GBP 315, Single room upgrade from GBP 320
  • Tag-along hire from GBP 45
  • Trailer hire from GBP 45
    

  
  

  Other useful travel information:
  Childrens Discount:
  

  • 35% discount for any child (under the age of 18) travelling with 2 fully-paying passengers
  • 40% discount for any child (under the age of 18) sharing a room with 2 fully-paying passengers
    
    

  Vaccinations: We recommend you have a dental and medical check-up before the holiday

  Passport: A full passport is required for visiting this destination.

  Baggage: Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person, other than your bike and a small day pack.

  Travel Insurance: It is a condition of your trip that you are covered by a medical and personal accident insurance policy that includes repatriation to your home country and cover for all planned activities.

  Grade: 2 Gentle, For those looking for an easy-going route, mainly on the flat with some undulations and the odd cheeky climb. Distances generally of between 15-30 miles / 24-48 kms per day & Grade 3 Moderate, For those energetic families that exercise frequently. May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Distances generally of between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day.

  Airport transfers: Airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. For this tour we ask that you fly into and back from Verona airport (VRN). Please arrive between 09.00 and 16.00 and depart between 11.30 and 19.00. Please note – A transfer at the end of the trip to Venice airport can be arranged at an additional cost.

  Terrain: This trip covers various terrains, as it extends from Lake Garda to the low lands of Venice. The route we’ve selected follows a number of cycle paths and country lanes, with around 50% on roads shared with traffic. South of the lake you’ll find a good network of cycle routes and minor roads which will allow you to explore Lake Garda’s surrounding countryside, away from the traffic. As you leave the lake and the terrain gets hillier, a mix of small roads, compact dirt roads and canal cycle paths will lead you to Verona and on to Montagnana and Padova. On this section of the journey, there will be some small hills, especially when contouring the National Park of Colli Euganei. Another stretch of flat canal cycle path and minor countryside roads will lead you towards Mestre and then into Venice. After boarding the ferry to Pallestrina islands, the riding on these strips of land is on small, flat roads close to the lagoon. Day 6 will prove the most challenging, being a longer day in the saddle with some climbing. We recommend hybrid bikes for this route.

  Bike Hire: If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to hire. These bikes are typically hybrid/touring bikes. Depending on the size needed, the bikes may have a cross bar, or have a step through frame (usually the smaller models). If a smaller frame is required, occasionally a mountain bike with semi slick tyres adapted for road use may also be provided. For your family we have both 20 or 24 inch kids bikes available, if a larger frame is required a small adult’s bike may be provided (usually with a step through frame). In addition, child/baby seats (6 months – 5 years) tag-alongs and trailers (Baby – 5 years) are available to hire. Hire bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock, a bike pump, a KM counter and a map holder.

  Vehicle Support: There is no vehicle support on this tour, however your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation. We do provide a 24-hour emergency contact number for you to call if you encounter any problems during the trip. Please note that this may incur additional charges depending on the nature of the action required.

  Suitable Age: Our family adventures are designed as fun for the whole family with under 18s supervised by their parent or guardian. We don’t have a minimum age but it’s important that you and your family choose the right holiday. We provide grades and advice which are based upon our experience. You know your family better than anyone, so if you are new to cycling or are interested in joining this tour with younger children, please call us to chat about what possibilities are best for you.
  

Priser / Datoer

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.