This tour links Bolzano-Bozen, in the German speaking area of Italy’s South Tyrol, with the romantic masterpiece of Venice. In between, you’ll see and experience amazing treasures and sites, ranging from the extraordinary natural landscape around Lake Garda, to the man-made wonders of the Roman theatre in Verona, and Palladio’s architectural creations in Vicenza. Exceptional sites and sights never stop – so much so that no less than three of them have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Vicenza, Verona, Venice and its Lagoon.
It is an easy itinerary, mainly on flat terrain and most of the riding takes place on secondary streets with low traffic or on bike paths.
It also includes a 4-hour scenic "cruise" on Lake Garda.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Saturday - Arrive in Bolzano
Arrive in Bolzano. Easy to access from all major gateways and located in the German part of Italy, Bolzano is a crossroads with a unique blend of cultures. Your hotel is a short walk from Bolzano’s train station, on the line that links Verona to Munich. With its unmatchable network of bicycle lanes and paths, Bolzano is the ultimate bike-friendly mountain town dreamed of by many!
Day 2: Sunday - Bolzano – Trento – 68 km (or 42 miles)
Following the Adige River, you’ll mainly ride on traffic-free bicycle paths through vineyards and orchards past several villages and sites, including the fascinating Reinhold Messner Mountain Museum, housed in a hilltop Firmian fortress, and Egna’s arcades. You decide what to visit, how long to linger, or what to skip — as a self-guided rider, this is your choice! Trento and its impressive Duomo is your final destination for the day.
Day 3: Monday - Trento – Peschiera – 50 km (or 31 miles)
The Adige River will again show you the way out of town and up to Mori, where our itinerary then heads west, taking you up and down through a stunningly beautiful countryside to the resorts of Torbole and Riva del Garda, two extraordinary picture-perfect “water-towns.” An early arrival will allow you to enjoy lunch al fresco by the Lake in Riva del Garda, before boarding the ferry for a visually spectacular, 3½-hour ride to Peschiera, at the extreme southern tip of the lake. Your hotel is located just steps from the lake, allowing you to savour the beauty.
Day 4: Tuesday - Peschiera – Verona – 50 km (or 31 miles)
Heading east out of Peshiara, you’ll ride through peaceful countryside roads to the Romanesque town of Verona. After checking-in, take time to enjoy Verona’s treasures, such as the hard-to-miss and well-preserved Roman arena, made from rose-coloured marble, the Romanesque Basilica di San Zeno, and of course the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) and the balcony that Shakespeare made immortal!
Day 5: Wednesday - Verona – Vicenza – 75 km (or 47 miles)
You’ll ride through flat farmland before riding up through Monte-Berici. The steady climb will take you through small villages with unobstructed views over Vicenza and its surroundings before a fun ride down towards Vicenza…. On your way down, around a corner, Vicenza’s imposing Basilica--one of Palladio’s foremost work--will appear… Piazza Signeri, Vicenza’s main square is only a few pedal strokes away.
Day 6: Thursday - Vicenza – Padua (Padova) – 50 km (or 31 miles)
Cycling out of Vicenza on a bicycle path, then continuing up on a gravel road, you’ll soon reach Palladio’s most famous villa, the Villa Rotonda. The rest of the ride follows the River Bacchiglione all the way to the lively university town of Padua, where Galileo once taught mathematics, and its grand Basilica del Santo, dedicated to Saint-Anthony.
Day 7: Friday - Padua (Padova) – Mestre – 40 km (or 25 miles)
The way out of Padua will again be done in a traffic-free manner following the Brenta Canal, by some remarkable villas (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Widmann). As you get closer to Mestre where your hotel is located, traffic will get heavier and careful riding is recommended. Your hotel in Mestre is located by the train station and across a bus stop which both service--in a matter of minutes--Venice. An early arrival will allow you to experience and see world’s most romantic city.
Day 8: Saturday - Departure
After breakfast, depart Mestre at the time of your choice. Please contact us if you choose to do a post-tour stay in Venice.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Pricing: Two options are offered for this trip:
Option A: (2/3-star hotels. All are small and cosy with ensuite facilities)
560 euros per person in double occupancy, 690 euros per person in a single room.
Option A+ (3/4-star hotels. All are very comfortable with ensuite facilities and air conditioning)
660 euros per person in double occupancy, 845 euros per person in single occupancy.
These prices include:
7-night accommodations
Daily breakfast
Meeting with our representative on Day 2 (morning)
Luggage transfers
Detailed route notes
Tourist information
Telephone assistance
All tax and service charges
These prices do not include:
Expenses of personal nature
Travel insurance
Bicycle rental. Hybrids are available at the rate of 75 euros in the high season months of July and August, and at the rate of 55 euros during the low season.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Bicycle Touring
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