Pedal with us across the Veneto - through picturesque villages and historic art cities, along cycle paths and down rural country lanes - to discover this corner of Northern Italy nestled against the Italian Alps. We’ll visit the majestic and beautiful Lake Garda, as well as Verona, Mantova, Vicenza, Padova and Venice - all unique cities that blend history, charm and modernity. In Vicenza, discover the architectural wonders of Andrea Palladio from the 16th century, considered to be the most influential individual in the history of Western architecture. This is also wine country, home to some of the more important Italian wines, where you can sample Valpolicella and Soave wines from the protected vineyards along the Alps’ foothills, as we make our way east toward La Serenissima - the majestic city of Venice.
There are no upcoming tours scheduled at this time.
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Tour code: itbg3853
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Great tour for novice cyclists in terms of daily distance and terrain
type. Bike handling skills are necessary due to manage possible starting and stopping and negotiating popular
bike paths (when cycling in or near cities and towns). Also ideal for experienced cyclists who desire shorter
days on the bike and plenty of time to enjoy daily destinations and activities.
The tour will depart with a minimum of 6 participants, and a maximum of 16.
Includes
High quality hybrid touring bike, 7 nights lodging in 2 and 3 star hotels with breakfast, 1 dinner with local wine, 1 guided wine tasting, shuttle from Verona train station to starting hotel, Train tickets to Venice on Day 7, GPS navigation tracks provided via Ride With GPS (which you can upload to your personal navigation device); Bilingual English-Italian cycling guide, support vehicle and driver most days, pre-tour travel and sales assistance (our pre-travel documentation will help you properly prepare your arrival and departure logistics, as well as for your participation in the tour)
Great tour for novice cyclists in terms of daily distance and terrain type. Bike handling skills are necessary to manage possible starting and stopping and negotiating bike paths (when cycling in or near cities and towns). Also ideal for experienced cyclists who desire shorter days on the bike and plenty of time to enjoy daily destinations and activities. You will ride 22-58 km (13-36 mi) per day, on mostly flat to rolling terrain, and few steeper hills. We will cycle on paved backroads and bike paths with little vehicle traffic, although there are stretches where we share the roads with cars. Experienced cyclists who want longer, optional rides at the end of the programmed ride will have these available most days.
Meet the group and tour leader at the Verona train station in the mid-afternoon, from where we will transfer to our lodging for the next two nights. Our quaint inn is located in the small town of Valeggio Sul Mincio, near Mantova (Mantua). We’ll fit bicycles and enjoy a test ride on the nearby cycle path to Borghetto sul Mincio, a picturesque village located on the river connecting Lake Garda with the lakes around Mantova to the south. Return to our inn for our welcome dinner together.
Pedal south along the bike path to reach the impressive city of Mantova, with its pretty lakes built around it as fortifications and now a great green area surrounding the city. Mantova was home to the princely Gonzaga family, who ruled for several centuries between the 1400-1800's and who made Mantova an artistic, musical and architectural centre. Visit the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo del Tè, as well as the Piazza Virgiliana, Castello San Giorgio and Piazza delle Erbe before returning to our small town later this afternoon.
Daily distance: 58 km (36 mi), 223 m total climbing (731 ft)
Highlights: Peschiera del Garda; Sant Ambrioggio; Hilltop lodging
Head north today along our delightful bicycle path to reach the shores of Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most famous lakes nestled south of the Italian Alps. Visit the historic and colorful town of Peschiera del Garda, on the waterfront, before continuing along the eastern shore to climb a bit onto a ridge leading into the vineyards of the Valpolicella wine area. This area grows the grapes that make Amarone wine, one of Italy’s strongest red wines, which we will enjoy in a wine tasting hosted by the owners of tonight’s lodging, set on a lovely terrace overlooking the vineyards. A historic home turned into a boutique lodge, Villa San Giorgio is surrounded by vineyards, with a truly amazing view of the hills and Lake Garda in the distance.
Daily distance: 50 km (31 miles), with approx. 500 m (1640 ft) total climbing (most of it on last hill to reach lodging – support shuttle will be available)
DAY 4: Pedal through wine country to Verona and Soave
Highlights: Valpolicella wine country; Verona; Soave castle and historic center
We continue along rolling foothills today to leave the Valpolicella area and enter Verona, famous for its arena which is still today used for outdoor theatre. Have lunch in the center of town, visit Juliet and Romeo’s balcony and then continue out of town to arrive in Soave, another small wine village. The medieval castle and its fortifications that dominate the town stand in stark contrast to the softer vineyards that line the hills. Enjoy the local wine or a stroll through the small town, near our centrally-located hotel.
Daily distance: 43 km (27 miles), 210 m (690 ft) total climbing
We head to Vicenza, another famous art city which prospered under Venetian rule from the early 15th to the end of the 18th century. Its most famous son is surely Andrea Palladio whose work has been declared the biggest influence in Western architecture since his time. His architectural designs, based on a detailed study of classical Roman architecture, gives the city its unique appearance and you can see many of his villas and buildings still standing.
Daily distance: 39 km (24 miles), 420 m (1378 ft) total climbing
Leave Vicenza along the foothills of Monti Berici. We’ll enjoy an optional stop at the famous Palladian Villa la Rotonda's gardens, the best known and most influential of Andrea Palladio’s villas. Continue riding to reach one of the oldest cities in Italy, Padova (or Padua) also known as the City of St. Anthony. Padova’s claim to history is not only being home to Italy’s second oldest (and still vibrant) university, but it also acted as the setting for most of the action in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
Daily distance: 42 km (26 miles), 140 m (460 ft) total climbing
We’ll take the train into Venice for the day, where we will explore less well-known areas of the “Serenissima”, as the majestic city is often called. From the train station, visit the Jewish Ghetto, the Cannaregio neighborhood and the Fondamente Nove before arriving near the Rialto bridge. From here, you’ll have free time to visit the highlights of Venice. Regroup later this afternoon to return to Padova together for our celebration dinner in a local restaurant. Raise a glass of white wine, the traditional Venetian aperitif, or a classic spritz to our journey together across the Veneto region.
For those wishing to continue their time in Veneto or Northern Italy, Padova is a great starting point. Venice is short distance away – a bucket list destination for ending your dream Italian holiday. The Lakes and Dolomites regions of Northern Italy are also nearby. If there is further travel in your plans, please let us know and we’ll be happy to provide suggestions. If your travels end today, we will provide tips for arriving to nearby Venice, Milan, Treviso or Verona airports.
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Tour code: itbg3853
________________________________________
Great tour for novice cyclists in terms of daily distance and terrain
type. Bike handling skills are necessary due to manage possible starting and stopping and negotiating popular
bike paths (when cycling in or near cities and towns). Also ideal for experienced cyclists who desire shorter
days on the bike and plenty of time to enjoy daily destinations and activities.
The tour will depart with a minimum of 6 participants, and a maximum of 16.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Rolling hills
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
Cycling Italy's Alpine Valleys
Cycling Italy's Alpine Valleys Plus! Venice
