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This leisurely cycling holiday leads you on a wonderful journey through sensational, ever-changing scenery from high up on the Brenner Pass close to the Austrian border, via gorgeous Lake Garda and the elegant city of Verona to unique and captivating Venice on the Adriatic Coast.
Cycle through the Brenner Pass following the Adige river as it descends gently past vineyards, orchards and historic alpine towns. Be entranced by the beauty and charm of Lake Garda before riding on to Verona, setting for the most famous love story ever told.
Timeless Venice
From there you enjoy easy cycling through gently rolling countryside to the Renaissance town of Vicenza and then picturesque Padova. The tour’s fitting finale is unique and fascinating Venice on the shores of the Adriatic.
Most of the route is along cycle paths and quiet roads. There are a few busier sections as you enter some towns and one or two short climbs but this route really is very easy.
After checking into your hotel the rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps take the 30 minute cable car ride up to the Hafelekar as the views of the on the impressive Nordkette mountain surrounding alps and the city are wonderul. If you are feeling more energetic, climb the 455 stairs up to the Bergisel Ski Jump to appreciate the stomach-churning view that awaits contestants before they begin their descent. This evening enjot a stroll through the old town.
This morning you and your bikes will be transferred up the valley to the Brenner Pass from where your cycling adventure begins. The route is mostly downhill and follows an old railway line along the Isarco valley. You cycle through small villages including Fortezza with its ancient fort. Enjoy a well-earned break alongside Lake Varna before riding on to the pretty alpine town of Bressanone, your overnight stop. Take a stroll around the cobbled streets of the historic old town and you'll eventually find your way to the beautiful town square, dominated by the ornate 18th century cathedral.
This morning you continue along the lush Isarco valley, past vineyards and orchards. You may choose to visit the huge and impressive Sabiona Benedictine monastery, built on a rocky-outcrop above the valley. The alpine scenery on either side of the wide valley is jaw dropping and it almost feels like cheating to coast along the gently descending cycle path. The path flirts with the Isarco River, which is actually the 2nd largest river in Italy. Today's destination is the medieval town Bolzano (where you spend your first night) so in the afternoon you can relax or take in the sights that you did not manage to see during your first visit.
Today there are two route options to choose from. The easiest and most direct route leads you south along the lower Adige valley beside the river which is bigger now, swollen by its confluence with the Eisack River at Bolzano. The second, slightly longer option includes a couple of short climbs but the payoff is a ride through the stunning Caladaro Valley to Lake Caldaro. The lake is one of the warmest in the alps and just perfect for a swim if the weather is hot. The two routes converge in the Adige Valley near the town of Ora from where you continue your journey south. For centuries this wide fertile valley has been one of the primary north-south trading routes through the alps and the scenery is spectacular. Tiny, white alpine villages, perched on the green mountainsides on either side of the valley, are overlooked by towering granite peaks. The easy, level cycle path sticks resolutely to the valley floor leading you through the small pleasant villages of Ora, Egna and Salomo before arriving at Trento, today’s destination. Trento has a long and colourful history, thanks to its strategic position on one of the Alps’ main passes. Head for the picturesque medieval city centre to absorb the atmosphere and learn more.
Please note: It is possible to shorten this route by taking the train from several statons along the route
Leaving Trento you continue downhill to Rovereto where you say goodbye to the Adige River and cycle up over a ridge into the next valley. The short and easy climb is rewarded with an exhilarating freewheel down to stunning Lake Garda. You can relax now and enjoy a wonderful ferry ride along the entire length of the Lake from Torbole on the north shore to Peschiera in the south. The scenery is truly spectacular with high limestone cliffs and tree-lined hillsides plunging down into the deep blue lake. Pretty villages line the shore and brightly coloured windsurfing sails flit to and fro across the lake’s surface. Disembark in Peschiera and make your way to your nearby hotel. Take time to visit Sirmione, a medieval settlement on a tiny peninsular protruding out into the Lake.
Leave Lake Garda behind and cycle eastwards through open countryside to the Roman city of Verona. Shakespeare chose the beautiful city as the setting for Romeo and Juliet and you can visit Casa di Giulietta, purported to be the location of the famous balcony scene. The wonderful Arena, a crumbling roman amphitheater, still hosts lavish productions today and you may wish to time your arrival to coincide with a particular performance – use this link to research further but be sure to book early as most performances are sold out months in advance. Ascend the Lamberti tower for a great view over the city, enjoy an ice cream in the buzzing Piazza Bra and stroll through the maze-like streets of the atmospheric old town.
Please note: Today's route is 60 km if you start from Desenzano and 35 km if you start from Peschiera.
Leave Verona and continue eastwards, stopping off at Soave Castle to enjoy the commanding view from its battlements. Cycle on through vineyards – the well-known Soave wine is produced here – and into the Berici hills. Don’t worry, these are more rolling than steep and from the top you get a lovely view of the city of Vicenza. Coast down to your hotel, check-in and then get out to explore this lovely old city. Wonder through the flag-stoned streets of the old town, pausing for a while in the lovely Piazza dei Signori. Visit the fabulous Galerie di Palazzo Leoni Montanari full of stunning works of art and the restored Teatro Olimpico – an ancient elliptical theatre. Please note that it is also possible to curtail today’s ride with a train journey if desired.
Pleae note: It is possible to reduce this ride to 40kms by taking the train from the town of San Bonifacio (midway on the route) to Vicenza.
As you leave Vicenza take time to visit the beautiful and elegant Villa Rotonda and gardens designed by the 16th century architect Andrea Palladio before cycling southeast along the banks of the peaceful Bacchiglione River. Along the way you will pass small hamlets and villages. After Montegalda you cyle towards the Euganean Hills where you will stay at a spa resort. Alternatively, for a small supplement you can cycle on to the wonderful city of Padova. Check-in and then set out to explore. The huge square of Prato della Valle is amazing and the famous Caffe Pedrocci, right in the centre of the old town is a fabulous place to sip an aperitif and watch the world go by.
Take the cycle path along the Battaglia Canal and pass through Padova. This is an easy ride through the flatlands of the Veneto region. Ride along the Brenta Canal, past opulent villas once owned by Venetian nobility, to Mestre which sits on the mainland, opposite Venice itself. Check-in and then head into Venice to explore the unique city. Our top tip is to explore the smaller less frequented ‘calli’ or backstreets that unveil the real Venice. It’s also worth returning after dark when the crowds have left and a more serene and romantic atmosphere pervades the city.
After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a regular plus bike or an E-bike.
Regular bikes: They are modern alloy framed touring models with 27 speeds and gel saddles which offer a very comfortable riding position. Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Minimum height for male specific bike is 160cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier and per room a front bag, lock and repair kit.
Regular plus bikes: They are 27 speed hybrid bikes which have a lighter, more compact frame and more sporty riding position. They have disk brakes, gravel tyres and do not have mud guards. Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Important: Anyone, male or female, who is 160cm or taller will be assigned a male specific bike. Bikes come equipped with a pannier and per room a front bag, lock and repair kit.
Electric bikes: The 9 speed electric bikes have unisex low-entry frames feature gel saddles and ergonomic grips. The Bosch powerpack offers a range of 90km (over flat terrain at an average speed). Minimum height for unisex/step-through bike is 150cm. Minimum age for e-bike is 18. Electric bikes come equipped with a pannier, battery charger plus, per room, a front bag, lock and repair kit.
The smallest child bike frames are suitable for children between 120 and 135cm.
Child trailers are suitable for infants up to 4 years of age (max weight 35kg) and are available to rent.
Child seats are free of charge and can accommodate children, aged 1 to 5, maximum weight 22 kg. Please request yours at the time of booking.
We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets for adults only, are available for rent at the time of booking.
Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Good quality hotels and guesthouses.
Innsbruck: Hotel Dollinger
Bressanone: Hotel Jarolim
Bolzano: Hotel Post Gries
Trento: NH Trento
Peschiera del Garda: Hotel Dori
Verona: Art Hotel
Vicenza: Hotel De La Ville Vicenza
Padova thermal district: Hotel Sporting
Mestre: Elite Hotel Residence
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night
Fly to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Munich. The train journey from Munich Airport to Innsbruck takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, from Salzburg the journey time is approximately 2 hours.
Research flights from the UK here.
Research trains in Italy here.
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