Cycling
Dolomites to the Venice lands
- IT001 / Italy
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
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- linear Bolzano - Verona - Venice
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
In the unique scenery of the Dolomites, you'll start cycling in South Tyrol, a crossroads of peoples and cultures. Descending southward, enjoy the beauty of Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy, on your way to Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet. Be captivated by Vicenza and the architectural genius of Palladio, who lived during the 16th century, before continuing on to the Euganean Hills and Europe's largest thermal spa district. After visiting Padua, cradle of the arts, you reach the waters of the Venetian Lagoon, gateway to the timeless beauty of Venice.
- Vineyards and incredible Dolomite landscapes
- The crossing of Lake Garda by boat
- The elegant Brenta Riviera and its villas, between Padua and Venice
What awaits you
A biking week that pleases everyone, both experienced cyclists and those new to cycling vacations. The route is mostly flat with a few short climbs, and is on bike paths or low-traffic secondary roads. Longer stages can be shortened by taking the train. Care should be taken when entering and leaving cities, as there may be a bit more traffic, especially near Verona and Vicenza.
Accommodation
The hotels on this tour have been carefully selected for you. They are easily accessible from the indicated route and located near major points of interest. Breakfast is always included.
1. Arrival in Bolzano, "Gateway to the Dolomites"
Individual arrival and overnight in Bolzano, bilingual city (Italian and German) and the capital of South Tyrol. Always a crossroads of trade between the Mediterranean and Central Europe, Bolzano is now an important commercial and tourist center and boasts a perfect balance of innovation and tradition. If you haven’t already done so, visit Ötzi, the world’s oldest mummy, at the city’s Archaeological Museum. If you are more fascinated by modern and contemporary art, don’t miss the futuristic Museion.
2. Pedaling along the Wine Route to Trento
Start cycling along the Adige River bike path, among the famous vineyards of the South Tyrolean Wine Route, one of the oldest wine routes in Italy. With its 4,250 hectares of cultivation, the route accounts for 84 percent of the vineyards in South Tyrol and is home to both internationally renowned wines and native grape varieties. Today you can choose to ride a hilly variant, which takes you to the beautiful Lake Kaltern, or you can follow the entire bike path along the Adige River, which is completely flat (total length: 65 km, elevation gain +295 m/-365 m). In either case, you’ll continue on to Trento, where you can explore its charming historic center, admiring the elegant frescoed buildings. The city is guarded by the Buonconsiglio Castle, built starting in 1200 and from where you can enjoy a unique view of Trento and the valley below.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train to Trento at the following stations: Ora, Egna, Salorno, Mezzocorona. Alternatively, you can take the train in Grumo-San Michele all’Adige (line Malè-Trento).
3. Rovereto and Lake Garda in all its glory, from north to south
The Adige River accompanies you to Rovereto, a town famous for its MART museum of contemporary art. From here you leave the valley to tackle the short ascent of Passo di San Giovanni and then the breathtaking descent, which provides spectacular views of Lake Garda and the town of Torbole. In Riva del Garda, you embark on a ferry to reach the southern shore of the lake, enjoying a wonderful, relaxing cruise to Peschiera or Desenzano.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train from Trento to Rovereto or Mori.
4. Discovering Verona, the city of a thousand faces
Passing the rolling hills surrounding Lake Garda, you’ll meet the Adige River again, and together make your way into Verona, one of the most beautiful and important cities of art in the Veneto region. You’re spoiled for choice when deciding what to visit: Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena, Castelvecchio and its museum, the Church of San Zeno, Juliet’s House… Then finish the day with an aperitif in Piazza delle Erbe and a tasty dinner in a downtown eatery.
If you slept in Desenzano, this stage is 60 km with an elevation gain +490m/-495m.
5. Villages and castles on the way to Vicenza, the city of Palladio
Continue into the Veronese countryside, on the slopes of the Lessini Mountains, crossing another important wine-growing area, where among the vineyards you encounter the village of Soave. Take time for a walk in this town famous for its perfectly preserved city walls, which enclose the beautiful historic center with the Scaliger Castle. Then you can choose between two routes: the flat path
(+425 m/-435 m) brings you close to the beautiful castles of Romeo and Juliet in Montecchio Maggiore, while the hilly one leads you through the Berici hills. Either way, you reach Vicenza. An aperitif in the shadow of Basilica Palladiana is a must! Vicenza is best known for the works of Andrea Palladio, one of the most important architects of the Italian Renaissance, who also inspired the architecture of the White House.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train from/to San Bonifacio, halfway between Verona and Vicenza.
6. Cycling in nature to the Euganean Hills
Just outside Vicenza, you can admire Villa Valmarana ai Nani, famous for its frescoes by Tiepolo, and Villa Capra, known as the Rotonda, considered Palladio’s masterpiece villa: looking at the perfection and geometric rigor, it will not be hard to see why. Then, past the hamlet of Montegalda, you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you can relax in the largest European thermal district. Your destination today is a village within Europe’s largest spa area, nestled in the green hills of the Euganean Hills regional park.
7. Arrival at the lagoon, passing through Padua and the elegant Brenta Riviera.
First, you’ll reach Padua, an important university city rich in art and history, known for being the city of the three “withouts.” It is the city of the saint without a name because Anthony for the people of Padua is the saint par excellence; the city of the café without doors, because the historic Caffè Pedrocchi was open at all hours of the day and night; and the city of the meadow without grass, because the monumental square of “Prato della Valle” was originally a marshy area. Leaving Padua, following the Naviglio del Brenta you encounter some famous villas of the ancient Venetian nobility. You can admire Villa Giovanelli in Noventana, Villa Pisani and Villa Foscarini Rossi in Stra, Villa Valmarana and Villa Seriman Widmann-Foscari in Mira. You finally arrive in Mestre on the mainland of Venice.
Shorten the stage You can take the train from Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto to Padua, or take a train from Padua to Mestre/Venezia.
8. End of tour in Mestre
For those who need to return to Bolzano, it is possible to book a transfer or take the train. For those who have the time, we recommend a walk in magical Venice, easily reached from Mestre by train or bus.
Mainly 3* hotels.
All rooms have en suite facilities and air conditioning.
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Mainly 4* hotels.
All rooms have en suite facilities and air conditioning.
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
On day 3, overnight stay is planned in Peschiera or Desenzano, depending on the availability of facilities on the dates requested.
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
Hotels usually serve a continental breakfast. However, in some smaller hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel every day starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
For the luggage transportation we accept only 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg.
The service is not included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Before your departure, you will receive detailed guidance on allowable baggage, luggage labels, service hours.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
- the voucher for the ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda
- the ice cream voucher
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the luggage labels.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda (day 3, bike included)
Additional services included
- 1 ice cream per person in the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
- Tourist taxes (15-20 € per person)
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season, and the number of days of stay. - Access Fee for the ancient city of Venice (to be defined)
- Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
You can also cycle with your own bike, just make sure that all parts are functioning properly.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Bolzano, Mestre or Venice befor or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Return transfer
It is possible to book a transfer back to Bolzano from Mestre (available on Saturdays, Sundays and also on Tuesdays in a given period). - Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 335 km
- Shorter version total length: 295 km
- Terrain: 90% paved, 10% unpaved
- Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 3, 5, 7.
How to get there
Bolzano is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Bolzano is connected with the following airports: Innsbruck: 120 km, Verona: 150 km, Bergamo: 240 km, Venice: 280 km, Treviso: 280 km, Milan Malpensa: 320 km
From Innsbruck airport (INN):
- bus line F from airport to Innsbruck HBF train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Bolzano (possible change in Brennero, approx. 2 hours).
From Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus from the airport until Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min). From here train to Bolzano (approx. 2hrs).
From Bergamo Orio al Serio airport (BGY):
- shuttle bus Autostradale from airport to Brescia train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 2,5/3 hours).
From Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- ATVO shuttle service/ACTV line 15 from airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 20/25 min). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4 hours).
From Treviso Canova (TSF) airport:
- taxi or Airlink shuttle bus from airport to Treviso train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Mestre (approx. 30 min) and then to Bolzano, with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4 hours).
- alternatively, ATVO shuttle bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4 hours).
From Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):
- train from the airport to Milano Centrale train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3,5/4 hours).
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Bolzano is the closest train station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia and Deutsche Bahn official websites.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park it in Bolzano for the whole duration of the tour. Some hotels have a private parking, while in other cases you have to use alternative car parks. No reservation is possible and you have to pay on site.
How to go back
How to return home
Mestre is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Mestre is connected with the following airports: Venice: 10 km, Treviso: 35 km, Verona 120 km.
To reach Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE)
- ATVO shuttle bus from Venezia Mestre train station until the airport
To reach Treviso Canova airport (TSF):
- train from Venezia Mestre train station to Treviso train station. From here taxi or Airlink shuttle bus to the airport
- alternatively, ATVO shuttle bus from Venezia Mestre train station to the airport (approx. 1 hour)
To reach Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- train from Venezia Mestre to Verona Porta Nuova train station. From here Airlink shuttle bus to the airport
How to go back to the starting point
By train
This is the fastest solution to return to Bolzano.
There are no direct connections, you always have to change in Verona Porta Nuova. The transfer takes approx. 3/4 hours.
For further information on times and costs, please consult the Trenitalia official website.
Transfer
Available only on Saturdays and Sundays, and also on Tuesday from 07/05 to 10/09/2024. The pickup is scheduled around 7:00-9:00 a.m. at the hotel in Mestre where you overnight. You will find the exact time on the voucher. The transfer takes about 4 hours.
It must be requested and paid at the booking time.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
- In case of strike, bad weather conditions, technical breakdowns, safety problems or any other reason preventing the regular departure of the ferry boat (from Riva del Garda to Peschiera/Desenzano), the ferry boat company can delay, cancel or deviate the navigation without notice.
- In case of cancellation the ferry boat service will be replaced by alternative means of transport (usually by bus). The same applies if the ferry boat service is no longer foreseen (for example at the end of the season).
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Joni
Published: 25 Oct 2024
Janet
Published: 25 Oct 2024
Catherine Sarah
Published: 30 Sep 2024
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