Cycling
Lake Garda to the Venice lands
- IT039 / 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
- 6 days
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- linear from Peschiera del Garda to Venice
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
Starting in the small town of Peschiera del Garda, this bike tour guides you from the stunning Lake Garda to the outskirts of Venice. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to admire the beauty of historic cities like Verona and the lesser-known Vicenza. You'll ride through scenic countryside adorned with ancient villas, passing through the lush greenery of the Euganean Hills before reaching Mestre, from where you can easily access enchanting Venice.
- The unique scenery of Lake Garda
- The elegant art cities: Verona, Vicenza and Padua
- Bigoli, baccalà and many other traditional dishes worth trying
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
Mainly 4* hotels
All rooms have en suite facilities. Most hotels have air conditioning while some smaller hotels can be without air conditioning.
1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda
Individual arrival and first overnight in Peschiera, a charming town situated on the south shore of Lake Garda. You can take a stroll through the narrow streets of the quaint city center and visit the ancient fortress. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a typical meal such as the bigoli con le sarde, and take some time to relax on the lakeshore.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Mainly 4* hotels
All rooms have en suite facilities. Most hotels have air conditioning while some smaller hotels can be without air conditioning.
2025
Departures on Monday
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 5 nights accommodation
Meals
- 5 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 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 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.
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 (10-15€ 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, on 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 Peschiera del Garda and Mestre before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - 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: 215 km
- Terrain: 90% paved, 10% unpaved
- Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2 and 3.
- Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3 and 5.
How to get there
Peschiera del Garda is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Peschiera del Garda is connected with the following airports:
Verona (VRN), Bergamo (BGY), Milano Malpensa (MXP).
From Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus to Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min). From here direct train to Peschiera del Garda (approx. 20/30 min)
From Bergamo Orio al Serio airport (BGY):
- shuttle bus from the airport to Brescia train station (approx. 1 hour). From here direct train to Peschiera del Garda (approx. 20/30 min)
From Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):
- train from the airport to Milano Centrale train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Peschiera del Garda (approx. 1,5 hours).
From Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- ATVO shuttle service/ACTV line 15 from the airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 20/25 min). From here train to Peschiera del Garda with a change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3 hours).
From Treviso Canova (TSF) airport:
- taxi or Airlink shuttle bus from the airport to Treviso train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Mestre (approx. 30 min) and then to Peschiera del Garda, with a change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4 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
Peschiera del Garda is the closest train station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park the car in the first town of the tour for the whole duration of the tour. Some hotels have a private parking place, 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 get to Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE)
- ATVO shuttle bus from Venezia Mestre train station until the airport
To get to Treviso Canova airport (TSF):
- train from Venezia Mestre train station to Treviso train station. From here taxi or bus line no. 101 to the airport
- alternatively, ATVO shuttle bus from Venezia Mestre train station to the airport (approx. 1 hour)
To get to Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Train from Venezia Mestre to Verona Porta Nuova train station. From here Airlink shuttle bus to the airport
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.
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.
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