Backroads to Venice
Backroads to Venice
Backroads to Venice
8 Days Starting in Bolzano, Italy and ending in Mestre / Venice, Italy
Visiting: Bolzano, Trento, Lake Garda, Verona, Vicenza, Padova, Mestre
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BTV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through Italy with the "Backroads to Venice" tour. Starting in the picturesque town of Bolzano, nestled at the base of the Dolomites, you'll pedal through stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic cities. Enjoy the scenic ride along the Adige River, explore the cultural treasures of Verona, and savor the culinary delights of the region. Highlights include a ferry cruise on Lake Garda, cycling past Palladian villas, and experiencing the vibrant café culture in Verona's piazzas. With comfortable accommodations and luggage transfers, this self-guided tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Bolzano
Location: Bolzano
Accommodation Name: Hotel
The trip begins in Bolzano, gateway to the Alps in the heart of the dramatic Dolomites. Located along the Isarco river, bilingual Bolzano stands at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and central Europe. Today it is an important commercial and tourist centre. Depending on the time you arrive we recommend taking a stroll around the Piazza Walther where the life of the city is found.
Additional nights before the trip can be added on request, please ask for our rates.
Day 2 : Cycle To Trento Along The Adige (70Km/43.5Mi)
Location: Trento
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning there will be a meeting at the bike centre with a local representative who will deliver your bikes and answer any questions. You will start riding along the River Adige cycle path, through orchards and the vineyards of the renowned Wine Route. You can choose to ride a hilly variant which takes you to the beautiful Lake Kaltern, or follow the entire bike path (65km) along the Adige River, which is flat. Half way between Bolzano and Trento you will reach Salorno, which represents the linguistic border between the German and the Italian world. It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way.
Elevation +410m/1345ft, -475m/1558ft or along the bike path: +295m/967ft, -365m/1987ft
Day 3 : By Bike And Boat To Lake Garda South (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Lake Garda
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue cycling alongside the Adige to Rovereto, famous for its museum of modern and contemporary art. After a short ascent to Passo di San Giovanni, enjoy a superb view over Lake Garda and the little town of Torbole. Continue to Riva del Garda, from where you will take a ferry* (approx 4.5 hours) to reach the southern part of the lake. Overnight in Peschiera or Desenzano del Garda, dependent on availability.
*if the ferry is cancelled or not operating eg at the end of the season you will travel by alternative means, usually by bus.
Elevation +300m/984ft, -430m/1410ft
Day 4 : Cycle To Historical Verona (35 Or 60Km/21.5 Or 37Mi)
Location: Verona
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After crossing the hilly landscape surrounding the Garda Lake, you will meet the Adige river again which will take you into the fabulous city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”. An early start will ensure that you have time to explore the many sights including Juliet’s Balcony, the main piazza and the Roman amphitheatre. You can take a short walk or cycle across the river and up the hill for a great view of the town centre. There is no shortage of attractions, gelato and fine food in Verona and the night time café scene is worth staying up for.
Elevation from Peschiera +255m/836ft, -260m/853ft or from Desenzano +-490m/1608ft
Day 5 : Continue To Vicenza Via Soave And The Berici Hills (35 Or 70Km/21.5 Or 43.5Mi)
Location: Vicenza
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling in the countryside at the foot of the Lessini mountains and among the vineyards you will reach the castle of Soave. There are two options today. The flatter path brings you close to the beautiful castles of Romeo and Juliet in Montecchio Maggiore, while the hilly route leads you through the Berici hills. Vicenza lies ahead. Vicenza's old centre is characterized by beautiful private and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect. It is also possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in San Bonifacio.
Elevation +-425m/1394ft or via the Berici Hills +-655m/2148ft
Day 6 : Cycle Past Palladio's Villa La Rotonda To Padova's Thermal District (50Km/35Mi)
Location: Padova
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling out of Vicenza along the cycle path of the Bacchiglione river you can admire the Palladian masterpiece Villa La Rotonda. Continuing past the hamlet of Montegalda, you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you will have the chance to relax in the largest European thermal district.
Elevation +220m/721ft, -260m/853ft
Day 7 : Cycle Along The Brenta Canal To Mestre (55Km/34Mi)
Location: Padova
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the thermal district you follow the Battaglia canal to the fascinating city of Padova, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. Here you’ll find the famous Scrovegni Chapel, with frescoes by Giotto, and one of the largest squares in Europe, 'Prato della Valle'. It's an easy day through the flat Veneto. From Padova, continue along the Piovego Canal to Stra then follow the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Widmann), until you reach Mestre, the mainland of Venice.
Elevation +195m/640ft, -200m/656ft
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Mestre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged on request, in Mestre and on request on Venice island.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels -
7 breakfasts – buffet breakfasts are served
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7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star (Category B) or 3-4 star (Category A) hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Digital information pack including route notes, maps and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPS Tracks per room booked (smartphone required)
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Luggage transfers, 1 piece maximum 20kg per person - supplement applies for excess
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Rental touring bike with helmet, pannier, puncture resistant tyres and gel saddle (electric & hybrid bike available on request - supplement applies)
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Bike insurance against theft and damage (does not cover negligence)
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Welcome briefing
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4.5 hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda
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Ice cream in the best gelateria in Vicenza
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Emergency hotline
What's Not Included
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Travel to Bolzano and from Venice/Mestre
Travel to Bolzano and from Venice/Mestre is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not provided.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are booking a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees are not included.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included are not provided.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app / GPX files.
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Local hotel taxes
Local hotel taxes - approx.
15-20 € per person are not included. -
Venice Access Fee
Effective from Spring 2024 (approx.
5 €/day, if applicable) to be paid on site. -
Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels. Accommodation is either: Cat. B: mainly 3* hotels (standard trip) or Cat. A: mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels (supplement applies). All rooms have en suite facilities. Most hotels have air conditioning, while some smaller hotels and hotels located in the mountain areas of northern Italy can be without air conditioning.
Grading
The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of around 35 to 70km/22 to 44mi. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The route is predominantly flat mixed with easy hills; the only strenuous part is the Berici Hills. The cycle is mainly on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. The vast majority of the route is on paved surfaces. You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. It's possible to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 3, 5 and 7.
*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Bolzano and from Venice/Mestre is included. Rental touring bike with helmet, pannier, puncture resistant tyres and gel saddle (electric & hybrid bike available on request - supplement applies). Luggage transfers, 1 piece maximum 20kg per person - supplement applies for excess.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels. Accommodation is either Category B, which is mainly 3-star hotels, or Category A, which is mainly 4-star hotels with some 3-star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and most hotels have air conditioning, although some smaller hotels and those in mountain areas may not.
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Can I book additional nights before or after the tour?
Yes, additional nights can be booked in Bolzano before the trip and in Mestre (mainland Venice) after the trip. A rest day or extra night during the tour is only possible for departures commencing on Saturdays. Towns recommended for an additional night include Verona, Vicenza, or Padova.
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What is included in the digital information pack?
The digital information pack includes route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPS tracks. The app can be used offline, but a smartphone is required.
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What happens if the ferry on Lake Garda is not operating?
If the ferry is cancelled or not operating, usually at the end of the season, you will travel by alternative means, typically by bus.
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Is there a welcome briefing at the start of the tour?
Yes, there is a welcome briefing where a local representative will deliver your bikes, discuss the tour, and answer any questions.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A rental touring bike with a helmet, pannier, puncture-resistant tyres, and a gel saddle is provided. Electric and hybrid bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is it possible to shorten the cycling stages?
Yes, it is possible to shorten the cycling stages by taking the train on days 2, 3, 5, and 7.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling route?
The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of around 35 to 70 km. The route is predominantly flat with easy hills, except for the more strenuous Berici Hills. The cycle is mainly on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths.
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Are there any special requirements for safety equipment?
For safety reasons, cycle helmets are a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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