An extraordinary cycle route will let you discover unique landscapes, art cities and the largest European thermal district. From the superb Dolomites, part of the UNESCO world heritage list, you will start cycling along the river Adige valley, crossroads between people and cultures. Heading south you will reach the palm-lined shores of Garda Lake and then romantic Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet. In Vicenza you will be fascinated by the architectural genius of Palladio, who made the town his personal showcase. Further on you will reach the Euganean Hills and their renowned thermal district, the largest in Europe. Beautiful Padua, cradle of arts, will open the way to the Venetian lagoon, where the timeless fascination of Venice has lured passersby for centuries (and still does).

 

Tour program

 

1. Bolzano

Individual arrival. Located along the Isarco river, bilingual Bolzano has always been at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and central Europe. Today it is an important commercial and tourist centre.

2. Bolzano – Trento (65/70 km)

You will start riding along the River Adige cycle path, through orchards and the vineyards of the renowned Wine Route. 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.

3. Trento – Desenzano/Peschiera (50 km by bike + ferry)

The river Adige will take you to Rovereto, famous for its museum of modern and contemporary art. After a short ascent to Passo di San Giovanni, you will enjoy a superb view over the Garda Lake and the little town of Torbole. Then in Riva del Garda you will take a ferry to reach the southern part of the lake.

4. Desenzano/Peschiera – Verona (60/35 km)

After crossing the hilly landscape surrounding the Garda Lake, you will meet again the river Adige, which will take you into Verona, one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region. Worth visiting are: the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House.

5. Verona – Vicenza (70/35 km)

Cycling in the countryside at the foot of Mounts Lessini, among the vineyards you will reach the castle of Soave. Further on the fortress of Brendola will show you the way to the Berici hills and to Vicenza. 

The old city centre is characterized by beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect known all over the world. It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in San Bonifacio.

6. Vicenza – Padua thermal district (50 km)

Cycling out of Vicenza, along the cycle path of the river Bacchiglione, you can admire the Palladian masterpiece Villa La Rotonda. Then, 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.

7. Padua thermal district  – Mestre/Venice (55 km)

Along the cycle path of the Battaglia Canal you will pass through Padua, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. From here, along the Piovego Canal, you will reach Stra and will follow the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann) until you reach Mestre, Venice mainland.

8. Mestre/Venice

Departure after breakfast. Transfer back to Bolzano on request when booking the tour.

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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).

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Included

• 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Bike rental with helmet
• App including maps, points of interest and GPS tracks
• Digital tour information
• Luggage transportation
• 4-hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda
• Ice-cream in the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza
• Hotline service

Not included

• Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €)
• Everything not mentioned in the section “Included”

• Total length: 290/355 km
• Total vertical up: 570/1,120 m
• Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
• Train connections among the overnight stays: day 2, 3, 4 and 5
• Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 3, 5 and 7.

As a whole it is an easy to manage itinerary, riding on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. There are light hilly bits with short uphill sections.

Leisure cycling in mostly flat areas, with only few short climbs and descents. Little effort required, suitable for most people. This tour is also suitable for children. The longer stages, from Bolzano to Trento and from Verona to Vicenza, can be shortened by taking the train.