BIKE TOURING VENICE AND OLD VENEZIAN REPUBLIC | ITALY

A sophisticated region located in northeastern Italy, flanked by the shores of the Adriatic sea and the foothills of the Italian Dolomites, the Veneto is a remarkable reflection of Italy: full of Renaissance art, fine food and style.  Our biking is through flat farmlands, by stately 16th and 17th century villas, and along canals reminiscent of the Veneto's most famous town, Venice.  By day we follow gentle routes and by night we savor the 'dolce vita' of classic Venetian cuisine and opulent villa hotels.

We begin our adventure along the Brenta River with a tour of the Villa Stra, a national monument.  Next, we bike country side surrounding Venice passing many of the villas of the 16 and 17 centuries.  Then it is on to Castelfranco, a 12th century walled city with an excellent vibe, along the way we have a chance to explore Treviso.  Next it is on to Asolo,  considered by many to be the quintessential Italian town. It is a tiny hamlet with an abundance of quaint, winding streets and a graceful piazza overlooking the valley.  Then following Asolo, we head into the foothills and vineyards of at the foot of Monte Grappa, to taste some of the sparkling wine which has made this area so famous, to reach Bassano del Grappa. That evening we enjoy a walking tour of this old Roman cross roads town, and site of the final battles of WW1, we visit the Gappa distillers just before dinner.  From Bassano del Grappa we head to the Palladio city of Vicenza, along the way visiting the walled city of Marostica.  We stay in this city of Neo Classic architecture for two nights.  Our second day of riding is along the base of the Berici Hills exploring hidden villages and history.  Our last day takes us from Vicenza over to Verona, the city of the Roman Arena, Romeo and Juliett, and Austrian Fortifications, along the way we also stop in the walled city of Soave.

Some OF VENICE AND THE VENETO Tour Highlights

• Palladio's architectural masterpieces at villa Malcontenta,Villa Emo, The Rotonda, and more.
• The heart of the bicycle industry: Campogolo, Pinerello, Sidi, San Marco, Wilder Trestina, and more.
• Pass through the area Ernest Hemingway served as an ambulance driver during WW1 and based his novel 'Farewell to Arms'.
• Biking through the Prosecco vineyards
• Grappa and Wine Tasting
• The Roma Arena in Verona

This is a great week if you enjoy exploring and learning the history and culture as much as you enjoy the bicycle.  If you have someone not that interested in the bike riding tagging along this is a perfect tour option. You can ride as many miles you want and if someone wants a more relaxing day they can do so without interrupting the flow of the day, nor feel left out. There are plenty of additional activities to enjoy when you are off the bike; wine tasting, sight seeing, cooking classes, or just some shopping in the center.

BIKE TOURING ITALY - VENICE AND THE OLD VENEZIAN REPUBLIC

This trip can be organised as a private group Guided or a Self Guided Tour. Best time of year to ride is April through October. Contact me to schedule a trip date. 

other than the bike

Biking works up our appetites for some wonderful Northern Italian meals. The noble region of the Veneto is home to risotto and polenta as well as homemade pasta spiced with radicchio, rucola and endive.  Seafood lovers will rejoice in the freshly caught frutti di mare prepared in the Venetian tradition. There is an incredible variety of foods and wines to enjoy along this tour and the  pace is set so that you have ample time to explore.

QUICK GLANCE - DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:

• Saturday - Meet at Marco Polo Airport and Transfer to Hotel for trip review introduction.
• Sunday:Brenta Canal and Villas of the Republic
• Monday: Mira - Treviso - Castelfranco Veneto
• Tuesday: Castelfranco Veneto - Asolo - Bassano del Grappa
• Wednesday: Bassano Del Grappa - Marostica - Vicenza 
• Thursday: Vicenza - Berici Hills - Vicenza
• Friday: Vicenza - Soave - Verona
• Saturday: Arrivederci

Each ride can be lengthened, based on rider preference.  All routes are on secondary roads.

For detailed Route book and information contact us via email.

TOUR DATES: 

Full Guided Tour -  group size 2 to 8 persons

COST: 2650 euro per person

• 19 to 25 Sept 2021  (6 places open)
• April 2022
• June 2022

What's included:

• Trip Guide walking daily
• 7 nights 3+ hotel 
• 7 Breakfast
• All transfers listed on program
• 1 Dinner
• Baggage Transfers
• Maps and local info sheets

SELF GUIDED - Can be organized at your schedule depending on your group sized and hotel.  Contact us for details.  

COST:  Self Guide Tours start at 1300 euro per person during early and late season.  Some cost will increase for dates from 15 July to 5 Sept.  

• 7 nights 3+ hotel 
• 7 Breakfast
• All transfers listed on program
• Baggage Transfers
• Maps and local info sheets

SEMI GUIDED - We offer this option for those wanting a bit of extra assistance but do not necessarily want someone walking with them everyday.  On these program some one will be the each morning to review the day, make sure any transfers and luggage movement is taken care of, and will be a phone call away in the event of problems. You are on your own to do the walks and how you progress through the day.  Also we can help adjust walks as needed throughout the week if you feel the base outline is to easy of if there is poor weather.  

COST: 1800 euro per person (dependent on booking schedule)

What's Included

• Daily Trip Coordinator to review routes and take care of logistics
• 7 nights 3+ hotel 
• 7 Breakfast
• All transfers listed on program
• 1 Dinner
• Baggage Transfers
• Maps and local info sheets

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer:

• Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy.
• Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy.
• Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore.
• Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers.
• Booking assistance and suggested contacts.