Difficulty Rating : 3 Start: Bolzano Finish: Mestre (Venice) Terrain: Mostly flat terrain with short uphill sections Daily Average: 45km Weekly Average: 275-340km Tour Type: Self Guided Teaser: This tour explores the mountains around Bolzano, the beauty of lake Garda, cities full of culture and history
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This tour explores the mountains around Bolzano, the beauty of lake Garda, cities full of culture and history like Verona, Vicenza and Padova and, last but not least, the fascinating Venice.

As a whole it is an easy to manage itinerary, cycling on quieter streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. There are light hilly bits with short uphill sections. Trains with bike transportation connect all the cities of the tour, so in case of bad weather, or if you need a day of rest, you can reach your destination by train. A 4-hour ferry cruise through Lake Garda is included in this trip.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Bolzano

olzano is a famous commercial and tourist centre and also a historical and cultural connection between the Italian and the German world.

Day 2

Bolzano ~Trento (65/70 km)

Today you cycle mostly along the Adige River, through orchards, vineyardson the renowned Wine Route. The tour passes the wonderful villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. The dam pathways lead all the way to Trento.

Day 3

Trento ~ Peschiera/Desenzano (50 km)

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

Day 4

Peschiera/Desenzano ~ Verona (35 / 60 km)

After crossing the hilly landscape surrounding the Garda Lake, you will rejoin 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 of course Juliet’s House.

Day 5

Verona ~ Vicenza (75 km)

Your cycle meanders amoung vineyards in the countryside at the foot of Mounts Lessini to the castle of Soave. Further on the fortress of Brendola the views open up 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.

Day 6

Vicenza ~ Padova Thermal (45 km)

Cycling out of Vicenza you will come across the beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda. Along the Bacchiglione river, the route will continue to the fascinating city of Padova with its famous Giotto's Chapel and one of the biggest squares of Europe "Prato della Valle". Tonight you stay in a 4* spa resort in the thermal district. There is an option to stay overnight in the centre of Padua on the self guided tour.

Day 7

Padova ~ Mestre (40 km)

Your last day is on a cycle path along the Battaglia Canal to Padua, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. From here, you cycle along the Piovego Canal to Stra and contiuing along the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann) you reach Mestre, by the Venice mainland.

You can chose to stay directly in Venice with a price supplement.

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation ( 3* & 4* Hotels )
  • Breakfast buffet                                           
  • Digital Route descriptions & maps ,  including GPS tracks
  • Luggage transportation                           
  • 4 hour Ferry cruise on Lake Garda (bike included)
  • Ice cream in the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza 
  • 7-days hotline service

Not included:
Local taxes to be paid on site (approx. €15-€20)
Venice Municipality  Access Fee: expected to enter into force January 2024 (€3-€10 per day to be paid on site)
Everything not mentioned in the section "included"

All details are organised for the tour for you. All your accommodation is booked, your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel. You are given a map with a fully researched route. You will have access to an application including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks. You will also have a hotline number should you need any assistance in any way.

In 2023 Bike rental is not included in the basic tour price

On this tour you can rent a 27-gear unisex Citybike A unisex frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position.
This is the bike automatically given to ladies and gents unless otherwise specified.
Citybike with men's frame with 21/24 gears are available to rent but are on a request basis only.

It is also possible to rent an e-bike ( Kalkhoff, Agattu model )
Range: approx. 90 km (flat terrain, average speed).
Low-entry frame Panasonic or Bosch batteries of top safety and long life.
Gears: Nexus 7-speed.

Features:
- aluminium frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle
- anit-puncture Schwalbe tyres
- ergonomic bicycle grips
- speed lifter system

Accessoires:
All rental bikes are equipped with:
1 cycle computer
1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
1 front bar bag per room
1 repair kit per room: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers
1 combination lock

The daily distance is about 45km on average on this tour

If you cannot cycle for whatever reason you will have the option of getting the train a few days. You may be able to take a lift with the person who will transfer luggage. There may be a small fee. A support van may also be able to provide a lift.

If your a cycling a few hours a week and put a little training before you come on the trip this should be fine. However doing one longer cycle a week of 2 or 3 hours would really help in your trip enjoyment.

It was a great trip: Fun and well-informed guided; comfortable bikes; wonderful accommodations and delicious food! Who can complain when the first 70+ kilometers are along a bike path? Italy knows how to treat cyclists!

Julie Barnas (Bolzano to Venice, 2017)

2024 SELF GUIDED TOUR 

Season 1:
€850 per person sharing (CAT B) / €990 (CAT A) 
€1190 single room (CAT B) / €1390 (CAT A)   
€660 3rd person in triple (CAT B) / €790 (CAT A)          

Season 2:
€980 per person sharing (CAT B) / €1120 (CAT A) 
€1320 single room (CAT B) / €1520 CAT A)
€790 3rd person in triple ( CAT B) / €920 (CAT A)

Season 3:
€1030 per person sharing (CAT B) / €1170 (CAT A)  
€1370 single room (CAT B) / €1570 (CAT A)
€840 3rd person in triple (CAT B) / €970 (CAT A)

CAT A: mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels
CAT B: mainly 3* hotels

Season 1: 30 March - 19 April & 28 September - 12 October
Season 2: 20 April - 10 May & 7 September - 27 September
Season 3: 11 May - 6 September

Bike rental is not included in our tour price. This is an additional:
€115 Touring Bike
€165 Hybrid Bike
€275 E-bike
€15   Helmet rental

Self Guided Tour Information

Every Saturday & Sunday from 30 March - 12 October
Every Tuesday & Wednesday from 30 April - 4 September 

How to get to the start point in Bolzano: 

- Verona Villafranca Catullo (VRN) AeroportoVerona.it

Every day the Aerobus shuttle service to the station of Verona Porta Nuova leaves every 20 minutes from 6:30 to 23:35 (transfer: about 30 min; ticket: 5 euro). From Verona Porta Nuova you take a train to Bolzano (transfer: 120 min; ticket: from 8 to 20 euro depending on the type of train).

- Innsbruck airport (INN) Innsbruck Airport

 Bus line F links the airport to Innsbruck HBF railway station and departs every 15 minutes (transfer: about 20 min). From Innsbruck you take a train to Bolzano (transfer: about 130 min).

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

BOLZANO

Day 1: Hotel Scala is a historic hotel a short walk away from the old town centre. The rooms are styled in a mode fashion and have plenty space. There is also a nice restaurant where you can relax in for the evening    

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TRENTO

Day 2: Grand Hotel is an oasis of tranquillity right in the enter of the town. The rooms are decorated in a classical way offering a warm atmosphere and a great place to relax. 

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DESENZANO

Day 3: Hotel Puccini is a wonderful hotel with relaxed atmosphere set on the shore of lake Garda. With large and spacious room offering nice views. This is the perfect place to explore the lake or just relax by the pool   

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VERONA

Day 4: Hotel San Marco is a new and mode hotel a short walk from the centre of town. With a indoor pool and fantastic restaurant this is a very easy place to relax and spend an evening.   

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VICENZA

Day 5: Hotel De La Ville Vicenza is a mode hotel a short walk away from the town centre. With spacious rooms and all the amenities you will need this is a great place to stay and relax after a day on the bike. 

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PADOVA

Day 6: Hotel Grand Italia is a traditional hotel in the heart of the town and only a short walk away for the famous sites. The rooms have kept touch with the traditional style of the hotel but with all the mode amenities.

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MESTRE

Day 4 - Category A: Hotel Ai Pini is a hotel surrounded by the park with nice views and beautiful blooming flowers. Only a short walk to the historic town centre with lots of restaurants and coffee shop for you to explore 

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Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

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Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.