Difficulty Rating : 3 Start : Mestre/Venice mainland Finish : Mestre/Venice mainland Terrain : Easier cycle, flat, suitable for all abilities Daily Average : 45km Weekly Average : 225 km / 315 km Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, the Veneto region is renowned for its natural, historical, and artistic beauty.
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Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea this tour explores the Veneto (Venetia) region of northern
Italy.

This area has always had a key strategic significance, its location forming a gateway between the
Mediterranean region and northern and eastern Europe.
Pedalling through vineyards, mountain backdrops and on two tiny islands, this journey brings you through a lovely mixture of scenery and explores some of Italy’s true classics.
We cycle along lagoons, rivers and the sea, through quiet planes and bustling towns, and experience a unique fusion between the old and new Italy.
The region being the birthplace of the famous architect Andrea Palladio (16th Century) you are spoilt for
stunning architecture that characterises the beautiful villages and also the many “Palladio Villas” along the way.

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

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Mestre/Venice mainland

Individual arrival to Mestre/Venice mainland and first overnight.

Day 2

Mestre/Venice mainland - Padua thermal district (55 km / +240m -235m)

You will start following the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann, Villa Pisani) until you reach the hamlet of Stra. From here you will cycle along the Piovego Canal, which will lead you to the city centre of Padua, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. Finally, along the cycle path of the Battaglia canal, you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you will have the chance to relax in the largest European thermal district.

Day 3

Padua thermal district loop (45 km / +320m -320m)

Discover the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills and its wonderful sights. You will first stop in the gardens of Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio, one of the most important examples of classical Italian garden (with a real labyrinth, too) and then visit the medieval towns of Arquà Petrarca and Monselice with its town walls. Along the cycle path of the Vigenzone canal you will reach the hamlet of Pontemanco with its mills and then you will continue through Mezzavia, where the Castle of San Pelagio hosts the Air Museum with the history of the human flight, from Leonardo da Vinci to the Mongolfier brothers, to Neil Armstrong. Cycling back do not miss the visit of the Catajo Castle.

Day 4

Padua thermal district - Vicenza (50 km / +255m -215m)

Cycling out of the Euganean Hills, you will head towards the cycle path of the river Bacchiglione, which will lead you into Vicenza, architect Palladio’s personal showcase. Before entering the town, along the way you can admire the Palladian masterpiece Villa La Rotonda. Let yourself be fascinated by the old city centre of Vicenza, characterized by beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Palladio.

Day 5

Vicenza – Bassano del Grappa (40 km / +255m -185m)

From Vicenza you will cycle towards Marostica, famous for its castle and the chessboard on the main square. Today’s destination is Bassano known for the famous drink “grappa” and for the “Ponte Vecchio,” also known as the Bridge of the Alpini. This is a historic covered wooden bridge, which spans the Brenta River in the center of the city.

Day 6

Bassano del Grappa – Treviso (65 km / +395m -490m)

You will enter Asolo, which represents the only real uphill section of this ride. The downhill run will take you to the land of Prosecco vineyards, inscribed on the World Heritage List as a cultural landscape. In Maser you can admire another Palladian masterpiece, Villa Barbaro, frescoed by Paolo Veronese, until you reach Treviso, whose city centre is characterised by ancient waterways.

Day 7

Treviso-Mestre/Venice mainland (45 km / +190m -210m)

Leaving Treviso behind you, you will follow the course of the River Sile up to Casale. Don’t miss the striking Cimitero dei Burci (ship graveyard) in Casier, where you can admire the half-sunken remains of these large wooden boats, used until the 1970s to transport goods along the Sile. At the end of the trip Venice will await you for an evening among canals and narrow streets. Accommodation is in Mestre, Venice mainland

Included:                                                                              

  • 7 nights’ ensuite accommodation with breakfast                            
  • Luggage transfer (1 bag per person, max 20 kg)                                                                  
  • App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks
  • Digital tour information                                                                     
  • Assistance: contact phone number you can call during the tour in case of emergency                      
  • Ice cream in the best ice cream parlor in Vicenza

Not included:

Touring bike: €120
Hybrid bike: €175
e-bike: €285
Helmet rental: €15

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 also have a hotline number should you need any assistance in any way.

The daily Distance for this tour is approximately 45km

If you unable cycle for any reason you can get a lift with the person who will transport your luggage. There may be a small fee you can pay to the driver. you will need to let them know the day before to check if is possible.

Bike rental is not included in the basic tour price
We 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.
There is the possiblity of a Citybike with men's frame with 21/24 gears but it is on request only.

It is also possible to rent an E-Bike ~ Kalkhoff, Agattu model Motor:
The high-capacity battery is secured to the seat tube.
Gears: Nexus 8-speed.
Range: approx. 90 km (flat terrain, average speed).

Flyer T8.1 Model, Low-entry frame Panasonic or Bosch batteries of top safety and long life. Panasonic motor (36 V, 15 AH Capacity, 540 WH available power) Gears: Nexus 7-speed. Range: approx 90 km (flat terrain, average speed)

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

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

How fit do i need to I need to be for the tour
As this is not a tour that takes on many hills, you should find it very manageable if you just cycle a few hours a week and put a little training before you go.
However as with all tours doing one longer cycle a week of 2 or 3 hours would really help in your tour enjoyment

Overall this was an excellent tour, enjoyed in great weather in the wonderful countryside. The unexpected highlight was the ferry boat around Venice. Just spectacular. Like cruising through a vast sunlit movie set. We had a really wonderful holiday and would be happy to recommend it.
Paul Moore (Venice Lands Group)

Overall a fabulous trip for the value. The bikes were in good shape and appropriate for the range of road conditions we experienced. The routes were very scenic.
You guys run a really nice service and I would recommend it to others.
Gregg Blodgett (Venice Lands tour)

I really enjoyed the Venice Lands Tour. Great scenery. I was happy with the style, type of bike and the seat. Good program. Everything went smoothly.
Doug Smith (Venice Lands self led tour)

We had a wonderful experience. Martina is an excellent leader, and very accommodating and caring. Bikes were durable and easy to ride. Accommodations were above average! Overall we enjoyed it!
Georganne & David R. (Venice Lands group tour)

We had a great time on our recent bike trip. We really enjoyed seeing the small towns that we rode through and the places where we stopped for coffee and for lunch. The hotels were very nice.
We wouldn't hesitate to plan another bike tour with your company.
Polly Hardin (Venice Lands group tour)

SELF GUIDED TOUR PRICE 2025

Category A (mainly 4* hotels with some 3* hotels)
Category B (3* hotels):

Season 1 (30th March - 19th April, 28th September - 12th October)
Cat A: €790 per person sharing / €1180 single room / €650 third person in triple
Cat B: €690 per person sharing / €960 single room / €555 third person in triple room

Season 2 (20th April - 10th May, 7th September - 27th September)
Cat A: €960 per person sharing / €1390 single room / €830 third person in triple
Cat B: €860 per person sharing / €1160 single room / €725 third person in triple

Season 3 (11th May - 6th September)
Cat A: €1010 per person sharing / €1440 single room / €880 third person in triple
Cat B: €910 per person sharing / €1210 single room / €775 third person in triple

€120 Touring bike, incl. bike insurance
€175 Hybrid Bike, incl. bike insurance
€285 Electric – bike, incl. bike insurance
€15 Helmet rental

Self Guided Tour Information

Departure dates: Sunday and Tuesday from 30th March- 12th October 2025
Special departure for groups of at least 6.

How to get to the start point in Venice:

Venice is connected with the following airports: 

  • Venice Marco Polo: 10 km,
  • Treviso Canova: 30 km,
  • Verona: 110 km, Bergamo: 240km,
  • Milano: 310 km

Connection Marco Polo Alilaguna water bus: - from the airport of Venice you can reach the boarding point by sea with Alilaguna lines.

Red Line Alilaguna (www.alilaguna.it) with stop on Certosa island on request. This line works from 8.22 a.m. to 6.22 p.m. (transfer approx. 40 minutes)

Blu Line Alilaguna: if you arrive later, you can take the Blu Line that works until 00.15 a.m. (transfer approx. 1 hour)

Connection shuttle bus: - from the airport you can reach Venice by bus: the Fly Bus ATVO shuttle service leaves every 30 minutes from 7:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. (20 min journey; www.atvo.it).

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).

VINCENZA

Day 1 + 7 - Category A: Venice Mestre - The Quid

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA

Day 2 - Category A: Hotel Majestic

Category B Hotel Sporting 

TREVISO

Day 3 - Category A: Hotel Continental 

Category B:  Hotel Treviso 

MESTRE 

Day 4 & 5 - Category A-B:  Venice Mestre - The Quid 

PADUA thermal district

Day 6 - Category A: Hotel Majestic 

Category B: Hotel Sporting 

 

Tour Date Options

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

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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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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 €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full 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.