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Lake Garda and the Veneto 8-Day Guided Cycling Tour (Level 2)
Pedal with us across the Veneto - through picturesque villages and historic art cities, along cycle paths and down rural country lanes - to discover this corner of Northern Italy nestled against the Italian Alps. We’ll visit the majestic and beautiful Lake Garda, as well as Verona, Mantova, Vicenza, Padova and Venice - all unique cities that blend history, charm and modernity. In Vicenza, discover the architectural wonders of Andrea Palladio from the 16th century, considered to be the most influential individual in the history of Western architecture. This is also wine country, home to some of the more important Italian wines, where you can sample Valpolicella and Soave wines from the protected vineyards along the Alps’ foothills, as we make our way east toward La Serenissima - the majestic city of Venice.
This is a great tour for novice cyclists with base fitness level and cycling experience. Bike handling skills are necessary to manage possible starting and stopping, or negotiating bike paths in or near cities and towns. Also ideal for experienced cyclists desiring shorter days on the bike and plenty of time to enjoy the daily destinations and activities. You will ride between 40 and 64 km (25-40 miles) per day, on mostly flat to rolling terrain, and few steep hills, mostly on paved backroads and bike paths with little vehicle traffic (see the exact daily distances and terrain type descriptions in the itinerary section).
If you would like to rent a Alumunium Hybrid Bike (120 EUR) or E-bike (210 EUR), please contact [email protected] when booking
Meet in Verona
Highlights: Test ride and welcome dinner
Meet the group and tour leader at the Verona train station in the mid-afternoon, from where we will transfer to our lodging for the next two nights. Our quaint inn is located in the small town of Valeggio Sul Mincio, near Mantova (Mantua). We’ll fit bicycles and enjoy a test ride on the nearby cycle path to Borghetto sul Mincio, a picturesque village located on the river connecting Lake Garda with the lakes around Mantova to the south. Return to our inn for our welcome dinner together.
Daily distance: 4 km (2 miles) Elevation gain: + 62 m (203 ft)
Mantova loop ride
Highlights: Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te
Pedal south along the bike path to reach the impressive city of Mantova, with its pretty lakes built around it as fortifications and now a great green area surrounding the city. Mantova was home to the princely Gonzaga family, who ruled for several centuries between the 1400-1800's and who made Mantova an artistic, musical and architectural centre. Visit the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te, as well as the Piazza Virgiliana, Castello San Giorgio and Piazza delle Erbe before returning to our small town later this afternoon.
Daily distance: 69 km (43 miles) Elevation gain: +279 m (920 ft)
Lake Garda and Valpolicella
Highlights: Peschiera del Garda, Sant'Ambrogio, Hilltop lodging
Head north today along our delightful bicycle path to reach the shores of Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most famous lakes nestled south of the Italian Alps. Visit the historic and colorful town of Peschiera del Garda, on the waterfront, before continuing along the eastern shore to climb a bit onto a ridge leading into the vineyards of the Valpolicella wine area. This area grows the grapes that make Amarone wine, one of Italy’s strongest red wines, which we will enjoy in a wine tasting hosted by the owners of tonight’s lodging, set on a lovely terrace overlooking the vineyards. A historic home turned into a boutique lodge, Villa San Giorgio is surrounded by vineyards, with a truly amazing view of the hills and Lake Garda in the distance.
Daily distance: 42 km (26 miles) Elevation gain: +532 m (1745 ft)
Pedal through wine country to Verona and Soave
Highlights: Valpolicella wine country, Verona, Soave castle and historic center
We continue along rolling foothills today to leave the Valpolicella area and enter Verona, famous for its arena which is still today used for outdoor theatre. Have lunch in the center of town, visit Juliet and Romeo’s balcony and then continue out of town to arrive in Soave, a lovely medieval town also located in the Veneto wine country. The medieval castle and its fortifications that dominate the town stand in stark contrast to the softer vineyards that line the hills. Enjoy the local wine or a stroll through the small town, near our centrally-located hotel.
Daily distance: 67 km (41 miles) Elevation gain: + 258 m (846 ft)
Vicenza and Palladio’s architecture
Highlights: Home of Andrea Palladio
We head to Vicenza, another famous art city which prospered under Venetian rule from the early 15th to the end of the 18th century. Its most famous son is surely Andrea Palladio whose work has been declared the biggest influence in Western architecture since his time. His architectural designs, based on a detailed study of classical Roman architecture, gives the city its unique appearance and you can see many of his villas and buildings still standing.
Daily distance: 37 km (23 miles) Elevation gain: + 420 m (1378 ft)
Cycle to Padova among the Palladian villas
Highlights: Palladian Villa la Rotonda's gardens
Leave Vicenza along the foothills of Monti Berici. We’ll enjoy an optional stop at the famous Palladian Villa la Rotonda's gardens, the best known and most influential of Andrea Palladio’s villas. Continue riding to reach one of the oldest cities in Italy, Padova (or Padua) also known as the City of St. Anthony. Padova’s claim to history is not only being home to Italy’s second oldest (and still vibrant) university, but it also acted as the setting for most of the action in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
Daily distance: 43 km (26 miles) Elevation gain: + 86 m (282 ft)
Venice
Highlights: Discovering Venice by foot
We’ll take the train into Venice for the day, where we will explore less well-known areas of the “Serenissima”, as the majestic city is often called. From the train station, visit the Jewish Ghetto, the Cannaregio neighborhood and the Fondamente Nove before arriving near the Rialto bridge. From here, you’ll have free time to visit the highlights of Venice. Regroup later this afternoon to return to Padova together for our celebration dinner in a local restaurant. Raise a glass of white wine, the traditional Venetian aperitif, or a classic spritz to our journey together across the Veneto region.
No biking today
Our tour ends in Padova
Highlights: Farewell!
For those wishing to continue their time in Veneto or Northern Italy, Padova is a great starting point. Venice is short distance away – a bucket list destination for ending your dream Italian holiday. The Lakes and Dolomites regions of Northern Italy are also nearby. If there is further travel in your plans, please let us know and we’ll be happy to provide suggestions. If your travels end today, we will provide tips for arriving to nearby Venice, Milan, Treviso or Verona airports.
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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