Overview
What to expect
Cycle from the mountain city of Bolzano via the glistening shores of Lake Garda to the canals and bridges of Venice. Touring through Veneto’s green landscapes, you’ll bike along riverside paths, picturesque tracks and quiet country roads with a backdrop of mountain peaks – the cycling is easy-going but if you’d like a little help on the up-hills, opt for an electric bike. As you pedal beside the banks of the Adige River, you’ll pass green vineyards and typical Tyrolean villages.
Cooling off in Lake Garda’s clear waters makes a welcome halfway treat and taking a break in Verona to see the pink-hued streets and Roman Arena is well worth it.
If you prefer more independence, choose the self-guided Bolzano to Venice tour.
At a glance
- Rolling vineyards, mellow rivers and stunning mountain scenery
- Glistening waters of Lake Garda and therapeutic thermal springs
- Renaissance architecture and waterside palaces in Verona and Venice
- Leisurely cycling along riverside paths, scenic tracks and quiet roads
The Trip
Route
Itinerary
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Day 1 (Sat):
Arrive in Bolzano
Explore the bilingual streets of Bolzano and experience the unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures in the city's medieval centre.
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Day 2 (Sun):
Bolzano to Trento
40/43 miles (65/70 km)
Ride through vineyards and sprawling orchards along the banks of the Adige River, passing typical South Tyrol villages. Visit the sophisticated city of Trento and see ancient palaces, frescoed facades and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
There is the possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train today.
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Day 3 (Mon):
Trento - Peschiera/Desenzano
31 miles (50 km)
Pedal through the ancient fortress city of Roverto and visit the popular tourist town of Riva on the north shore of Lake Garda. Relax by the lakeside before cruising across to the southern shore.
There is the possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train today.
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Day 4 (Tue):
Peschiera/Desenzano - Verona
22/37 miles (60/35 km)
Cycle through green vineyards to the stunning city of Verona and step inside the Roman Arena, Juliet's House and the Church of San Zeno.
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Day 5 (Wed):
Verona - Vicenza
47/25 miles (75/40 km)
Marvel at the mountains of Monti Berici and take in the views of Vicenza city, home to 16th century palaces designed by Andrea Palladio. Cycle here from Verona or take it easy and travel the first half by train.
There is the possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train today.
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Day 6 (Thu):
Vicenza - Padova
28 miles (45km)
Pass the impressive Palladian Villa Rotonda and cycle alongside the Bacchiglione River. You will then continue to the fascinating city of Padova with its famous Giotto’s Chapel and one of the biggest squares of Europe “Prato della Valle”.
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Day 7 (Fri):
Padova - Mestre/Venice
25 miles (40km)
Enjoy an easy ride through rural Veneto as you cycle alongside the Brenta Canal with the breeze on your back. Pass the villas of Venetian nobles as you pedal into the astounding island city of Venice.
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Day 8 (Sat):
Departure
Check out after breakfast by 9am or extend your stay to fully appreciate Venice's magnificent canals, architecture and marble bridges.
Accommodation
Mainly 4* Hotels & some 3* Hotels
We use a pool of mainly 4* and some 3* hotels to maximise our availability for this tour, so regardless of the time of year we do our best to secure your dates of choice. The accommodation often has a lovely local flair, with a chance to experience local life with an authentic flavour of your destination.
- Mainly 4* and some 3* hotels
- Board basis - Half board
- English speaking tour guide & support van in area for duration of tour
- Luggage transferred each day
Dates & Prices
Please click on a departure date for price options at a glance
Price includes
- 7 nights accommodation in mainly 4* and some 3* hotels
- Board basis: Half board
- English speaking tour guide & support van in area for duration of tour
- Luggage transportation
- Welcome briefing
- Maps and route information (GPS tracks available on request)
- Wine tasting
- Guided tour of Verona and Venice
- Four hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda
- Entrance to Villa Valmarana ai Nani
- Ice cream in the best parlour in Vicenza
Price excludes
- Flights and transfers
- Bike hire
- Cycle helmets
- Local taxes (approx €10-15)
Bike Hire & Extras
Bike hire
Pannier, handlebar bag or map holder and lock all included at no extra cost when you hire a bike. The bikes are also equipped with puncture-resistant Schwalbe tyres. One repair kit per room is provided and includes a spare inner tube, glue, patch, pump, allen keys and tyre levers.
Hybrid bike with 27 gears
Extras
You can add these when you price your trip
Extra nights
How to Get There
News, Reviews & FAQs
FAQs
Simply click on a question to reveal the answers
Why are the hotels not listed in the itinerary?
We use a pool of hotels to maximise availability for you.
An Unforgettable Boat & Bike Weekend in Italy
4th April 2017 In March, team members from both Freedom Treks and sister company Ski Safari joined forces for a long weekend to discover what makes cycling in Italy so special. READ POSTCustomer reviews
What other customers have said
Been on this tour? Add your review!
The route of this holiday was excellent as were the guides. There were two different standards of cyclists on this trip and two guides. It would have been good if, on occasion, the group could have been split in order to reach destinations (points of interest) sooner. Overall the trip was great, but it was let down by the hotels, particularly towards the end, and by the food. It would have been great to have had some free nights to explore the local cuisine, rather than eating mediocre food at the hotels and set menus. The two group meals eaten in local restaurants were better and more enjoyable.
Annie Trevorah, UK, October 2018Loved this tour from start to finish. Scenery amazing, hotels and food great. Cycling - lovely level and pace, no pressure. Michele our tour guide could not have been more helpful or pleasant. Vineyard visit, Lake Garda, guided tour of Verona some lovely extras. We were a group of 11 in total. It’s a busy tour, a little down time but mainly on the go. As a solo traveller, cannot recommend enough. A fantastic trip.
Katherine Dee , Ireland, August 2018
