Bolzano to Venice

A great network of dedicated cycle paths leads out from the city today, along the Adige river, passing through acres of orchards towards Salorno where you cross the language border into Italian speaking Trentino. Pedal across a dam to the remarkable city of Trento, home to charming cobbled streets and the impressive Piazza Duomo known for its beautiful fountain and 16th century frescoes. Your hotel in Trento is hugely historic and just a short walk away from the cathedral square – a 15th century monastery with a cloistered courtyard, beautifully converted into a comfortable hotel with an attractive blend of respect for the past and stylish modern living.
Miles: 44 Kms: 70

Another day in the company of the River Adige, on the cycle path as it heads south towards Rovereto with its castle and Venetian and Habsburg heritage. Next up Mori is famed for its wines and its pistachio ice-cream. (Just to be sure that you’ll stop and sample, we’ve included an ice-cream treat in the tour price!) Then it’s time to say goodbye to the Adige river, turning your wheels westwards to take the cycle path along an old railway track-bed. As it leads through a nature reserve, the green and pleasant surroundings become even more beautiful as they reveal your first view of Lake Garda. A short ascent is worth it for the enjoyable descent down to the lake, first to Torbole, then finally Riva del Garda. From here a ferry (included in tour price) carries you along the length of the lake and your accommodation in either of the lovely lakeside resorts of Sirmione or Desenzano.
Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Time to put the lake behind you and pedal off through the gently rolling Veronese hills, whose  vineyard slopes grow the region’s famous ‘Trebbiana’ grapes. Riverside paths then lead on to romantic Verona, home of ‘Juliet’s balcony’ and famed for its cultural festival. The iconic Roman amphitheatre and old city walls are a must, but be sure to cross the ancient stone Ponte Pietra bridge which dates back to Roman times to enjoy panoramic views from the Castel San Pietro.
Miles: 31 Kms: 50

It’s off to Vicenza today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the showcase town of medieval star, Andrea Palladio. At the start today’s route is gentle, but it does climb as you head up the Monti Berici hills. The panoramas over the area are certainly worth it, but if you fancy keeping down the miles in the saddle, why not hop on a train from Verona to San Bonifacio? Once in Vicenza, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian Renaissance architecture including elegant 16th century mansions and palaces designed to Palladio’s manuscripts and Basilca Palladiana on the Piazza dei Signori. The Palazzo Barbarban da Porto, home to Museo Palladio, and Teatro Olimpico are both real musts. Don’t miss the theatre’s amazing trempe-l’oeil painted scenery is the oldest surviving set in existence.
Miles: 44 Kms: 70

You’ll pass Venetian villas like the Villa Rotunda as you set off from Vicenza, to follow the ancient course of the river Bacchiglione into the province of Padua. On the plain by the Colli Euganei, sits the  famous spa town of Abano Terme, these days quite a modern resort, but it has retained its historic centre around  Viale delle Terme and its cathedral (Duomo di San Lorenzo). Pedal on to visit the suburb of Montirone where the sanctuary church has some beautiful frescoes or simply head straight for that culturally irresistible spot, Padua where your hotel is right on the Naviglio (waterway) close to the Astronomical Observatory.
Miles: 27 Kms: 45

It’s an easy cycle towards the coast today, through relaxing country landscapes, pastures and fields to your hotel in Mestre on the mainland just outside Venice. From here the stunning city of waterways, lagoons, gondoliers and bridges is just a convenient bus ride away. Sit in Piazza San Marco and watch the world go by, or climb the campanile to admire the view. Linger on the Bridge of Sighs or head for the Dogue’s Palace to have your breath truly taken away. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, so why not toast that with a little Grappa tasting session to celebrate your tour, (close to St Mark’s Square – included in tour price).
Miles: 25 Kms: 40

Depart after breakfast following a final night in Mestre.