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Lake Garda to Venice by bicycle |
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A Self Guided gentle cycling tour from beautiful Lake Garda to the stunning city of Venice. |
Ref: EX-DIG
9 days
from £855 (minimum 1 passengers)
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Destination:
Italy
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A Self Guided Tour: A gentle cycle tour from beautiful Lake Garda to wonderful Venice
Highlights: Venice, Verona and Padua - Exploring the Veneto - Easy Cycling - Soave and its wine - Palladian architecture - Lake Garda.
This trip starts on the southern shores of Lake Garda, arguably the most beautiful of the Italian lakes and here the landscape has the feel of the Mediterranean, with palms and citrus trees among grove of olives and vines. We have a full day here to explore the area and perhaps take a boat trip on the Lake. Then we start our relaxed cycling tour, heading east through the Veneto. Our night stops are in places of great interest, the landscape is well suited to cycling and shows us many sides of Italy, from little villages, ancient churches, farming communities and vineyards to modern towns which have risen out of the ashes of the last war. The real delight of this trip is exploration of some of the most historic cities in Europe, made all the easier by having plenty of time and using bicycles to reach many of the town centres that are virtually inaccessible to vehicles. A fitting climax is a day in Venice, just a short train or bus journey from our last hotel.
This trip departs every Saturday from 15 March to 04 October 2003: Please call or email us for availability and bookings.
Is this trip for you? Cycling is mainly on surfaced roads (there are a few sections of dirt road) and as far as possible follow quiet lanes and designated cycle ways, however in places it is necessary to ride on busier roads. Cycling is a popular activity in this part of Italy so the motorists are used to cyclists and are usually fairly tolerant. Distances are between 30 and 50 km each day and there is just one major hill (on day 5). Nearly the entire route has been waymarked, so combined with the Exodus route notes and the map you should have no problem finding your way. On certain days there is the option of taking the train (at your expense) all or some of the way if you do not want to cycle. Bikes can be taken on some but not all Italian trains for a flat charge. This holiday is self-led, so no leader or guide but luggage is transferred and telephone contact numbers are supplied.
Accommodation is 8 nights in 3 star hotels, in twin rooms, all en suite. The hotels are normally situated within 1 km of the town centre, however at certain busy times, it may be necessary to use a hotel up to 3.5 km from the centre. The earlier you book the better the choice of hotels. A list of hotels will be sent with your tickets shortly before departure. Breakfasts are included and are normally buffet style. You are free to arrange your own lunches and dinners as there is so much choice here. All the towns have supermarkets and bakeries should you wish to purchase a picnic, otherwise you pass cafes every day. Every evening there is a good choice of places to eat. You can always find traditional Italian cuisine and of course if it suits your pallet you can sample the many variations of Soave wine. |
Day 1 | Fly from London to Verona Villafranca. Transfer first by shuttle bus from the airport to the train station, then by train to Sirmione/Desezano and then a short taxi ride to the hotel. (This is easier than it may first appear but the cost is not included in the holiday price.) Either during the evening or first thing next morning an Exodus representative will deliver hire bikes to your hotel. Those with land-only arrangements start the trip at the first hotel. | Day 2 | A day to explore the area around the southern shores of Lake Garda. Sirmione stands in a superb location, with magnificent views, at the end of a spit of land jutting into the southern end of the lake. This is arguably the most scenic area to explore if cruising on the lake is not for you. There is also a lido for swimming and some nice short walks.
| Day 3 | Leaving Lake Garda we cycle on a traffic-free route along the side of the Mincio river and then through the village of Sommacampagna, ending the day after 48km in the historic city of Verona. The compact area of narrow streets, ancient squares, mediaeval palaces and the vast Roman arena are easy to explore by cycle and on foot. | Day 4 | An easier day of 31km. The route climbs gently out of the Adige valley and skirts the southern hills of the Soave wine growing district until we reach the impressive castle and walls of Soave itself. | Day 5 | This is the most rural day of the trip as we continue through the Soave vineyards. After the village of Brendola we have the only major hill of the trip, with a height gain of 250m over a distance of some 3 km. Our reward is stunning views and a blissful 8km descent to the town of Vicenza, with its superb Palladian buildings. Total distance approximately 40km. | Day 6 | An easy day of 35 km cycling to Abano Terme, so there is time to see more of Vicenza before leaving in the morning. Abano Terme is a spa town, and the use of its thermal waters dates back to the 7th century. There are plenty of spa treatments on offer if you feel the need! | Day 7 | Northeast from Abano Terme we follow the Battaglia canal to the ancient city of Padua, which is certainly worth exploring. You should try and see at least the university which was established in 1222, the Basilica del Santo and Giotto’s frescoed chapel. From Padua we join the Brenta canal system and a level route takes us past some of the gorgeous villas of the Veneto before we finally reach Mestre/Marghera. Total distance approximately 48 kms. | Day 8 | A free day to explore incomparable Venice. Sip a coffee in St Mark’s Square by the magnificent Basilica or take a gondola on the canals. There are literally hundreds of churches, sights, shops and restaurants to fill your day. | Day 9 | Take a bus or taxi from the hotel to the airport, (not included but easy to arrange). Return to London from Venice Marco Polo airport. Those with land-only arrangements end the trip in Mestre. |
Departures Between | Price from | 04 Sep 04 - 02 Oct 04 | *£855 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Departs every Saturday from 03 April to 02 October 2004
Prices are based on two people sharing a twin room.
Compulsory single supplement £145
Insurance £33
Bike hire £35
Airport transfers not included
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
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Lake Garda to Venice by bicycle
A Self Guided gentle cycling tour from beautiful Lake Garda to the stunning city of Venice.
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