Bolzano – Verona – Venice
7 nights from €990
4.48Discover the Dolomites, the Adige, and Italy's spectacular cities
Few landscapes in Europe match the unique beauty of the Dolomites, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2009. Your cycling route starts in the heart of these superb mountains and follows the course of the River Adige towards the palm-lined shores of Lake Garda.
Further on, you'll explore some remarkable Italian cities such as Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet; Vicenza, renowned for its classical Palladio architecture; and Padua, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities. At the end of the trip, the timeless fascination of Venice will invite you in for an incredible exploration by foot or gondola.
Self-guided Northern Italy
“Great ride, E Bikes, 3 adults in their 70's and 80's. We had a wonderful self-guided ride about 220 miles on mostly- paved wide bike paths using the GPS tracks which we had previously…” More
“Great ride, E Bikes, 3 adults in their 70's and 80's.
We had a wonderful self-guided ride about 220 miles on mostly- paved wide bike paths using the GPS tracks which we had previously downloaded and riding on our Girolibero bikes (which were in perfect shape). The travel guide emailed to us by Bike Tours was excellent, giving cultural information as well as the daily mileage requirement and tips on how to shorten our day using the local trains which we never found to be desired or necessary. The guide also included all the necessary vouchers for our hotels, ferry ride and free ice cream as well as travel info on getting to Bolzano. The ride itself was spectacularly beautiful, especially starting near the Dolomites and following the River Adige with mountains on the other side all the way down to Lake Garda.
There was a detour programmed into our GPS tracks and also a surprise one which was not. We navigated that short detour pretty well for not speaking Italian thanks to the very helpful/understandable signage. We had selected three star hotels which we might change to four star for our next ride. The first three days the hotels and the breakfasts were top notch but after that got progressively more like 2 star hotels ending in Venice/Mestre where we were escorted to a refurbished garage behind the main hotel, not what we had hoped for on our last and only night in Italy. In terms of the bike route itself we found the 4 hour ferry ride on Lake Garda unfortunate as there is a bike path around the lake which we would have preferred. The ferry ride was totally fogged in so we could not enjoy the beautiful sights and there was no food or drink available on board -a long 4 hours to think about a glass of wine. On the whole, we loved the trip and would do it again- the mountains, the exercise, the cuisine, the history, the people. Getting to Bolzano when our flights landed in Venice was our biggest problem - we had trouble trying to decipher the train system. But then the Bolzano funicula ride and the adventure on the ridge line overlooking the city and the Dolomites in the distance made up for getting bogged down catching trains. Looking forward to our next self-guided E-bike adventure.” Less
—bridget Harron
Incredible trip!
“This route exceeded our expectations! Each day had so much to see and experience. We so much enjoyed these smaller Italian cities with amazing vibes and hardly any crowds. And the ability to ride up…” More
“This route exceeded our expectations! Each day had so much to see and experience. We so much enjoyed these smaller Italian cities with amazing vibes and hardly any crowds. And the ability to ride up and down the streets and take it in on a bike was a real gift. We were able to see so much more than on foot and go to places we never would’ve seen on a train or taxi. We loved this tour so much! So much architecture, so much history! I especially loved the transition from mountains to Mediterranean. The bikes we got on this trip had less comfortable seats than our last bike tour. Wish we brought our padded shorts! Also, highly recommend the e-bikes. Made the trip so enjoyable. Might have had some difficulty on regular bike. Do-able but quite tiring for a casual cyclist.” Less
—Lauren Hickman
25th Anniversary Trip
“A great way to see the beautiful smaller towns of Italy that you would normally drive right by!”
—MelT
Daily Program
Day 1: Bolzano
Individual arrival in Bolzano. Located along the Isarco River, bilingual Bolzano has always been at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and central Europe. Today, it's an important commercial and tourist center offering plenty to see and do.
Overnight in Bolzano.
Day 2: Bolzano – Trento
40 miles/65 km; elev. +295 m/-365 m
Today you'll ride mostly along the alluring Adige River, passing through verdant vineyards and orchards and gliding past the quaint villages of Ora, Egna, and Salorno. The dam pathways will lead you to Trento, and there is the possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train from several stations along the route.
Optional "hilly" variant: 44 miles/70 km; elev. +410 m/-475 m
Overnight in Trento.
Day 3: Trento – Desenzano/Peschiera
31 miles/50 km + ferry; elev. +300 m/-430 m
Pedaling along the picturesque Adige once again, you'll reach Rovereto and Mori. From here, it's a westward ride towards Lake Garda, the most spectacular of the Italian lakes. After a short ascent, descend into Torbole and Riva. The ferry cruise will then take you on a memorable cruise to the southern part of the lake.
Overnight in Desenzano/Peschiera.
Day 4: Desenzano/Peschiera – Verona
cycling from Peschiera: 22 miles/60 km; elev. +255 m/-260 m | cycling from Desenzano: 37 miles/60 km; elev. +490 m/-495 m
Today you'll head to Verona, one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region. In this romantic, Romanesque city, you'll see exactly why it inspired Shakespeare's legendary plays Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. The Roman Arena, Church of San Zeo, and the Juliet balcony are all worth visiting.
Overnight in Verona.
Day 5: Verona – Vicenza
44 miles/70 km; elev. +425 m/-435 m
Today's route starts out flat before heading through the Monti Berici, a hilly region just south of Vicenza offering wonderful views over the city. The old city center of Vicenza is characterized by beautiful private palaces and public buildings designed by Andrea Palladio, the world-famous 16th-century architect. The cycling in this stage can be reduced by taking a train from San Bonifacio (25 miles/40 km).
Optional "hilly" variant: 44 miles/70 km; elev. +655 m/-665 m
Overnight in Vicenza.
Day 6: Vicenza – Padua Thermal District
31 miles/50 km; elev. +220 m/-260 m
Cycling out of Vicenza along the cycle path of the river Bacchiglione, you can admire the Palladian masterpiece of Villa La Rotonda. Passing through the hamlet of Montegalda, you'll head towards the Euganean Hills where you'll have the chance to relax in the largest European thermal district.
Overnight in Padua Thermal District.
Day 7: Padua thermal district – Mestre/Venice
34 miles/55 km; elev. +195 m/-200 m
Along the cycle path of the Battaglia Canal you'll pass through Padua, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities. Leaving this city of art and history, you'll cycle along the Piovego Canal to reach Stra. Bike on by following the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann), eventually reaching Mestre, the Venice mainland.
Overnight in Mestre.*
Day 8: Mestre/Venice
Individual departure.
*Note: The hotel on Venice Island can only be booked for extra nights - the last night of the tour will always be in Mestre. If you wish, you may book additional nights in Venice, post-tour.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A: mostly 4-star hotels with some 3-star hotels– very comfortable with en-suite facilities. Most hotels will have air conditioning, with the exception of some hotels in mountainous areas. Mostly in city centers.
Bolzano: Hotel Magdalener Hof
Trento: Grand Hotel Trento
Peschiera: Hotel Clarin 14
Verona: Hotel San Marco Verona
Vicenza: Palace Hotel
Padua Thermal District: Hotel Majestic
Mestre: Mestre Park Hotel Ai Pini
Category B: Mainly 3-star hotels– very comfortable with en-suite facilities. Most hotels will have air conditioning, with the exception of some hotels in mountainous areas.
Bolzano: Hotel Regina
Trento: Hotel Everest Trento
Peschiera: Hotel Dori
Verona: Hotel Porta Palio
Vicenza: Key Hotel
Padua Thermal District: Hotel Sporting
Mestre: Mestre Hotel Venezia
Note: Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid on location directly to each hotel (approximately €10-15 per person for the duration of the tour).
The hotel on Venice island can only be booked for extra nights, the last night of the tour will always be in Mestre.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
27-speed touring bike, unisex
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by the mechanics, the touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
27-speed touring bike, men's
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
27-speed standard bike, men's
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
Electrically assisted bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Other details
Children's bikes, seats, trailers and tag-alongs are also available upon request
Bike Protection:
Protection against theft and irreparable damage is included in the rental bike price. In case of careless or improper behaviour the insurance will not cover the costs. The insurance covers only the rented bikes, while it is not valid for any bike accessories (lock, helmet, panniers, handlebar bag, child seat, child devices etc…) nor personal belongings left on the bike or in the panniers/handlebar bags. Furthermore, the insurance is not valid for e-bikes used by customers under the age of 18. In case of theft the insurance may be activated only if the client presents: - a police report made at the local police office - the lock key in case of e-bike, or the damaged lock in case of standard bike.
Helmets:
Helmets are available to rent head circumferences 54-61 cm (see pricing chart), but for safety and hygiene purposes we recommend you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival.
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
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Surface and terrain
As a whole, this tour has an easy to manage itinerary, riding on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. There are occasional light hilly areas with short uphill sections.
Trains with bike transportation connect all the cities of the tour, so in case of bad weather, or if you need a day of rest, you can reach your destination by train (not included in tour costs).
Route Profile:
Total length: 290-360 km/180-225 miles
Total vertical up: 570/1,120 m
Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
Train connections among the overnight stays: day 2, 3, 4 and 5
Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 3, 5 and 7.
How to get there
Tour Start
Nearest airports: Verona (VRN) or Innsbruck (INN)
Nearest train stations: Bolzano
From airport: Verona (VRN)
Every day, the Aerobus shuttle service to the station of Verona Porta Nuova leaves every 20 minutes from 6:30 to 23:35 (transfer: about 30 min; ticket: €5). From Verona Porta Nuova you take a train to Bolzano (transfer: 120 min; ticket: from €8-20 depending on the type of train).
Tour End
Nearest airports: Venice (VCE)
Nearest Train: Venezia Mestre
To airport: Venezia Marco Polo (VCE)
Take the Fly Bus shuttle service to the airport - it leaves every 25-30 minutes from 6:06am-11:40pm. (transfer: 17 min; ticket €3)
To return to Bolzano from Mestre/Venice
You can reserve a minivan transfer, available Saturdays and Sundays, and Tuesdays from May 23-Sep 12. The cost is €90 per person with the operator's bike included. Additional €30 to transfer a personal bike. The availability is limited, please inquire when booking your tour.
--OR--
By train, the transfer is quick and inexpensive. From Venezia or Mestre there are about 20 trains a day between 6.30 am and 19.30 pm. (transfer: about 180 minutes; tickets: €14-28 per person depending on the train; www.trenitalia.com) Between Venice and Bolzano there are no direct connections, you always have to change in Verona Porta Nuova.
Tips for getting to and from your tour.
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