Venice Region Bike Tour Reviews page 8
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★★★★★ Linden
A different view of Italy!
Venice to Mantova by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
We took this adventure Mantova to Venice and we are glad we did. Mantova is lovely and has a very long bike trail that comes from much farther to the North and West. Our biking around the lakes and along the Po and Adige rivers basins was very pleasant and comfortable on dedicated bike trails with very little elevation gain, mostly on bridges or overpasses for short distances. This is our kind of trip, nature, no stress, stops in interesting places. The guides were fantastic: thanks Francesco and Stefanya! The boat was very well cared for and comfortable and the dinners were rave worthy. The only thing I'd change--skip the rain which we had for 3 of our bike days.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Dave
Alpine to Italian Venice
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
It is the best way to get to know the Italian countryside and old downtown streets.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ James Allan Krause
Safe, well-marked trails, interesting stopover points, great accommodation and breakfasts, friendly culture
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
This was our fourth bike trip and second in Italy. Once again, it was rewarding. This ride began in Bolzano in a northeast region feeling more like Austria than Italy. With an extra day added at the beginning the Hotel Regina provided us with a gondola and train ride up to the mountain plateau to highland communities bordering the city. The nature and view there were worth the time. Back down in the orderly urban centre, we visited a museum devoted to Otiz, the 5000 year old iceman mummy discovered in the Alps several years ago. The exhibit accompanying this added significantly to our understanding of life in the region in former times and its development since. This all provided a wonderful start to the journey to follow we share with you.
The self guided bike tour itself was reasonable for the most part. We felt it was more aptly described as moderate for those choosing regular bikes, as we did. That being said, the equipment supplied was very good but only a single side pack limited carry along extras. One of the few drawbacks found was some of the legs of the journey were too long. Another irritant was the late checkin and early checkout times of hotels stayed in - still a carry over from the effects of covid. Really, the industry worldwide should revert back to former times in order to return some the value lost to consumers then.
One of the eight days was lost due to extreme rain and wind. Rather than brave hostile conditions, we decided to hop on a train and enjoyed a day touring Verona, a fascinating historical centre. Unfortunately, our suitcases were late in arriving so our time there was marked by having to walk about while still clad in our sports attire. Fortunately, this option was available to us on the day prior to a wildcat day long train strike - one of three such days occurring during the three plus weeks spent in Italy this May. The trains are really a great service but having a plan B in mind is a worthwhile travel strategy.
This bike trip had many unique features. A ferry ride on Lake Garda was one and took place on another day of (at time) heavy showers. The effect of this was the views could not be fully appreciated, but we dried off in a warm cabin after the four hour slog to the dock was completed. On board, the boat ride gave us more insight as to the lifestyle enjoyed and appeal of lakeside living on this massive body of water. Many stops were made on the lake to pick up and drop off passengers at communities on both sides of the lake and there was time for a few card games All in all, the added variety of the four plus hour long trip added to the overall experience.
Bike riding in May means being well prepared for all kinds of weather, from cool, rainy days to serious heat. As said, two days were affected by the former. However, the heat dome that followed began the day our trip ended and took temperatures into the 30s. Prepare well for the possibilities. Good rain gear is highly recommended and this includes waterproof jackets, shoe covers and shoes. All in all, there was enough just space in our bike bag to carry the basic equipment needed. SHOW MORE
Two other mentions would be to ensure navigation devices are capable of maintaining power for up to eight hours. Also, having a device carrier for phones on the handle bars is recommended. Although routes were well marked, having a single page backup map for each day stored in a waterproofed folder ensures no time is wasted staying on course.
The food was another reward. Continental breakfasts were rated good to excellent. A daily dose of Italian gelato found most everywhere added another highlight to each day. Every stopover point was well served with good restaurants and we supplemented meals with trips to supermarkets to add extras, such as fruit, nuts and other snacks. One advantage we found was being from northern lands we were used to eating earlier and restaurants were generally empty until after 7 pm.Italy has so much history and discoveries were made in all stopover points experienced. Venice was spectacular and worthy of the extra day spent there. We were able to take the tram directly from Mestre to Venice for a couple of dollars. The station was right around the corner from the hotel. Honestly, it is really hard to believe the city, with all its massive stone structures, was built on wooden pilings. Overall Italy, we found crowds were smaller in the mornings until around noon. Italians and other locals were generally found to come out en mass in the evenings. Tourist attractions and services can feel crowded then.
Italy is a favorite destination. All along the way, we found Italian people especially helpful and friendly, despite all the tourists. This was also a ‘major' highlight of the journey and experience. We highly recommend this tour to those valuing a warm culture in lands steeped with layers of history still so meaningful to the world at large. A memorable adventure.
SHOW LESS- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ MM
Beautiful Coastline
Venice to Trieste and Istria
Let's start with what was great about this trip. The actual destinations (Jesolo, Puertograro, Piran etc) were very nice and picturesque. The hotels were great especially as this price point. My favorite cycle bits were actually the final two days - the elevated cycling track from Trieste into Slovenia and the mountains from Piran to Porec.
The reason i don't give this a 5* is simply because the actual rides for all the inbetween other cities were kind of boring in my opinion and no shade anywhere. After a while, seeing more vineyards isn't entirely appealing to me and quite a few Gravel paths as well which meant you couldn't quickly get past them.
The locla tour operator were great and very responsive on Whastapp. Biketours were also very helpful via email ahead of the bookings.
Still worth doing it once, but for me personally I will choose a national park destination next time or something with trees around.
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★★★★★ Jeff .
Bucket List Trip
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
At 72, this was likely my most memorable vacation and I am looking to find another before I get too old to continue these. The trip description was very accurate and we stuck to the plan. Although “self-guided” it would be impossible without the guidance app provided. It is essential to take a phone holder for the bike to be able to follow the app. Best to put phone in airplane mode as suggested. There were around 8 other participants on same tour package. We communicated and kept track of each other and understand that my wife and I were the only participants that biked the entire 200 mile route without taking the train. The rout avoids major highways and provides bike trails and low use roads when possible. All accommodations were really nice and accommodating for e bikes. This is not “just a rail trail” but the e bike provided was sufficient and handled each day well. First class equipment and support. It was unseasonably hot, even at high elevations. Great trip!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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