Backroads to Venice
Operated by UTracks

Backroads to Venice

From
CAD 2,090
Duration
8 days
Countries
Italy
Activity
moderate
Rating
4.6 · 29 reviewsvia UTracks

The adventure

Explore Veneto on the popular Backroads to Venice Cycle tour. Ride from Bolzano to Venice on an affordable & highly-rated self-guided cycling holiday in Italy.

At a glance

Duration
8 days
Route
Countries
Italy
Activity level
moderate
Style
Cycling
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

View of a historic hilltop town surrounded by lush greenery under cloudy skies.
Your journey through

Italy

Day 1Day 1: Join BolzanoThe trip begins in Bolzano, gateway to the Alps in the heart of the dramatic Dolomites. Located along the Isarco river, bilingual Bolzano stands at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and central Europe. Today it is an important commercial and tourist centre. Depending on the time you arrive we recommend taking a stroll around the Piazza Walther where the life of the city is found. Additional nights before the trip can be added on request, please ask for our rates.
The trip begins in Bolzano, gateway to the Alps in the heart of the dramatic Dolomites. Located along the Isarco river, bilingual Bolzano stands at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and central Europe. Today it is an important commercial and tourist centre. Depending on the time you arrive we recommend taking a stroll around the Piazza Walther where the life of the city is found. Additional nights before the trip can be added on request, please ask for our rates.
Day 2Day 2: Cycle to Trento along the Adige (70km/43.5mi)This morning there will be a meeting at the bike centre with a local representative who will deliver your bikes and answer any questions. You will start riding along the River Adige cycle path, through orchards and the vineyards of the renowned Wine Route. You can choose to ride a hilly variant which takes you to the beautiful Lake Kaltern, or follow the entire bike path (65km) along the Adige River, which is flat. Half way between Bolzano and Trento you will reach Salorno, which represents the linguistic border between the German and the Italian world. It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way. Elevation +410m/1345ft, -475m/1558ft or along the bike path: +295m/967ft, -365m/1987ft
This morning there will be a meeting at the bike centre with a local representative who will deliver your bikes and answer any questions. You will start riding along the River Adige cycle path, through orchards and the vineyards of the renowned Wine Route. You can choose to ride a hilly variant which takes you to the beautiful Lake Kaltern, or follow the entire bike path (65km) along the Adige River, which is flat. Half way between Bolzano and Trento you will reach Salorno, which represents the linguistic border between the German and the Italian world. It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way. Elevation +410m/1345ft, -475m/1558ft or along the bike path: +295m/967ft, -365m/1987ft
Day 3Day 3: By bike and boat to Lake Garda south (50km/31mi)Continue cycling alongside the Adige to Rovereto, famous for its museum of modern and contemporary art. After a short ascent to Passo di San Giovanni, enjoy a superb view over Lake Garda and the little town of Torbole. Continue to Riva del Garda, from where you will take a ferry* (approx 4-5 hours) to reach the southern part of the lake. Overnight in Peschiera or Desenzano del Garda, dependent on availability. *if the ferry is cancelled or not operating eg at the end of the season you will travel by alternative means, usually by bus. Elevation +300m/984ft, -430m/1410ft
Continue cycling alongside the Adige to Rovereto, famous for its museum of modern and contemporary art. After a short ascent to Passo di San Giovanni, enjoy a superb view over Lake Garda and the little town of Torbole. Continue to Riva del Garda, from where you will take a ferry* (approx 4-5 hours) to reach the southern part of the lake. Overnight in Peschiera or Desenzano del Garda, dependent on availability. *if the ferry is cancelled or not operating eg at the end of the season you will travel by alternative means, usually by bus. Elevation +300m/984ft, -430m/1410ft
Day 4Day 4: Cycle to historical Verona (35 or 60km/21.5 or 37mi)After crossing the hilly landscape surrounding Lake Garda you will meet the Adige river again which will take you into bustling Verona, one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region and the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”. An early start will ensure you'll have time to explore its many sights including the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House. You can take a short walk or cycle across the river and up the hill for a great view of the city. With no shortage of attractions, gelato and fine food in Verona, the night time café scene is worth staying up for. Elevation from Peschiera +255m/836ft, -260m/853ft or from Desenzano +-490m/1608ft
After crossing the hilly landscape surrounding Lake Garda you will meet the Adige river again which will take you into bustling Verona, one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region and the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”. An early start will ensure you'll have time to explore its many sights including the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House. You can take a short walk or cycle across the river and up the hill for a great view of the city. With no shortage of attractions, gelato and fine food in Verona, the night time café scene is worth staying up for. Elevation from Peschiera +255m/836ft, -260m/853ft or from Desenzano +-490m/1608ft
Day 5Day 5: Continue to Vicenza via Soave (70km/43.5mi)Cycling in the countryside at the foot of the Lessini mountains and among the vineyards you will reach the castle of Soave. Continuing, there are two options today from Montebello. The flatter path brings you close to the beautiful castles of Romeo and Juliet in Montecchio Maggiore, while the hilly route leads you through the Berici hills. Vicenza lies ahead. Vicenza's old centre is characterized by beautiful private and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect. Elevation +-460m/1510ft or via the Berici Hills +-700m/2297ft It is possible to shorten this stage by taking the train in San Bonifacio (just after Soave - 35km/21.5mi).
Cycling in the countryside at the foot of the Lessini mountains and among the vineyards you will reach the castle of Soave. Continuing, there are two options today from Montebello. The flatter path brings you close to the beautiful castles of Romeo and Juliet in Montecchio Maggiore, while the hilly route leads you through the Berici hills. Vicenza lies ahead. Vicenza's old centre is characterized by beautiful private and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect. Elevation +-460m/1510ft or via the Berici Hills +-700m/2297ft It is possible to shorten this stage by taking the train in San Bonifacio (just after Soave - 35km/21.5mi).
Day 6Day 6: Cycle past Palladio's Villa la Rotonda…Cycling out of Vicenza along the cycle path of the Bacchiglione river you can admire the Palladian masterpiece Villa La Rotonda. Continuing past the hamlet of Montegalda, you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you will have the chance to relax in the largest European thermal district. With a small detour of about 10km at the end of the stage, you can enjoy a wine and oil tasting (included). Elevation +220m/721ft, -260m/853ft
Cycling out of Vicenza along the cycle path of the Bacchiglione river you can admire the Palladian masterpiece Villa La Rotonda. Continuing past the hamlet of Montegalda, you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you will have the chance to relax in the largest European thermal district. With a small detour of about 10km at the end of the stage, you can enjoy a wine and oil tasting (included). Elevation +220m/721ft, -260m/853ft
Day 7Day 7: Cycle along the Brenta Canal to Mestre (55km/34mi)From the thermal district you follow the cycle path of the Battaglia canal to the fascinating city of Padova, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. Here you’ll find the famous Scrovegni Chapel, with frescoes by Giotto, and one of the largest squares in Europe, 'Prato della Valle'. It's an easy day through the flat Veneto. From Padova, continue along the Piovego Canal to Stra then follow the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann), until you reach Mestre on Venice's mainland. Elevation +195m/640ft, -200m/656ft
From the thermal district you follow the cycle path of the Battaglia canal to the fascinating city of Padova, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. Here you’ll find the famous Scrovegni Chapel, with frescoes by Giotto, and one of the largest squares in Europe, 'Prato della Valle'. It's an easy day through the flat Veneto. From Padova, continue along the Piovego Canal to Stra then follow the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann), until you reach Mestre on Venice's mainland. Elevation +195m/640ft, -200m/656ft
Day 8Day 8: Trip concludesArrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged on request, in Mestre and on request on Venice island.
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged on request, in Mestre and on request on Venice island.

Traveller reviews

4.6

Based on 29 reviews · via UTracks

Discover Italy

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Upcoming departures

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