A Dream of Italy - Venetian Highlights cycling tour
This cultural cycling tour takes you through Venice, Vicenza - city of Palladio and Padua - and St. Anthony, the second oldest university town in Italy. You'll visit little towns and villages scattered across the countryside and the tour finishes at the recreational thermal spa of Abano. This tour is considered easy cycling; it is mostly flat with a few gentle undulations. Arrival every Saturday from 14th April to 30th June and from 25th August to 22nd September 2012 Special arrangements for groups of at least 6 people on request! Services Included Welcome briefing Accommodation in the mentioned category Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast Bike Hire Luggage transport from hotel to hotel 24-hour ticket for Venice (public transportation, bike tickets about 3 per bike are not included) Journey by train Rovigo - Monselice Tour pack including one set of detailed travel documents (maps, route description, places of interest, telephone numbers) per booked room 7-days-Service-Hotline E-signposting Electro bikes are available on this tour as an optional extra. Not Included Any visitors tax is NOT included in the price.
8 days, 7 nights Arrival on Saturday
Day 1: Individual arrival at Venice / Mestre
Welcome briefing and handing over of rental bicycles. Take the opportunity to explore the lagoon city of Venice. The heart of Venice can be easily reached by public transport in about 20 min. from the hotel.
Day 2: Mestre Venice Chioggia / Sottomarina approx. 35 km
Start the day by crossing the Freedom Bridge into Venice. Take the ferry to the famous Lido then cycle through Palestrina with wonderful views of the sea to Chioggia. Chioggia is a quiet little town full of history , taking you back into the times of Venices sea power. Take time to have lunch at one of the number of delightful fish restaurants. Continue to Sottomarina with its large sandy beach. Overnight in Sottomarina
Day 3: Chioggia / Sottomarina Rovigo approx. 65 km
Cycle along quiet roads to the river Adige. Enjoy the local area before continuing on your way to Rovigo and your hotel. This is a charming town with narrow alleyways, large squares, comfortable cafes and friendly people.
Day 4: Rovigo Vicenza approx. 55 km
The day will start with a train ride to Monselice. Cycle through the rolling Euganese hills to Arqua Petrarca, a little town with original medieval features. Continue along quiet roads to the foot of Monti Berici and on to the centre of Vincenza. Here in the old town you can still feel the influence of Palladio, a famous medieval architect.
Day 5: Lago di Fimon approx. 35 km
Stay in your hotel for a second night, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding lakes, including Lake Fimon nestling in midst of the Monti Berici. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the lake before heading up a short climb and then its all downhill back to Vicenza. Enjoy the unique architecture of the city. The basilica and Teatro Olimpico are only two examples its striking architecture.
Day 6: Vicenza Abano Terme approx. 35 km
As you cycle out of Vincenza you will pass some wonderful Venetian villas. The ride continues along the river Bacchiglione to Abano Terme, home of a famous thermal spa. You will then be free to explore the area for the rest of the day. Padua, the city of St. Anthoy and 2nd oldest university in Italy can be reached easily by public transport.
Day 7: Abano Terme Venice / Mestre approx. 50 km
Cycle from Abano Terme to the sea today often with a warm wind helping your way. Continue along the coast back to Venice through open pastures and fields..
Day 8: Individual departure or extra days
Extra days are available please telephone +44 (0) 1242 250642 or email steve@compass-holidays.com for details.
Electro bikes are available on this tour as an optional extra.
Hotel Price: £703.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
