Current as of: March 19, 2024 - 04:14

Lake Garda, Italy

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Italy
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: MWD
  • Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Spectacular riding from the stunning Dolomites to Venice

Few landscapes in Europe match the beauty of the jagged limestone Dolomites. The route starts with incredible views of Trentino’s dramatic mountains, cycling on relatively easy roads and tracks along the Adige River. On reaching the northern shore of Lake Garda, the views of one of the most famous Italian lakes is unforgettable. A ferry cruise on the lake gives us the opportunity to take in these wonderful vistas before continuing the ride through the beautiful cities of Verona, Padova and finally the canals and waterways of Venice.

Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride

At a Glance

  • Five days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
  • 95 percent paved roads, 5 percent gravel tracks
  • Group normally 7 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Seven nights in three-star hotels
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

  • Cycle through memorable Dolomite scenery
  • Relax on the picturesque shores of Lake Garda
  • Discover the fascinating cities of Verona, Padova and Venice

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is classified as Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

  • Average daily distance: 41mi (65km) with five days of cycling
  • Terrain and route: 95 percent paved roads, five percent gravel/unpaved roads

We use mainly quiet roads and cycle paths where possible, but at times we need to cross busy road sections to reach the quieter routes on the other side. Although there are no real steep climbs or technical difficulties, the route is undulating at times (Especially on days 4 & 5) and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

A support vehicle (with limited seats) is available throughout the trip. It cannot follow the group at all times, but will meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give directions and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike.

Group

Normally seven to 16 plus leader. A cycling leader rides with the group at all times.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 7

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Map MWD

Land Only

  • Start City: Trento
  • End City: Padua

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Trento

The trip starts in Trento, a city nestled in the Adige River Valley in the Trentino-Alto Adige province. A cosmopolitan hub and centre for industry, education, science and finance, Trento is one of the most prosperous cities in Italy with an atmospheric historic centre of well-preserved Medieval and Renaissance buildings. After check-in, there may be time to go into town before our evening meal and trip briefing.

Day 2
Morning train to Bolzano, capital city of the South Tyrol. Cycle on quiet roads following the Adige River back to Trento

After breakfast, we take a 40-minute train ride to Bolzano, the capital city of the South Tyrol surrounded by powerful peaks. We can familiarise ourselves with the bikes on a short tour around the historic centre. From here, we will cycle south along the Adige River, following quiet undulating roads, with an overall ascent of approximately 985ft (300m). Cycling through orchards and vineyards, we pass Lake Caldaro and the lovely villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. This area is well known for producing wine, accounting for three-quarters of the output in South Tyrol. We arrive back in Trento in the late afternoon and spend a second night at our central hotel.

Distance covered: 47mi (75km)

Ascent: 1,614ft (492m); Activity hours: 7

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Continue riding along the river to Lake Garda. A 3hr ferry cruise takes us to the south shore of the lake

We continue along the Adige until we reach Rovereto and Mori. From here, we head west towards the northern shores of Lake Garda. After some short ascents, we cycle down to Torbole and then onto the elegant resort of Riva del Garda, which has plenty of bars and restaurants along the lake shore and a lovely beach. Later in the afternoon, we take the ferry to the southern end of the lake, leaving Trentino and heading towards the Veneto region. A lake cruise allows us to enjoy the splendid landscape and relax before we reach our final destination of the day, Desenzano, where we take a short walk from the ferry port to reach our hotel for the night.

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Ascent: 1,004ft (306m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
From Lake Garda, we cycle to Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Cycling mainly on quiet roads and cycle paths today, we make our way to Verona, which, is arguably the most beautiful city in Veneto. The arena is one of the many Roman monuments we can discover there, while other places of interest are the Basilica San Zeno and, of course, Juliet’s house and balcony.

Distance covered: 38mi (61km)

Ascent: 1,647ft (502m); Activity hours: 7

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Cycle to Vicenza, riding through vineyards

After a flat start, we’ll face a couple more challenging climbs on today’s route as we cycle over the undulating terrain, but we are rewarded with fantastic views of vineyards. Our destination for the day is Vicenza. The old city centre is a jewel of Renaissance architecture: private palaces, public buildings and the basilica are testaments to the work of Andrea Palladio, one of the most renowned architects in Italy. A visit to the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza is a great reward after today’s ride.

Distance covered: 46mi (74km)

Ascent: 1,804ft (550m); Activity hours: 8

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Pass the Palladian Villa Rotonda and the rolling hills of Monte Berici as we cycle to Padua

Today we can take in some of the greenest and most stunning views of the Veneto countryside. Leaving Vicenza, we cycle past beautiful Palladian villas and we reach the hillier region of Monti Berici. We continue along the Bacchiglione River, on relatively quiet and flat roads, to the fascinating city of Padua (Padova in Italian), which is known for the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto, and the Prato della Valle, one of the biggest squares in Europe. A dinner is included this evening and we spend the night in Padua.

Distance covered: 35mi (56km)

Ascent: 902ft (275m); Activity hours: 7

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
To the enchanting city of Venice; sightseeing on foot

This morning, we transfer to Venice by train (approximately 30 minutes). Once in the heart of the Floating City, we can explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, bridges and waterways. We see famous sights including Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge and, of course, Piazza San Marco. After exploring the city, we can enjoy a relaxed evening – speak to your tour leader to organise an optional gondola ride – before returning to our hotel in Padua by train.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
End Padua

The trip ends in Padua after breakfast. However, if you would prefer to extend your stay and explore a little more, speak to your sales representative.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

3 and 4-star hotels

Hotel Bonotto, Desenzano

We use a variety of three- and four-star hotels throughout with en suite facilities. They may be either in the towns themselves or in the surrounding countryside and are selected based on a combination of service levels, cleanliness, location and value.

Examples of hotels used:

Trento: Hotel America
Desenzano: Hotel Bonotto or Hotel Piroscafo
Verona: Hotel Leon d’Oro
Vicenza: Hotel Cristina
Padova: Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

Single supplement from £ 410

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included on this trip. For breakfast you can expect a continental-style buffet including cold meats, eggs, cheese, breads, pastries, jam, tea and coffee.

For lunch and dinner, our leader can recommend his favourite restaurants based on your budget and preferences. As you would expect from a holiday in Italy, the standard of food and drink throughout the tour is extremely high and varied as we head from the mountains to the coast. Expect plenty of pizza and pasta dishes but also lots of seafood options on restaurant menus too. This trip passes through several wine-producing regions; if possible, we will stop at one or two during the week.

Transport

Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). There is a support vehicle following the group most of the time, which will also carry your baggage between hotels and be available on request for assistance or if you choose to stop cycling for the day; however, please be aware it has limited seats. A guide cycles with the group at all times.

Weather & Seasonality

In the Dolomites – as always in the mountains – the weather can be very changeable. On average in summer months, you can expect rain on one day in two, but it is likely to come in heavy and thundery outbursts of relatively short duration rather than prolonged showers. Down in the valleys, daytime temperatures range on average from 12C to 22C (54F to 72F), although 25C (77F) is not unusual. As we ride out of the mountains, the weather often gets warmer, therefore you need to be ready for anything, and to pack shorts as well as warmer clothes, full waterproofs and sunscreen.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel America, Via Torre Verde, 50, 38122 Trento TN
Phone: +39 0461 983010
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Venice Marco Polo (VCE)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 2hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is long and expensive. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs approximately €470-€500.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

The trip ends in Padua, approximately 45 minutes from Venice Marco Polo Airport. There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join.

If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Trento
Location end: Padua

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Normal daily clothes
  • Warmer layers (for earlier departures)
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

Equipment Hire

Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Musing Twinroad, an aluminium hybrid bike.

We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.

E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £190/US$270/360 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible­­ f­or any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Accessories and clothing

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:

  • Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
  • Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
  • Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
  • Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
  • Breathable top or cycling jersey
  • Waterproofs and long cycling trousers

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

Cash points are widely available throughout trip and almost all places visited accept major credit cards.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need sufficient funds to buy lunches and dinners that are not included. We suggest allowing €15‐€20 for lunch and €25‐€35 for dinner (excluding drinks). Your leader will also collect an optional trip kitty (approximately €8-€10 per person for the week) for the provision of snacks, soft drinks and fruit during the rides.

All accommodation is included in the price of the trip but hotel taxes in Italy must be paid locally when checking into the hotel. Please allow €16 for the week to cover this.

The Italian government is planning to introduce an additional tax on those visiting Venice for less than 2 nights (as is the case on our trip), starting from summer 2023. The fee is expected to be between €3-10 per person and will be payable via a dedicated website or app.

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leaders at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a starting point, we suggest €25 per person for the leader. It is also customary to tip private bus drivers (we suggest from €15 per person for the week).

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. A number of the hotels we use are family owned.
  • Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites.
  • We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
  • Some departures of this trip provide the opportunity for you to collect water samples for the International eBioAtlas initiative which collects vital DNA information to assist in essential conservation initiatives.
  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us and the eBioAtlas.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • We use two hotels that use solar power – in Trento the Hotel America and in Desenzano the Hotel Bonotto.
  • We use the train from Trento to Bolzano on Day 2 and from Padova to Venice on day 7.
  • Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

 

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.