Culture, scenery and history — A true renaissance experience in Northern Italy!
We begin our Italy bike tour with a three night stay in Milan before we begin our nine day bike tour that begins on spectacular Lake Como. Our tour includes cycling and light hiking around Lake Como. As one of our favorite adventure cycling tours in Europe, it includes cycling and light hiking around Lake Como before our motor coach transfers us from Lake Como to one of the most scenic areas in Italy; where we continue cycling through the Pusteria Valley with it’s Tyrollean atmosphere. We’ll cycle to the modern, chic city of Cortina d’Ampezzo nestled below the Dolomite mountains, offering a 360 degree view of their dramatic spires and peaks. We’ll take some time for a light hike in the Dolomites before cycling through the beautiful Prosecco hills with spectacular views of the vineyards. At the end of our cycling tour you’ll have a two day stay in Venice. In Venice, we’ve scheduled a two hour guided tour with lots of shopping, sight seeing, and plenty of great food and wine. Our accommodations while on the bike tour will be in charming inns, and while in the city we’ll stay in four star hotels located within walking distance of all the popular sites.
Read notes from our travel journal and view highlights from our most recent Italy trip!
Itinerary:
A typical Italy trip schedule
Arriving in Milan
Departing from Venice
Arrival Day 1 – Complimentary transportation will be arranged for you from the airport to the hotel. For the next three days we’ll explore the historic, metropolitan city of Milan, visit one of the largest cathedrals in the world, view many of the most famous masterpieces of art, and explore some of the best shopping districts in Europe.
Day 4 — For the next three days we’ll be cycling on bike paths and old country roads, stopping to visit the Ghisallo Cycling Museum and the Madonna del Ghisallo, declared the patroness of cyclists. We will also include a couple of light hikes through lemon groves and quaint villages all while enjoying the winding shoreline of Lake Como.
Day 7 — Today we’ll drive to the Dolomites, Italy’s alpine playground. Along the way, we’ll travel some of the well known Tour de France mountain stages, with breathtaking scenery. Our small boutique hotel for the next three nights is surrounded by dramatic spires from the mountains towering above.
Day 8 — Today we’ll rendezvous with nature with scenic views from the rocky peaks of the Dolomites hovering above. A short hike will start the day to admire the picturesque lake reflecting the surrounding mountains above. We’ll complete the day cycling on small country roads and bike paths in the Pusteria Valley to another picturesque lake near Dobbiaco.
Day 9 — Today we’ll hike among the most scenic trail systems in all of Italy. Our six mile hike around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo includes views of a thick forested alpine ridge and saw-toothed granite peaks. This area was the front line in World War I between Italy and Austria, and we’ll get a glimpse of remnants of the war left behind after the fierce fighting.
Day 10 — Today will be an easy ride as we cycle downhill along the paved Ciclabile delle Dolomiti cycleway. Once a railroad track, this trail is now considered one of the most scenic bike routes in all of Italy. With the impressive Dolomites towering above, we’ll cycle through the posh ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the old pre-1918 border, and a military cemetery. For the next two nights our accommodations are in a very special location among the vineyards in the Prosecco wine region.
Day 11 — Today we’ll cycle through the picturesque Prosecco wine region on small country roads with views of the terraced vineyards. Later, we’ll enjoy lunch with a wonderful view of the region at a local restaurant, and enjoy Prosecco made by the owner. Tonight we’ll take some time to look back and reminisce about the enjoyable moments we’ve had.
Day 12 — Today we’ll begin the last part of the tour with two days in the decadent city of Venice. Our accommodations are located in a central part of the city, within walking distance of all the sights. Included, is a two-hour walking tour of Venice with lots of history and highlights, and plenty of time for exploring and shopping.
Day 13 — Today, it’s time to say goodbye, as our adventure comes to a close. We’ll provide transportation to the airport for your journey back home.
Fees:
Tour Pricing:
Single Supplement:
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: Transportation to and from the airports in Milan and Venice and transportation from Milan to Lake Como, all transportation within the scheduled tour, all hotels for 13 nights in Italy, bike and helmet rental, technical support, luggage transport, daily breakfast, all guides listed in the tour (English speaking), park fees, and all other excursions listed on the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: Air travel, meals and beverages (other than what is listed above), and any additional tours or entertainment not scheduled on the itinerary.
If you are interested in this trip please let us know!