Cycling in Italy

Transcription

Cycling in Italy
trentino
Cycling in Italy
lombardia
PIEMONTE
veneto
toscana
with girolibero
all tours are offered through
BikeToursDirect
puglia
2010
sicilia
“venice lands” our
MOST POPULAR TOUR
A tour among European classics,
perfect to start discovering Italy by
bike. Laid between the Alps and the
Adriatic sea, the itinerary is completely flat and develops itself on
cycle paths or level roads with low
traffic volume.
Bike & boat on Board
the vita pugna
After a very successful first year
experience Vita Pugna continues its
wonderful weekly course between
Venice and Mantova along
rivers and canals.
Index
p. 2/3
Index / Our tours
p. 4
Accompanying material
p. 5
Bike & Boat Genaral Information
p. 6
Vita Pugna Venice–Mantova
8d / 7n
from 710 € (Self guided)
from 710 € (Guided)
p. 6/7
Vita Pugna Mantova–Venice
8d / 7n
from 710 € (Self guided)
from 710 € (Guided)
p. 7
Vita Pugna Bolzano–Mantova–Venice
11d / 10n
from 1060 € (Self guided)
from 1060 € (Guided)
p. 8
Venice Lands
8d / 7n
from 463 € (Self guided)
898 € (Guided)
p. 9
Bolzano–Verona–Venice
8d / 7n
from 575 € (Self guided)
955 € (Guided)
p. 10
Bolzano–Bassano–Venice
8d / 7n
from 575 € (Self guided)
p. 11
Resiapass–Mantova
8d / 7n
from 628 € (Self guided)
p. 12
Bolzano–Cortina–Venice
8d / 7n
from 626 € (Self guided)
p. 13
Piedmont
8d / 7n
from 608 € (Self guided)
p. 14
Tuscany: Chianti
8d / 7n
from 598 € (Self guided)
p. 15
Tuscany: Pisa–Florence
8d / 7n
598 € (Self guided)
p. 16
Apulia
8d / 7n
620 € (Self guided)
p. 17
Sicily
8d / 7n
from 601 € (Self guided)
p. 18
Lake Como / Tuscany
8d / 7n
from 670 € (Self guided)
p. 19
Our bikes
978 € (Guided)
from 690 € (Guided)
Departures Guided Tours
Guided Tours
March
Mantova–Venice
May
June
July
August
September
October
3.4, 17.4
1.5, 15.5, 29.5
12.6, 26.6
10.7, 24.7
7.8, 21.8
4.9, 18.9
2.10, 16.10
Venice–Mantova
27.3
10.4, 24.4
8.5, 22.5
5.6, 19.6
3.7, 17.7, 31.7
14.8, 28.8
11.9, 25.9
9.10
Bolzano–Mantova–Venice
31.3
14.4, 28.4
12.5, 26.5
9.6, 23.6
7.7, 21.7
4.8, 18.8
1.9, 15.9, 29.9
13.10
Venice Lands
8.5
19.6
3.7, 17.7
28.8
25.9
Bolzano–Venice
29.5
12.6, 26.6
10.7
4.9, 18.9
26.6
3.7
18.9, 25.9
Pisa–Florence
2
April
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
OUR TOURS
BASIC COMPANY BACKGROUND
Girolibero is an Italian tour operator specialised in cycling tours
and active journeys. There are about 20 of us and a mechanic
working together to make the best bike holiday possible for you.
We have 10 vehicles between vans and cars and 10 trolleys
which can transport from 30 to 50 bikes. We have a fleet of
about 500 bicycles. Our headquarter is in Vicenza, a small and
fascinating city between Venice and Verona where we have our
main offices and store. We are represented in North America
by BikeToursDirect.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
It is the most popular solution. You
cycle alone, we transfer the luggage
to the next hotel. Available in all our
tours, a minimum of two persons is
required. Departures are usually
once a week (everyday with a price
supplement).
GUIDED TOURS
At least six people, the guide cycles
with the group, a support van is in
the area and can be made available
within a reasonable time if needed.
ESCORTED TOURS
The van closely follows the group
and can pick up people and bi-
BIKE AND BOAT
WALKING TOURS
ROAD BIKE TOURS
As a floating hotel the boat follows
the ciclysts along rivers and canals
during all the tour. People cycle
during the day and at arrival they
find their boat. They keep the cabin
for the duration of the tour. SELFGUIDED and GUIDED tours are
available with this solution.
We can also organize SELF-GUIDED walking tours in Tuscany and
Lake Como. We are also working in
new tours and under request we
can arrange programmes in Sicily,
Veneto, Liguria, Piedmont, Valle
d‘Aosta, Tuscan islands. For all
tours departures are available from
March to October. Please contact
us for further information.
We offer a selection of amazing
road rides ranging from the classic
to the extraordinary. We can provide
accommodation in very carefully
selected hotels, luggage transportation, guide on bike and all
other services you may require.
Our programme includes a wide
range of tours but we are also at
your disposal to arrange a tailor-
cycles on the most difficult parts of
the track in case of need or prepare
a picnic for lunch.
HALF-GUIDED TOURS
The guide drives the van, the customers cycle independently following
the road-book instructions. They
meet the guide only for lunch and
for planned-ahead visits.
TAILOR-MADE TOURS
We would like to satisfy particular
wishes and decide together with
you among different accommodation solutions. We can also produce
itineraries in other parts of Italy.
made tour to suit your specific
necessities. Here are some of the
itineraries we offer: Dolomites,
Tuscany, Cilento, Sicily. All these
tours are organised in stages of
80-100 km per day. Please contact
us for further information and detailed programmes.
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 3
ACCOMPANYING
MATERIAL
1 Travel documents (vouchers, hotel list)
2 Luggage labels
3 Road book in English
4 Maps
5 Brochures and general tourist information
6
7
8
9
Every customer (either self-guided or guided) will receive a complete
info-pack with the following items contained in a complimentary handlebar bag:
from local tourist offices
Water bottle
Handlebar bag
Arrow stickers
Led light
1
CYCLING GUIDES:
2
HOW TO FIND THE WAY:
We offer you different orientation
possibilities:
› maps from 1:50.000 to 1:200.000
(it depends on the destination)
› detailed road book
› arrow stickers placed as road
signs along the way (only on the
main tours)
› GPS (with a price supplement)
4
6
3
ROAD BOOK
Our road book is a very effective
orientation tool. It presents the route
in details using specific symbols to
improve the reading and save room.
It also contains some useful tourist
information and suggestions.
8
7
We have added two new guides to
the already existing Veneto cycling
guide (1:50.000): The Bolzano–
Verona–Venezia (1:50.000) and the
Bike and Boat Vita Pugna (1:75.000)
also with a legend adopted from
the Bikeline of the publishing
company Esterbauer. All the three
guides are written in Italian, English
and German. We focused our
attention on cartographic
details, inserting the main
artistic and naturalistic
attractions. Together
with the roadbook,
this guide constitutes the information pack
Girolibero
gives to you on
these three tours.
5
9
Road Book
map legend:
(A)Column with kilometres set to
zero every 10 kilometres. Those who
make short detours can start again
at the next zero-setting.
(B)Progressive counting of the
kilometres covering the entire distance
(C)Indication of the conditions and
traffic level of the roads:
1. Cycle path
2. Cycle path separated only by
a line on the road ground
3. Low traffic road ...4 ...5 ...6
very busy road
BIKE & BOAT
General Information
THE BOAT:
Vita pugna
Technical features
Vita Pugna, meaning ”Life is a
battle”, is the name of the 36 metres
long, 5.4 metres wide, two-decker
Dutch boat. There are 9 double
cabins and a triple one, accommodating up to 21 guests. Each double
cabin with pretty portholes is approx
7/8 sq.m big and has two low beds
with en-suite facilities. All the common spaces are air-conditioned and
the cabins exploit the air conditioning of the corridor along which they
are located.
NAVIGATION ON RIVERS
AND CANALS
The programme has been planned
to feature navigation along the
Fissero/Bianco canal, which runs
parallel to the Po and connects
Mantova to the Adriatic Sea.
A few weeks in the year, when the
waters of the Po are propitious, the
barge will be allowed to navigate
along the Po river. This means that
the some of the overnight stays will
be modified.
High and low water issues can
modify some of the daily stretches
or embarkation points. These decisions are taken by the boat captain.
BIKE ROUTE
The tour is entirely on level ground
and the daily cycling stages vary
from 30 km to 55 km. Much of the
Life on board
The boat offers a spacious airconditioned restaurant, where the
guests can enjoy their meals and
relax, tasting the wide range of
beverages available on board, in a
familiar atmosphere.
After an italian-style dinner the
clients can take advantage of a
short briefing about the next day
stage and find an amazing opportunity sitting on the spacious outside
deck, during the frequent warm
evenings.
Every morning the clients can enjoy
the continental breakfast buffet and
at the end of each stage are welcomed on board by a well deserved
snack.There is always the possibility
to spend the whole day on board if
clients don’t want to cycle for
one or more days.
pedalling is along rivers and canals
on tarmac cycle paths or roads with
a low volume of car traffic. It is
envisaged that the boat will sail
some of the way during breakfast or
evening meal to make getting out of
the towns easier or to shorten the
stages.
BICYCLES
Different frame sizes of unisex bikes
with 27-gears Shimano Deore will
be available on board. They are fully
equipped with 1x side-bag,
1 water bottle, 1 map holder/front
bag, 1 padlock per bike and 1 repair
kit each couple.
Due to high transportation costs of
the bikes in Venice and logistic
issues it is strongly advised not to
bring own bikes.
GUIDED AND
SELF GUIDED TOUR
This tour offers the chance to
choose each day if pedalling alone
or with the whole group, following
the tour leader. Each client can
anyway take advantage of a very
detailed route description.
HOW TO REACH VENICE
AND MANTOVA
By Plane
Both Venice and Mantova are
well served by many airoports of
Northern Italy:
Venice (VCE), Treviso (TSF),
Verona (VRN), Bergamo (BGY),
Milano Malpensa (MXP),
Milano Linate (LIN)
By Railway and Car
Mantova is situated on the A22
Highway Brennero – Modena, only
50 km south of Verona. By train it
is connected very frequently to the
railway station of Verona (journey:
45 min.)
Venice is situated on the A4 Highway and on one of the principal
railway lines, which links Venice to
the most important Italian cities.
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 5
Type
level
Bike & Boat
distance
DURATion
tour modality
Ca. 230 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided and Guided Tour
BOLZANO/BOZEN
Trento
Rovereto
Treviso
Vicenza
Verona
Mestre
Padova
Peschiera
en
ta
Ad
MANTOVA
ig
e
Ostiglia
Porto Zelo
Governolo
o
Castelguglielmo
P
Arqua
S.Benedetto Revere Po
VENEZIA
Lido
Laguna
Br
Min cio
THE ONLY BIKE & BOAT
TOUR IN ITALY
Venice–Mantova
Mantova–Venice
Bolzano–Venice
Riva
del Garda
overnight in hotel
overnight on board
Pellestrina
Chioggia
Adria
Albarella
Delta
Po
Serravalle
FERRARA
cycling guide
with maps
1:75.000
available for this tour
Venice–Mantova
After a day at your full disposal to
discover the magic of Venice, you
will start knowing the peculiar ecosystem of the lagoon and the Po Delta
area. The trip leads you in the core
of the Po plain, until Mantova, where
a lot of worldwide known artists left
their masterpieces, thanks to the
assignment of the the famous
Gonzaga family.
Day by Day Itinerary
1st DAY Venice. Welcome on
board! Vita Pugna is moored at the
Giudecca island, not far from St.
Mark’s square. The cabins are
available from 4 p.m. The meeting
with the tour leader and the crew is
scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m.
2nd DAY Venice. Free day at disposal. After a wonderful awakening
with a view on the lagoon, the tour
starts with a whole day at your
disposal, discovering the wonderful
historical centre of the capital of the
“Repubblica Serenissima”, or its
wonderful islands. At your disposal
you have a free ticket allowing you to
use the boat transportation network
and some suggested itineraries.
3rd DAY Venice –Chioggia (approx
30 km). This is the most exciting day
of the tour, riding along the two little
narrow islands, which build the
border between the sea and the
lagoon. From Lido, one of the most
impressing resorts and seat of the
cinema exhibition of Venezia, you
ride up to Malamocco, the first seat
of the republic of the Doges. A short
ferry boat ride will then take you to
6
the isle Pellestrina with its natural
natural reserve of Ca’ Roman and
after the final few kilometres Vita
Pugna leads you to the lively fisher
harbour of Chioggia.
4th DAY Chioggia –Albarella
(approx 40 km). You will leave the
so called “small Venice” going
south along the Po-Brondolo Waterway and through the mouth of the
River Adige. Pedalling between the
wonderful nature reserve of the Po
Delta, with its incredible amount of
bird species, you will then approach
Albarella.
5th DAY Albarella–Porto Levante –
Adria (approx 55 km). You go deep
into the maze of the Po Delta, pedalling in the heart of nature. The
destination today is Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading
amber coming from the Baltic.
6th DAY Adria–Ferrara–Zelo
(approx 40 km by bike + 35 km by
bus). After a short navigation in the
morning, you start cycling in the
middle of the nature towards
Ferrara. In the afternoon a short bus
transfer will bring you up to Zelo, for
the overnight stay.
7th DAY Zelo –Mantova (approx 50
km). A short stretch of navigation
brings you to Torretta on the Fissero/Bianco canal. You cycle following
the Po as far as Ostiglia, a small
village with the ruins of a medieval
fortress. After a few kilometres you
finally reach Mantova.
8th DAY Mantova. After breakfast
end of services, if you haven’t
booked any extra night.
Mantova–Venice
Starting from the enchanting
Renaissance town of Mantova this
itinerary winds its way along the
Mincio and the Po, following the
natural course of the longest Italian
river. After a wonderful trip from the
countryside to Po Delta, with its
unbelievable wildlife, the most
beautiful town of the world is waiting
for you: Venice!
Day by Day Itinerary
1st DAY Mantova. The cabins are
available from 4 p.m. The boat is
moored at Porto Catena, just a short
walk from the city-centre. The meeting with the tour leader and the
crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at
7 p.m. Mantova is one of the most
beautiful towns in Northern Italy,
where a lot of worldwide known
artists left their masterpieces, thanks
to the assignment of the the famous
Gonzaga family.
2nd DAY Mantova–Governolo–
Zelo (approx 50 km by bike). The
boat takes you to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates, where
there is the biggest basin of Italy,
built in order to control the Mincio
River. Here you take the bikes and
start the ride, keeping on following
the River Po, until the village of
Ostiglia, with the ruins of a medieval
fortress. After a ride along the ‘Canal
Bianco” you will reach Zelo, where
the barge will moor for the night.
3rd DAY Zelo–Ferrara–Adria
(approx 50 km by bike +60 km by
bus). After breakfast you will start
cycling towards Ferrara. Once you
have reached the town, which earned the name of “city of bicycles”
you will be enchanted by the historical centre, still surrounded by the
old city walls. From Ferrara a short
bus transfer will bring you to Adria,
an ancient Greek port, famous for
trading amber coming from the
Baltic.
4th DAY Adria–Porto Viro–Albarella (approx 35/55 km). The boat will
bring you to Porto Viro, from where
you will start the daily ride into the
maze of the Po Delta, an uncontaminated paradise between marshes
and lagoons of the Po, pedalling in
the heart of nature. The destination
is Albarella, a private island of ancient traditions. In case of low water
you will start cycling directly from
Adria, for approximately 55 km.
5th DAY Albarella–Chioggia (approx 40 km). You will be suspended
between water and land, as you will
pedal between the Po Delta and the
mouth of the River Adige. You follow
then the Po-Brondolo waterway,
which links the river to the Venetian
lagoon. You will stay overnight in
Chioggia, famous as “the little
Venice” A visit to the fish market at
dawn is an absolute ‘must’.
6th DAY Chioggia –Venice (approx
30 km). The boat brings you to the
Natural reserve of Ca’ Roman, a
sandy islet surrounded by pinewoods. Pedalling along the lagoon,
you reach Pellestrina: from here,
riding on the new cycle path you
reach the ferry landing stage. A
short ferry boat ride takes you then
up the Lido island, along the ‘Murazzi’, with a stop in Malamocco, the
ancient harbour. The overnight is at
the Island of Giudecca, not far from
St. Mark’s square, with an amazing
view of the lagoon.
7th DAY Venice. Free day at disposal After a wonderful awakening with
a view on the lagoon, you have the
whole day at your disposal, to discover the magnificent historical centre
of the capital of the “Repubblica
Serenissima”, or its wonderful islands.
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
Type
level
Bike & Boat & Hotel
distance
duration
Ca. 390 km
11 Days/10 Nights Self guided and Guided Tour
tour modality
!
AUTUMN/WINTER 2009–2010
Weekend on board
Even in the low-season period Vita Pugna won’t stop its way.
From November to March a short tour of 3 days/2nights from Venice
to Adria is available at a price of 250 € everything included.
Program:
Friday: arrival in Venice
Saturday: cycle/walking excursions between Venice and Chioggia
Sunday: cycle/walking excursions between Chioggia and Adria
Vita Pugna will moreover accommodate clients, wishing to celebrate the
New Year in the lagoon as a floating hotel.
At your disposal you have a free
ticket allowing you to use the boat
trans­portation network and some
suggested itineraries.
8th DAY Venice. After breakfast and
the customary goodbyes, free time
for individual visits, or return home, if
you haven’t booked any extra night.
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
self guided and guided tours
710 € in low season (March, April and
October) in DBL cabin
790 € in high season (May, June, July,
August and September) in DBL cabin
500 € single cabin supplement
60 € bike rental
50 € harbour charges (to be paid on
the spot)
REDUCTIONS
-150 € third person in a triple cabin.
Extra night in venice
on request
Extra night in mestre
65 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
85 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Extra night in mantova
45 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
75 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
› 7 overnights
› full board (breakfast, dinner and a
self-made done packed lunch)
› sheets and towels
› detailed route description, maps
(1:75.000) and info-pack
› tour leader on bike
› bus transfer Ferrara–Zelo/Ferrara–Adria
› 48-hour ticket for an unlimited use of
ferry boats and local boats in Venice
› half week service of cabin cleaning and
towels change
NOT INCLUDEd in the price
Beverages, museums and extras in general. Plus everything, which is not included
in the section “included in the price”.
DEPARTURES
Every Saturday from March 27th to
October 16th, 2010.
Departures from Venice:
March 27, Apr 10, Apr 24, May 8, May
22, Jun 5, Jun 19, Jul 3, Jul 17, Jul 31,
Aug 14, Aug 28, Sep 11, Sep 25, Oct 9
Departures from Mantova:
Apr 3, Apr 17, May 1, May 15, May 29,
Jun 12, Jun 26, Jul 10, Jul 24, Aug 7,
Aug 21, Sep 4, Sep 18, Okt 2, Oct 16
CHARTERING POSSIBILITIES
It is possible to charter the boat on a
weekly basis at the price of 12.300 € net,
during the months of March, April and
October.
The charter price includes the abovementioned services, plus bike rental and
harbour charges.
Bolzano–Venice
This variation of the classic tour
Bolzano–Venice combines the tour
“bike & hotel” with the new “bike &
boat” one, on board the Vita Pugna. Three nights in hotels and
seven nights on board the Vita
Pugna create a spectacular mix,
from the mountains to the sea,
along the Lake Garda.
Day by Day Itinerary
1st DAY Arrival in Bolzano. The
bilingual capital city of the South
Tyrol is a renowned commercial
and tourist centre which looks
back on a rich history. Today the
Italian and the German cultures
and ways of life join together. The
historical centre of Bolzano boasts
an enchanting beauty.
2nd DAY Bolzano–Trento (68 km).
Cycling along the lane you follow
the Adige beside apple orchards,
vineyards and through the villages
of Ora, Egna and Salorno. Along
the river banks you ride towards
Trento. This city hides itself in front
of the hasty tourist, so take your
time to have a look behind the
splendid walls of its painted buildings. You will discover something
really worth seeing.
3rd DAY Trento–Peschiera del
G. (50 km + ferry). Still cycling
along the Adige you reach Rovereto and Mori. From here you continue up on a gently rising slope
westwards in direction of Lake
Garda. Before leaving for Riva you
must absolutely enjoy the sight of
the lake from above! On the fairy
boat you travel as far as Peschiera
del Garda along the southern
shore of the lake.
4th DAY Peschiera del Garda–
Mantova (45 km). Today you will
cycle following one of the most
famous Italian cycle paths, which
runs parallel to the River Mincio.
You will pass through the village of
Borghetto, with its mills and Valeggio sul Mincio, famous for the huge
botanic park “Sigurtà”.
The trip ends in Mantova, on board
the Vita Pugna where you start to
follow the itinerary Mantova–Venice.
5th DAY Mantova–Zelo
(approx 50 km).
6th DAY Zelo–Ferrara–Adria
(approx 50 km).
7th DAY Adria–Porto Viro –
Albarella (35/55 km).
8th DAY Albarella–Chioggia
(approx 40 km).
9th DAY Chioggia –Venice
(approx 30 km).
10th DAY Venice. Free day.
11th DAY Venice. Departure.
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
self guided and guided tours
1060 € in low season (March, April and
October) in DBL room/cabin
1140 € in high season (May, June,
July, August and September) in DBL
room/cabin
570 € single room/cabin supplement
100 € bike rental
50 € harbour charges (to be paid on
the spot)
REDUCTIONS
-180 € third person in a triple room/
cabin.
Extra night in venice
on request
Extra night in mestre
65 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
85 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Extra night in Bolzano
50 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
75 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
› 3 nights hotel accommodation with
breakfast buffet in 3/4**** Hotel
(Bolzano, Trento and Peschiera),
7 overnights with breakfast buffet,
6 packed lunch and 7 dinners
(beverages are extra) on board.
› everything included in the price of
the Bike & Boat tour from Mantova
to Venice
NOT INCLUDEd in the price
Beverages, museums and extras in
general. Plus everything, which is not
included in the section “included in the
price”.
DEPARTURES
Every two Wednesdays from Bolzano:
Mar 31, Apr 14, Apr 28, May 12,
May 26, Jun 9, Jun 23, Jul 7, Jul 21,
Aug 4, Aug 18, Sep 1, Sep 15,
Sep 29, Oct 13
ATTENTION
The first three stages must be cycled
individually, even for those wishing to
take the guided option of the “Bike &
Boat” tour.
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 7
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURATion
tour modality
Ca. 280 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided and Guided Tour
Bassano del Grappa
Asolo
Marostica
Venice lands
Treviso
Br
en
ta
Wonderful landscapes
Valdobbiadene
Lago di
Garda
A tour among European classics, perfect to start discovering Italy
Peschiera
by bike. Laid between the Alps and the Adriatic sea, the itinerary
is completely flat and develops itself on cycle paths or level roads
with low traffic volume.
VICENZA
Mestre
Verona
Padova
Ad
Venezia
Venice
Laguna
MARE
A D R I AT I C O
ig
e
Chioggia
Po
cycling guide
with maps
1:50.000
available for this tour
Day by Day Itinerary
1st DAY Vicenza. Individual arrival.
A nice and cosy historical city centre
characterized by the buildings of the
famous architect Andrea Palladio
(16th century).
2nd DAY Vicenza–Bassano del
Grappa (40 km). From Vicenza you
cycle towards Marostica, famous for
its castle and the chessboard in the
main square. The last stop is Bassano del Grappa with its covered
wooden bridge and the “grappa”.
3rd DAY Bassano del Grappa –
Treviso (62 km). You enter Asolo,
which presents us the only real
uphill section of our ride. The downhill run takes you to the land of
Prosecco vineyards and on to
Maser. The trip ends in Treviso.
4th DAY Treviso–Mestre/Venice
(38 km). Leaving Treviso behind you
follow the course of the River Sile up
to Casale. At the end of the trip
Venice awaits for an evening among
canals and narrow streets; accommodation is in Mestre. A supplement applies for lodging in Venice.
(1st DAY for those starting in
Mestre).
5th DAY Mestre/Venice –Chioggia
(33 km). Leaving Mestre this mor­
ning you head into Venice pedalling
on the 4 km bridge “della Libertà”,
then to Tronchetto harbour. From
here you take a ferry along the canal
Giudecca to Lido. It is the most
exciting day, pedalling on two
narrow islands that divide the sea
from the lagoon: Malamocco and
the island of Pellestrina.
6th DAY Chioggia–Padova
(60 km). You pedal along the two
rivers that carried trade in and out of
Venice in this area centuries ago:
8
Ferrara
Bacchiglione and Brenta. You
continue on to Strà, famous for the
majestic Villa Pisani. On arrival in
Padova, you will find the great
basilica dedicated to St. Anthony,
the historic Caffè Pedrocchi and
Prato della Valle.
7th DAY Padova–Vicenza (48 km).
The Bacchiglione River points the
way out of the the city and you
reach Costozza, a little town at the
foot of the Berici hills. The bike path
passes in front of Villa Rotonda, the
most famous of the Palladian villas.
Just before entering Vicenza you
see the Villa Valmarana ai Nani with
its marvellous frescoes by Tiepolo.
8th DAY Vicenza. Departure from
Vicenza.
ROUTE profile
The itinerary is completely in the
lowlands except for the 1 km slope
in Asolo. You ride on secondary
streets with low traffic or paved bike
paths. Trains with bike transportation connect the main cities of the
tour, so in case of bad weather, or if
you need a day of rest, you can
reach your destination by train. The
ferry-boat transfers in Venice are not
included for cat 2/3-star (approx.
20 € per person + bike).
ACCOMMODATION
We offer three different accommodation categories:
› 2/3-star hotels – small and cosy
with ensuite facilities; mostly in city
centres or sometimes also in the
countryside.
› 3/4-star hotels – very comfortable
with ensuite facilities and air conditioning. Mostly in city centres.
› luxury hotels and villas accommodation. Estimates on request.
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
498 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
625 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
655 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
825 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Guided Tour
895 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
1075 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
60 €
100 € Electro-bike
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
Half Board (6 Dinners)*
140 € 2/3***-Hotel
170 € 3/4****-Hotel
Night in Venice instead of Mestre**
on request
Extra night in Venice**
on request
Extra nights*** in: Vicenza,
Bassano, Treviso, Chioggia, Padua
45 € / 65 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL/SGL
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Extra nights*** in: Mestre
55 €/ 65 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL/SGL
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Reductions: 1 night less
(7 days/6 nights)
-35 €/ -55 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL/SGL
-55 €/ -75 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Reductions: 3rd person in triple
room
-80 € 2/3***-Hotel
-130 € 3/4****-Hotel
Reductions: Children under
12 years in room with parents
-100 € hotel 2/3***
-130 € hotel 3/4***
* Half board: 6 dinners included
(3-course meals), beverages not included
and to be paid on the spot.
** Venice Price depending on the
saison, day of the week and distance
Hotel-Railway station.
*** Extra nights all extra nights are
available before or after the tour. Only for
departures on Saturdays from Vicenza
there is the possibility of adding an
extra night also during the tour in any of
the cities.
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, tour information on the
spot by our representative, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps,
7-days Hotline service, 24-hours-ticket
for Venice public transport (only for cat
3-4****), entrance into Villa Valmarana
ai Nani, ice-cream in the best ice cream
parlour of Vicenza.
Guided tour includes also: 3/4*** Accommodation, 7 dinners (3-course meal),
guide on bike, support van, guided tour of
Venice, visits and wine tasting.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided Tour: Every Saturday and
Sunday from March 27th to October 31st,
2010 from Vicenza and every Tuesday
and Wednesday from Mestre.
Attention! Change of the departure point:
› 15.5-16.5-22.5-23.5 and 4.9-5.9-11.912.9.2010 from Treviso
› It is not possibile to start the tour on the
19.5 and 8.9.2010
Guided tour: Saturday 8.5., 19.6., 3.7.,
17.7., 28.8. and 25.9.2010 from Vicenza.
PARKING
BY PLANE
Vicenza: underground garage
included for 3/4-star hotels. 2/3-star
hotels 30 € per week. Mestre: information on request, no re­servation
possible, to be paid on the spot
Vicenza is well connected (60–90
min.) with the following airports:
Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), Treviso
(TSF), Bergamo (BGY-150 min).
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURAtion
tour modality
Ca. 300 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided and Guided Tour
BOLZANO/BOZEN
Ad
ige
BOLZANO-VERONA-VENICE
Trento
Across Lake Garda and
through Verona
Valdobbiadene
Riva
Rovereto
Bassano
Treviso
Marostica
Br
Desenzano
Peschiera
Vicenza
ta
Lago
di Garda
en
This tour will offer you the chance to visit the mountains around Bolzano, the
beauty of lake Garda, cities full of culture and history like Verona, Vicenza and
Padova and, last but not least, the fascinating Venice.
Asolo
Mestre
Verona
Soave
San Bonifacio
Abano
Venezia
Padova
Chioggia
Ad ige
cycling guide
with maps
1:50.000
available for this tour
Day by Day Itinerary
1st DAY Bolzano. Arrival. A bilingual
city Bolzano is a famous commercial and touristic centre and also a
historical and cultural connection
between the Italian and the German
world.
2nd DAY Bolzano–Trento (70 km).
Today you will ride mostly along the
Adige River, through orchards,
vineyards passing the villages of
Ora, Egna and Salorno. The dam
pathways lead then to Trento.
3rd DAY Trento–Peschiera/
Desenzano (50 km + boat). Always
pedalling along the Adige you reach
Rovereto and Mori. From here
westwards towards Lake Garda.
After a short ascent, a refreshing
descent will follow and lead you to
Torbole and to Riva. The ferry cruise
takes you to the southern part of the
lake.
4th DAY Peschiera/Desenzano–
Verona (35/60 km). Today you
head to Verona; crossed by the
Adige is one of the most important
and beautiful cities of the Veneto
region. Worth visiting are: the roman
Arena, the Church of San Zeno and
Julia’s House.
5th DAY Verona–Vicenza (75 km
or 40 km). At first, the route starts
out flat and then heads through the
Monti Berici, a hilly region just south
of Vicenza, with a wonderful view of
the city. The old city centre is characterized by the beautiful private
palaces and public buildings by
Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th
century architect known all over the
world. This stage can also be redu-
ced by taking a train from Verona to
San Bonifacio (approx. 30 km).
Train tickets are provided only for
the guests of the guided tours.
6th DAY Vicenza –Padova/Abano
(50 km). Cycling out of Vicenza you
will come across the beautiful
Palladian Villa Rotonda. Along the
Bacchiglione river, the route will
continue to the fascinating city of
Padova with its famous Giotto's
Chapel and one of the biggest
squares of Europe "Prato della
Valle". Overnight in Padova (a reduction applies for lodging in Abano)
7th DAY Padova/Abano –Mestre/
Venice (40/54 km). The tour continues easily through the flat Veneto.
You will cycle along the Brenta
Canal, overlooked by the once
countryside villas of the Venetian
nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta,
Villa Widmann) until you reach
Mestre, Venice’s mainland. You can
chose to stay in Venice with a price
supplement.
8th DAY Mestre/Venice. Departure.
Possible transfer back to Bolzano
(reservation required).
ROUTE profile
There are light hilly bits with short
uphill sections. As a whole it is an
easy to manage itinerary, riding on
secondary streets with low traffic or
paved bike paths. Trains with bike
transportation connect the main
cities of the tour, so in case of bad
weather, or if you need a day of rest,
you can reach your destination by
train. A 4-hour ferry cruise through
Lake Garda is included. The train
transfer from Verona to San Bonifacio is not included in the tour price
(6 €, bike ticket included – 20 min).
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
575 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
715 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
675 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
870 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Guided Tour
955 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
1147 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
60 €
100 € Electro-bike
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
Half Board (6 Dinners)
170 € 3/4****-Hotel
3-course meals, beverages not included
and to be paid on the spot, dinner in
Mestre/Venice not included.
High season suppl. (July–August)
22 € 2/3***-Hotel
32 € 3/4****-Hotel
Night in Venice instead of Mestre
on request
Extra night in Venice
on request
Extra nights*** in: Mestre
55 €/ 65 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL/SGL
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Extra nights in Bolzano
50 €/ 75 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL/SGL
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
ACCOMMODATION
We offer two different accommodation categories:
› 2/3-star hotels – small and cosy
with ensuite facilities; mostly in city
centres or some­times also just
outside.
› 3/4-star hotels – very comfortable
with ensuite facilities and air
conditioning. Mostly in city centres
PARKING & TRANSFERS
Bolzano: Hotel garage approx.
55 € per week (no reservation possi-
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-80 € 2/3***-Hotel
-100 € 3/4****-Hotel
Reduction Night in Abano instead
of padova
-15 €
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, tour information on
the spot by our representative, luggage
transportation, route descriptions
& maps, ferry cruise on Lake Garda,
7-days Hotline service, entrance into Villa
Valmarana ai Nani, ice-cream in the best
ice cream parlour of Vicenza.
Guided tour includes also: 3/4***
Accommodation, 7 dinners (3-course
meals), guide on bike, support van,
wine tasting, guided visits of Verona and
Venice.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided Tour: Every Saturday and
Sunday from March 27th to October 31st,
2010. Special departure dates can be
organised for at least 6 persons!
Guided tour: Saturday 29.5., 12.6., 26.6.,
10.7., 4.9. and 18.9.2010 from Bolzano.
ble, to be paid on the spot) private
garage approx. 60 € per week, free
unguarded parking places outside
the city centre. Transfer back to
Bolzano from Mestre/Venice on
Saturdays and Sundays: 55 € per
person, bike included, reservation
required. Good train connections
from Mestre/Venice to Bolzano.
BY PLANE
Bolzano is well connected (90–120
min.) with the following airports:
Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 9
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURATion
tour modality
Ca. 310 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided Tour
Ad
ige
BOLZANO/BOZEN
BOLZANO-BASSANOVENICE
Bassano
Marostica
Lago
di Garda
10
ROUTE Profile
In this tour there are some hilly parts.
However, it is generally an easy
route that runs on quiet sideroads
and secured cycle lanes. On bad
weather and in case yo need to take
a day of rest you can cover parts of
the tour by train, which connects one
another the main cities.
ta
2nd DAY Bolzano –Trento (70 km).
Your cycling tour starts with a ride
along the banks of the Adige river,
past fruit orchards, vineyards and
through the town of Ora, Egna and
Salorno. Along the embankments
you ride towards Trento with its
wonderful frescoed buildings.
3rd DAY Trento–Bassano del
Grappa (35 km by train + 58 km).
To shorten today’s stretch a little bit
you will travel by train to Borgo
Valsugana. From here you follow the
well-known river Brenta as far as
Bassano del Grappa which offers
you its famous wood-roofed bridge
and a wonderful historical centre.
4th DAY Bassano–Vicenza (40
km). After a few kilometres from
Bassano you reach the little fortified
town of Marostica, which is famous
for its castle “Castello da Bassano”
and the stone chessboard on its
main square. At the end of this
stage Vicenza awaits you: it is the
famous city of the Renaissance
architect Andrea Palladio, who built
around here plenty of extraordinary
buildings.
5th DAY Vicenza–Padova (48 km).
You leave Vicenza and ride past the
splendid „Villa Rotonda“ by Palladio. Through the village of Costozza
and then cycling along the river
Bacchiglione you arrive at the ancient university city of Padova. Here
you will be astonished by the exceptional abundance of architectural
masterpieces and art treasures.
6th DAY Padova–Chioggia (60 km).
From Padova you cycle along
watering canals and rivers as far as
Strà, where the majestic Villa Pisani
awaits you. The rivers Bacchiglione
and Brenta, which were once important commercial waterways, accompany you to the picturesque fishing
village Chioggia, in the venitian
lagoon.
7th DAY Chioggia –Mestre
(33 km). Across the islands of
Pellestrina and Lido, which separate
the open sea from the venetian
lagoon, you reach the stately, beautiful Venice. After a nice long stroll in
the city’s fascinating maze of lanes
and bridges you will ride to Mestre
along the 4 km-long bridge “Ponte
della Libertà”.
8th DAY Mestre. Departure. Return
to Bolzano available on reservation.
Treviso
en
1st DAY Bolzano. Arrival. The bi­
lingual capital city of the South Tyrol
is a renowned commercial and
tourist centre which looks back on
a rich history. Today the Italian and
the German cultures and ways of
life join together. The historical
centre of Bolzano boasts an enchanting beauty.
Borgo
Valsugana
Laghi
di Caldonazzo
e Levico
Vicenza
Verona
In this tour water is the linking element. You start in Bolzano with its idyllic
mountain sceneries and cycle along the rivers Adige and Brenta, past
Caldonazzo and Levico lakes, you follow the course of the river Sile and
finally reach the venitian lagoon. On your way you will go past towns full of
history and culture.
Day by Day Itinerary
Levico
Br
Across the beautiful
Brenta Valley
Trento
Padova
Mestre
Venezia
Chioggia
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
575 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
715 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
675€ 3/4****-Hotel DBL
870 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
60 €
100 € Electro-bike
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
High season suppl. (July–August)
22 € 2/3***-Hotel
32 € 3/4****-Hotel
Night in Venice instead of Mestre
on request
Extra night in Venice
on request
Extra nights*** in: Mestre
55 €/ 65 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL/SGL
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Not included in the price:
› train journey from Trento to Borgo
Valsugana (about 1 hour, about 5 €
per person + bike)
› three tolls to Venice (altogether
about 20 € per person + bike)
ACCOMODATION
Extra nights in Bolzano
50 €/ 75 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL/SGL
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-80 € 2/3***-Hotel
-100 € 3/4****-Hotel
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
buffet breakfast, tour information on the
spot by our representative, luggage trans­
portation, route descriptions & maps,
7-day service hotline.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Saturday from
March 27th to October 23rd, 2010.
Special departure dates can be organised
for at least 6 persons!
reservation required. Good train
connections from Mestre/Venice to
Bolzano.
BY PLANE
Bolzano is very well connected to
the following airports (90–120 min):
Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).
› 2/3-star hotels, small and comfortable with shower/WC, mainly in city
centre, some outside too
› 3/4-star hotels, very comfortable
with shower/WC and air conditioning, mainly in city centre
PARKING & TRANSFERS
Bolzano: Hotel garage approx.
55 € per week (no reservation
possible, to be paid on the spot)
private garage approx. 60 € per
week, free unguarded parking
places outside the city centre.
Transfer back to Bolzano from
Mestre on Saturdays and Sundays:
55 € per person, bike included,
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
DISTANce
DURAtion
tour modality
Ca. 270 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided Tour
Passo Resia/
Reschen Pass
A
Lago
di Resia
Resiapass-Verona
Ets ch
I
Lago di
Caldaro
Trento
Riva
del Garda
Rovereto
VARIATION
7th DAY Peschiera del Garda–
Mantova (45 Km).
Today you will cycle following one of
the most famous Italian cycle paths,
which runs parallel to the River
Mincio. You will pass through the
village of Borghetto, with its mills
and Valeggio sul Mincio, famous for
the huge botanic park “Sigurtà”. The
trip ends in Mantova, where a lot of
worldwide known artists left their
masterpieces, thanks to the assignment of the the famous family of
Gonzaga.
8th DAY Mantova. Departure.
Padova
Min ci o
Mantova
will discover something really worth
seeing.
6th DAY Trento –Peschiera del
Garda (50 Km + Boat ride).
Still cycling along the Adige you
reach Rovereto and Mori. From here
you continue up on a gently rising
slope westwards in direction of Lake
Garda. Before leaving for Riva you
must absolutely enjoy the sight of
the lake from above! On the boat
you travel as far as Peschiera del
Garda along the southern shore of
the lake. The boat excursion alone
is the whole trip worth.
7th DAY Peschiera –Verona
(35 km). Today you head to Verona;
crossed by the Adige is one of the
most important and beautiful cities
of Italy. Worth visiting are: the roman
Arena, the Church of San Zeno and
Julia’s House.
8th DAY Verona. Departure.
ta
Peschiera
del Garda
Vicenza
Verona
en
Lago di
Garda
Br
Mountain sceneries, green landscapes and quietly flowing rivers; this beautiful tour
offers you all this. From the Austrian border through the Italian South Tyrol you will cycle
along quiet and beautiful routes, past peaceful villages and picturesque little castles
and closters. Highlight of the tour is a boat excursion on the Lake Garda, where you will
enjoy this impressive expanse of water from a really particular perspective.
Day by Day Itinerary
BOLZANO/BOZEN
Silandro/
Schlanders
Cycle path along alpine rivers
and through Lake Garda
1st DAY Bolzano. Arrival. If you
arrive early in the morning you can
already take a stroll around the old
market city of Bolzano. You will have
time on Saturday to explore it accurately.
2nd DAY Resiapass–Silandro
(45 Km). We will drive you to Resia
up to 1500 metres of height, where
your cycling tour starts. The majestic cycle lane will take you past the
pretty-laid lake Resia and the closter
of Montemaria through the villages
of Clusio and Glorenza, as far as
Silandro.
3rd DAY Silandro–Merano (35 Km).
The tour continues through a gently
rolling countryside along the Adige,
passing through orchards and nice
landmarks like the imposing Castle
Dornsberg. You arrive in Merano,
the second biggest city in South
Tyrol, which lies in the centre of a
valley with stunning mountain
chains in the background.
4th DAY Merano –Bolzano (35 Km).
Today you will cycle along tranquil
sideroads and bike paths as far as
the Adige and the Isarco confluence. On your way you ride past
sleepy little towns like Nalles and
Andriano. Still cycling along the
cycle lane you reach your destination, Bolzano. Take your time for a
walk around this friendly and beautiful bilingual city, capital of the
South Tyrol.
5th DAY Bolzano–Trento (70 Km).
Cycling along the lane you follow
the Adige beside apple orchards,
vineyards and through the villages
of Ora, Egna and Salorno. Along the
river banks you ride towards Trento.
This city hides itself in front of the
hasty tourist, so take your time to
have a look behind the splendid
walls of its painted buildings. You
Merano
ch
Level
Bike & Hotel
Et s
TYPE
Po
Venezia
MAR
ADRIATICO
Chioggia
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
628 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
775 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
60 €
100 € Electro-bike
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
High season suppl. (July–August)
32 € 3/4****-Hotel
Extra nights in Bolzano
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Extra nights in verona
65 €/ 85 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Extra nights in Mantova
45 €/ 75 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL/SGL
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-90 € 3/4****-Hotel
included in the price
Included:7 nights hotel accommodation,
buffet breakfast, tour information on
the spot by our representative, luggage
transportation, transfer from Bolzano to
Resiapass, boat excursion on the Lake
Garda, route descriptions & maps, 7-day
service hotline.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Saturday from
April 10th to October 16th, 2010.
system. You can ride almost exclusively on well-planned, traffic-free
cycle lanes, part of which run along
the Adige banks. Towards Lake
Garda there is a more challenging
climb to face. Parts of the tour
between the biggest cities can be
covered by train.
approx. 60 € per week, free unguarded parking places outside the city
centre. Good train connections
between Verona/Mantova and
Bolzano.
ACCOMODATION
3/4-star hotels–very comfortable
with shower/WC and air conditioning. Mainly in the city centre.
PARKING & TRANSFERS
Bolzano: Hotel garage approx. 55 €
per week (no reservation possible, to
be paid on the spot) private garage
BY PLANE
Bolzano is very well connected to
the following airports (90–120 min):
Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).
COMBINATION tour
with „bike & boat“
It is possible to combine this
tour with the “bike & boat” Tour
Mantova–Venice.
ROUTE Profile
This tour is not very demanding
since it takes place mainly along flat
roads with only a few rolling parts.
The region South Tyrol is provided
with an excellently-built cycle-lanes
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 11
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURATion
Ca. 280 km 8 Days/7 Nights
tour modality
Self guided Tour
Brunico/Bruneck
Dobbiaco
Toblach
TRE CIME
DI LAVAREDO
DREI ZINNEN
DOLOMITI/DOLOMITEN
Bolzano-CORTINAVENICE
1st DAY Bolzano. Arrival in Bolzano.
2nd DAY Bolzano–Brunico–Dobbiaco (30 km). In the morning a
private transfer brings you to the
“pearl of Pusteria Valley”. Brunico is
a lively town with a historical centre
and rural surroundings. The route
is on a slightly uphill bicycle path
along the Rienz river.
3rd DAY Dobbiaco–Cortina (35
km). Leaving Dobbiaco you take the
cycle path along the Landro valley
from where you admire the famous
Three Peaks of Lavaredo. Going
downhill and southwards you reach
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Pearl of the
Dolomites.
4th DAY Cortina–Belluno (40 km +
40 km by train). Today you pedal
slightly downhill along the old railway route until you reach San Vito
and then Calalzo. Train transfer from
Calalzo to Belluno.
5th DAY Belluno –Valdobbiadene
(50 km). From Belluno you pedal
along the slightly hilly Toscana-like
landscape. You reach then Valdob­
biadene, in the heart of the famous
land of the Prosecco vineyards.
6th DAY Valdobbiadene–Treviso
(58 km). From Valdobbiadene you
cycle southwards until you cross the
Piave river and enter the Po valley.
From here on to Treviso, a city
surrounded by water, situated at the
confluence of the Sile and Botteniga
rivers.
7th DAY Treviso–Mestre/Venice
(38 km). Leaving Treviso behind you
follow the course of the river Sile up
to Casale. At the end of the trip
Venice awaits for an evening among
canals and narrow streets; accommodation is in Mestre.
A supplement applies for lodging in
Venice.
8th DAY Mestre/Venice. Departure.
12
Belluno
Asolo
Lago
di Garda
Verona
Valdobbiadene
Treviso
ta
Day by Day Itinerary
Longarone
en
From the mountains to the sea, passing through the fascinating views of
the Dolomites around Cortina and Belluno, sipping the refreshing Prosecco
in Valdobbiadene and eventually reaching the beautiful city of Treviso and
the wonderful Venice.
Calalzo
BOLZANO/BOZEN
Br
From the Dolomites
to the Adriatic Sea
Cortina
d’Ampezzo
Mestre
Ad
ige
Chioggia
Venezia
MARE
A D R I AT I C O
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
routE Profile
You will ride for approx. 260 km on
back-roads with low traffic or for
short streches on unpaved paths in
good condition. Mostly in the lowlands with some hilly sections.
Not included in the tour price:
› Train transfer from Calalzo to
Belluno (approx. 50 min., 8 € per
person + bike).
Self Guided Tour
619 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
765 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
60 €
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
High season suppl. (July–August)
32 € 3/4****-Hotel
Night in Venice instead of Mestre
on request
Extra night in Venice
on request
Extra nightS in Mestre
65 € 3/4***-Hotel DBL
85 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Extra nights in Bolzano
50 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
75 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-50 € 3***-Hotel DBL
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, luggage transportation,
private transfer Bolzano–Brunico, route
descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline
service.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Sunday from
April 25th to August 1st and from August
29th to October 3rd, 2010.
Special departure dates can be organised
for at least 6 persons!
Accommodation
› 3/4-star hotels, very comfortable
with shower/WC and air conditioning, mainly in city centre
PARKING & TRANSFERS
Bolzano: Hotel garage approx.
55 € per week (no reservation
possible, to be paid on the spot)
private garage approx. 60 € per
week, free unguarded parking
places outside the city centre.
Transfer back to Bolzano from
Mestre/Venice on Saturdays and
Sundays: 55 € per person, bike
included, reservation required.
Good train connections from
Mestre/Venice to Bolzano.
By plane
Bolzano is very well connected to
the following airports (90–120 min):
Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURAtion
tour modality
Ca. 280 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided Tour
Po
Casale Monferrato
Torino
PIEDMONT
Po
Wine and food lovers’ paradise!
Asti
1 DAY Alessandria. Arrival in
Alessandria, a city divided by the
river Tanaro. Worth a visit is Piazza
della Libertà and Piazza Duomo with
its wonderful neoclassical cathedral.
st
2nd DAY Alessandria –Acqui
Terme (52 km). You cycle for a few
kilometers along the Strada Franca,
an ancient road dating back to
1454. You will pass across smooth
hills, woods and small isolated
villages where you will be able to
taste typical products and excellent
local wines (Barbera and Dolcetto
d’Aqui among others). Aqui Terme:
famous for its spring waters, like the
“Bollente” situated in the historical
centre.
3rd DAY Acqui Terme–Alba (54
km). You come across the famous
hills of the Langhe, the countryside
and the vineyards as well as the
splendid small villages of Montabone, Rocchetta Palafea and Canelli.
The stage ends in Alba, home of the
most precious of the truffles, the
Tartufo Bianco, and of the famous
“Dolcetto d’Alba”.
4th DAY Alba–Asti (41 km). A route
through vineyards and along panoramic paths which will eventually
take you to Asti in the heart of Monferrato. Do visit the historical centre
with its famous towers, the romanic
monuments and the splendid gothic
cathedral.
5th DAY Asti–(Torino)–Asti
(34 km). Today you have a choice
between cycling across the Asti hills
and their natural parks and a trip to
Torino. You can reach Torino, the
first capital of Italy, carrying the bike
on the train. It is a city with splendid
monuments, tree-lined roads and
ancient cafés, which offer a choice
of chocholate-based specialties.
6th DAY Asti–Casale Monferrato
(53 km). Take advantage of the
hospitality of the wine cellars and
restaurants along the way, which
offer an excellent eno-gastromomical choice. In Monferrato you will
eventually meet the river Po, the
longest river in Italy.
7th DAY Casale Monferrato–
Alessandria (47 km). Further
cycling across green hills and
cultivated lands. Passing through
the small villages on the right side
of the Po river you will return to
Alessandria where the tour ends.
8th DAY Alessandria. Departure.
o
id
rm
Bo
Neive
Alba
Day by Day Itinerary
ALESSANDRIA
r
Ta n a
a
Occupying a large area that borders on France and Switzerland, Piedmont is the ancient dominion of the Savoys, the ill-fated royal family who ruled Italy from the Unification in 1870 until abdication in 1946. Piedmont is also a region where food comes first,
with a host of specialities in an area which boasts centuries’ old culinary traditions and
outstanding, top quality local produce appreciated throughout the world.
Canelli
Acqui Terme
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
608 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
775 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
70 €
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
High season suppl. (SEPTEMBER–
OCTober)
22 € 3/4****-Hotel
Extra night in Alessandria
55 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
75 € 3/4****-Hotel SGL
ROUTE Profile
A tour through the regions of
Langhe (hills in the Piedmont
dialect) and Monferrato. The daily
stages are not very long, from a
minimum of 40 to a maximum of 55
km, with a medium difficulty level.
The most hilly section (3rd DAY)
allows you to shorten the route of
10 km by taking a train in Neive
(approx. 20 min, 5 € per person
+ bike). Train transfers – including
optional trip to Torino – are not
included in the tour price.
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-50 € 3/4****-Hotel DBL
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, luggage transportation,
route descriptions & maps, 7-days
Hotline service.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Saturday from
April 3rd to October 23rd, 2010.
Special departure dates can be organised
for at least 6 persons!
ACCOMMODATION
3/4-star hotels, very comfortable
and usually in city centres.
PARKING
Alessandria: private garage approx.
12 € per day, no reservation possible, to be paid on the spot.
BY PLANE
Alessandria is well connected
(60 – 180 min.) with the following
airports: Torino (TRN), Bergamo
Orio al Serio (BGY) and Milano
Malpensa (MXP).
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 13
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURATion
tour modality
Ca. 240/270 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided Tour
Pisa
Firenze
Ar no
Empoli
TUSCANY
Florence, Siena and the Chianti
Livorno
Certaldo
Colle Val d’Elsa
SIENA
MAR
TIRRENO
1 DAY Siena. Arrival.
2nd DAY Siena –Radda in Chianti
(43 km). From Siena you start to
head north towards the beautiful
village of Radda in Chianti. The
remains of its ancient walls testimony the historical significance that
this town had in the competition
between Florence and Siena.
3rd DAY Radda in Chianti–Greve
(40 km). Today the route brings you
to Greve over the rounded Tuscan
hills with beautiful views.
4th DAY Greve –Florence (38 km).
Florence, capital of the region of
Tuscany, spreads on the banks of
the Arno, between the Adriatic and
the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the
middle of the Italian peninsula. Two
of the many artists associated with
Florence are Leonardo da Vinci and
Michelangelo Buonarroti.
5th DAY Florence. A full day to
spend visiting Florence. The city is
often considered the birthplace of
the Italian Renaissance and was
long ruled by the Medici family.
Florence is also famous for its
magnificent art and architecture.
st
6th DAY Florence –Colle Val
D’Elsa (40 km by train + 27 km).
In the morning a short train transfer
will bring you to Certaldo. From here
you will then cycle further up to
Colle Val D’Elsa.
7th DAY Colle Val D’Elsa–Siena
(37 km). From Colle Val d’Elsa you
will cycle to the beautiful town of
Siena, which is not only one of the
most fascinating towns in Tuscany
but is also in a particularly beautiful
position, with lovely environs.
8th DAY Siena. Departure.
VARIATION
5th DAY Florence –Tavarnelle (47
km). The village of Tavarnelle Val di
Pesa has Roman origins; it is named after the ancient taverns offering accommodation and refreshment located along the road
which linked Florence to Siena and
thence to Rome.
6th DAY Tavarnelle –Colle Val
D’Elsa (45 km). From Tavarnelle
you cycle to Colle di Val d’ Elsa,
which lies in the heart of Tuscany, in
a strategically favourable position
near the towns of Siena and Floren-
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour: 2 nights
in florence
650 € 3***-Hotel DBL
835 € 3***-Hotel SGL
Variation: 1 night in florence
598 € 3***-Hotel DBL
775 € 3***-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
70 €
100 € Electro-bike
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
Half board (6 dinners)
170 € 3***-Hotel DBL and SGL
3-course meals, beverages not included
and to be paid on the spot.
extra night in florence
75 € 3***-Hotel DBL
95 € 3***-Hotel SGL
Extra night in siena
60 € 3***-Hotel DBL
90 € 3***-Hotel SGL
Extra nightS in pisa
60 € 3***-Hotel DBL
90 € 3***-Hotel SGL
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-50 € 3***-Hotel DBL
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
free fenced parking place, breakfast
buffet, luggage transportation, route
descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline
service.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Saturday from
March 27th to October 30th, 2010.
Special departure dates can be organised
for at least 6 persons!
ce. It is situated on the via Francigena that connects Rome with the
North. On the way you pass Certaldo, whose upper part has remained
as it was in the Middle Ages. Further
on you come across San Gimignano, which rises on a hill dominating
the Elsa Valley with its towers.
7th DAY Colle Val D’Elsa–Siena
(37 km). Standard tour.
8th DAY Siena. Departure.
Florence to Certaldo (variation) is
not included in the tour price (approx. 50 min. – 7,00 € per person +
bike).
ROUTE PROfile
Heavy, with sloping landscapes
dotted with steeper inclines, but not
overwhelmingly so. Average daily
distance is about 40 kilometres.
Though the daily routes are not too
long, they can be strenuous, so we
do recommend being in reasonably
good physical condition for this tour.
The cost of the train transfer from
14
Radda
in Chianti
S. Gimignano
Tuscany is one of the better known regions of Italy.
It was here that Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci created their best
works of art. The countless palazzos, triumphal arches, mosaics and frescos now serve as signposts for the cycle route taking you into the breathtaking beauty of Florence, Siena and San Gimignano.
Day by Day Itinerary
Greve
in Chianti
Tavernelle
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in nice and cosy
2/3-star hotels, b&b or agriturismo.
PARKING
Siena: free parking in fenced parking place at approx. 1 km from the
hotel, booking is compulsory.
BY PLANE
Siena is well connected (70–115
min.) with the following airports:
Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA).
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURAtion
tour modality
Ca. 280 km
8 Days/7 Nights
Self guided and Guided Tour
TUSCANY
Between Pisa and Florence
Day by Day Itinerary
again two possibilities. You can
relax in one of the most famous
thermal cities in Europe and stroll
down the narrow lanes of the old
city, which is situated on a hill and
can be reached by a characteristic
cable-railway. Otherwise a picturesque itinerary will lead you among
villas of the Medici family, olive
groves, vineyards and beautiful
historical farms, going past Vinci,
Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace (visit
to the museum possible).
6th DAY Montecatini–Florence (20
km by train + 50 km).
A leg by train will take you to Pistoia,
rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments (in particular churches) and having one of the most
suggestive squares in Italy: Piazza
del Duomo (Cathedral Square).
From here back into the saddle,
immersed in the Tuscan flatland to
reach the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence. It will be up to you to
decide how to spend your time in
one of the world’s most beautiful
cities!
7th DAY Florence–Pisa (40 km by
train + 65 km). A short trip by train
wil take to Empoli, where you will
start to follow the river Arno flow by
bike, pedalling entirely on level
ground as far as Pisa for your last
overnight stay.
8th DAY Pisa. After breakfast end of
services.
Pistoia
Lucca
From the leaning tower to Ponte Vecchio across the lands of Leonardo,
Puccini, Pinocchio and of several other artists, sculptors, composers,
inventors and painters who were inspired by the beauty of the Tuscan
MAR
landscape.
TIRRENO
1st DAY Pisa. Arrival in Pisa, the city
famous all over the world for its
magic Piazza dei Miracoli (Square
of Miracles) with the characteristic
leaning tower, the bell tower of the
city cathedral. Part of the UNESCO
World Heritage since 1987, besides
a large number of monuments it
also offers a friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city.
2nd DAY Pisa–Lucca (30/45 km).
Pedalling northwards along the river
Serchio, across the Pisan countryside you arrive in Lucca. For those
who are better trained there is a
more demanding and longer route
that runs along the Monti Pisani on
their eastern side.
3rd DAY Lucca–Lucca (40 km).
The medieval city of Lucca welcomes you with its charm. The itinerary
entails a ring-shaped pathway in the
surrounding countryside but if you
prefer you can stop to visit the
innumerable palaces, churches and
towers of this enchanting Tuscan
city. Not to be missed is a tour
inside the perimeter of the wonderful
Renaissance walls, completely
intact and considered to be the best
preserved in Europe, as well as a
visit to the Roman amphitheatre (II
century A.D.)
4th DAY Lucca–Montecatini (45
km). Through a panoramic road you
reach the little village of Collodi and
the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where
the author of Pinocchio spent his
childhood, you could visit the famous Pinocchio’s Park (created in
1962 already) and the aristocratic
Villa Garzoni. In Pescia you could
enjoy a quiet stroll among churches,
palaces, Renaissance mansions
and the typical flower street market.
5th DAY Montecatini–Montecatini
(58 km). Today’s route offers you
Montecatini
Terme
Lago di
Massaciuccoli
PISA
Poggio a Caiano
Vinci
MONTI
PISANI
Firenze
Empoli
Ar no
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
598 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo DBL
775 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo SGL
Guided Tour
978 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo DBL
1145 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo SGL
Bicycle rent
70 €
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
Extra night in pisa
60 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo DBL
90 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo SGL
Extra night in Florence
70 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo DBL
90 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo SGL
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-50 € 2/3***-Hotels, Agriturismo DBL
of the path is on asphalted roads of
low traffic, some parts are on dirt
paths but not demanding.
All the cities are connected by trains
with bicycle transport and in case of
bad weather or if you need a day of
rest you can reach the next city
without cycling.
Trains Montecatini–Pistoia (approx.
10 min. – 4 € per person) and Florence–Empoli (approx. 30 min. – 6 €
per person) are not included in the
price.
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, luggage transportation,
route description and maps, 7-day Hotline
service.
Guided tour includes also: 7 dinners
(3-course meal, beverages not included),
guide on bike, minibus present during the
whole tour, entrance at the museum of
Leonardo in Vinci, visits and wine tasting,
train transfer Florence–Empoli
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Saturday from
April 3rd to October 23rd, 2009.
Special departure dates can be organized
for at least 6 persons!
Guided tour: Saturday 26.6., 3.7., 18.9.
and 25.9.2010 from Pisa.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in 2/3-star hotels,
agriturismo. Very comfortable accommodation, with ensuite facilities
and mostly in the city centres.
PARKING
Pisa: private garage approx. 15 €
per day, no reservation possible, to
be paid on the spot.
BY PLANE
You can fly to Pisa airport (PSA) with
various low cost companies.
ROUTE PROFILE
The itinerary runs mostly on a flat
area with some hilly parts which do
not require particular athletic skills.
In 6 stages you will cover the distance of 250/280 Km which can be
reduced if you decide not to go by
bike on the days of double overnight
stay in Lucca and Montecatini. Most
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 15
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURATion
Ca. 320 km 8 Days/7 Nights
tour modality
Self guided Tour
M A R A D R I AT I C O
Bari
Alberobello
APULIA
Noci
MATERA
Olive groves and crystal seas
Ostuni
Cisternino
Lecce
Taranto
Apulia (Italian name: Puglia) is a region in south-eastern Italy that includes
the heel part of Italy’s boot. It is bordered by the sea on two sides (the
Adriatic Sea in the east and the Ionian Sea to the southeast). The region is
characterized by endless olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards.
The charm of this tour is that it leads you into a region of scenic beauty,
which is, by today’s standards, still unspoiled by the unattractive aspects of
tourism and still retains testimony of its great and ancient culture.
Otranto
Gallipoli
MAR IONIO
S. Maria di Leuca
Day by Day Itinerary
1st DAY Matera. Arrival. For millennia, inhabitants of this region have
carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or
tufa), a characteristic honey-colored
soft stone. These houses are called
“Sassi” and are today World HeriDays site.
2nd DAY Matera–Alberobello (70
km). You cycle to the famous trulli of
Alberobello and Locorotondo. Trulli
were generally constructed as
dwellings or storehouses. Alberobello is situated upon two hills, once
separated by a riverbed. On the
eastern hill is the new town, with
modern archi­tectural features. On
the western hill, the trulli are lined up
in an urban conglomeration, subdivided into two districts: Monti and
Aia Piccola, both National Monuments from 1930, and today World
HeriDays sites.
3rd DAY Alberobello–Ostuni (40
km). You cycle through th countryside to Ostuni, which is reputed an
architectural jewel, and is commonly
referred to as “the White Town” for
its white walls and its typically whitepainted architecture.
4th DAY Ostuni–Lecce –Gallipoli
(70 km by train + 60 km by bike).
16
A train transfer brings you to Lecce.
After a few kilometers through this
amazing baroque town, you go
deep into “salentinian countryside”,
before approaching the Ionian coast
and your daily destination, Gallipoli.
5th DAY Gallipoli–Santa Maria di
Leuca (50 km). Cycling further
along the coast you will reach Santa
Maria di Leuca. The name Santa
Maria di Leuca was given by the
ancient Greek sailors who came
from the East.
They saw this place lightened by the
sun and therefore called it “leukos”,
meaning white. Santa Maria di
Leuca is a famous seaside resort
and a fishing area.
6th DAY Santa Maria di Leuca–
Otranto (55 km). Today you will
cycle northwards along the Adriatic
coast to Otranto, the most eastern
point of Italy where you can visit the
beautiful Cathedral and the great
Aragonese Castle.
7th DAY Otranto–Lecce (50 km).
Riding along the Alimini Lakes and
their unique Mediterranean bush
you’ll enter into Lecce. Thanks to its
Baroque style, it has deserved the
nickname of Florence of the South.
You’ll come to appreciate the rich
sculpted motives done in the 17thcentury with the tender stone from
Lecce. The old town enclosed by
what is left of the ancient walls,
bears the impression of that exuberant period.
8th DAY Lecce. Departure. Lecce
is well connected by train with the
airports of Bari and Brindisi.
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
620 € 2/3/4****-Hotel DBL
800 € 2/3/4****-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
70 €
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
extra night in Matera
60 € 2/3/4****-Hotel DBL
90 € 2/3/4****-Hotel SGL
Extra night in Lecce
60 € 2/3/4****-Hotel DBL
90 € 2/3/4****-Hotel SGL
the high holiday season. The route
includes very beautiful stretches on
the coast. Train transfer from Ostuni
to Lecce is not included in the price
(approx. 60 min., 7 € per person +
bike).
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in 2/3/4-star hotels,
B&B and in the typical Trulli in
Alberobello.
Very comfortable accommodation,
with ensuite facilities and mostly in
city centres.
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-50 € 2/3/4****-Hotel DBL
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, luggage transportation,
route descriptions & maps, 7-days
Hotline service.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Saturday from
March 13th to June 19th and from
September 4th to October 30th, 2010.
Special departure dates can be organised
for at least 6 persons!
PARKING & TRANSFERS
Matera: hotel garage on request.
Transfer from Bari to Matera:
40 € per pax (minimum 2 pax).
Transfer back from Lecce to Matera:
60 € per person (minimum 2 pax),
bike included. Transfer from Lecce
to Bari: on request.
Transfers are available only on
Saturdays, booking is compulsory.
BY PLANE
Matera is well connected (90 min.)
with Bari airport (BRI).
ROUTE PROFILE
Mostly in the lowlands, sometimes
hilly, the itinerary is almost always
on asphalt roads. Traffic is almost
non existent in Apulia except during
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
TYPE
Level
Bike & Hotel
DISTANce
DURAtion
tour modality
Ca. 220-260 km
8 Days /7 Nights or 7 Days /6 Nights
Self guided Tour
PARCO
DELL'ETNA
Piazza Armerina
SICILY
The land of lemons
and oranges
Day by Day Itinerary
ending the day at the city of Noto,
considered to be the finest baroque
town in Sicily. Completely devastated in the earthquake of 1693 the
city was rebuilt in the style of the
day with beautiful honey-coloured
stone buildings with ornate churches and monuments surrounding
attractive piazzas.
7th DAY Noto–Siracusa (35 km).
Heading north, the route continues
towards Siracusa, the capital of
Ancient Greece and home to Archimedes. With the Island of Ortigia in
the background, the centre of Siracusa is a wonderful display of an
ancient city.
8th DAY Siracusa. Departure.
ROUTE PROFILE
MAR IONIO
CALTAGIRONE
Siracusa
A tour in the south-eastern area of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. You will cycle through the Val di Noto, since 2003 a UNESCO
World HeriDays, and discover the most fascinating cities of the region.
You will visit Noto, the most important baroque city of Sicily and Siracusa, an ancient Greek colony. You will also pass through the coastal
oasis of Vendicari, the sea village of Marzamemi, the islands of Capo
Passero and Correnti.
1st DAY Caltagirone. Arrival.
2nd DAY Caltagirone –Piazza
Armerina–Caltagirone (40 km).
Organised transfer (bikes + pax) to
Piazza Armerina with its Villa Romana del Casale, 5 km southwest of
town. First excavated in 1950, it was
probably a hunting lodge and summer home and is decorated with
multicoloured mosaic floors that are
unique throughout the Roman world
in their quality and extend. After the
visit cycle back to Caltagirone.
3rd DAY Caltagirone–Modica (47
km + 40 km by train). From Caltagirone you cycle southward until you
reach Vittoria where you take a train
to Modica. The upper town is
watched over by the magnificent
18th century façade of the church of
San Giorgio.
4th DAY Modica–Pozzallo (45 km).
Before leaving Modica, one should
at least try the famous spicy chocolate. From Modica you will gradually
descend alongside the caves characteristic of the Iblei mountains to
Scicli, totally rebuilt in the Baroque
style after the earthquake of 1693.
Continue onwards through the
marine centre of Pozzallo.
5th DAY Pozzallo–Marzamemi
(48 km). This day of cycling on an
almost completely flat course will
bring you through Portopalo di
Capo Passero, continental Europe’s
southernmost point. Before arriving
to Marzamemi, the beautiful island
of Correnti marks where the Ionian
and Mediterranean seas meet.
6th DAY Marzamemi–Noto (35 km).
The route takes a turn to the north
passing through the relatively
untouched and pristine natural
preserve of Vendicari, where you
can relish the beauty of the countryside. The trip continues north,
Catania
Vittoria
Ragusa
Noto
Modica
MAR
M E D I T E R R A N EO
Pozzallo
Marzamemi
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
619 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
775 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
Variation 7 days/6 nights –
arrival on Sunday in Caltagirone
575 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
705 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
Bicycle rent
70 €
10 € Helmet (to be paid on the spot)
Extra night in Caltagirone
45 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
65 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
Extra night in Siracusa
50 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
75 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
ACCOMMODATION
Reductions: 3rd person in
triple room
-50 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, luggage transportation,
transfer from Caltagirone to Piazza Armerina, route descriptions & maps, 7-days
Hotline service.
DEPARTURES
Self Guided tour: Every Saturday from
March 13th to June 22nd and from
September 4th to October 30th, 2010.
Special departure dates can be organised
for at least 6 persons!
Accommodation is in comfortable
b&b, agriturismo and 2/3–star
hotels.
Transfer from Siracusa to Catania:
50 € per pax (minimum 2 pax).
Transfers are available only on
Saturdays, booking is compulsory.
PARKING & TRANSFERS
BY PLANE
Caltagirone: parking place price
and availability on request.
Transfer from Catania to
Caltagirone: 50 € per pax
(minimum 2 pax).
Caltagirone and Siracusa are well
connected (90 min.) by train with
Catania airport (CTA).
The itinerary develops itself on low
traffic side roads except for the
short part entering Siracusa. Most of
the stretches are on lowlands with
some slightly hilly passages. The
longest and most difficult section is
covered by train. This tour is however suggested to people with a
minimum of bike practise.
N.B. The train tickets from Vittoria to
Modica are not included in the price.
Tickets can be bought directly by
customers at Vittoria train station
(approx. 8,50 €, bike included –
approx. 1 h).
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com 17
TYPE
Level
trekking
DISTANce
DURATion
tour modality
Ca. 280 km 8 Days / 7 Nights
Guided Tour
Colico
Monte
Bregagno
LAKE COMO
Bellano
DISTANce
DURATion
na
Level
trekking
Varenna
San Benedetto
Bellagio
Grigna
Lago
di Lecco Settentrionale
Monte
Nuvolone
Lago
Grigna Meridionale
di Como
Monte
San Primo
Lenno
Pigra
Argegno
Monte
Bisbino
si
TYPE
tiny community had its period of
splendour on the 12th century. The
5th day is dedicated to the Queen’s
path from Rezzonico to Menaggio.
As an evidence of the old age of this
way remain paved paths, walls,
bridges and chapels. On the 6th
DAY you will have a relaxing walk to
the splendid botanical garden of
Villa Melzi. After the villages of
Loppia and San Giovanni you reach
a view point from where you can
admire the entire lake. The last walk
of the tour on the 7th DAY is from
the marvellous lake village of Varenna and will take you as far as Bellano, with its ancient churches.
ls
On the 1st DAY you can admire the
monuments of the old city and the
most representative churches of
Como. On the 2nd DAY take the
ferry to Torno and along mule-tracks
you reach ancient fortifications and
the famous tombstones of “Massi
Avelli”. The Monte Piatto will frame
magnificent views on the Como side
of the lake. On the 3rd DAY you will
take the ancient way of Monti Lariani, where until the end of the 50’
smugglers from Switzerland used to
introduce their goods to Italy. Highlight of the 4th DAY is the Saint
Benedict Abbey near Lenno. The
Va
Lake Como offers a varied landscape. Along its shores alternate grazing pastures, woods,
rough and imposing rocks, picturesque villages overlooking the water and beautiful villas with
parks and gardens. The centre of the lake, where its three branches meet, has got the mildest
climate and offers the wider panorama. Reaching it by boat you can enjoy a beautiful view
over the whole promontory of Bellagio in the northern Grigna overlooking the Valsassina, and
on clear days over the high lake bay, with the range of the Alps in the background.
Menaggio
Rifugio
Buffalora
as
Among the woods and mountains
of Lake Como
Day by Day Itinerary
Monte Legnone
Rezzonico
Torno
Corni di Canzo
Monte Piatto
Lecco
COMO
ROUTE PROFILE
From easy to middle difficulty. The
paths are well-beaten and with no
exposed parts. It is necessary to be
trained to walk with a difference of
level between 300 mt and 700 mt
uphill and downhill. On some paths
there are very steep short parts.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in nice and cosy
2/3-star hotels, b&b or agriturismo.
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Guided Tours
only guided tours available on request for
groups of minimum 8 persons.
from 690 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
from 840 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation
with breakfast buffet, luggage transportation Como–Menaggio on day 3, tour
information, route descriptions and maps,
7 days Hotline service, guide
NOT Included in the price
All the transfers by public transportation.
tour modality
Ca. 280 km 8 Days /7 Nights
Self guided and Guided Tour
FIRENZE
TUSCANY
San Casciano
Among Olive groves and the
Vineyards of Chianti
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
Sambuca
Barberino Val d'Elsa
San Donato
Tignano
Pieve di Cellole
San Gimignano
Tuscany is the ideal place to discover landscapes and culture at once; palazzos, medieval
buildings, frescoes and abbey are as fascinating as the light hills and vineyards around the
villages. Come in the land of wine and arts…
Bibbiano
Poggibonsi
Colle Val d'Elsa
Monteriggioni
Pontignano
Siena
Day by Day Itinerary
Starting point of this tour is the
magnificent Florence. On the 2nd
DAY a private transfer will take you
to Sambuca where you start your
itinerary in the heart of Tuscany.
Following the Pesa river the route
winds among farm fields, olive
groves an small villages, reaching
then Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. The 3rd
DAY is dedicated to a loop of Tavarnelle visiting the church of Santa
Lucia al Borghetto and the beautiful
village of Barberino Val d’Elsa. On
the 4th DAY with a bus transfer you
reach Colle Val d’Elsa. From here
you start to walk the tracks of the
famous Via Francigena till San
Gimignano, important stop along
this ancient route to Rome. On the
5th day a ring of San Gimignano
18
takes you through wonderful medieval villages located in the surroundings. The 6th DAY you take a bus
to the medieval village of Monteriggioni: again a stretch of the Via
Francigena allows you to discover
other corners of Siena, your high­
light for today. On the 7th DAY you
discover the surrounding of Siena till
the “Certosa di Pontignano”, another religious monument of splendid
architecture.
ROUTE PROFILE
Easy. The paths are well-beaten and
and with no exposed parts or parts
where it is necessary to use the
hands to move forward. It is necessary to be trained to walk with a
difference of level between 300 mt
and 700 mt uphill and downhill. The
daily distance varies from 7 to 15
kilometres at most.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in nice and cosy
2/3-star hotels, b&b or agriturismo.
PRICE PER PERSON in euro
Self Guided Tour
670 € 2/3***-Hotel DBL
840 € 2/3***-Hotel SGL
included in the price
Included: 7 nights hotel accommodation,
breakfast buffet, 2 dinners in Tavanelle,
transfer Florence–Sambuca on day 2,
luggage transportation, tour information,
route descriptions and maps, 7 days
Hotline service.
NOT Included in the price
All the transfers by public bus.
Departures
Self Guided Tour: Every Friday, Saturday,
Sunday from Mar 26th to June 27th and
from Sept 3rd to Nov 14th, 2010.
Special guided departures dates can be
organized for a minimum of 8 persons.
Girolibero tour through BikeToursDirect – 1-877-462-2423 (toll free, North America), 1-423-756-8907 – [email protected] – www.biketoursdirect.com
OUR BIKES
› Common equipment to all our bicycles:
Gel saddles (Lookin.it), adjustable handlebar,
Alluminium frame with or without shock absorbing fork,
puncture-resistant 28” tyres.
We have carefully chosen our bicycles and accessories
in order to be able to satisfy the requests and wishes of
our customers. In this page we illustrate some of the
available types of bicycles.
› Standard accessories: Side bags ortlieb.de,
bike computer, padlock, bottle, repair kit, handlebar bag
(or map support with klickfix.de handlebar adaptor).
Helmet rental by request: 10 EUR (Limar.it, certified CE
(TÜV) and CPSC-USA).
8
Map holder 27x27 cm,
klickfix.de connection
1
MEN’S BICYCLE 27-GEAR DEORE
Rapid fire Deore Shimano gear (by request Nexus 7 with pedal brake).
9
Handlebar bag,
klickfix.de connection
10
42cm
2
UNISEX BICYCLE LOW ENTRY
Rapid fire Deore Shimano gear (by request Nexus 7
with pedal brake).
3
Racing bike
Cannondale Synapse. With carbon fork and
27-gear Shimano Tiagra.
Corb for a bunch of flowers or a
small pet, klickfix.de connection
11
Side bag, ortlieb.de
4
FOLLOW ME TANDEM
The ideal solution for carrying children
(www.followme-tandem.com).
For younger children see illustration n. 6.
5
TANDEM PINO
Revolutionary, easy manoeuvrable. Perfect
12
sight for both (www.hase-bikes.com).
Gel saddle, lookin.it
13
6
Gazelle Cabby
Ideal for carrying children who can’t cycle alone
(www.gazellecabby.nl). Available also bike trailer
7
gazelle ELECTRO BIKE
Bike with assisted pedalling (www.gazelle.nl).
Repair Kit