Northern Italy

Hiking & biking in the Dolomites & the Veneto
June 29 – July 11, 2008

Join us on a tour that explores a spectacular region of one of Europe’s favorite countries.  The North of Italy is a very diverse area offering high mountains, peaceful flatlands, medieval walled villages, lovely cathedrals and distinctive whitewashed stone houses.
The Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in Italy and the most impressive of the European Alps.  Their sheer rock walls are landmarks that can be seen for miles.  This is a spectacular landscape of emerald green meadows and crystal clear lakes that has lured hikers from all over the world to trek the network of well maintained trails.  We will explore the ridges and passes, taking in the alpine flora and stunning views.

The gentle rolling countryside of the Veneto plain showcases the vast stretch of Lake Garda with splendid backdrops of the snow-capped mountains and the magnificent ancient cities of Verona, Vicenza and Padua.  On our bikes we will pedal through this region of rich history.

Meals will feature the local specialties that are dominated by fresh fish and seafood from Lake Garda and the Adriatic, complemented by fresh local produce and the excellent local wines. The pickled, sweet & sour and spicy flavors have been influenced by the neighboring countries. We’ll enjoy Italy’s famous coffee-soaked, rich and delicious Tiramisu cake. No need to worry about gaining weight as after a day of biking or hiking you will deserve to try it all.

Sunday, June 29th.  Arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo.  Settle into our centrally located hotel which will be our base for three nights.  Cortina is Italy’s top ski resort set amid the dramatic scenery of the Dolomites.  Welcome dinner tonight.  Hotel Europa  -  www.hoteleuropacortina.it

Monday & Tuesday, Cortina d’Ampezzo.  Full day excursions to hike some of the region’s most classic ridges and passes with spectacular alpine beauty.  Included are the Cinque Torri (Five Towers Trail) and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.  Hotel Europa

Wednesday, Bolzano.  Morning hike to Cascate di Fanes, followed by a late afternoon transfer along the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti to Bolzano.  The road twists and turns through the most spectacular route through the Dolomites.  Hotel Scala Stiegl  -  www.scalahot.com

Thursday, Bolzano.  This morning we fit our bikes and take a warm up ride.  Afternoon walking tour of the city with our local guide.  Bolzano is a well-known center of tourism with a distinct Tyrolean atmosphere and a strong historical and cultural connnection with Germany.  It is also home to the 5,000 year old Ice Man who was discovered in 1991.  Hotel Scala Stiegl

Friday, Trento.  Our cycling route follows the Adige River, lined with orchards and vineyards.  We’ll pass through lots of delightful villages including Ora, Egna and Salorno.  Trento is beautifully situated in the heart of the Trentino Alps, with inspiring views from high or low.  There is lots of well-preserved architecture, gardens and frescoes in this capital city.  Grand Hotel Trento  -  http://www.grandhoteltrento.it/en/.

Saturday, Peschiera del Garda.  We continue biking along the Adige River toward Lake Garda.  In Riva we will board a ferry for a cruise of the entire length of Italy’s largest lake.  Our hotel is a short walk to the beach or enjoy the hotel swimming pool.  Hotel Puccini  -  www.hotelpuccini.it

Sunday & Monday, Verona.  Peaceful scenery as we cycle to enchanting Verona, the setting for Romeo & Juliet.  Monday morning our local guide will introduce us to the city’s highlights, Roman ruins and medieval market squares.  Afternoon at leisure for independent sightseeing.  Hotel Giberti   -  http://www.hotelgiberti.it/inglese/index.asp

Tuesday, Vicenza.  Today we pedal through the rolling hills of the Monti Berici and will have a wonderful view of Vicenza as we aproach.  The city is well known for its private palaces and the 16th century architecture of Andrea Palladia.  Hotel De la Ville  -  http://www.boscolohotels.com/eng/hotels/delaville/4star_hotel_vicenza.htm

Wednesday, Padova.  Our route passes the beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda.  Optional stop at one of Italy’s thermal spas, Abano Terme.  Padova is a university town with a young, vibrant atmosphere well mixed with remnants of an ancient past.  Hotel Igea Padova - http://www.hoteligea.it/index_eng.php

Thursday, Venice.  Easy cycling through the countryside of the Veneto and along the Brenta Canal arriving in Venice in time for a late lunch.  Afternoon free for sightseeing and exploring the maze of canals by traghetti, gondola or water taxi.  Hotel Dei Dogi - http://www.boscolohotels.com/eng/hotels/dei_dogi/hotel_venice_centre.htm

Friday, July 11th  Breakfast at leisure and transfer to the Venice train station or airport for your flight home or to other parts of Europe.  Venice Airport has direct, non-stop flights to North America and an excellent choice of flights to all the major European capitals.

Tour price: $3,995 per person ($850 single supplement)
Tour date: June 29 to July 11th, 2008 (13 days/12 nights)
Tour Leaders: Gerhard Meng and local assistant

Tour Cost includes:

• Three and four star hotels in central locations
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Eleven dinners featuring regional specialties
• Support vehicle with bike mechanic
• A careful balance of free time to pursue other activities, relaxing and shopping
• Personalized walking tours with local guides and entrance fees
• Porterage and handling of luggage
• Gratuities, taxes and service charges
• Gerhard biking with the group every day

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 28, 36 and 55 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides.  The tour is limited to 15 guests.

Unless you will be traveling in Europe prior to the start of the tour, schedule your flight into Venice airport.  Plan to arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo no later than Sunday, June 29th.  We can help make arrangements for your transfer from the Venice airport to Cortina.

If you would like more time in Venice at the end of the tour, we can reserve additional nights at the hotel used on the tour.

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $13 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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