BAVARIA & NORTHERN ITALY

Downhill biking in southern Bavaria, the Dolomites & the Veneto

Join us on a bicycle tour that explores three distinct regions in a spectacular part of Europe. Arrive in Munich, the lively capital of Bavaria and the gateway to Germany’s most towering attractions, the Bavarian Alps. Bavaria is a timeless land of fairy tale castles, half-timbered houses and painted buildings. Everywhere is picture-postcard scenery and rural charm.

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 area in the north of Italy offers a spectacular landscape of emerald green meadows, crystal clear lakes, medieval walled villages and distinctive whitewashed stone houses.

The gentle rolling countryside of the Veneto plain showcases the vast backdrop of the snow-capped mountains and the magnificent ancient city of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On our bikes we will pedal through these regions of scenic beauty and rich history.

Meals will feature the local specialties. Germany’s traditional sausages and sauerkraut, Rolladen and Spaetzle (homemade noodles) will be tasty highlights. In Italy fresh fish and seafood from the nearby lakes and the Adriatic will be complemented by fresh produce and the excellent wines. The pickled, sweet & sour and spicy flavors have been influenced by the neighboring countries. We’ll enjoy traditional Apfelstrudel and Italy’s famous coffee-soaked, rich and delicious Tiramisu cake. No need to worry about gaining weight as after a day of biking you will deserve to try it all.

Thursday & Friday, Munich. Take time out to enjoy this enchanting city were the fun loving locals look upon the pursuit of pleasure as a full-time calling and you will want to join them in one of the tree-shaded beer gardens. Visit the Alte Pinakothek with some of Europe’s finest art treasures and the Deutsches Museum of science and industry.
Renaissance Munich Hotel http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mucbr-renaissance-munich-hotel/

Saturday & Sunday, Füssen.  Saturday our private coach will transfer us to our luxury hotel situated in the foothills of the Alps. A warm up bike ride in the afternoon followed by our cocktail reception and dinner. Sunday we bicycle the nearby lakes and woods to the mad King Ludwig’s ornate Neuschwanstein Castle and to his father’s castle, Hohenschwangau.
Hotel Bergruh   www.hotelbergruh.de

Monday & Tuesday, Merano.  Our coach takes us to the top of the mountains to start a long downhill ride into Italy, following an ancient Roman trade route. Merano is known as “the door to the land of the sun”. It is a center of tourism with a distinct Tyrolean atmosphere and a strong historical and cultural link with Austria. Tuesday morning we bike the Passirio River valley with castles on the nearby hillsides. Afternoon walking tour of Merano with our local guide.
Hotel Therme Meran   www.hoteltermemerano.com

Wednesday, Trento.  Our cycling route follows the Adige River, lined with apple orchards, vineyards and hillsides of delightful villages and castles. Trento is beautifully situated in the heart of the Trentino Alps, with inspiring views from high or low. There is lots of well-preserved Renaissance architecture, gardens and frescoes in this capital city.
Grand Hotel Trento   www.grandhoteltrento.com

Thursday & Friday, Verona.  Peaceful scenery as we cycle to enchanting Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and second only to Rome in its number of Roman ruins. Friday morning our guide will introduce us to the city’s highlights and medieval market squares. In the evening you will learn why the city is distinguished for its outstanding wine and cuisine.
Due Torri Hotel Baglioni www.baglionihotels.com

Saturday, Venice.  Easy cycling today through the countryside of the Veneto region and along the Brenta Canal arriving in Venice in time for a mid afternoon espresso or glass of prosecco. Farewell reception followed by a memorable dinner of local specialties.
Hotel Dei Dogi www.boscolohotels.com

Sunday.  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 a tremendous selection of flights to all the major European capitals. If time allows, we suggest staying one or two days longer in Venice to experience the palaces, museums and the maze of canals by traghetti, gondola or water taxi.

Tour price:    $4,595 per person ($695 single supplement)
Tour date: May 27th to June 6th, 2010 and September 2nd to 12th, 2010 (11 days/10 nights)
Please note, the Sept. 2nd date is sold out to a private group.
Tour Leaders: Gerhard, Darlene & Tina

Tour cost includes:
Hotel accommodations for ten nights, buffet breakfast each morning and eight dinners with wine or beer. Gratuities, taxes and service charges. Airport/hotel transfers. Historic walking tours with local guides and special wine tasting. Most of our hotels offer spa facilities to enjoy at the end of a biking day. The support vehicle transfers all luggage, offers mechanical assistance and limited spare parts, and provides a lift if a tour member should tire during the cycling day. It is equipped with a mobile phone and a small library of information on the areas that we visit. In addition to the support wagon, a small coach will also accompany the group on some days.

Daily biking distances:
The majority of the standard cycling routes are on bike paths and designated bike routes. Detailed maps and route sheets will be provided. On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 26, 34 and 48 miles. Shortcuts will be available as well as the option of longer and more challenging rides. To include the most scenic and interesting parts of the region in the tour, there will be group transfers during the trip.

Bike rentals:
Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at € 175 (Euro). All frames are hybrid style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. They are equipped with Shimano components, 27 gears, rack, handlebar bag, odometer and a rear view mirror. If you prefer to use toe clips you must bring your own pedals. Should you choose to bring your own bike, details will be outlined in the pre-departure information packet.

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