- Cycle through memorable Dolomite scenery
- Relax on the picturesque shores of Lake Garda
- Discover the fascinating cities of Verona, Padova and Venice
Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride
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8 Days
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8 Days
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Cycling
Spectacular riding from the stunning Dolomites to Venice
Few landscapes in Europe match the beauty of the jagged limestone Dolomites. The route starts with incredible views of Trentino’s dramatic mountains, cycling on relatively easy roads and tracks along the Adige River. On reaching the northern shore of Lake Garda, the views of one of the most famous Italian lakes is unforgettable. A ferry cruise on the lake gives us the opportunity to take in these wonderful vistas before continuing the ride through the beautiful cities of Verona, Padova and finally the canals and waterways of Venice.
Highlights
Key Information
- Five days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
- 95 percent paved roads, 5 percent gravel tracks
- Group normally 7 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Seven nights in three-star hotels
-
E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
- Countries visited: Italy
What's Included
- All breakfasts and one dinner
- All accommodation
- Local bike hire
- Lake Garda ferry
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Visa and vaccinations
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Local city taxes (approximately €15)
- E-bike hire
5 Days of Cycling
Pace:
Moderate: 8mi-10mi (13km-16km) an hour
Terrain:
Low altitude; 95 percent paved, 5 percent gravel roads
Day 2
75 km / 46.6 miles
Day 3
50 km / 31.1 miles
Day 4
64 km / 39.8 miles
Day 5
75 km / 46.6 miles
Day 6
56 km / 34.8 miles
Itinerary
Trento Padua
Fly to Venice; transfer to Trento
Fly to Venice; transfer to Trento, province of Trentino-Alto Adige nestled in the Adige River Valley. A cosmopolitan city and a centre for industry, education, science and finance, Trento is one of the wealthiest and most prosperous cities in Italy boasting an atmospheric historic centre adorned by well preserved Medieval and Renaissance buildings. Depending on the group’s arrival time, there may be time to go into town before we have our evening meal and trip briefing.
Start Trento
The trip starts in Trento, a city nestled in the Adige River Valley in the Trentino-Alto Adige province. A cosmopolitan hub and centre for industry, education, science and finance, Trento is one of the most prosperous cities in Italy with an atmospheric historic centre of well-preserved Medieval and Renaissance buildings. After check-in, there may be time to go into town before our evening meal and trip briefing.
Morning train to Bolzano, capital city of the South Tyrol. Cycle on quiet roads following the Adige River back to Trento
After breakfast, we take a 40-minute train ride to Bolzano, the capital city of the South Tyrol surrounded by powerful peaks. We can familiarise ourselves with the bikes on a short tour around the historic centre. From here, we will cycle south along the Adige River, following quiet undulating roads, with an overall ascent of approximately 985ft (300m). Cycling through orchards and vineyards, we pass Lake Caldaro and the lovely villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. This area is well known for producing wine, accounting for three-quarters of the output in South Tyrol. We arrive back in Trento in the late afternoon and spend a second night at our central hotel.
Continue riding along the river to Lake Garda. A 3hr ferry cruise takes us to the south shore of the lake
We continue along the Adige until we reach Rovereto and Mori. From here, we head west towards the northern shores of Lake Garda. After some short ascents, we cycle down to Torbole and then onto the elegant resort of Riva del Garda, which has plenty of bars and restaurants along the lake shore and a lovely beach. Later in the afternoon, we take the ferry to the southern end of the lake, leaving Trentino and heading towards the Veneto region. A lake cruise allows us to enjoy the splendid landscape and relax before we reach our final destination of the day, Desenzano, where we take a short walk from the ferry port to reach our hotel for the night.
From Lake Garda, we cycle to Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’
Cycling mainly on quiet roads and cycle paths today, we make our way to Verona, which, is arguably the most beautiful city in Veneto. The arena is one of the many Roman monuments we can discover there, while other places of interest are the Basilica San Zeno and, of course, Juliet’s house and balcony.
In the evening briefing, the tour guide will discuss tomorrow’s route and there will be a group vote on which of the two options to take.
Cycle to Vicenza, riding through vineyards
Today’s route depends on what was decided in last night’s group vote.
- The more challenging route through the Colli Berici covers 47mi (75km) with a total ascent of 2,190ft (667m). It also has a 3mi (5km) climb, the longest of the tour, but you are rewarded with scenic views.
- The easier route runs along the foot of the Colli Berici, covering 46mi (74km) but with a lower total ascent (1,375ft/419m).
Either way, our destination for the day is Vicenza. The old city centre is a jewel of Renaissance architecture: private palaces, public buildings and the basilica are testaments to the work of Andrea Palladio, one of the most renowned architects in Italy. A visit to the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza is a great reward after today’s ride.
Pass the Palladian Villa Rotonda and the rolling hills of Monte Berici as we cycle to Padua
Today we can take in some of the greenest and most stunning views of the Veneto countryside. Leaving Vicenza, we cycle past beautiful Palladian villas and we reach the hillier region of Monti Berici. We continue along the Bacchiglione River, on relatively quiet and flat roads, to the fascinating city of Padua (Padova in Italian), which is known for the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto, and the Prato della Valle, one of the biggest squares in Europe.
To the enchanting city of Venice; sightseeing on foot
This morning, we transfer to Venice by train (approximately 30 minutes). Once in the heart of the Floating City, we can explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, bridges and waterways. We see famous sights including Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge and, of course, Piazza San Marco. After exploring the city, we can enjoy a relaxed evening – speak to your tour leader to organise an optional gondola ride – before returning to our hotel in Padua by train. A dinner is included this evening.
Free morning; fly to London
After breakfast, we have most of the day free to further explore Padua or Venice, before transferring from Padua to the airport and flying to London.
End Padua
The trip ends in Padua after breakfast. However, if you would prefer to extend your stay and explore a little more, speak to your sales representative.
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Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified as Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Average daily distance: 41mi (65km) with five days of cycling
- Terrain and route: 95 percent paved roads, five percent gravel/unpaved roads
We use mainly quiet roads and cycle paths where possible, but at times we need to cross busy road sections to reach the quieter routes on the other side. Although there are no real steep climbs or technical difficulties, the route is undulating at times (Especially on days 4 & 5) and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
A support vehicle (with limited seats) is available throughout the trip. It cannot follow the group at all times, but will meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give directions and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel America, Via Torre Verde, 50, 38122 Trento TN
Phone: +39 0461 983010
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 2hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is long and expensive. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs approximately €470-€500.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The trip ends in Padua, approximately 45 minutes from Venice Marco Polo Airport. There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join.
If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Trento
Location end: Padua
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
3 and 4-star hotels
We use a variety of three- and four-star hotels throughout with en suite facilities. They may be either in the towns themselves or in the surrounding countryside and are selected based on a combination of service levels, cleanliness, location and value.
Examples of hotels used:
Trento: Hotel America
Desenzano: Hotel Bonotto or Hotel Piroscafo
Verona: Hotel Scalzi
Vicenza: Hotel Cristina
Padova: Hotel Casa del Pellegrino
Trip Experts
Bee Almariego
Adventure Specialist
Michele Quaresimin
Expert Leader: Italy
Reviews
Add your own reviewWonderful holiday - lovely scenery, delicious food
Cycling route – This is a great 1 week holiday for beginner or intermediate cyclists. I consider myself intermediate. At points Michele lets you go at your own pace so you can go quicker if you wish. Early stages very flat but nice undulations later. The bikes were poor (my only trip criticism) but they might change them. You can apparently pay a little more for a better road bike Accommodation – all nice hotels with good breakfast (excellent fruit, yoghurt, eggs, bread and cakes) Scenery – beautiful. In May we had glorious weather so this does help…
Most Inspirational Moment
Venice - we had some special moments in Venice thanks to Michele especially. Ride through fields of poppies - perfectly timed, only out in May. Approach to Soave is beautiful
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele is so passionate, enthusiastic and patient, a real asset to the trip
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring cash. You are asked to pay in cash for meals together Bring a couple of nicer outfits for evening. Still casual of course but as opposed to being in say South America or Asia, in Europe it is nicd to be a bit less scruffy when going out to restaurants!
George Clooney
If you are an occasional cyclist then this would be a nice trip, but there are some serious climbs on days 4 and 5 to tackle, but the views are worth it. That said, there is also a lot of flat riding on cycle paths that can get tiresome and mundane. Michele was an excellent guide with lots of little stories and anecdotes to tell. The hotels are ok, with possible exception of Verona which was a bit basic, an upgrade or two would be preferable.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, as a regular cyclist, cycling days 4 & 5 were the best as it involved some hill climbing with spectacular ridge rides, views and descents, especially between Vicenza and Nanto. Unfortunately after Nanto it’s pan flat for 35km with very little of interest until you arrive in Padova.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We’ve been on a trip with Michele before, so we knew what to expect from him. Very friendly and lots of useful stories to tell. Remember to play “buzzword bingo” and listen out for ‘Fidel Castro’, ‘Mussolini’, ‘Romans’, ‘George Clooney’, then shout “house” (or maybe it’s “villa”). Mark was also extremely helpful when my wife came off her bike and had to go to hospital for treatment, staying with her and acting as interpreter.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you can’t or don’t want to climb a 5km hill under your own pedal power (there are at least 2) then you’ll want an e-bike.
Suggestions
The ferry ride down Lake Garda was interesting for a while but took the best part of 3 hours, and also chilly in October (take a proper coat). An option could be to cycle down the length of the lake (it might actually be quicker), but that adds another 75km to the day and is on busier roads (east side is preferable).
Title is fine
We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday. The bikes provided for us were of a good quality. The route was varied with lovely landscapes. The leader ensured that we stayed together as a group whilst on the bikes so that we felt safe at all times.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our guide, Michele, new Venice very well and was able to avoid the crowds and show us parts of the city that we would not otherwise see. Other highlights were swimming in Lake Caldaro and Lake Garda.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele was excellent. He was knowledgeable, kept us safe, and went above and beyond what was necessary to ensure that we had an excellent time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do check that you are able to cycle the distances and do follow the training programme that Exodus provides. Accept that you may have to visit some of the towns again to fully appreciate their history and culture.
Suggestions
Just to reiterate that this was a lovely trip. We were lucky with the weather and so were able to appreciate the beautiful landscapes. Michele's enthusiasm kept us all going when we were flagging on the hills. The hotel in Vicenza was not of the same standard as the other hotels and we would suggest that alternatives are looked at. The room in the hotel in Mestre was so small that we struggled to find room for our suitcases.
Nice ride to Venice
Group flight from only one airport; good transportation and support; sturdy bikes; nice cycle routes (puts England to shame); glorious weather; excellent guide with lots of information provided.
Most Inspirational Moment
Descending from the hilltop down to Lake Garda.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele was excellent, with lots of knowledge about the history of places/things we saw, plus a real interest in the individuals in the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try and check the weather forecast just before packing - I took some weatherproof items that were never needed as the temperature for each day hovered around 30C.
Suggestions
Need to arrange group flights for people living in the north - i.e Manchester, Liverpool, or Leeds/Bradford. It’s very inconvenient to have to travel to Heathrow or Gatwick - something I won’t do again for a short haul flight.
Fantastic trip
I have been on many Exodus trips over the years and this one is right up the top with the others.
Stunning views, immersed in the Italian culture.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling down into Lake Garda. Also the knowledge that our guide, Michellee had really bought so much more to the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michellee was the best guide we have had on any Exodus trip. He went above and beyond to take care of everyone - no easy feat with a group of 16 people but I feel he managed it extremely well. A very knowledgeable man, great sense of humour. Hard working and a joy to around. There were just so many little extra things that he did to make sure everyone was OK and enjoying the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Hire an e bike for the hills!
Suggestions
Worth saying that Attilla the transport support was also a great guy. Very friendly, supportive and knowledgeable. What an asset to the overall trip.
Excellent
We have been on many exodus trips and they never disappoint but this trip was extra special because of our guide, Michelle and transport Atilla.
Michelle went above and beyond any other guide we have had to make us feel safe, relaxed, happy and literally nothing was too much trouble for him.
His passion for Italy was a joy as was his knowledge and he was so happy to share with us all he knew. He handled a large group of 16 with skill and humour but made us feel as if we were all able to ride at our own pace which certainly pleased us. He took us to lovely restaurants and was so friendly to everyone.
He is such an asset to exodus and we truly hope we have him again on another trip which we shall book because of our experience as exodus hiring the best guides but as I said Michelle is the best we have had.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling down hill to lake garda
Thoughts on Group Leader
Please see above comments but to repeat he was the best guide exodus have in our experience Atilla on transport was also exceptional- friendly and helpful. Great sense of humour
Advice for Potential Travellers
Hire an e bike if you struggle with hills Made the cycling so much better for my arthritic knees!
Great trip
This was a lovely ride through a beautiful part of Italy. I liked the fact that we actually rode the distance from one beautiful city to another (rather than bus transfers). This did mean that it was a rush to check in, shower and be ready to join Michele for the evening meal he organised each evening but for me, that was a price worth paying for the cycling place to place. I think Michele did well organising good, mid range restaurants.
Our guide Michele’s home town is Vicenza, so he knows and loves this region – especially Vicenza!
The route was well planned to use cycle paths or quiet roads, so always a handy coffee and lunch stop.
Most Inspirational Moment
Not one moment to single out, but the cycling generally through such a lovely part of Italy was my highlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele was a very knowledgeable warm and inspiring guide. I believe he added greatly to the trip by his enthusiasm for helping us to see the best of his home region. As we were travelling to join the trip, I started coming down with a chest infection, and wondered whether I should opt for an electric bike. and having talked through the terrain with Michele, I stuck with a bike rather than opting for an electric bike. I was so glad I did but was wavering slightly. Having discussed what cycling we were used to, Michele encouraged me to cycle. It may have been easier for him to steer me towards an ebike, but he helped me choose what was better for me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring your own snacks for during the day if that is important to you, but there are coffee stops along the way. We were very lucky with the unseasonably lovely weather, so my rain jacket was unused, although best be prepared in case.
Suggestions
The choice of hotels was a little disappointing, particularly ( sorry Michele) the one in Vicenza.
Scenery, cycle paths and canals
A great week of varying scenery and enjoyable cycling. It was lovely to be cycling on cycle paths by the river on the first couple of days. Towns and cities were interesting and beautiful, with enough time spent there to get a feel for places and see the main sights. Food was good and plenty of chances to sample local wines. Cycling was not too hard with most days being undulating, but all hills very manageable (it was probably one of the easiest ‘moderates’ we have done).
Most Inspirational Moment
There has to be more than one! 1) The visit to the winery on Day 6 was very memorable. The family were so hospitable and lunch was amazing. Fantastic wines as well. 2) Our guide, Michele gave the option of a couple of early morning cycles to see the sunrise. These were certainly highlights for us and we'd recommend anyone on a future trip with Michele to take him up on the offer. Don't worry, there is still time for breakfast! 3) Venice - the experience of visiting this fascinating city is not to be missed. 4) The "best gelato in the world" in Vicenza!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele was an incredibly enthusiastic leader with an obvious passion for his country. His knowledge about Italy, its history and people was amazing. He organised places for us to eat in the evenings (which were all lovely) and recommended places to go when we were doing our own thing. Nothing seemed too much trouble and he was determined that everyone should have a great holiday. As mentioned earlier, the early morning cycle rides are a fabulous bonus which certainly seem over and above his expected duties as a tour leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a jacket or jumper for the ferry on Day 3 as it can get quite cold if you are on the top deck.
Suggestions
Nothing other than - book it! It's a fantastic way to get a taste of this part of Italy.
Glorious Scenery but very rushed
Excellent bikes and Andy always there for any minor adjustments. Glorious scenery but the trip needs some rethinking .
Most days we arrived at our hotel at 5-5:30 pm. By the time we had checked in, had a shower, it was time to head out for dinner. Restaurants, very mediocre apart from the one in Trento, and quite a long walk from the hotel.
It was a large group of 15, so coffee and lunch stops were far too long. Some glorious scenery, climbs longer than we had anticipated. Lake Garda and Venice very crowded.
Most Inspirational Moment
The most enjoyable day was day 6 to Padova, with the stop at The WInery and lunch. A long fast downhill after lunch which was great.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon was very friendly and out going, though not his usual trip. I don't think he is used to managing such a large group and as mentioned coffee and lunch breaks just too long. In any one day, the actual cycle time was approximately 4hours, yet we were leaving the hotel by 9:30 and not arriving at our destination until 5:30 most days. Andy was always there with water.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for some long climbs. The trip notes on day 6 are incorrect. We had an altitude gain of 600m not 200m
Suggestions
On previous Exodus cycle trips the leaders have organised amazing lunch time picnics and also carried snacks in the van I don't see why the arrangements were different on this trip, the picnics were delicious and much quicker than booked restaurant meals
Terrific Vacation
Where else do you get the opportunity to meet 15 wonderful people from Italy, England, Australia, Scotland, Belgium and the US and spend long, delightful days riding, taking in beautiful scenery and history, and summer nights eating and strolling the sights and sounds of Italy, capping it off with a long day trip to Venice (bring your walking shoes!) and a delicious evening meal on the canal. This trip is much more than cycling.. it’s a step in time in truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Most Inspirational Moment
There was a collective beauty as the miles unfolded.. rivers flowing for miles on end, hilltop castles jutting toward the sky, unending vineyards and apple orchards, and fresh air to breathe in as each new scene came around the corners. Blending this with the group dynamics of idle chatter and laughter along the way and at various stops, and a few short history lessons now and then, made me feel like I was truly a visitor in a magical place for a while.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele was a strong leader. His riding skills, group leadership and overall knowledge were exceptional. Michele’s sense of humour was much appreciated and he was a gentleman in anticipating the needs of all group members and took the time to ensure everything was running smoothly. He’s a good communicator and kept us well informed about the expectations of each day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It’s probably best to have completed several 75km daily rides to know the distance and time on the bike. The first day is particularly long and straight, so music and headphones might be nice to help enjoy the miles. We had some triathlete riders in our group who were fabulous.. and strong riders, so even though it’s NOT a race, it is nice to be able to keep up off and on. I didn’t mind falling back at times but was glad I could reasonably stay with the group along the way. Bring mosquito spray and sunscreen. Electrolyte water tablets were helpful. Small, easy snacks for the distances. A cooling towel during hot afternoons made a nice difference. Lake Garda beach is beautiful but rocky ( no sand), so flip flops are good to bring along. If you like scenery, the ferry ride is a pleasure as it criss-crosses the lake and ours was the last stop. We arrived around 9pm and by the time we checked in, a few of us opted out of dinner, so the pre-ferry purchases were dinner too. I stayed a couple of days in advance at Lido and took the boat rides into Venice to wander around. It was a great way to relax into the trip, and Lido Beach is well worth the time!
Suggestions
Day 3 was a great mix of riding. Day 4 was the longest uphill climb (1 km, then 5km), but day 5 also had some long climbs in the morning. Well-rewarded by the winery tour and magnificent lunch. Breakfast at all hotels was excellent. All evening meals were fabulous too.. you’re in Italy after all. With coffee stops and a few snacks here and there, $40 to $50 Euros a day was lots.. plan extra for museums, etc. in Venice on the last day. Accommodations were clean and comfortable.
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25 May 2024 25 May 2024
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Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride
8 Days
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8 Days
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Incl. taxes
Excl. flights