Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 19:16
Cycling from the Dolomites to Venice Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Cycling
-
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 14+
- Trip Code: C07DL
Trip Overview
The journey from the Dolomites to Venice covers the regions of South Tyrol and Veneto.
Boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, South Tyrol is a timeless bilingual region at the crossroads of Italy and Austria where the jagged rock walls of the UNESCO Dolomites overlook deep green meadows; Veneto is a region rich in art cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vineyards.
Pedalling on the old Dolomites narrow-gauge railway track from your starting point in the mountain range, you’ll pass below the Tre Cime to the Olympic city of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The route continues through the valley of the ice cream makers in the Dolomite town of Belluno. From Bassano del Grappa you’ll leave the mountains and enter the plains to discover some of the works of architect Andrea Palladio. Next stop is the fashion city of Treviso before finishing the tour in mainland Venice from where you can visit the ‘Floating City’.
At a Glance
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- GPS route directions and maps
Highlights
- The Dolomites: Views to the Tre Cime; stay in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the 'Pearl of the Dolomites'
- An idyllic landscape of charming hilltop villages, mountains, plains and rivers
- Flower-filled meadows, sun-soaked vineyards, terraced fruit orchards
- Venice: Visit the 'Floating City'
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 14
Min group size: 2
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Dobbiaco/Villabassa
- End City: Mestre/Venice Mainland
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Dobbiaco/Villabassa
Arrive at your hotel in the Val Pusteria of the Dolomites.
You stay at the Hotel Hubertushof or similar (breakfast included)
Dobbiaco/Villabassa to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Your cycle journey starts on the old Dolomites narrow-gauge railway track past Dobbiaco lake and the war cemetery. Enjoy fabulous mountain views, including to the Tre Cime before crossing from the region of South Tyrol to Veneto and arriving in the Olympic village of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
You stay at the Hotel Villa Gaia or similar (breakfast included)
Cortina d'Ampezzo to Belluno
Continue on the old railway track with views of the Sorapis range to one side and the Cinque Torri (Five Towers) to the other. Stop for lunch in Pieve di Cadore, birthplace of Titian, before continuing through the valley of the ice-cream makers to Belluno.
Belluno to Feltre
Today you leave Belluno, capital of the province, and cycle across the foothills through a series of small villages on tree-lined avenues to Feltre. This historic hilltop town was completely rebuilt in the 16th Century having been destroyed in 1510 due to its allegiance with Venice.
You stay at the Hotel Doriguzzi or similar (breakfast included)
Feltre to Bassano del Grappa
Descend to the Brenta Valley and the plains to Bassano del Grappa, named from nearby Monte Grappa. Here you can visit the Poli Grappa museum, the Museo Civico and cross the famous wooden Ponte Vecchio, dedicated to the Alpini troops.
You stay at Hotel Brennero or similar (breakfast included)
Bassano del Grappa to Treviso
Cycle past villas designed by the renowned architect Palladio before stopping for a rest in Asolo, an elegant hilltop town with a charming historic centre. Continue along the plains to Treviso which is circled by a town wall and by waterways. In the centre you’ll find a rambling maze of arcaded walkways and canals.
You stay at Hotel Carlton or similar (breakfast included)
Treviso to Mestre/Venice Mainland
Finish your cycle route with a gentle ride along the River Sile to Venice mainland from where you can visit the ‘Floating City’. Visit St Marks Square, the Doges Palace and the Rialto Bridge.
You stay at the Hote Villa Costanza or similar (breakfast included)
Leave Mestre/Venice Mainland
Leave Venice or ask us about booking extra nights to allow more time to visit.
(breakfast included)
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels
You will stay in a selection of 3 and 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites as well as their welcoming hospitality. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Joining Instructions
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many ‘low cost’ airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
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: Dobbiaco/Villabassa
Location end: Mestre/Venice Mainland
Transfer Details
Standard transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Venice 08:45/12:00 and transfer to hotel 2hrs 40mins Return: British Airways Venice to Heathrow 17:20/18:35.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many ‘low cost’ airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
What To Take
Practical Information
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.