Italy > Cycling

1.1Umbria
1.2Tuscany: Culture - nature - Chianti
1.3From Assisi to Siena - The Best of Umbria and Tuscany
1.4Umbria the easy way
1.5Venice: the kingdom of the waters
1.6Bolzano to Venice
1.7Bolzano - Verona
1.8Pearls of Venice
1.9Umbria: Cycling tour with wine-tasting and a cooking course
 

1.1 Umbria
 
This cycle tour combines the beauties of nature with the sightseeing of quiet little medieval towns. The trip starts and finishes in the surroundings of the beautiful and fascinating town Assisi. The roads, friendly for bikers, and the hills with cypresses vines and olive trees make experienced cyclists cycle with their heads in the clouds.

Ref: It/c/1.1/MUm

Unguided
8 days / 7 nights

Difficulty level 3
Hilly landscape with average distances of 35-65 km, for bikers with some experience. Quiet asphalt or dirt roads. (Children from 12-14 years old)

Departures
Every day of the week from 1 April - end of October

PROGRAM

Day 1 Arrival in hotel in the surroundings of Assisi
The start of your cycling tour is close to Assisi, the pilgrims town built against the slope of the mountain Monte Subasiol. Its mighty stature of ramparts, towers and roofs of palaces is manifested already from far. Assisi has a strong unbreakable bond with the saints Francis and Claire. On the day of your arrival you can already survey the town with its little alleys and squares. On the Piazza del Comune is the famous Roman temple of Minerva. Your overnight stay is in an hotel between Assisi and Spello; another beautiful old fortified town with gates and an amphitheatre.

Day 2 Passing the small medieval towns Spello - Montefalco - Bevagna - Torgiano (km 65)
This morning there is still time to wander about in Spello. After continuing your journey through the valley of Spoleto, passing Foligno, it goes up to Montefalco; also named 'the Balcony of Umbria' because of its fantastic panorama. The sober Franciscan church is decorated with magnificent frescoes in the 15th and 16th century. The next town you will visit is Bevagna. On its cosy Mediaeval square are two Romanesque churches. Your overnight stay is in Torgiano in Mediaeval times a fortified village. It is situated on a hill above the confluence of the Rivers Cascio and Tiber. There is a palazzo with a wine museum.

Day 3 Via Perugia back to Torgiano (km 40)
Today you can make a tour to the neighbouring county-town Perugia. Its Mediaeval centre with little alleys is situated higher then the rest of the town. The aristocratic renaissance palaces, churches, museums and many galleries make a lasting impression. Again you will spend the night in the peaceful, hospitable town Torgiano.

Day 4 Torgiano - Lake Trasimeno (km 50)
The fourth day you bike through a rather hilly landscape and finally ends with a magnificent view of the lake and its islands at the little fishing village St.Feliciano, where you will find your hotel.

Day 5 Lake Trasimeno - Umbertide (km 40)
During the next stage you bike through a still intact scenery to the quiet little town Umbertide. The centre is dominated by the majestic tower, remains of the castle of 1385.

Day 6 Umbertide - Gubbio (km 55)
The next day you will reach the fortified Gubbio. The town is situated on a hill. Worthwhile visiting are the palaces and the monastery St .Ubaldo, which is built 827m up and can be reached by cable way.

Day 7 Gubbio - arrival in hotel near Assisi (km 55)
In the beginning of the last stage you still have a hard climb through a rolling still life landscape, but after that follows a well deserved easy descent to Assisi, where you will stay another night.

Day 8 Departure

INCLUDED

  • 7 nights in 2- and 3-star hotels or B&B or half board basis
  • 21-speed bicycle
  • Breakfast or optional dinner
  • Luggage transfer

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 

 
     
 

 


 

1.2 Tuscany
Culture - Nature - Chianti
 
You are sitting in a cosy tavern, letting the bike day ease to a close. You honestly deserve the spaghetti al pesto, and with it you are enjoying the Chianti-wine. You are then without any doubt on the way through Tuscany - the Italian landscape and the cultural jewel. Often surprisingly a wonderful castle or a stylish villa emerges from behind the woods. Surrounded by silvery green olive groves and the violet of the lilies. Tuscany has always been a magic place for people all around the world. Even the great Goethe loved to travel there.

To tour this landscape with its immense cultural heritage by bike is an unforgettable experience. Again and again the biking tourist is confronted with wonderful historical monuments. In addition to this, a typical Tuscan landscape often offers an quiet ambience. To discover Tuscany by bike is to bike through regions that lie way off the tourist paths.

Ref: It/c/1.2/EB

Individual tour or guided group tour
8 days / 7 nights (Cat A) or 7 days / 6 nights (Cat B)

Departures

Individual Single Tour:
From Montecatini Terme every Saturday for Cat A and every Sunday for Cat B, starting from April to the end of July and from the end of August until the beginning of October.

Guided Group Tour:
Depart on Saturdays. Request dates from the office. Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za

Route features
Tuscany has a dreamlike but also hilly landscape. During all tours, whether guided or individual, our accompanying mini bus is always within your reach to pick you up for a while if you so wish. We bike on wonderful side paths and country lanes from one famous city to another. You sometimes have to make do with heavy traffic on entering or leaving a city.

Return transport to Montecatini Terme by train (price per person about EUR 5. Return transport to Montecatini by mini bus (price per person EUR 13, with bike, payable on the spot, only if booked beforehand).

PROGRAM

Catagory A, arrivals always on Saturdays.

Day 1 Montecatini Terme
Individual arrival by car or train to Florence and on to Montecatini Terme. Tour information provided.

Day 2 Vinci about 55 km
By bike on small paths through olive groves of Montecatini Terme to Vinci and back again to
Montecatini Terme.

Day 3 Pisa about 50 km
By train to Lucca. City tour by bike, on to dam and hidden paths to the sea and then to Pisa, where you are given a city tour.

Day 4 Casciana Terme about 40 km
From Pisa along the Arno and then on lonesome paths to the idyllic spring town Casciana Terme.

Day 5 San Gimignano/Poggibonsi about 55 km
By bike through vineyards and soft hill chains to San Gimignano/group accommodation usually in Poggibonsi.

Day 6 Siena about 45 km
Through Tuscany's wonderful landscape to the architectonic paradise Siena. A city tour in Siena in the evening.

Day 7 Florence about 50 km
Through the hilly Chianti-region, home of the "Chianti Classico", to Greve. From there bus transfer to Florence.

Day 8 City tour Florence / Departure
City tour before noon, afterwards individual departure or extension of your stay.

Catagory B. Individual single tour. Arrivals always on Sundays.

Visit to Vinci not included.

INCLUDED

Individual tour

  • Accommodation in hotels, category 3-star or 4-star
  • Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
  • Detailed route guide
  • Detailed travel material, route description, places of interest
  • Ship crossing on Lago di Garda
  • Service- hot line and detailed tour information

Group tour

  • 3- and 4-star hotels
  • Conducted by a skilled and well-informed travel courier
  • Bike-bus during the whole tour
  • Breakfast buffet
  • At least a 3-course evening meal with choice possibilities
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
  • All entrances and guided tours according to the program
  • City tour in Florence and Siena, short tour in Pisa
  • All transport (bus, train,...) according to the program
  • Detailed travel material (route maps, route description, places of interest)

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     
 

 


 

1.3 From Assisi to Siena, the Best of Umbria and Tuscany
 
From St. Francis to St Caterina, a mystic land with the soft colours of olive trees , the strong taste of home-made food, beautiful landscapes and precious art treasures, the very best of central Italy

Ref: It/c/1.3/Via

Unguided
8 days / 7 nights

Departure
Daily, except Sundays

PROGRAM

Day1: Perugia / Assisi 25 Km
Arrival in Perugia and meeting with our representative who will take you to the bike shop where your bike can be adjusted according to your needs. Maps and road books will be given to you at the same time. Take a walking tour of Perugia before riding to the Country Inn where dinner will be served.

Day 2: Assisi /Assisi 50 Km
Ride to Assisi and visit this medieval town, home of St. Francis. From Assisi on to Spello, another medieval town, but less touristic. Return to the Country Inn near Assisi for dinner.

Day 3: Assisi / Solomeo 60 Km
Breakfast. On the way to Lake Trasimeno, stop at Deruta, famous for its artistic ceramics. In Torgiano you can visit the Wine Museum of the Lungarotti Winery. Cycling up and down gentle hills, you reach your Country Inn on time for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Around the Lake 50 Km
Today you will discover Montecorognola, with its lovely view over the Lake, Monte del Lago and the fishing village of San Feliciano. You may wish to take a boat ride to the Isola Maggiore and watch the local ladies weaving their laces and maybe enjoy lunch at Sauro's. Stop in Pozzuolo to see your accommodation for the night. In the late afternoon you may cycle up to Paciano and stop in Panicali to see some lovely frescoes of Perugino [Raffaello's master].

Day 5: Lake Trasimeno / Montepulciano 45 Km
Morning ride through lovely landscapes around the small lakes of Chiusi and Montepulciano. You enter Tuscany through the wine country of Montepulciano, a lovely Renaissance town. Visit the Crociani Winery and taste the famous "vino nobile".

Day 6: Montepulciano / Buonconvento 45 Km
After a visit to San Biagio's Church, start the journey towards Pienza. This is a really splendid example of Renaissance architecture. Continue to Montichello , a delightful little medieval borough, where you can sip a cappuccino or a glass of wine and then make a small detour to visit the thermal town of Bagno Vignoni with its incredible main square. Accommodation and dinner near Buonconvento in a Country Inn.

OR

Day 6: Buonconveitto / Buonconveitto 35 km (optional)
A short day, but gull of up and downs; the unpaved road will take you to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, one of the most impressing abbey of Italy, a red bricks construction in a rugged landscape. You can also chose to rest one day and lazily enjoy the Inn swimming pool or its beauty farm Sauna.

Day 7: Buonconvento/Siena 50 km
A nice dirt road winding amongst hills and oaks woods; you pass Murlo a nice little town of Etruscan origins with a lovely museum, the Radi, where an agreeable Inn offers superb food and then you reach Siena; visit Piazza del campo, one of the most beautiful and certainly the best known squares of Italy. Night in a nice little hotel in the centre of town. Supper is free. The bikes will be collected at the hotel upon arrival. Delivery time is 4 o'clock pm.

Day 8: Siena
Free time in Siena to explore the town before departure.

INCLUDED

  • 5nights accommodation in country inns on half board basis
  • 2 nights on B & B basis
  • Transfer from railway station to Perugia
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed maps
  • 7 days bike rental

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     
 

 


 

1.4 Umbria the easy way
 
This is an easy tour designed for beginners. It consists mostly of flat ground but still features the best of Umbria. There will be a few climbs in order not to miss the main towns. The tour starts in Terontola, a main railway station with easy connections to the rest of Europe.

Ref: It/c/1.4/Via

Unguided
9 days / 8 nights

Departure
Daily, except Sundays

PROGRAM

Day 1: Cortona
Arrival at Terontola and transfer to Cortona.

Day 2: Terontola - Solomeo 45 Km
After receiving your bikes and collecting the road maps, you begin the tour towards Lake Trasimeno with its shores covered with bamboo bushes, which provide a favourable rest stop for migrating birds. You may wish to take a boat to Isola Maggiore to watch the local ladies weaving their laces and maybe enjoy a fish lunch at Sauro's. Some of the main villages you encounter in this first part of the journey are Montecorognola, Monte del Lago and San Feliciano. Dinner and overnight in a Country Inn.

Day 3: Solomeo - Perugia 32 Km
Today we ride to Perugia , the main town in Umbria with its fine square and communal palace, the Rocca Paolina , the lovely shops and much more. Dinner and overnight in Perugia.

Day 4: Perugia - Bevagna or Cannar 35 Km
We are now in the heart of Umbria. Visit Deruta, famous for its artistic ceramics and Torgiano, with a wine museum. Bevagna is well known for its medieval festival, which takes place in June. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Bevagna - Assisi -Spello - Bevagna 50 Km
Ride to Assisi and visit this medieval town, home of St. Francis. Continue to Spello, another medieval town, situated on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Return to the Country Inn near Assisi.

Day 6: Bevagna - Spoleto 43 Km
During the first part of the journey, you visit Montefalco with its lovely frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli. Then have a lovely ride along the riverbanks before arriving in Spoleto. This is a medieval town, which is famous for its yearly Two Worlds festival, during which art in all its forms is celebrated.

Day 7: Spoleto - Todi 42 Km
The last two days are slightly tougher than the rest of the tour. However, the landscape is quite rewarding. Todi is a little jewel of medieval architecture and its main square is said to be the most beautiful in Italy.

Day 8: Todi - Orvieta 38 Km
From Odi to Orvieto the road winds through rugged and lovely landscapes with views over the Lake Corbara. Orvieto is an Etruscan town, which dominates the valley from the top of the cliffs.

Day 9: Orvieto
End of services with departure from the railway station.

INCLUDED

  • 6 nights accommodation in country inns on half board basis
  • 2 nights on B & B basis
  • Transfer from railway station to Cortona
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed maps
  • 7 days bike rental

RATE

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     
 

 


 

1.5 Venice: the kingdom of the waters
 
Seven days to explore the Venice hinterland where the water is the dominating element, be it sea or river. We start with wine, as the Colli Euganei area is famous for its wines. Venice is of course the highlight of the tour, but Padova is a marvellous town, rich in unknown treasures and the Po river delta offers a subtle melancholic beauty while the Palladian villas along the Brenta river have a surprising charm. The tour ends in the Prosecco wine area, where the landscape and the architecture are a preview of the Alps.

Ref: It/c/1.5/Via

Unguided
8 days / 7 nights

Departure
Daily, except Sundays

PROGRAM

Day 1 Padova
Arrival in Padova, transfer to hotel. Visit the town and Giotto's frescoes. Supper.

Day 2 Padova - Este 45km
See the impressive Praglia Abbey on the way to the Colli Eugane. It is a Benedictine abbey well worth visiting. You can also experience some wine tasting in the surrounding villages.

Day 3 Este - Ca Cornera 65km
Today you will be transferred to Adria, a lovely little town where you can enjoy a cup of coffee before facing the hardship of the day. The roads are very flat as you enter the "Kingdom of the Waters", as the Po River delta is often named. You ride along canals or on the riverbanks, crossing on ancient boat bridges, some of which still ask a toll for crossing. You continue to your country inn, a friendly place that offers gourmet food and a nice couple to welcome you.

Day 4 Ca Cornera - Chioggia 55km
A long day partly along the sea, partly circling the 'Fishing Valleys' with extended drying nets, old stone houses, boats and birds. Depending on the weather, you can stop for a swim. You will spend the night in the old town of Chioggia, a miniature version of Venice, very typical, with old cobbled streets and canals. Spend the night in a 4-star hotel on the waterfront, where the ferry starts the next morning.

Day 5 Chiggia - Venice - via the Lido island 28km
Today you hop from island to island, cycling along narrow sandy strips, catching ferries from one to the next and finally a ferry to the Venice railway station. From there you only have to push your bike across two bridges to reach your hotel. Accessibility and bike space are the criteria for choosing the hotel. It is only 20 minutes walking from the San Marco square. Supper.

Day 6 Venice
Free day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Venice.

Day 7 Venice/Padova 30 km
You are given a ride to Asolo. Take the time to visit this beautiful town rich of history then start your biking towards Valdobbiadene. The views are superb, deep valleys with wooded slopes that give away to vineyards in neat patches on the sunny sides, frescoed house walls and bulb bell towers. You have a preview of Tyrol. Il Fae is a nice farmhouse nicely remodeled where sabina waits for you.

Day 8
Tour ends - you can catch a train in Conegliano to your next destination

INCLUDED

  • 5 nights on half board basis
  • 2 night bed & breakfast
  • Road book & Maps
  • All transfers mentioned
  • Luggage transfers
  • Bike rental

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     
 

 


 

1.6 Bolzano to Venice
 
This trip takes you past the many beauties of Upper Italy lying between the magnificent mountains of southern Tirol and the famous lagoons of Venice. A side trip to the lake at Garda - where a boat ride the length of the lake awaits you - is easy riding mostly on bike paths. Thereafter it is down into the plain of the Po river, where you experience the culture of the region as you encounter such famous historic cities as Verona where monumental opera is presented in the arena. No less interesting are the old cities of Vicenza and Padua. Keep your camera ready! Anyone familiar with Italian hospitality will not miss a chance to visit one of the many taverns along the way and enjoy the great variety of regional culinary delights.

Ref: It/c/1.6 EB

Individual or group tour
8 days / 7 nights

Departures
Individual tours: Every Friday from April to October. Every Thursday from May to the end of August.

Group tours: Every Saturday. Contact the office for more information info@bikeandhike.co.za

Route characteristics
The route is flat to slightly hilly; the only strenuous stretch is through the hills of Monti Berici. The first two days primarily on bike paths; south and east of Lago di Garda mostly on country lanes and secondary roads. The general lack of bike paths in this region makes a few segments on frequented roads unavoidable. Almost entirely paved asphalt.

PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Arrival by 18h00 at the latest in Bolzano. Tour briefing.

Day 2: Bolzano - Trentino (68 km)
Usually along the Àdige, partly through the orchards to Salurn, where the German speaking South Tyrol comes to an end. The dam pathways lead to Trento (the old part of town is worth seeing).

Day 3: Trentino - Sirmione (boat ride + 45 km)
At first again along the Àdige through Roverto to Mori. From here the tour leads westward in the direction of the Lago di Garda. After a short ascent a descent follows and leads you via the lake to Torbole and to Riva. From here you go on a boat journey on the whole length of the lake to Sirmione.

Day 4: Sirmione - Verona (50 km)
From the plains of the Po River to Verona ("Florence of the North") full of fascinating sights [the Colosseum, the house of Juliet, the old city wall]. The group tour includes a guided city tour.

Day 5: Verona - Vicenza (70/55 km)
Today is the longest leg of the Solo Tour (possible to do parts by train! Group Tour includes a transfer to San Bonifacio). Starts out flat, gradually entering the hills of Monti Berici, the "playground" of Vicenza, with a lovely view over the city. In the old town centre you can sense the spirit of Palladio, the master architect of the Middle Ages.

Day 6: Vicenza - Abano Terme/Montegrotto (35 km)
Numerous Venetian villas lie on the route leading out of Vicenza, eg Villa Rotonda. . Along the Bacchiglione the way leads to Abano Terme/Montegrotto, one of Italy's famous spas, as the destination of the stage. Padua, the city of Saint Antonius and scholars, that can also be easily reached from Abano by bus. The short stage allows enough time to enjoy the thermal springs.

Day 7: Abano Terme/Montegrotto - Marghera/ Mestre/Venice (40 km)
A slight tail wind, typical for the region around Veneto, helps you as you pedal toward the sea following a part of the Brento River bike path. Your destination today is Marghera/Mestre lying on the coast across from Venice. Good bus service into the magical city of canals. Group Tours include guided city sightseeing and an evening meal in Venice.

Day 8: Departure / Extended stay in Venice
Numerous rail connections are available for the return trip. Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9AM a return transfer to Bolzano with the mini-bus (DM 85.-) per person including the bike, payable on departure; limited seating - advance reservation to be made with the agent. Other departure times on request.

INCLUDED

Individual tour

  • Accommodation in hotels, category 3-star or 4-star
  • Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
  • Detailed route guide, detailed travel material, route description, places of interest
  • Ship crossing on Lago di Garda
  • Service- hot line and detailed tour information

Group tour

  • 3-star or 4-star hotels
  • Conducted by a skilled and well-informed travel courier
  • Bike-bus during the whole tour
  • Breakfast buffet
  • At least a 3-course evening meal with choice possibilities
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
  • All entrances and guided tours according to the program
  • Boat ride on Lago di Garda
  • Train ride Verona - San Bonifacio

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     
 

 


 

1.7 Bolzano - Verona
 
Is it the beauty of the landscape? Or the easiness of the Italians? The cultural diversity? The unique climate? The partly Mediterranean vegetation? The wonderful mountain background? No matter what, there is a magic magnetism coming from this north Italian landscape.

Ref: It/c/1.7/EB

7 days / 6 nights

Individual Tour

Departures
Every Friday from April - October, and every Saturday from mid-May to the end of August.

Route features
Short ascents before St. Pauls and to the Montiggler Lakes, otherwise flat. Many bike paths and country lanes; short connecting passages via roads with traffic on them.

PROGRAM

Day1 Arrival in Bolzano
Introductory presentation. Individual city tour through the beautiful old part of town.

Day 2 Bolzano - Tramin about 30 km
Through many orchards and vineyards in the surroundings of the South Tyrol Vine Street, past many fortresses, castles and ruins and the "Cathedral on the Countryside" in St. Pauls, on the Kalterer Lake and on to Tramin.

Day 3 Tramin - Trento about 50 km
Mostly along the Adige, partly through the orchards to Salurn/Salorno, where the German- speaking Southern Tyrol ends. The paths along the dam run up to Trento which has an old part of town well worth seeing.

Day 4 Trento - Lake Garda about 45 + boat journey
At firt again along the Adige through Roverto to Mori. From here the tour leads westward in the direction of the Lago di Garda. After a short ascent a descent follows and leads you via the lake to Torbole and to Riva. From here you go on a boat journey on the whole length of the lake to Sirmione/Dsenzano.

Day 5 Lake Garda - Verona about 50 km
Partly flat, partly easily hilly through the vine hills to Verona, a city full of places of interst (festival arena, Julia's house, old city walls).

Day 6 Verona
On this day you can visit the various sites of Verona: one of the biggest amphitheatres, the marvellous Palazzi, the stylish buildings and the characteristic cafes in the winding little alleyways or on the spacious plazzas. In July and August you should enjoy the world-wide known opera festival in the Arena.

Day 7
Going home already or what about visiting Lago di Garda? Lago di Garda invites you to stay for a few restful and leisurely days. Verona, Milan and Venice are also easily reached.

INCLUDED

  • Accommodation in hotels, category 3-star
  • Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
  • Detailed travel material and, route description
  • Service-hot line and detailed tour information
  • Bike rental included

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     
 

 


 

1.8 Pearls of Venice
 
The Veneto is world famous - and yet there are numerous secrets to discover in this area. Soft green hills, dreamy lagoons, sleepy villages and pulsating cities and of course the splendid villas of the famous architect Palladio will accompany you in your discovery of the region around Venice. You can still feel the magnificence and power this city once held over centuries. Experience a combination of past and modern way of life.

Ref: It/c/1.8/Girol

Unescorted tour
8 days / 7 nights

Route profile: You bike on asphalted side streets and on cycle paths. Some gravel roads. Two days are somewhat hilly.

Departures: Every Saturday and Sunday from April until October.

PROGRAM

Day 1: Vicenza
Individual arrival.

Day 2: Vicenza - Bassano del Grappa
(approx. 39km)
From Palladio´s city Vicenza, you follow the foothills of the Alps till Marostica and continue to Bassano del Grappa, a charming old town on the Brenta river, crossed by a marvellous wooden bridge, done by - of course Palladio.

Day 3: Bassano del Grappa - Treviso
(approx.58/36 miles )
Along the route today you will be able to find the famous Palladio villas Barbaro and Emo. You will pass the Prosecco vineyards, do not miss to taste this famous sparkling wine. On your arrival in Treviso there is lots to discover in this wonderful city crossed by many canals.

Day 4: Treviso - Venice (Mestre)
(approx. 36/23 miles)
It is very relaxing to cycle along the canals, which were used in the past to transport goods from Venice to the mainland. Soon you reach another of the beautiful buildings of Palladio, the villa Foscari. Your hotel is close by and you can easily reach Venice from here by public transport.

Day 5: Venice (Mestre) - Chioggia
(approx. 32 km/20 miles)
Via the bridge "Ponte della Libertà" you reach the lagoon city Venice and take the ferry to the Lido. Here you will pedal past picturesque stone houses and along the seashore past bobbing boats and fishing nets. A boat will bring you to Chioggia, a miniature Venice with cobblestone streets and canals. Chioggia is also one of the main fishing ports of the Adriatic Sea.

Day 6: Chioggia - Padua
(approx. 55/34 miles)
Cycling along ancient canals and locks you arrive at Stra, the beginning of the "riviera del Brenta" with the famous villas of the Veneto, the first one you see is Villa Pisani Once you arrive in Padua, we suggest a stroll through this renaissance city, where even Galileo did his studies.Do not miss a visit to the dazzling Scrovegni Chapel with the frescoes of the life of Christ, recently restored by Giotto.

Day 7: Padua - Vicenza
(approx.45/28 miles)
As you leave Padua you pass the Euganei Hills and reacht he foothills of the Berici Hills and continue to the old Stone Caves of Costozza. Before returning to Vicenza you can visit the Villa da Schio (you can taste some fine wines here) and Villa ai Nani.

Day 8: Vicenza
Individual departure or extension

Nearest airport: Venice/Treviso
Nearest train station: Vicenza

ACCOMMODATION:

Cat. A: *** / ****- hotels
Cat. B: ** hotels, guesthouses

INCLUDED

  • 7 nights in booked category, private facilities
  • daily breakfast
  • luggage transfer till hotel in Vicenza
  • bike rental
  • info pack
  • hotline
  • train and ferry tickets
  • maps and information material

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     
 

 


 

1.9 Umbria: Cycling tour with wine-tasting and a cooking course
 
You will fall in love with the beautiful green and hilly Umbria, because of the perfect combination of cycling in an unspoiled Umbrian landscape, visiting the cultural interesting towns and the discovery of the eno-gastronomic traditions. Your tour starts in the little medieval town Spello, built on the slopes of Mount Subasio. This mountain and its natural park offer infinite possibilities to cycle. During this tour you will not only discover thoroughly the medieval towns Spello, Assisi and Spoleto, but also the provincial town Perugia.

Ref: It/c/1.9/Mum
Unguided
7 days / 6 nights

Departures
Every Sunday from April-November (excl. holidays like Easter and during the Spoleto Music Festival)

PROGRAM

Day 1 Arrival
Your overnight stay is in Residence la Terrazza. It is situated in a beautiful spot in the medieval part of Spello, near Assisi. The quiet walled-in garden offers a magnificent view over the Valle Umbra. At the end of the afternoon you will be expected in a wine bar, where you will make a profound acquaintance with the Umbrian wines and tidbits, like bruschette seasoned with a pâté of tomatoes, truffles, different cheeses and raw ham, salami and capocollo. You will taste different Umbrian wines.

Day 2 Assisi and Spello
Today the first part of your cycle tour is in the valley. You will first pass S.Maria degli Angeli with its impressive basilica built over the spot where once Saint Francis lived and then it goes up with a short but severe climb to Assisi, built on a spur of Mount Subasio. Entering this lovely town, you will see that the hard climb was worthwhile. After your visit you will return to Spello, but first you pass the winery of Tili in the Assisi D.o.c. area, where you will taste their excellent wines: ca. 35 km

Day 3 Fologno and Bevagna
Today you will go to Bevagna. You pass first Foligno, a town full of life, situated in the valley and then cycling along vineyards you will reach Bevagna, which has a romantic, medieval square with two Romanesque churches. It is certainly worthwhile to saunter through its little alleys and to look at the Roman Mosaics. After your visit your return to Spello.

Day 4 Perugia and Spoleto
Today you will say goodbye to Spello. First you will take the train and visit the center of Perugia with its Renaissance palaces, many churches, museums and galleries. A city walk will bring you through suggestive alleys and over cozy squares along the most interesting monuments. But of course it is also nice to saunter through the shopping street Corso Vannuci. Walking time: 3 hours

At the end of the afternoon you will go by train to Spoleto and will be welcomed in hotel Clittunno which is situated in the historical centre of Spoleto. You will have a welcomes drink and will meet the 'chef ' of the restaurant. In the evening a marvelous dinner.

Day 5 To cook or not to cook
The cooking course starts after breakfast. You will learn to make nice antipasti, which you will taste during lunch. In the afternoon the second part of the cooking course. This time the 'primi' (pasta and risotto) will be highlighted. During dinner you will taste of course these primi.

Day 6 Montefalco and Spoleto
Today you will visit an olive oil farm and a winery in the surroundings of Spoleto-Montefalco. You will have lunch in Montefalco. In the evening you are free to arrange a dinner in one of the many good restaurants of Spoleto.

Day 7: departure

INCLUDED

  • 6 overnight stays B&B
  • 2 dinners and lunch
  • 3 times a wine tasting and a visit of an olive oil farm
  • 2 cooking lessons
  • bike rental (incl. helmets, kit reparation, inner tube, pump and lock).
  • route descriptions of the mentioned cycle tours

RATES

Contact info@bikeandhike.co.za for rates and specials.

 
     

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