Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Venice

Join us for a 2-week tandem tour of this astounding region of northern Italy! Follow Italy’s second longest river from the Dolomites down to the Gulf of Venice, a ride from the centre of the Alps to one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, Venice. Tour Highlights: From South Tyrol’s alpine meadows our adventure will start on the cycling path on the banks of Drava, Danube river tributary river entering into Austria then on to the Isarco and Adige river valley meandering through its many vineyards and apple orchards to the towns of Bolzano and Merano and through the canyon of Napoleon’s Rivoli. We will then move to the northern shores of Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy and one of the most loved destinations for waters sports and good biking, to the town of Bassano del Grappa with its  bridge projected by Palladio, whose pillared villas have become the model for luxurious private homes all over the world.

You will taste Italy’s famous wines where they are at home, the red Valpolicella, white Soave and sparkling Prosecco. Enjoy when Italians proudly present their home-made regional specialities, from refined Ravioli to roasted rabbit, dishes so natural that they are served only in season and so rare that they have exclusively dialect names. And once you fall in love with the scent of log-fire in mysterious morning fog, a ship will come and take you to the grande finale, the Serenissima, the city built on the sea, Venezia!

Northern Italy Itinerary:
Following is a preliminary itinerary for our Tour.
Innichen / San Candido – Drava River Bikepath
Following the Drava river path we will enter in Austria to the town of Lienz.
Optional longer rides available in the challenging roads of the Dolomites to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Highlights: The bikepath the town of Lienz and the lake Tristacher the Dolomites.

Innichen / San Candido – Bressanone/Brixen
Head west on the Ciclabile della Pusteria bikepath with optional longer rides available in the Dolomites Mountains.
Highlights: The bikepath the town of Brunico, the Loden museum and wool making, Varna Lake, Novacella Abbey, Bressanone historic centre.

Bressanone/Brixen – Bolzano/Bozen
Ride parallel to the Isarco river, with views of fruit orchards and many vineyards on the slopes of the valley.
Highlights: The town of Bolzano, its square, Frozen Fritz and bilingual Bolzano.

Bolzano/Bozen –Merano/Meran Loop
Along the Via Claudia Augusta road a Roman Imperial way we will visit one of the most beautiful towns of the Sud Tyrol, Merano, with his stunning historic centre once attended by Richard Strauss, Rainer Maria Rilke and Princess Sissi of Austria.
Highlights: Merano with its spas, vine estates, breweries.

Bozen/Bolzano – Riva del Garda
Mostly along the Adige river bikepath we leave the German speaking Sud Tyrol for the Trentino, an Italian speaking area. The fields of the area of Mezzacorona and the Rotalian Valley are celebrated wine areas.
Highlights: Mezzacorona vineries, Trento with his Buonconsiglio Castle and Cathedral.

Riva del Garda Loop
Multiple options in and around beautiful Lago di Garda.

Riva del Garda – Pergine Valsugana
We will ride back to the Adige valley to visit the areas of Caldonazzo Lake and Levico.
Highlights: The Renaissance center of Pergine, the Castel Pergine, and a visit to the workshop of the famous Italian bike builder, Dario Pegoretti.

Pergine – Asolo
From the Caldonazzo lake take one of the most beautiful bikepaths of Italy the Ciclopista della Valsugana in the Brenta valley leading to Bassano del Grappa.
Highlights: The lake and magnificent vistas.

Asolo Loop
Asolo is a fascinating spot in the Italian countryside with his beautiful gardens and the stunning views have inspired poets and artists from the Renaissance to present time. In the 15th century, Caterina Cornaro was exiled here by the Venetians after she abdicated the throne of Cyprus. Stroll past villas once inhabited by Robert Browning and actress Eleonora Duse. The countryside is dotted with stately residences designed, or inspired by, Palladio, the 16th c. Renaissance architect. 
Highlights: Palladian Villas and countryside.

Asolo - Follina
Short ride in the vineyards and foothills of the Dolomites to try the Prosecco, Italian sparkling white wine.
Highlights: A glass of Prosecco of course!

Follina - Caposile
We will cross central Veneto to get to the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon where a cozy Agriturismo that proudly presents local products will wait for us, with the option to visit the stunning town of Trevis.o
Highlights: The historic centre of Treviso.

Caposile visit to Venice
Non biking day all dedicated to visit Venice, we arrive in Venice via boat where will be met by a local Guide.

If you are interested in joining us please e-mail or call (303-715-9690). Our trips sell out very quickly, often before all details are posted on our website.

Dates 2012:
July 28 - August 12, 2012
Tour Price:
$3540 per Person ($7080 per Tandem Team)*

*PLEASE NOTE: Price is based upon exchange rate of approximately $1 USD to 0.6905 Euro, as of August 2011. The price for this tour is fixed unless the exchange rate fluctuates by more than 5%. In the event that there is more than a 5% variance in currencies the tour price will then be adjusted accordingly, either up or down.

Frequently Asked Questions: What is the average daily mileage? We will ride an average of 40-50 miles per day. On most days there will be options to extend or to shorten the core routes. What's included in the price of the trip? The tour price includes the following: Fourteen nights accommodations (including FULL breakfast) in quality 3 or 4 star hotels and guesthouses Tour includes stay the last night, in Venice, prior to departure. All breakfasts and selected (approximately 5) dinners Support vehicle with driver/guide throughout the tour Tandem mechanic (Patrick) Transfers to and from Venice airport Daily luggage transfer Daily briefing by guide on the route to highlight points of interest, en route attractions, services, and more. Pre trip planner Tandem bike case storaage What's not included: The tour price does not include the following: Airfare to and from the trip Tandem Bicycle Meals other than those detailed above (Lunches and snacks are not included and some dinners will be "on your own" in bigger communities for you to experience the local culture). Drinks / Gratuities

Tour Details: 15 Days / 14 Nights Tour Dates: July 28 to August 12, 2012 Trip Start / End Location: Venice, Italy Tour Price: $3540 per person/$7080 per team* Average Mileage: Approximately 40-50 miles per day

Do I need a tandem with S&S couplings? No, we can acommodate your full sized tandem, but a coupled tandem is your best option. Be aware that you will most likely be charged to fly with your non-coupled tandem, however.  Please call Tandem Cycle Works for information on our experience in flying with a tandem. Where does the trip start and end? Our tour will begin and end in Venice, Italy. You should plan to fly into and out of the Venice (Marco Polo) International Airport where you will be met by our tour guide. If you plan to extend your trip you will need to make arrangements to meet us at the airport on the tour start date and you should plan to leave from our hotel in Venice on the departure date noted. What travel documents do I need? You will need a passport for entry into Italy. If you don't currently have a passport we recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to receive or renew a passport. We would hate to have you cancel at the last minute just because you don't have your passport! What will the weather be like? Bellissimo! Of course, rain and sudden unusual weather patterns are the norm for experienced cyclists, so as for any bike tour, plan to bring good quality rain gear. What's the food like? As cyclists, we know that good food and plenty of it is of prime importance! We can promise that you will have no complaints about the meals - either in terms of quality or in terms of quantity. Riders will have full run of the a la carte menu in every case.   Of course, we will have great pasta, wine, olive oil and grains (afterall, this is Italy!). Have more questions? Please call us at Tandem Cycle Works, 303-715-9690, or e-mail us. *PLEASE NOTE: Price is based upon exchange rate of approximately $1 USD to 0.6905 Euro, as of August 2011. The price for this tour is fixed unless the exchange rate fluctuates by more than 5%. In the event that there is more than a 5% variance in currencies the tour price will then be adjusted accordingly, either up or down.

We will stay in a combination of 3 and 4-star small hotels and guesthouses used by Iron Donkey Bicycle Tour.

A detailed listing of our accommodations will be presented here once we have received confirmation from Iron Donkey.

How to Register for Our Italy 2012 Tandem Tour:
If you would like to join us in Italy for this special cycling adventure, please download the Booking Form and return it to Tandem Cycle Works with your tour deposit.