Dolomites to Venice Bike Ride, Italy

The Dolomites are one of Europe's most unique mountain landscapes; a stretch of jagged limestone spires with a captivating and dense history. Beginning with the incomparable views of the South Tyrol's dramatic mountains, we ride along an easy old railway track, a track that played a significant part in the First World War, and that will take us under the impressive Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

On arriving at Cortina D'Ampezzo we are immediately presented with the breathtaking views of some of the Dolomites' most mesmerising peaks, including Tofana, Sorapis and Monte Cristallo. After a short train transfer we cycle through 'the valley of ice cream makers' to Belluno, where a very different panorama of lush green countryside awaits. As the terrain starts to level out at Bassano del Grappa we relax with a well deserved grappa.

Moving now towards the Adriatic Sea, we ride through the rich town of Treviso before being welcomed by the romantic lagoon of Venice. A boat ride along Venice's many canals is surely an excellent reward after an unforgettable journey through northern Italy's varied landscapes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Fly to Venice; transfer to Bolzano.

Day 2
After familiarising ourselves with the bikes, we cycle along the Adige river. Today's ride is mainly on cycling paths and quiet roads, with an overall ascent of approximately 300m. Cycling through orchards and vineyards, we pass Lake Caldaro, the lovely villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno.This area is well known for its wine production, which represents three quarters of the whole of the South Tyrol. We end today's ride in the pretty city of Trento, where Italian Renaissance and Germanic influences meet. Cycling distance: 70kms.

Day 3
We continue along the Adige until we reach Rovereto and Mori. From here, we head west towards the northern shores of Lake Garda. After a short ascent, we cycle down to Torbole and then onto the elegant resort of Riva del Garda. There we take the ferry to the southern end of the lake, leaving Trentino and heading towards the Veneto region. The 4hr cruise on the lake gives us the opportunity to enjoy the splendid landscape and relax before cycling to our final destination of the day: Desenzano. Cycling distance: 50kms (+ boat).

Day 4
Cycling mainly on quiet roads and cycle paths today, we make our way to the legendary city of Verona. Located on the river Adige, Verona is arguably the most beautiful city in Veneto. Its famous arena is one of the many Roman monuments we can discover there. Also interesting to see are the Basilica San Zeno and of course Juliet's house and the famous balcony! Cycling distance: 35kms

Day 5
After a flat start, we reach the more hilly region of Monti Berici. As we cycle on this undulating route, we can enjoy fantastic views of our destination for the day: Vicenza. The old city centre is a jewel of Renaissance architecture: private palaces, public buildings and the Basilica are testaments to the work of one of Italy's most renown architects: Andrea Palladio. A visit to the best ice-cream parlour in Vicenza is a great reward after today's ride! Cycling distance: 50kms.

Day 6
Leaving Vicenza, we cycle pass the beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda. We continue along the Bacchiglione river, on relatively quiet and flat roads, to the fascinating city of Padova, famous for the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto, and the Prato della Valle, one of the biggest squares in Europe. Cycling distance: 57kms

Day 7
We continue through Veneto, cycling along the Brenta canal and and numerous villas belonging to the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Widmann). Our day ends in Mestre, final destination of our week of cycling, near Venice. With easy access to the heart of the 'Floating City', we can enjoy a relaxed evening and perhaps a gondola ride! Cycling distance: 35kms.

Day 8
Fly to London.

Is this trip for you?
Distances per day vary from 35km to 75km; there are options to make some days longer if required. Although there are no real steep climbs or technical difficulties, the route is undulating at times and requires a reasonnable level of fitness. That said, a support vehicle is available at all times on a request basis, which should provide some reassurance, or make the trip suitable for couples or friends of slightly different fitness levels.

Please note that the support vehicle does not follow the group but can be called by your leader to pick you up and take you to your accommodation, should you wish to shorten the ride. There may be a waiting time for the vehicle to arrive at your location (the support vehicle is not available to 'sit out' a section of the ride during the day). Exodus aim to use mainly quiet roads and cycle paths where possible, but sometimes you'll need to pass busy sections in order to reach the quiet roads on the other side.