Gentle bike paths lead you through the spectacular Dolomites on the border of Italy and Austria then past terraced vineyards and through medieval towns and villages. You'll experience castles, villas and amazing food and wine, before reaching magnificent Venice. Cycle from Italy’s Dolomites to Venice with alpine scenery, lakeside paths, and historic towns. Imagine gliding down from the jagged peaks of the Dolomites toward the glittering canals of Venice, following gentle bike paths through some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery. The route winds south, the scenery shifts beautifully from rugged mountain crags to rolling foothills, terraced vineyards, and sun-warmed medieval towns. In Valdobbiadene, you'll taste Prosecco right where it 's made, at a local farmhouse and winery. A visit to the exquisite Villa di Maser, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Renaissance master Andrea Palladio, adds another unforgettable layer to the journey. A night in charming Treviso, where two rivers curl through the city center, sets the scene perfectly for the grand finale. Step aboard a vaporetto, glide along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge, and let Venice do the rest. You'll explore hidden calli alongside famous piazzas, with an insider's tour revealing corners of this extraordinary city that most visitors never find. Woven through every mile is the warmth, cuisine, and legendary hospitality of northern Italy. This isn't just a bike tour. It's the trip of a lifetime. We'll meet and bring you to your hotel in San Candido, a lovely resort town on the Drava River. After introductions and bike fitting, we will take a short warm-up ride before enjoying a meal that features wonderful local cuisine (including some of the best pastries in Europe). Dinner is together at a local restaurant. The entire day is gently down hill following the course of the Drau River from San Candido, then crossing into Austria to the beautiful town of Lienz (and losing 1870 feet in elevation in the process). You will enjoy exploring Lienz, "the Pearl of the Dolomites" a town that is beautifully situated at the confluence of the rivers Isel and Drava. We pass lovely Lake Dobbiaco in the Val di Landro, and enjoy the beautiful surrounding mountain panorama including a spectacular view of the famous "Tre cime di Lavaredo" (Three Peaks) in the Tre Cime mountains. From here we have one of the few climbs of the tour which is steady but gentle up to the Passo di Cimabanche, and then begin a long rambling descent with gorgeous views of the Sesto and Ampezzo Dolomite ranges. Following the route of an old former railway track, we bike through tunnels and over spectacular viaducts, while passing several abandoned railway stations. Our destination is the beautiful small town of Cortina d'Ampezzo the famous site of the 1956 Winter Olympics. For those with greater energy we will offer you the option to ride up past Misurina Lake to Refugio Locatelli, a climb of over 3000 feet that rewards you with unparalleled views into remote mountains. In San Vito di Cadore we have stunning views of the towering massif of Monte Antelao and Monte Pelmo and then, following the old railway path, we make our way through the picturesque towns such as Vodo, Venas, Valle, and Tai. In Pieve di Cadore, you will have the chance to visit the family home of renowned Renaissance artist Tiziano Vecellio, (Titian) before riding the Lunga via Delle Dolomiti bike path through several neighborhoods and then crossing the famous Ponte degli Alpini into the historic town center of Belluno. Belluno's lovely narrow streets and many small shops offer great opportunities for exploring and you will want to be sure to wind your way to the handsome town square, the Piazza del Duomo. We then ride into the area known as Valdobbiadene. Here we cycle along beautiful valleys and pass by castles and ancient churches. The most distinctive sights in this region, however, are the steep terraced hillsides laden with the vines of the Glera grape, from which they make the world's best Prosecco wine. In Asolo we might enjoy a quiet cappuccino in the main square before making the short climb up to Monte Ricco, a medieval fortress that offers spectacular views of the old town and surrounding countryside. Our biking next takes us to Maser where we can visit the beautiful Villa di Maser (also known as Villa Barbaro) considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the architect Andrea Palladio (1508-80), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then follow a lovely bike path that takes us along the Sile and Cagnan Rivers into beautiful Treviso. The two rivers wind their way through the center of this charming city. Venice is rightfully famous for its canals, incredible architecture, and rich musical and artistic cultural heritage. No cars are allowed, so you can walk or, of course, take a classic ride in a Venetian gondola or vaporetto. In addition, we will also treat you to an "insider's tour" leading you along hidden alleyways and special out of the way places that many never see and which make a visit to Venice truly unique. After your tour of Venice, we will take a short ferry ride on the Venetian Lagoon to Lido Island and our hotel. Here we can immerse ourselves in the laid back atmosphere that is "old time Venice." We will bike along the wide tree-lined roads and along the sea front towards Malamocco before taking a short ferry ride to Pellestrina where we visit fishing villages - like San Pietro in Volta, Portosecco and Pellestrina. This is a timeless area where you will often see the fishermens' wives sitting outside their front doors, bent over while crocheting fishing nets and children kicking soccer balls along the cobbled streets. Later in the day those with extra energy might want to continue their exploration of Venice or perhaps take time to walk along the famous 30-foot-high sand dunes at Oasi Dune degli Alberoni before riding back to the hotel. You'll stay in a carefully selected mix of alpine hotels, vineyard retreats, and elegant Italian properties as you journey from the Dolomites to Venice. From the mountain scenery of San Candido and Cortina d'Ampezzo to the rolling hills of Prosecco country and the canals of Venice, each hotel has been chosen for its character, comfort, and location, showcasing the best of northern Italy. 9 nights' accommodation 9 breakfasts, 7 dinners Our own highly experienced trip leaders - with you from start to finish Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1) All activities outlined in the itinerary Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities Branded t-shirt and bag Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable! Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away You're "trip ready" with our Customer Care Team's calls prior to your trip "My Account" - your own online space with everything required for your adventure
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