Cycle Dolomites, Lake Garda and Venice

Our tour begins today at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). We'll meet at 4.15pm in the arrivals hall to transfer to our hotel. If you'd like to join this complimentary transfer, the latest your flight can arrive is 3.45pm. Our tour leader will be waiting in the hall, at the exit doors from the immigration/luggage area, holding an Explore signboard. Please be aware that they may be waiting to greet both customers whose flight has just arrived and those who arrived earlier, so they may be looking in a different direction to the one you're approaching from. If you haven't booked your flights via Explore, it's essential you provide us with your flight information at least 30 days before your departure. Without these details, we can't monitor your flight and - in case of delays - won't be able to delay the group transfer. If you don't provide us with your flight details and miss the transfer window due to flight delay, you'll need to make your own way to the hotel in Merano. A taxi to the hotel takes around three hours and costs in the region of €550. We'll make the journey to the Alpine town of Merano as a group (a three-hour drive). After checking in to our hotel, our tour leader will organise timings for a welcome meeting, bike fitting and a group meal for those interested. Located in the South Tyrol, Merano sits in a basin at an altitude of 325 metres/1155 feet surrounded by mountains over 3000 metres/9843 feet high. It has been famed as a spa town since the 9th century and only became part of modern Italy after WWI. Before this, it formed part of the Hapsburg Empire which explains the prevailing Germanic culture, language and food in the region.

After breakfast this morning, we'll make sure everybody is happy with their bikes before pedalling off to Bolzano. Our cycle path today is mostly flat and takes us via alpine meadows, down the scenic Adige Valley and past endless vineyards and apple orchards, with a backdrop of Alpine mountains. We'll ride on this cycle path all the way to the town of Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol. After arriving in the late afternoon, we'll have free time to explore the town and perhaps visit some of the museums or take the Funivia Renon (cable car) up the mountainside to enjoy spectacular views over the valley. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres/21.7 miles (Total 100 metres/328 feet ascent, 200 metres/656 feet descent).

This morning, we'll continue our journey by bike from Bolzano to the impressive setting of Lake Caldaro on a longer ride. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Caldaro, our ride follows the beautiful 'Strada del Vino' (wine road) leading us through numerous wine-producing villages - along the way, we'll stop at a vineyard for an optional wine tasting. We'll then descend into the Adige Valley and enter a bike path that takes you all the way to Trento. As we pedal, we might make a stop at one of the 'Bici Grills' (cyclists bar) and visit century-old villages such as Egna and Salorno. Please note, although the route is largely flat, it's not unusual to encounter headwinds that slow you down. For this reason, there's the option to reduce today's ride by 24 kilometres/14.9 miles by taking the train from Mezzocorona to Trento (approximately €15 per person depending on numbers, this must be arranged ahead of time as the bikes need to be transported separately). We should arrive in Trento in the late afternoon. Located in the Dolomites, Trento is a scenic town and boasts several interesting sites including Buonconsiglio castle, museums and other historical buildings. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 72 kilometres/44.7 miles (Total 100 metres/328 feet ascent, 150 metres/492 feet descent). There is the option to reduce today's ride by 24 kilometres/14.9 miles.

We'll start today with a very short bus ride from Trento to Cadine. Our cycle route leads us up and out of the Adige Valley, taking in superb views and several smaller lakes such as Toblino Lake which is dominated by a small castle. We'll continue on to the village of Arco - a famous rock-climbing mecca. Our route today is almost entirely along dedicated bike paths and towards the end of our ride we'll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Garda. Upon arrival in Torbole in the mid-to-late afternoon, we'll check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is free and we recommend a walk through the historic village of Torbole. In the early evening and for dinner you might like to walk or take a taxi to the historic town of Riva del Garda, 3 to 4 kilometres/1.8 to 2.4 miles away, along the lake shore. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 42 kilometres/26.1 miles (Total 300 metres/984 feet ascent, 660 metres/2165 feet descent).

Today starts with a relaxing ride on the public ferry ride (a journey of two and a half hours) south across Lake Garda to the town of Bardolino. From the port, we'll ride through town on regular roads for about 2 kilometres/1.2 miles, after which we'll continue on small country roads which lead us to a bike path that we follow for the last section of cycling into Verona. Although we'll continue mostly along urban cycle paths the traffic levels inevitably increase on the ride into the city of Verona. We'll spend the next two nights in the beautiful city of Verona; the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Over the next couple of days, you'll have time to visit the city's Roman amphitheatre, the Duomo, see Ponte Scaligero and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in one of the several piazzas. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 29 kilometres/18 miles (Total 250 metres/820 feet ascent, 245 metres/803 feet descent).

Today we cycle to Soave mainly along quiet country roads, with sections of dedicated bike path and an interesting section alongside old irrigation channels (fossi) built in Roman times. The ride is generally flat with one steep hill (for about 1.5 kilometres/0.9 miles) just before we reach the village of Colognola ai Colli. From here we cycle into the beautiful wine growing region of Soave, known particularly for its fresh, fruity and light-bodied white wines which are made mostly with the local Garganega grapes. The town of Soave grew up around its imposing medieval military castle, one of the best examples of castle architecture in Veneto. For a long period of time it suffered feudal quarrels, invasions and defeats and as a result has a rich history. The final kilometre or so of the ride, from Soave to the train station in Bonifacio, encounters unavoidable busier sections of road. We return to Verona by train then cycle once again through the city to our hotel, leaving some free time in the afternoon to explore the city. There is the option of a two hour guided tour. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres/21.7 miles (Total 200 metres/656 feet ascent, 235 metres/771 feet descent).

After breakfast, you'll have a free day with the option to visit Venice at your own pace. You can choose to catch the train to Venice and explore the city's iconic sights on your own. Your Explore Leader will be available to offer tips and suggestions for your visit. If you'd prefer, there's also the possibility of arranging an optional two-hour guided tour to get more insights into the city. Alternatively you can stay in Verona and people watch from a cafe in the vibrant Piazza delle Erbe, climb the Torre dei Lamberti, an 84-metre tower offering panoramic views of Verona or visit Juliet's House home ot the famous balcony and courtyard that inspirde Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet. No cycling is planned for today.

After breakfast we drive to Venice Marco Polo Airport where this holiday ends. We will arrive to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) at around 10.30am. You should not book a flight to depart before 12.30pm.