THE PEARLS OF VENICE

DOLOMITES TO LAKE GARDA

A TASTE OF CHIANTI 

INNSBRUCK TO BOLZANO

SICILY - CIRCLE MT. ETNA!

BIKE & SPA IN TRENTINO

Discover the attraction of the Veneto region including Venice and its lovely lagoon.

The attraction of the Veneto region will soon enchant you: green lowlands, a tangle of lagoons combined with pearly towns that show both an authentic and a modern atmosphere.

This relaxed cycle holiday is suitable for everyone because of its intimacy and friendliness. The hotels are situated in the old city centres.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Upper Puster Valley/Toblach
Individual transfer to Toblach, where you will collect your rental bike and tour info.

Day 2: Upper Puster Valley/Toblach - Cortina d'Ampezzo (approx. 35 km)
Starting in Toblach, the cycle-path leads through the Höhlenstein Valley, passing the lake of Toblach and the war cemetery, which reminds us that we are actually crossing the historical front line of WWI. Next you reach the Dürren Lake, where you can admire the "Drei Zinnen" on the left-hand side. A slight ascent brings us to the national border "Gemärk - Cimabanche" and to the province of Belluno. The tour continues comfortably downhill, arriving at the Olympic town of Cortina.

Day 3: Cortina d'Ampezzo - Belluno (approx. 45 km)
Today's tour leads us slightly downhill, cycling for the most part along the old railway tracks. We leave Cortina and its amazing landscape (the massif of the Sorapis on the left and the Five Towers, the "Cinque Torri" on the right) and proceed to San Vito. Through the Boite Valley we are heading to the junction Pieve / Calalzo in the south. Further on by train to Longarone and by bike to Belluno, the small capital (80.000 inhabitants) of the province.

Day 4: Belluno - Feltre (approx. 40 km)
From Belluno you cycle through the low hilly landscape to Feltre.

Day 5: Feltre - Bassano del Grappa (approx. 50 km)
Passing the Corlo Lake, you enter the Brenta Valley and reach the town Bassano del Grappa, where the river Brenta enters the plains. The town derives it´s name from the mountain Monte Grappa. Do not miss sights like the church San Francesco, the Museo Civico and the Piazza della Libertà.

Day 6: Bassano del Grappa - Treviso (approx. 60 km)
A last view of the Alps and a first view of the beautiful villas of the Veneto, built by the famous Italian architect Palladio. The small town Asolo invites us to have a break before proceeding to Treviso, the town of canals.

Day 7: Treviso - Venice/Mestre (approx.35 km)
Along the river Sile you cycle to the Adriatic Sea, directly to Venice / Mestre, where the magnificent buildings of the "Serenissima" can be admired.

Day 8: Venice/Mestre
Individual departure or extend your stay in Venice.

RATING: Easy

An easy tour for true cycle-gourmets of all fitness levels. Along the rivers Rienz, Eisack and Adige to Rovereto you cycle downhill along the riverbank. Between Adige valley to Lake Garda there is the only climb worth mentioning. Comfortable cycling with a lot of time for culture, relaxing and enjoyment.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1: Brixen

Arrive in the lovely alpine town of Brixen. Balance of the day is free to explore. Meet your guide this evening.

Day 2: – Brixen, approx. 65 km

Transfer from Brixen into the Pustertal valley to Bruneck or Toblach. Following the River Rienz downhill, past Olanger reservoir to Bruneck (local history museum).

Comfortable cycling into the lower Pustertal valley through Mühlbacher Klauser gorge into Eisack valley, back to Brixen.

Day 3:   Brixen – Bolzano approx. 40 km

Through the town of Klausen along the River Eisack to Waidbruck (great views of fortress Trostburg). Here the valley narrows and mouths into the Bolzano valley. This city is a meeting place of two cultures (visit the archaeological museum with Ötzi, the ice-mummy).

Day 4:   Bolzano – Kaltern/Auer/Salurn approx. 25-50 km

There are two options to get to Lake Kalterer See: an undulating option on the new cycle path via Eppan and St. Pauls (dome in the country) or on the dyke of the River Adige to Auer and from there to Lake Kalterer See, or farther to the southernmost German-speaking town of South Tyrol: Salurn.

Day 5:   Kaltern/Auer/Salurn – Trient approx. 50-30 km

From Lake Kalterer See or Salurn you return to the cycle path on the dyke of the Adige. At Salurner Klause the German speaking Sud-Tirol ends. The cycle path crosses the famous Trentian wine-growing area to reach the ancient Bishop’s seat of Trento (old town, dome, castle Buonconsiglio).

Day 6:   Trento – Riva/ Lake Garda North approx. 45 km

Shortly after the old Tyrolean city Rovereto we leave the Adige valley. The only climb worth mentioning (approx. 150 m) near Mori is followed by a lovely descent to Torbole on Lake Garda. We end our tour in Riva or Torbole.

7th day:   Depart this morning, or extend your stay on beautiful Lake Garda.

Transfers

The nearest airports are Bolzano, Innsbruck and Verona, in that order. Regular train service is available from each airport to Toblach, where your tour starts.

Dolomites to Lake Garda:   Schedule & Price

Rating - Moderate

Tuscany has a dreamlike but also hilly landscape. During our guided tour, our accompanying mini bus is always within your reach ready to ease your day if you wish. We cycle on lovely 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.

A reasonable level of fitness and cycling experience is required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Montecatini Terme

Train/transfer to Montecatini Terme. Tour information and rental bikes provided upon arrival.

Day 2:   Vinci (approx. 55 km)

By bicycle on small paths through the olive groves of Montecatini Terme to Vinci, birth place of Leonardo, and back again to Montecatini Terme.

Day 3:   Pisa (approx. 50 km)

By train to Lucca, city tour by bicycle, and to the lake of Massacciuccoli (also known as lake of Giacomo Puccini) and on to Pisa, where you participate in a city tour (“Piazza dei Miracoli”, and the leaning tower)

Day 4:   Casciana Terme (approx. 40 km)

From Pisa we cycle along the river Arno and then on quiet paths to the lovely spa town Casciana Terme.

Day 5:   San Gimignano/Poggibonsi (approx. 55 km)

By bicycle through vineyards and low hills to the historic hill-top town of San Gimignano, with its many towers.

Day 6:   Siena (approx. 45 km)

Through Tuscany’s wonderful landscape to the architectural paradise Siena. A city tour in Siena in the evening.

Day 7:   Florence (approx. 50 km)

Through the hilly Chianti-region, where the “Chianti Classico” wine comes from, to Greve. From there a bus transfer to Florence.

Day 8:   City tour of Florence & Departure

City tour before noon, then afterwards either your departure, or an extension of your stay.

TUSCANY TRAILS!

PISA

SAN GIMIGNANO

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

San Gimignano

Mustard Fields of Chianti

Florence

Rating - Moderate

Tuscany has a dreamlike but also hilly landscape. We cycle on lovely side paths, country lanes and side roads from one famous city to another. You sometimes have to make do with heavy traffic on entering or leaving a city.

A good level of fitness and cycling experience is required.

Day to Day Itinerary
   

Day 1: Siena
Individual arrival transfer to Siena. The balance of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.

Day 2: Siena - Radda in Chianti, (approx. 40 km)
From Siena you head north towards the lovely village of Radda in Chianti. This town is situated on a hilltop covered with woods and extensive vineyards. In Radda the best olive oil of the region is produced.

Day 3: Radda in Chianti - Greve, (approx. 30 km)
Today your bike leg leads you through the gentle hills of the Tuscan countryside. A breathtaking view and landscape will accompany you through the famous vineyards of the Chianti region.

Day 4: Greve - Florence, (approx. 38 km)
Florence - the capitol of Tuscany - is located on the banks of the river Arno, in the very heart of Italy. Enjoy this unique city while drinking your café latte on the Piazza della Signoria with the sculpture of David by Michelangelo in your sight. Don't miss a visit to the world famous "Uffizi Gallery".

Day 5: Florence - Tavernelle (approx. 47 km)
The village of Tavernelle Val di Pesa has Roman origins; it is named after the ancient taverns offering accomodation and refreshments - located along the road which connected Florence to Siena and then on to Rome. The territory of Tavernelle, like the entire Chianti region, has a particularly rich heritage of rural buildings: churches, oratories, chapels, villas and farms.

Day 6: Tavernelle - Colle Val D'Elsa (approx. 45 km)
The hilltop town of San Gimignano,l will enchant you today - its towers (built in the 11th and 13th centuries) dominate the entire Elsa Valley. You continue on to Certalod, where you can visit the "Palazzo Pretorio". Your aim today - Val d'Elsa, is situated on the Via Francigena - a historical road leading to Rome from Canterbury, a major route historically used by thousands of pilgrims on their way to Rome.

  Day 7: Colle Val D'Elsa - Siena (approx. 37 km)
From the Val d'Elsa valley you cycle back to the beautiful town of Siena. Siena preserves its medieval character to a remarkable degree, and has been largely unspoilt by new buildings. Its beautiful Gothic buildings include the Cathedral and Palazzo Pubblico on the square Piazza del Campo, with its tower (La Mangia), as well as numerous churches.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Transfer to San Salvatore Sinis

Welcome meeting with tour information and collection of rental bicycles.

Day 2:   San Salvatore Sinis – San Salvatore Sinis, approx. 52 km

Cycle through the fascinating countryside of Sinis peninsula, where many bird species find a sanctuary, including colonies of pink flamingos. Today's highlight is the beach Is Arutas, with its fine quartz-sand– one of the most beautiful spots of the island. Finish the day with a visit to the ruins of the ancient city Tharros.

Day 3:   San Salvatore Sinis – Arbus approx. 46-53 km

A transfer of approx. 30 – 40 minutes gets you to Arborea where you cycle through the native countryside of Costa Verde. On your way to Arbus you pass the beach Piscinas with its 50 m high dunes. (To avoid the last 16 km of the day, 8 km climb – 450 m in altitude, a transfer service is available. Details are explained during the welcome meeting).

Day 4:   Arbus – Nebida approx. 49 km

Mining is a tradition on Sardinia and today you immerse into the past. Past the ancient mines of Ingortosu and Planusartu, which were the largest in Europe at their peak, you reach the beach of Portixeddu. You will never forget the view to the sea and the rock Pan di Zuccero (sugar-bread). Nebida, where you stay tonight, sits on the steep rock coast high above the sea. Note: hotel here is only a 2 star.

Day 5:   Nebida – Calasetta, approx. 43 km

Cycle downhill along the scenic coast to Fontanamare and Portoscuso. Here you take the ferry to island San Pietro, where the red tuna-fish still is caught. From Carloforte the ferry takes you to the island Sant’Antioco and you reach Calasetta.

Day 6:   Calasetta – S. Anna Arresi approx. 43 km

Enjoy a day cycling through the lush meadows of Sant’Antioco. Visit the Romanesque cathedral Santa Maria in little village Tratalias, and cycle around Lake Monte Pranu before you reach San’Anna Arresi.

RATING: Moderate

The terrain is generally flat with a few hilly areas around Assisi & Narni. We mostly cycle on cycle paths and quiet side roads, with just a few short stretches on regular streets. There are fascinating stages along the bank of the Trasimeno Lake, along rivers and through the natural countryside of Umbria.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Arrival in Florence

At 7 p.m. a welcome event in the hotel by the Tour Guide, with an introductory talk after dinner.

Day 2:   Florence – Passignano sul Trasimeno approx. 70 km by train; 60 km by bike

In the morning we journey out the city to Arezzo by train. Visit the splendid churches and palaces in this city of antiquities and gold. By bike on beautiful lanes through the wide plain of Valdichiana, constantly accompanied by the hills and mountain silhouettes of Southern Tuscany. You pass Cortona, up to the Trasimeno Lake, the battlefield where Hannibal fought against the Romans. Wonderful view over the Trasimeno Lake. Overnight stay in a village by the lake.

Assisi

St Peter's Square!

Along the lake to Torricella. On small and secluded lanes to Perugia – through wide fields, soft hilly landscapes and idyllic villages. Your guide takes you on a sightseeing tour in Perugia: buildings like the San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo dei Priori and the Arco Etrusco are impressive.

Day 4:   Perugia – Assisi approx. 30 km

Only a few kilometres to the home town of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the beautiful town and cathedrals on a city tour

Along the enormous “Monte Subasio” to Spello (town of the middle ages). Along the dam to Spoleto. Cycle past lovely hill towns like Montefalco, Trevi and Campello.

Day 6:   Spoleto – Terni approx. 20-35 km

This morning we b ike through the valleys to Terni. Terni is well-known for its pastry shops and the most creative cuisine in the whole region! In the afternoon the famous marble falls may be visited if you wish.

Day 7:   Terni – Rome approx. 65 km + train

The first stage from Narni to Calvi is quite hilly. Enjoy the calmness and seclusion of the small Umbrian town at the foot of the ‘Sabine mountains’, before taking the train into the hectic city of Rome. Dinner and overnight stay near the Termini station. “All roads lead to Rome”, it is said and that’s why we are here!

Day 8:   Rome

Enjoy a morning ciy tour before ending your tour. Individual return journey or extend your stay.

RATING: Moderate

A mix of level routes and some hilly terrain. You cycle only on asphalted paths and almost car-free side roads, but with some heavy traffic on entering or leaving a city. You do not need to be a very experienced cyclist but a reasonable level of fitness is helpful.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Arrival in Catania

Individual arrival at our first hotel in Catania. Tour information and bike is distributed, then possibly time for a walk through Catania.

Day 2:   Catania, approx. 25 km

This morning we bike tour along the coast of Catania. In the afternoon a guided city tour.

Day 3:   Catania – Regalbuto approx. 55 km

You have a short bus journey to Paterno, then by bike through the province Enna to Regalbuto.

Day 4:   Regalbuto – Randazzo approx. 68 km

Mount Etna still dominates the view as you cycle through a rank valley landscape with pistachio trees as well as orange and lemon groves. You pass Bronte (national park) and Castello Nelson, and on to Randazzo (sacral buildings of lava rock).

Day 5:   Randazzo – Giardini di Naxos approx. 45 km

Through the Alcantara Valley and towards the Ionic Sea. You cycle through some typical Sicilian villages and ruins of the “Norman and Saracen age”.

6th day:   Giardini Naxos – day of rest

Before noon tour the most famous town of Sicily – Taormina. Visit the amphitheatre, the most beautiful one according to Goethe. In the afternoon, leisure time at the beach. You can also visit the Greek archeological excavations in Giardini di Naxos.

Day 7:   Giardini Naxos – Acireale approx. 45 km

Along the Cyclops Riviera southwards to the old, small and lively fishing village Riposto. Through blooming countryside to Acireale, the baroque jewel of the island. Your time this afternoon is at your disposal.

8th day:   Individual departure or extend your stay.

Transfers

The nearest major airport is Catania. There are regular public buses from the airport to the city centre, where your tour begins. A taxi will cost approx. Euro 35,00.

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Taormina

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival in Naples

The city centre is characterised by narrow streets with washing hung out, baroque churches and palaces, the San-Carlo theatre, the Gallery Umberto the 1st and the Plebiscito Square.

Day 2: Vesuvius – Hercolano – Pompeii   approx. 35 km

Transfer by private vehicle (incl. bikes) to the parking lot of Vesuvius (1.000 m). Walking tour to the crater at 1.200 m. Your cycling tour starts from the parking lot downhill to Hercolano. Visit to Hercolano which was a renowned holiday resort during Roman times. The legend says that Hercolano was founded by Hercules after one of “the twelve Labours” in Spain. Hercolano buried with Pompeii by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 and preserves many wooden structures, furniture and effects of daily use. Overnight in Pompeii.

  
Day 3: Pompeii – Vietri sul Mare    approx. 14 km

Visit Pompeii and the Villa of Mysteries. It is the biggest open-air archaeological site in the world and a great example of past human life, where the huge eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 A. D. froze forever under ashes and lava man in their daily activities. In the afternoon, a train transfer to Vietri sul Mare which is situated on the Amalfi Coast. Possibility to visit Salerno which is located only 7 km away from Vietri (by train or by bike).

 
Day 4: Vietri sul Mare – (Ravello) – Amalfi    approx. 22 or 35 km

Bike tour along the famous and panoramic road along the Amalfi Coast. You will reach the little villages of Cetara, Maiori and Minori. From Minori it is possible to do a detour and climb to Ravello, where in the placed beauty of the main square, the dome dedicated to Saint Pantaleone stands out. The blood of the Saint liquefies every year on 27th of July. From the village overhanging the sea, at an altitude of 300m, the view goes across the Gulf of Salerno and over the Cilento Mountains. Optional visit to Villa Cimbrone and to Villa Rufolo, characterised by a melange of styles, Arabic, Sicilian and Norman. Return to the costal road to reach Amalfi.

 
Day 5: Amalfi – Positano – Sorrento approx. 25 or 35 km

Visit to Amalfi, the most powerful Mariner Republic at the end of the 10th century. We suggest visits to the cloister of Paradise and its church, or a walk along the main street which is connected with many narrow streets between white fisherman’s houses. The cycling tour continues along the coast to Positano. Its colourful houses have been built in amphitheatre shape, overlooking the sea, giving a unique and picturesque aspect to the village. From here begins the most difficult part of the tour: cross the promontory at 450 m a.s.l. that brings you over the Gulf of Naples and then cycle down to Sorrento. You also have the possibility to go by boat from Amalfi to Sorrento.

Day 6: Capri   approx. 19 km

By ferry to Capri. From Marina Grande you cross the island to reach Capri village with its famous “Piazzetta” (little square). Continue to Anacapri, Punta dell´ Arcera (the promontory top) and Grotta Azzurra. From the cliff you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the Gulf of Naples, dominated by Mt. Vesuvius. In the afternoon return to the port and by boat to Naples.

  
Day 7: Ischia   approx. 35 km

From Naples by boat to the island of Ischia. Starting from the port you can cycle all around the island. Return by boat to Naples in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Individual departure or extend your stay in Italy.

Transfers

The nearest major airport is Naples. There are regular public buses from the airport to the city centre, where your tour begins. A taxi will cost approx. Euro 35,00.

Tour Rating - moderate

You are cycling along the sea on asphalt roads which are open to traffic. This tour includes some climbs, but the moderate daily distances make it possible to stop often to relax and admire the spectacular views of the coast and its islands.

Mt Vesuvius & Pompeii

Amalfi Coast

Isle of Capri

The Sport & Get Active programme has something for everyone:

• IN THE HOTEL: Aerobics, aqua gymnastics, yoga, fitness, table tennis, swimming.
• SUMMER: Walking, climbing, cycling, mountainbiking (free cycle hire in the hotel), within easy reach: tennis, football, golf, minigolf, rafting, canyoning and lots more.
• WINTER: Skiing (Kronplatz), cross-country, ski touring, ice-skating, tobogganing, snowshoe walking.
         

HOTEL LIDO EHRENBURGERHOF ****

Superb family run beauty and wellness hotel located in the village of Ehrenburg/Kiens, in the heart of the Puster Valley.

58 quality rooms and suites, all furnished in a typical South Tyrolean style.

A huge buffet breakfast and evening dinner is included daily, with the following choices:

• Local specialities
• International dishes
• Light and wholesome cuisine
• Vegetarian dishes
• Special diets (advance notification required)
• Large selection of South Tyrolean wines and international wines
• Gluten-free food

Spa, Wellness, Beauty & Fitness facilities:

• Acquapark with: Indoor pool, heated outdoor pool, children's pool, Finnish sauna, steambath and whirlpool
• The "Lotus oasis": a wellness area with Turkish bath, treatment rooms, relaxation zones, solarium
• Wellness and beauty treatments (charge payable): Classic and energy massages, soft-pack baths, herbal, milk and honey baths, facials and body treatments, cosmetics, anti-ageing with bio-stimulation, private SPA, child treatments
• Oriental boat: Fitness room and gym