Compare Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice Ride by Exodus Travels vs The Gems of Northern Italy by Discover Your Italy
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,805 | $ 5,650 |
| Price Per Day | $ 351 | $ 565 |
| Highlights |
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Revel in the peaks and valleys of the Dolomite mountains, deemed UNESCO World Heritage Site for their exceptional beauty Indulge in famed Italian delicacies such as prosciutto and parmigiano in Parma and wines in Valpolicella Marvel at the seductive sight of the Italian Riviera’s magnificent Cinque Terre |
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts are included on this trip. For breakfast you can expect a continental-style buffet including cold meats, eggs, cheese, breads, pastries, jam, tea and coffee. For lunch and dinner, our leader can recommend his favourite restaurants based on your budget and preferences. As you would expect from a holiday in Italy, the standard of food and drink throughout the tour is extremely high and varied as we head from the mountains to the coast. Expect plenty of pizza and pasta dishes but also lots of seafood options on restaurant menus too. This trip passes through several wine-producing regions; if possible, we will stop at one or two during the week. | N/A |
| Description |
Few landscapes in Europe match the beauty of the jagged limestone Dolomites. The route starts with incredible views of Trentino’s dramatic mountains, cycling on relatively easy roads and tracks along the Adige River. On reaching the northern shore of Lake Garda, the views of one of the most famous Italian lakes is unforgettable. A ferry cruise on the lake gives us the opportunity to take in these wonderful vistas before continuing the ride through the beautiful cities of Verona, Padova and finally the canals and waterways of Venice.Spectacular riding from the stunning Dolomites to Venice |
From the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites and the Mediterranean charm of the Cinque Terre to the idyllic shores of Lake Garda; from the wines of Valpolicella to the ham and parmigiano in Parma; from the romance of Venice and Verona to the architectural splendor of Pisa and the buzz of Milan, this small-group tour of Italy captures the incredible diversity of northern Italy. Replete with experiences that showcase the essence of northern Italy and complete with stays in luxurious Autentico Hotels’ properties, dubbed uniquely Italian, this tour of Italy is a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers who seek to experience the genuine spirit of Italy. |
Day 1 Start Trento
The trip starts in Trento, a city nestled in the Adige River Valley in the Trentino-Alto Adige province. A cosmopolitan hub and centre for industry, education, science and finance, Trento is one of the most prosperous cities in Italy with an atmospheric historic centre of well-preserved Medieval and Renaissance buildings. After check-in, there may be time to go into town before our evening meal and trip briefing.
Day 2 Morning train to Bolzano, capital city of the South Tyrol. Cycle on quiet roads following the Adige River back to Trento
After breakfast, we take a 40-minute train ride to Bolzano, the capital city of the South Tyrol surrounded by powerful peaks. We can familiarise ourselves with the bikes on a short tour around the historic centre. From here, we will cycle south along the Adige River, following quiet undulating roads, with an overall ascent of approximately 985ft (300m). Cycling through orchards and vineyards, we pass Lake Caldaro and the lovely villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. This area is well known for producing wine, accounting for three-quarters of the output in South Tyrol. We arrive back in Trento in the late afternoon and spend a second night at our central hotel.
Day 3 Continue riding along the river to Lake Garda. A 3hr ferry cruise takes us to the south shore of the lake
We continue along the Adige until we reach Rovereto and Mori. From here, we head west towards the northern shores of Lake Garda. After some short ascents, we cycle down to Torbole and then onto the elegant resort of Riva del Garda, which has plenty of bars and restaurants along the lake shore and a lovely beach. Later in the afternoon, we take the ferry to the southern end of the lake, leaving Trentino and heading towards the Veneto region. A lake cruise allows us to enjoy the splendid landscape and relax before we reach our final destination of the day, Desenzano, where we take a short walk from the ferry port to reach our hotel for the night.
Day 4 From Lake Garda, we cycle to Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’
Cycling mainly on quiet roads and cycle paths today, we make our way to Verona, which, is arguably the most beautiful city in Veneto. The arena is one of the many Roman monuments we can discover there, while other places of interest are the Basilica San Zeno and, of course, Juliet's house and balcony. In the evening briefing, the tour guide will discuss tomorrow's route and there will be a group vote on which of the two options to take.
Day 5 Cycle to Vicenza, riding through vineyards
Today's route depends on what was decided in last night's group vote. The more challenging route through the Colli Berici covers 47mi (75km) with a total ascent of 2,190ft (667m). It also has a 3mi (5km) climb, the longest of the tour, but you are rewarded with scenic views. The easier route runs along the foot of the Colli Berici, covering 46mi (74km) but with a lower total ascent (1,375ft/419m). Either way, our destination for the day is Vicenza. The old city centre is a jewel of Renaissance architecture: private palaces, public buildings and the basilica are testaments to the work of Andrea Palladio, one of the most renowned architects in Italy. A visit to the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza is a great reward after today's ride.
Day 6 Pass the Palladian Villa Rotonda and the rolling hills of Monte Berici as we cycle to Padua
Today we can take in some of the greenest and most stunning views of the Veneto countryside. Leaving Vicenza, we cycle past beautiful Palladian villas and we reach the hillier region of Monti Berici. We continue along the Bacchiglione River, on relatively quiet and flat roads, to the fascinating city of Padua (Padova in Italian), which is known for the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto, and the Prato della Valle, one of the biggest squares in Europe.
Day 7 To the enchanting city of Venice; sightseeing on foot
This morning, we transfer to Venice by train (approximately 30 minutes). Once in the heart of the Floating City, we can explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, bridges and waterways. We see famous sights including Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge and, of course, Piazza San Marco. After exploring the city, we can enjoy a relaxed evening – speak to your tour leader to organise an optional gondola ride – before returning to our hotel in Padua by train. A dinner is included this evening.
Day 8 End Padua
The trip ends in Padua after breakfast. However, if you would prefer to extend your stay and explore a little more, speak to your sales representative.
Days 1 to 3 : Delight in the Majestic Beauty of the Dolomites
Meet up with your group and tour leader over a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel in Merano. Admire the town’s Art Nouveau facades and its unique blend of Italian and Tyrolean cultures, then stroll the idyllic gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the former winter residence of the Austrian empress Sissy. Marvel at the landscapes from the heights of Matteo Thun’s scenic platform. Delve deeper into the beauty of the mountains on a full-day tour of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites and experience the bustling life of an alpine village during some free time in Ortisei. Round off the day with a traditional South Tyrolean dining experience.
Days 4 to 5 : Get Mesmerized by Lake Garda and Savor the Flavors of Valpolicella and the Romance of Verona
Watch the silvery olive groves and limestone ridges slide by as you ride along the eastern banks of Lake Garda, the largest of the Italian lakes. Stop for a traditional lunch in the enchanting waterside town of Bardolino, nestled at the foot of slopes strewn with vines and olive trees. Board the San Nicolo, a 17th-century ketch boat, and take a panoramic ride along the southern shores of Lake Garda. Whip up a lunch of local specialties in an exclusive cooking class at a renowned wine estate in Valpolicella, Italy’s renowned wine region, also known also as the “valley of many cellars”. After feasting on the fruits of your labor, continue on to the romantic Verona. Join a private guided tour and explore the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, from reading the love notes under Juliet’s balcony to visiting the 1st-century Verona Arena, still in use today
Day 6 : Fall in love with Venice
Spend the next day exploring the famed jewel of the Veneto region: Venice. Take in its iconic Piazza of San Marco, admire the Grand Canal from Rialto, the oldest bridge in town, and then hop on a gondola for that quintessential Venetian experience. Finish on a high note with a gourmet dinner at a two-starred Michelin restaurant.
Days 7 to 9 : Marvel at Parma, the Cinque Terre and Pisa
On the way to the Cinque Terre, visit Parma, the capital of good food. Soak up the medieval feel of its main square, the city’s religious heart flanked by the Romanesque cathedral, brick bell-tower and octagonal baptistery. Wander through the lively alleyways and sample prosciutto and parmigiano cheese from local producers. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cinque Terre: take a train from La Spezia to discover the fortified village of Vernazza; marvel at Monterosso al Mare, cramming its tall buildings around a small harbor; take in the vistas of the cliffs over a boat ride to the historic seafront of Portovenere; then return to La Spezia by boat and join a foodie tour. Travel to Pisa, the town famed for its Leaning Tower, which flanks Piazza dei Miracoli together with some of Europe’s most special sacred heritage, the cathedral and the baptistery. See where Michelangelo handpicked his marble for David at the quarries above Carrara, get a taste of local lardo (cured and spiced pork fatback) in Colonnata, and round off your journey with a farewell dinner at a fish restaurant overlooking the marina in Lerici.
Day 10 : Feel the Pulse of Milan
Complete your northern Italy tour with a visit to its most dynamic city: Milan, the fashion capital. Take in the sights with a local guide, exploring landmarks like the Gothic Duomo Cathedral; Italy’s oldest active shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and Piazza della Scala, Milan’s main pedestrian square. Then settle for one last toast of the trip at an iconic bar, sipping your farewell cocktails paired with stunning views of the Duomo dome.
