2015 Girolibero -tel.+390444 330724-www.girolibero.com Conforto daCostozza,7-I36100 Vicenza -Via in Italyin and tours Guided and Self-Guided BIKE&BOAT AND CYCLING

E-BIKE? YES, PLEASE! MORE ON P. 11 IS

BROCHURE OVER FURTHER TOURS AND DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE

2015 50 ON OUR WEBSITE: BIKE TOURS IN , FIN FRANCE, REST OF EUROPE www.girolibero.com

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GIROLIBERO COMPANY Contact us REGISTRATION Monday to Friday 8.30 to 13.00 and BIKE INCOMING S.R.L. 15.00 to 18.30 via Conforto da Costozza, 7 36100 Vicenza - Italy Tel (+39) 0444 330724 Fiscal Code 03794470249 Fax (+39) 0444 167930 [email protected] www.girolibero.com

Graphics: www.noparking.it INDEX

Our family ...... p .4

A… cycling holiday?!. . . . . p .6 BIKE & HOTEL BIKE & FAMILY Which one’s for me? . . . . . p .8 IN ITALY IN ITALY

Our bikes...... p . 10 Veneto ...... p . 36 Lake Garda ...... p .66

Bolzano–Verona–Venice. . . p . 38 Accompanying material Vicenza–Abano...... p .67 and backup ...... p . 12 Adige Cycle Route...... p .40 BIKE & FAMILY Greens, our bike guides. . . . p . 14 Innsbruck–Venice...... p .42 IN FRANCE

Photo contest...... p 16. Lake Garda–Venice...... p .43 Loire valley ...... p .68

Our boats ...... p . 18 –Bassano– Venice...... p .44 Life on board doing Bolzano–Cortina– Bike & Boat in style...... p . 24 Venice...... p .45

Exclusive chartering ROADBIKE Venice–Porecˇ ...... p .46 IN ITALY your own rivercruise . . . . . p . 26

Lake Garda–Adriatic . . . . . p .49 Bolzano–Venice ...... p . 70 General conditions...... p .80 Lake Garda ...... p . 50 and How to book...... p .82 Stelvio Pass...... p . 71 Terme Euganee ...... p . 51 Booking form...... p .83 Venice Lands ...... p . 72 South Valleys...... p . 52 Lake Garda ...... p . 73 ...... p . 54 Piedmont ...... p . 74 Umbria ...... p . 55 Tuscany ...... p . 75 Tuscany: Pisa–Florenz. . . . p . 56 BIKE & BOAT Bespoke tours ...... p . 76 IN ITALY Tuscany: Chianti ...... p . 57

Mantua–Venice...... p . 28 Apulia...... p . 58

Venice–Mantua ...... p . 29 Sicily...... p . 59

Bolzano–Mantua– Venice...... p . 30 BIKE & HOTEL IN FRANCE All the elevation profiles on p. 77 BIKE & BOAT Loire valley ...... p .60 IN FRANCE Paris–London...... p . 62

Aigues-Mortes–Avignon. . . p . 32 Provence–Camargue. . . . . p .64

Avignon–Aigues-Mortes. . . p . 33

3 PIERPAOLO ROMIO as ever at the helm Hello 3 km by family tandem to take the kids to school and get himself to work MICHELA ROMIO all under control 6 km by e-bike to get to work

OUR FAMILY

WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING CYCLING TOURS SINCE 1998, STARTING FROM A PERSONAL BET, A PROJECT FOR A LIFETIME: TURNING OUR PASSION INTO A FULFILLING JOB. WELL, WE MADE IT – AND OUR MISSION NOW IS TO KEEP ALIVE THE PASSION THAT PROPELLED US FROM THE START. OVER 40 PEOPLE WORK IN OUR TEAM, WHICH HAS GROWN AND GROWN OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, WITH ALL THE ENTHUSIASM OF AN EXTENDED FAMILY.

NO. OF STAFF NO. OF BIKES NO. OF FOREIGN VISITORS IN ITALIANS TRAVELLERS ITALY WITH ON HOLIDAY WITH BY BIKE & BOAT GIROLIBERO GIROLIBERO

Year 2 24 40 12 700 2002

Year 3,800 8,000 2014 42 1,300 9,000

4 BROCHURE 2015

WHO WE ARE:

GIROLIBERO - OPERATED GIROLIBERO - VACANZE ZEPPELIN BY BIKE INCOMING FACILI IN BICICLETTA Since 1998 organizes outdoor travels We are the cycling holiday experts for is the principal Italian tour operator worldwide for the italian market: Sailing Italy and France. We programme, specialising in cycling holidays and and cruising; Trekking and walking; Bike organise, provide assistance and test all offeringover 200 itineraries worldwide and Bike & Boat tours; Discovery and our tours, making sure that the routes are for thousands of Italians. Adventure tours. quiet, the food tasty and the beds comfy. For us fulfilling our clients’ requests is a The favourite tours: Danube cycle path, The favourite tours: sailing in Sardinia, matter of pride - whether you’re Bike & Boat in , Avenue Verte Camino de Santiago walking tour, occasional cyclists or accomplished riders. Paris–London, Loire Valley discovery tour in India, Australia, Russia… www.girolibero.com www.girolibero.it www.zeppelin.it

1,300 10 BIKES IN VICENZA VANS that during the summer season we bring throughout Italy

250 11 BIKE TRAILERS BIKES IN ORLÉANS ready for the tours Loire Valley and hundreds of accessories and Paris–London go in and out of the workshops, 150 supervised by OUR MECHANICS and BIKES IN ARLES logistics staff. . ready for the tours Provence and Camargue Bike & Hotel and Bike & Boat In winter all bikes deployed on our tours come back into our workshop for a complete more about our bikes on p. 10 overhaul.

5 NICOLA BOARIA Program- at our offices since the beginning of time ming 2 km by Girolibero bike (+ child seat) to get to work ANTONIO FASOLATO My last family holiday? Loire valley 30 km by car + folding bike to get to work

A... CYCLING HOLIDAY ?!

IT’S THE EASIEST THING! 5 EASY CYCLING HOLIDAYS GOOD REASONS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK We strive to ensure that you enjoy a manageable FOR CHOOSING In the tracks of Holland, and and carefree cycling holiday, and we’ll go out of A HOLIDAY Austria, other European countries have our way to coordinate our services like ON TWO followed suit and developed their own clockwork. We select the most suitable hotels cycling networks. That is certainly the along the route; lay on a baggage transfer WHEELS case in Italy and France, where we have system that is punctual and efficient; we supply crafted our own itineraries. Ours are There are plenty of up-to-date background information and cycling travellers, both Italian and freeform routes which use the guides; provide the best bikes; guarantee our foreign, who year after established networks as much as assistance 7 days a week. year choose a cycling holi- – as well as other safe and quiet Our services, in a nutshell: day – and many of these backroads and country lanes, well away have already travelled from busy traffic. with Girolibero. SELECTED HOTELS Biking it means: OUR FLEET OF BIKES We appreciate that after a day in the Over 1,300 citybikes, assembled by our Great Outdoors, there’s nothing better 1 own mechanics specifically with your than finding a welcoming choosing a needs in mind: light but tough frames; home-from-home in which to relax. “human-powered, puncture-resistant tyres; responsive We personally handpick all the hotels pedal-driven vehicle” breaks and gears; gel saddles in various which gets on our tours, mindful of your comfort as (Wikipedia) heights; plus mudguards and saddlebag the oxygen and blood well as their proximity to cycling paths racks. Our e-bikes are increasingly flowing – along with and any relevant local sites. For our Bike warmheartedness and a popular: they’re up-to-scratch, reliable & Boat tours we use boats that are either good dose of humour and benefit from high-capacity batteries brand new or up-to-scratch, with for even the longest of days. adequate cabin space and excellent 2 (See also p. 10) service on board. staying in the Great Outdoors for 70% of ASSISTANCE LUGGAGE TRANSFER the time Can’t find your hotel? Trouble following Most of our tours are itinerary-based, the route? Mechanical snag with your and we personally take care of the 3 hire bike? – No problem: Girolibero’s luggage transfer from hotel to hotel – Helpline is available 7 days a week. taking a holiday, not a a service that is included in the price. package trip This enables us to sort out any issues We supply you with tough luggage (we’ll be there but ourselves and, in trickier cases, to reach labels, and let you cycle on ahead – free you’ll hardly see us) and help you on the spot. of unnecessary weight or worries. 4 BACKGROUND MATERIAL discovering lands, the Our main job in winter is to prepare all local people and their the background material you may need: ways at a “human” pace maps, itinerary directions and a wealth – and without worrying of local information are all essential about the summer rush, tools for the independent cyclist who parking, the weight of traf- needs to find his or her own way. Our fic or the fastest road background material is detailed and allows you to get from 5 A to B with ease (see also p. 12). refuelling body and soul, We are also happy to supply up-to-date away from the madding GPS-devices for anyone who prefers to crowd navigate with a GPS.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 7 KATIA BRUSTOLON Options Born in the Dolomites, pure and clear like water! 2 km by Girolibero bike to get to work ANNA VALLE one semester at Amsterdam University and she’s in love with her bike 3 km by Girolibero bike (+ child seat) to get to work

WHICH ONE’S FOR ME? SELF-GUIDED / GUIDED / TAILORMADE, IT’S YOUR CHOICE! SOME LIKE CYCLING UNDER THEIR OWN STEAM, OTHERS PREFER A CAREFREE GUIDED TOUR, WHILE SOME MAY ASK FOR A TAILORMADE HOLIDAY... WHAT DOES NOT CHANGE IS OUR WILLINGNESS TO PLEASE ALL AND SUNDRY.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

For the independent rider – whether solo or with friends and FROM OUR GUEST BOOK: using our maps and detailed family – following our own set route “We have just returned from an amazing trip through directions for each stage. No group, no Tour Leader: just rider Tuscany! The routes were well thought out, the maps and bike. Girolibero will book your hotels, transfer your luggage and directions very clear and easy to follow, and the from stop to stop, and provide you with all necessary information hotels were nice and in great locations. Thank you to material and assistance. You will be spoilt for choice: discover Girolibero, this was the very best way to experience Italy on two wheels, head to toe – or why not head for France and Tuscany. We look forward to our next trip!” discover some its most beautiful regions? Doris, Tuscany Pisa–Florence, p. 56

8 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com BROCHURE 2015

GUIDED TOURS

FROM OUR GUEST BOOK: The ideal holiday for the cyclist who enjoyes the company of others and meeting like-minded people. Plus, the peace of mind Hello, We just wanted to write to let you know how impressed we of travelling with a Tour Leader: they guide the group along the were with both the tour and tour guide on our recent cycling route and are informed about all things local; they are also there holiday. The hotels exceeded our expectations on the whole and to help if necessary and generally run the show. the food was excellent. Our guide was both knowledgeable and The following are available as group tours in this brochure: fun and she gave time to the whole group. It was quite a mix Mantua–Venice by Bike and Boat (p. 28), Provence–Camargue with six Germans, one Spanish, one Irishman and two English. by Bike and Boat (p. 32), Veneto (p. 36), Bolzano–Verona–Venice Anna, Veneto, p. 36 (p. 38), Paris–London (p. 62).

TAILORMADE TOURS

Whether it’s for a special interest group, an extended family clan FROM OUR GUEST BOOK: or a tribe of friends; for an association, a club or a business: we We have just returned from our Bike & Boat tour aboard can adapt our existing tours or create new ones from scratch. the Vita Pugna, and I just wanted to tell you that the Flexibility is the name of this particular game: 1 hotels experience was quite unforgettable. We’d never had a picked to suit your needs, 2 shorter or longer cycling stretches boat all to ourselves, as a group, and we’ve had the time as requested, 3 customised background material, 4 an expert of our lives: the crew was attentive and willing, and our Tour Leader. And these are the cards we play with: 5 top tour leader a true travelling companion. We’d love to do quality hire bikes (pp. 10-11), 6 bike trailers to transport them it all again next year: when you get a chance, could you anywhere around Europe (up to 200), 7 floating hotels for any let us know what availability there is for your boats in Bike and Boat tours (see pp. 20-23), 8 Plus, we can book the best Provence and Camargue, please? Best regards restaurants, Guided tours and any other extra service. Klaus, Mantua–Venice, p. 28

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 9 NICOLA FABRIS Can’t stay away from his Bikes snowboards, vespas and... bikes! 10 km by mountain bike to get to work ALBERTO BRICHESE the Workbench Wizard 1 km by Girolibero bike to get to work

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SPECIALISTS OUR AND CRAFTSMEN

Girolibero’s unmistakeable orange bike (branded with our famous BIKES Green Bee!) is assembled in Vicenza. It’s a low-entry citybike THROUGH OUR RESEARCH AND CLIENT FEEDBACK, with an aluminium frame, WE HAVE COME UP WITH WHAT WE BELIEVE IS THE mudguards, a saddlebag rack, comfortable gel saddle, IDEAL TWO-WHEELER FOR THE GIROLIBERO CYCLIST: puncture-resistant Schwalbe A UNISEX LOW-ENTRY CITYBIKE, WITH A RIDING Marathon tyres, and with responsive breaks and gears. POSITION THAT IS UPRIGHT, COMFORTABLE AND At the point of hire we also provide RELAXED. THE ALUMINIUM FRAME PROVIDES waterproof Ortlieb saddlebags, EXCELLENT STABILITY AND SAFETY WITHOUT FEELING handlebar bag or mapholder, repair kit and combination lock – all for HEAVY. THE GEL SADDLE AND FLAT ERGONOMIC free. All bikes are serviced, tuned HANDLEBAR GRIPS (YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THEM!) and cleaned prior to each departure. GIVE ADDED COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE. WE’RE CYCLISTS TOO AND... WE JUST LOVE THEM!

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SPECIAL

2 ELECTRIC BIKES Kalkhoff, Agattu model 3 By popular demand, Girolibero has now Motor: 36 volts, 540W/H Impulse, located invested in a considerable number of centrally. The high-capacity battery is e-bikes, much favoured by cyclists who love secured to the seat tube. Gears: Nexus the Great Outdoors, but prefer to let the bike 8-speed. Range: approx. 90 km (flat terrain, take the strain. Our research has led us to: average speed). 4

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BIKES 6 TANDEM DEEP Low entry, 8 gears: 1 UNISEX BICYCLE the perfect tandem for a cycling tour. Deore Shimano: 27 gears pedalpower.de available also with Nexus Shimano: 7 gears with pedal brake. 7 8 FAMILY TANDEM 8 A versatile bike for cycling with more than 3 MEN’S BICYCLE one child (ages 3-10) onderwaterfiets.nl Deore Shimano: 27 gears Also available the Followme tandem available also with Nexus Shimano: (ages 4-7): the child’s bike can be locked 7 gears with pedal brake. firmly onto the tail of the adult’s bike when necessary. followme-tandem.com SPECIAL BIKES 9 (available on request) 9 CHILD TRAILER With one seat (ages 0-4). 4 ROAD BIKE croozer.com With carbon fork and 27-gear Shimano Tiagra. ACCESSORIES 9 HANDLEBAR BAG 5 TANDEM PINO klickfix.de connection 11 Revolutionary, easily manoeuvrable. Perfect vision for both. hase-bikes.com REPAIR KIT

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 11 VALENTINA MACCÀ a passion for languages, Info- a maniac for precision packs 20 km by bus + folding bike to get to work MADDALENA DAL PORTO travelled a lot throughout Europe. The result? There is never a unique perspective! 2 km by Girolibero bike to get to work

ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL AND BACKUP

AT GIROLIBERO WE TAKE LOTS OF CARE WHEN WE PREPARE OUR INFO MATERIAL: WE STUDY EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR EASY ROUTE FINDING AND TROUBLE-FREE CYCLING.

12 BROCHURE 2015

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

INFO-PACK GUIDED TOURS FINDING THE WAY We are therefore generally SELF-GUIDED TOURS A tour leader will guide the To help you follow your available to step in to help at We provide one complete group and take with him the roadbook more easily, we placed short notice, if required. info-pack per room/cabin, travel documents for all the arrow stickers as road signs containing: participants. You will receive the along the way. With them and I DON’T SPEAK ITALIAN! 1. Travel documents (vouchers, following items only: our accompanying material it No problem! Our guides and hotel list) 2. Luggage labels will be impossible to get lost! travel documents are also 2. Luggage labels 3. Handlebar bag available in English and 3. Handlebar bag 4. Water bottle (1 per Bike) TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE German, as well as (depending 4. Water bottle (1 per Bike) 6. Girolibero Greens Maps Customer Care and on the destination) in French 5. Girolibero Greens Roadbook (pp. 14-15) Hotline Service and Dutch. Our Tour Leaders (pp. 14-15) 7. Girolibero Greens Cycling This phone service is there to and staff are generally 6. Girolibero Greens Maps Guide (pp. 14-15) or a guide assist you seven days a week multilingual too. (pp. 14-15) by a different publisher (from 8.00 to 20.00 hours) for 7. Girolibero Greens Cycling any emergency or tour-related Guide (pp. 14-15) or or a guide issue. Our vehicles and staff are by a different publisher never far away from you since On request and adding an extra we look after your bikes and cost, we can give also your luggage. GPS-Device with maps.

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13 ELENA RIATTI roadbooks, brochures, etc.: Greens right, that’s signed off – let’s print it! guides 3 km by Girolibero bike to get to work GIOVANNI BOTTAZZI bikes, trailers and tour leaders throughout Europe 5 km by bike to get to work

GREENS, OUR BIKE GUIDES

A SERIES OF GUIDES SPECIFICALLY CREATED WITH YOUR NEEDS IN MIND: PRACTICAL, EASY TO READ, LIGHT TO CARRY. AND A GREAT SOUVENIR TO TAKE HOME AND HELP YOU REMINISCE! A FEATURE SINCE 2011, WITH MORE TITLES JOINING THE SERIES EVERY YEAR.

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A TRIO OF BOOKLETS 1) Travel guide* 2) Detailed maps * Greens travel guides Depending on the destination, The guide not only provides of the route: in colour and at a are currently available for: you would receive: commentary to the scenery and scale of 1:50,000/1:75,000, Venice–Mantua/Mantua– artistic heritage of each of the including elevation and maps of Venice (by Bike and Boat); places encountered on the way, any town centres of historical Bolzano–Verona–Venice, but also provides important relevance. Venice–Poreč and historical information and Resiapass–Bolzano. practical suggestions 3) Roadbook: describing the For all other tours, you will that will make the trip and any cycling route, stage by stage. receive (free of charge) a stopovers more enjoyable and Great on its own or in comprehensive and up-to-date safer. And, last but not least, the conjunction with the maps. guide produced by another

guide also provides information publisher.

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THE ROADBOOK EFFORTLESS 3 NAVIGATION: (A) Column with kilometres reset to zero every 10 km. Anyone opting for a detour can simply reset the bike computer at the appropriate spot, after rejoining the standard route. (B) The standard route’s cumulative distance (C) Type of path and level of traffic: 1. Cycle path 2. Cycle path marked on a main road 3. Level of road traffic from 3 (Low) to 6 (Very Busy)

15 Your photos

WIN A BIKE&BOAT HOLIDAY IN ITALY!

WE BELIEVE IN REWARDING OUR CUSTOMERS, AND WHAT BETTER WAY THAN BY APPRECIATING YOUR BEST PHOTOS? WE ARE KEEN TO INCLUDE AS MANY AS POSSIBLE ON OUR WEBSITE AND IN OUR BROCHURES. BETTER STILL, IF YOUR PHOTO IS THE CHOSEN PRIZE WINNER, YOU WILL EARN YOURSELF A WEEK’S BIKE AND BOAT HOLIDAY IN ITALY.

We are not looking for professional shots: what we really love is pictures that portray the beauty of the places you visit and the cycling itinerary, as well as the ones that capture the fun of the moment, a great group photo, your selfies or a memorable night in good company!

Terms & Conditions on our website www.girolibero.com

16 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com A must for natives, newcomers and anyone planning a visit to these fascinating places!

Martin Wittmann The Complete Bavaria Infographics: no.parking Texts in German, English 128 pp., ISBN 978-3-85256-646-7

Hermann Gummerer / Sonja Franzke Franziska Hack The Complete Austria The Complete Infographics: no.parking Infographics: no.parking Texts in German, English Texts in German, Italian, English 128 pp., ISBN 978-3-85256-630-6 128 pp., ISBN 978-3-85256-607-8

www.folioverlag.com

BIKE & BOAT

A bike by day for transport, a boat by night for meals and a good sleep. Your barge or river cruiser is your floating hotel and follows the cycling stages along the river. Fancy a lazy day in? – Well, there’s your home from home. All boats are fully crewed: a skipper at the helm, and catering staff to prepare breakfast, a slap-up dinner and all you need for your packed lunch. Our Bike & Boat tours can be enjoyed either on a group tour accompanied by a tour leader, or Self-Guided. BROCHURE 2015

The Vita Pugna is a wonderfully romantic Dutch barge VITA PUGNA which we have been sailing since 2008, after her long voyage from Amsterdam to the river Po.

1 IN FIGURES Capacity: 21 guests Length: 36 m Width: 5.4 m Draught: 1.60 m

2 CABINS › 10 Standard Twin cabins (including one accommodating up to 3 guests) of 7/8 m2. All cabins are equipped with comfortable low twin beds and en-suite facilities. They also offer the convenience of attractive, traditional portholes, which can be opened for fresh air. The corridor is air-conditioned. Bed size is 1.90/2 m x 0.75/0.80 m

3 THE LIVING AREA There is a spacious air-conditioned lounge/restaurant with 5 tables, accommodating up to 23 guests.

4 EXTRA FEATURES › 1 sundeck › Free hot drinks machine (including Italian ground coffee) › Free wi-fi with 2 computers › Dedicated bike storage

5 TOURS Mantua–Venice/ Venice–Mantua, Bolzano–Mantua–Venice: (pp. 28-30)

Type of cabins

C

Twin/Triple cabin 2+1 B

Twin cabin B B B B B 2 Crew cabin  B B B B C

20 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com BROCHURE 2015

Modern, bright and spacious, AVE MARIA the Ave Maria was designed by a well-known team of Italian architects and launched in 2011.

1 IN FIGURES Capacity: 40 guests Length: 41 m Width: 7.5 m Draught: 1.05 m

2 CABINS › 4 Superior Double cabins (two of these can accomodate up to 4 persons adding 2 bunk beds) above deck, approx. 11 m2 › 10 Standard Double cabins (three of these can accomodate up to 3 persons adding 1 bunk bed) below deck, approx. 11 m2 › 3 bunk bed cabins (also available as Single cabins) below deck, approx. 7.5 m2 All cabins enjoy sizeable windows (the ones in the Superior cabins can also be opened), comfortable low beds, en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Bed/bunk size is 2.00 x 0.80 m. Most of the cabins can be separated into two single beds.

3 THE LIVING AREA Measuring 11 x 7.5 m and air-conditioned, it is divided into two areas: › the Restaurant (up to 33 seats) › the Lounge (up to 28 seats)

4 EXTRA FEATURES › 2 sundecks D D › Free hot drinks machine (including Italian ground coffee) › Free wi-fi with 2 computers D D › Large 55” screen in the lounge for video/internet

› Dedicated bike storage (for B A B C B C approx. 40 hanging bikes) › Hair-dryers (limited number) available on request B B B A B A C 5 TOURS Mantua–Venice/ Venice–Mantua, Bolzano–Mantua–Venice: Type of cabins (pp. 28-30) D C B A Crew cabin  Twin/Double/ Twin/Double/ Twin/Double Single/ Triple/Family Triple cabin cabin Bunk bed cabin 2+1 2 cabin 2+1+1 1+1

Twin cabin Double/ 2 Triple cabin 2+1

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 21 BROCHURE 2015

The Soleo is a local flatboat built in 1958, SOLEO converted into a leisure boat in 1988 and refurbished in 2009.

1 IN FIGURES Capacity: 22 guests Length: 38.5 m Width: 5.1 m Draught: 1.6 m

2 CABINS › 12 cabins (4 Doubles, 6 Twins, 2 Singles) measuring 7-8 m2 Each cabin has three fixed portholes (one is in the bathroom), air conditioning and en-suite facilities with shower area; plus ample closet space, a power socket and a full-length mirror. Bed sizes: 1.90 m x 0.80 m (Singles) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (Doubles).

3 THE LIVING AREA Measuring 12.50 x 4.70 m and air-conditioned, it is divided into two areas: › the Restaurant (up to 22 seats) › the Salon area with an open bar A total of 10 windows give plenty of natural light.

4 EXTRA FEATURES › Sundeck with seating accommodation and fixed awning. Half of the sundeck is completely sheltered from the elements › Free WiFi in the restaurant/ bar area › Stereo system in the restaurant/ bar area

5 TOURS Provence and Camargue Aigues-Mortes–Avignon/ Avignon–Aigues-Mortes (pp. 32-34)

Type of cabins

C

Double cabin 2 B B C B A C B

Twin cabin A C B B C B 2 A

Single cabin 1

22 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com BROCHURE 2015

L’Estello is a 1937 Dutch barge sailed over to France; L’ESTELLO she has been refurbished to offer a high level of comfort, without compromising any of her original charm.

1 IN FIGURES Capacity: 20 guests Length: 39 m Width: 5.2 m Draught: 1.6 m

2 CABINS › 10 Double cabins (one with a double bed and nine with twin beds) measuring 7-8 m2. Each cabin has two portholes (one is in the bathroom), is air-conditioned and has en-suite facilities. Bed sizes: 1.90/2 m x 0.75/0.80 m

3 THE LIVING AREA The air-conditioned living room is divided into two areas: › Restaurant, with large picture windows › Bar area with comfortable sofas and armchairs

4 EXTRA FEATURES › Sundeck with a fixed awning, tables and chairs › Free WiFi in the restaurant/ bar area › “Bring and Borrow” supply of travel books › Pétanque/Boules sets and board games available

5 TOURS Provence and Camargue Aigues-Mortes–Avignon/ Avignon–Aigues-Mortes (pp. 32-34)

Type of cabins

C

Double cabin 2 B

Twin cabin B B B B 2

B B C B B B

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 23 THE CREW Bike & captains, cooks and service personnel 2 weeks on board, 2 week on the ground, Boat 6 months a year NICOLÒ MINATI A life on the road, delivering to our boats whatever they need 10 km by his old-fashioned bike to get to work LIFE ON BOARD DOING “BIKE & BOAT” IN STYLE SERVICE AT ITS VERY BEST ABOARD OUR “FLOATING HOTELS” IN ITALY AND FRANCE: COMFORT, HOSPITALITY, QUALITY AND... BELLA VITA! THIS IS WHAT MAKES GIROLIBERO’S BIKE & BOAT HOLIDAYS UNIQUE.

24 BROCHURE 2015

OUR VERY OWN NOAH’S ARK Aboard our boats you’ll be joined by travelling companions from all over, as well as a Tour Leader who speaks the group’s two main languages – usually English and German. Shall we bet that you’ll go back home with a smattering of Italian or French?

COMFORT: RELAX IN YOUR CABIN AND IN THE PUBLIC SPACES Our boats are among the most comfortable for bike and boat tours in Italy and France: en-suite facilities, low beds available on all boats, and clean and welcoming public spaces. A great home-from-home to come back to every day. 0 Want to know more? Read all about our boats on pp. 20-23.

100% GIROLIBERO BIKES Our unmistakeable two-wheelers in their orange livery hold pride of place on our boats, ensuring trouble-free riding, comfort and safety. 0 Want to know more? Read all about our bikes on pp. 10-11.

“BUON APPETITO”! In Italy we know a thing or two about pots and pans, and our on-board catering is simple but subtle, with a good selection of local wines and excellent service. The Ave Maria and Vita Pugna chefs boast plenty of experience and, in the words of our clients, their dishes alone are worth the trip. 0 Here are two sample menus: 1- Linguine with asparagus, rare roast beef with fresh rocket leaves and stuffed tomatoes, Venetian mixed salad, tiramisù (see recipe below). 2- Freshly caught seafood in wine and herbs, seabass meunière with baby potatoes, fennel and orange salad, chocolate and cherry mousse.

SEE EVEN MORE OF FRANCE A Girolibero van and driver are on hand, should you want to have a day off your bike and explore Provence and Camargue at a more leisurely pace. Aboard the Estello and Soleo you will find all the info material you need to organise your day-trip. 0 A couple of ideas: visit the ancient Roman city of Nîmes; head into the Luberon lavender fields; sip some wines at Gallician; marvel at the Salins du Midi salt marshes; hike from Gallician to Aigues Mortes.

TIRAMISÙ FOREVER METHOD: 6. Drizzle the savoiardi with 1. Separate the eggs and coffee until nicely soaked but By (very) popular request, combine the yolks with 60 g of not soggy here is the recipe for the best sugar 7. Line the bottom of a flat trifle loved dessert served aboard 2. Whip until the consistency is bowl with a single layer of the Ave Maria and Vita Pugna: light in colour, frothy and savoiardi and cover this with a creamy first layer of the mixture; INGREDIENTS: 3. Stir in the mascarpone cream continue with alternate layers - 6 eggs (medium) 4. In a separate bowl, whip the 8. Finish with a layer of mixture - 120 g caster sugar egg white to stiff peaks, adding on top, level it and dust with - 500 g mascarpone cream the remaining 60 g of sugar cocoa - 400 g sponge fingers halfway through 9. Refrigerate for a few hours (savoiardi) 5. Gently mix the egg white into “SQUISITO!” - espresso coffee (enough to the yolk mixture, slowly stirring soak the biscuits) upwards - dark cocoa powder (enough to dust)

25 GIULIO VALLORTIGARA proud of the red and white livery River of the Ave Maria and his beloved Cruising Vicenza FC! 6 km by e-bike to get to work and ANTONIO GERMANI Charter simply put: sorts it all out 10 km by mountain bike to get to work

EXCLUSIVE CHARTERING DOING “BIKE & BOAT” IN STYLE

FOR GROUPS KEENER ON SIGHTSEEING THAN CYCLING WE CAN ARRANGE A ONE-WEEK RIVER CRUISE WITH MINIBUS EXCURSIONS TO CITIES OF ART, ARCHITECTURE AND... SHOPPING.

26 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com BROCHURE 2015

DISCOVER ... ANOTHER IDEA OR TWO!

IN BRIEF: » THE WEEKS NOT TO » WINTER WEEKENDS » TEAMBUILDING • Relax and overnight stays BE MISSED: During November and Ave Maria and Vita Pugna aboard the 4* barge Ave 19th July 2015 March, our boats in Italy are have proved popular with Maria (Vita Pugna barge Festa del Redentore (Feast of also available for weekends groups of colleagues who also available on request) the Holy Redeemer), Venice; and longer breaks. How want a quiet environment in • Daily minibus excursions 26th August - 5 September about celebrating Christmas, which to spend some time to Verona, Lake Garda, 2015 New Year‘s Eve or Carnival bonding. Padova, Vicenza, Bologna, The Venice Film Festival; with us on board? Milan... 6th September 2015 0 Have a look at the video • You can modify the land Regata Storica (the main » COURSES AND from a recent team building excusions and visits and historical Regatta in Europe) ACTIVITY BREAKS exercise on board: also request a bespoken Cooking, painting, yoga, www.avemariaboat.com board service (i.e. ask for history of art… a fully catered lunch; 4-meal dinners; daily cleaning of the cabin; extra crew member…)

Treviso Lake Garda Vicenza Milan Verona Padova

Mincio Venice

Mantua Chioggia Zelo Adria Po Canal Bianco S.Benedetto Revere Po Po Delta

navigable river Ferrara navigable canal mooring place ADRIATIC SEA possible excursion by private bus Bologna

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 27 Italy

| | | | 210 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bike & Boat in Italy Mantua–Venice

I Lago di Brenta Treviso Garda Vicenza Verona Mestre Padova Venezia

Mincio Laguna di Venezia Adige Mantova Chioggia MARE Zelo Adria ADRIATICO Po S.Benedetto Revere Delta Po del Po Ferrara

DAY BY DAY its medieval fortress and floating mill) An exhilarating day of discovery alternat- Roman nature reserve); and continuing 1. Mantua. The cabins are available from and on to the village of Bergantino. Here ing sailing and cycling starts with a short by public ferry for the short crossing to 4.30 p.m. The meeting with the tour we visit the charming Carousel and cruise to our drop-off point at Porto Viro the Lido island. Celebrated by Thomas leader and the crew is scheduled at Street Entertainment Museum. Finally, and the exploration of the Po’s delta. Mann (Death in Venice) and particularly dinner-time, at 7 p.m. we reach Zelo, a sleepy village on the This unique wetland park is the prime fashionable with the artists and aristoc- 2. Mantua round tour (40 km). A day Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs reserve in Europe for herons and home racy of the Belle Époque, the Lido di dedicated to the discovery of this little parallel to the Po. to several colonies of flamingos. At the Venezia is now home to the International visited cultural gem, its three picturesque 4. Zelo–Ferrara–Adria (50 km by bike mouth of the River Adige, which flows Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of “lakes” formed by the Mincio, and its + 60 km by bus). After breakfast we fast and cool from the Dolomites, we stars. Finally, our floating hotel takes us surrounding countryside – a City continue our bike and boat adventure then follow the Po-Brondolo waterway to our marina in Venice, for the culmina- State ruled by the Gonzaga family and cycling towards Ferrara, another key City and reach the Venetian lagoon. Our tion of our bike and boat holiday. now considered by many as Italy’s State of ancient Italy. You will visit this overnight stop is the bustling and colour- 7. Venice. In the morning a local guide “Sleeping Beauty”. In the late afternoon a historic town and discover its little ful fishing port of Chioggia, known as will let you discover the capital of the local guide will lead you through the most touched centre, still surrounded by the “Little Venice”. ancient “Serenissima Republic of Ven- known highlights of the town. original city walls. From Ferrara a short 6. Chioggia–Venice (30 km). A morning ice”, which held sway over much of the 3. Mantua–Governolo–Zelo (50 km by transfer by private coach will take you to visit to the fish market is recommended Mediterranean (and beyond) for centu- bike). A short cruise along the lush banks Adria. Once close to the shores of the and, time allowing, we also climb up ries. After that you have a lot of time to of the Mincio takes us to Governolo, sea which bears its name, Adria was an Chioggia’s millennial clock tower – the soak up its timeless beauty or explore its where it flows into the Po and forms the ancient Greek port, famous for trading oldest in the world – for some breathtak- islands. largest inland basin in Italy. At Governolo Baltic amber. Its remarkable museum ing views. We then enjoy some island 8. Venice.After breakfast end of ser- Lock, once a vital staging post for local also bears witness to its Etruscan, hopping in the lagoon itself by bike and vices. Possibility either to book extra navigation, we saddle our bikes and Roman and Venetian heritage. boat, starting with our barge dropping us nights or to combine with following follow the Po through Ostiglia (famed for 5. Adria–Porto Viro–Chioggia (40 km). off on Pellestrina (home to the Ca’ tours: Veneto (36), Venice–Porecˇ (46).

28 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

City of Mantua, jewel of the Italian Renaissance | | | | 200 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Po Delta Reserve, natural beauty and birdlife Fresh seafood, cooked aboard following traditional recipes Bike & Boat in Italy Lugana, white wine Venice–Mantua

DAY BY DAY the sea which bears its name, also 1. Venice. The cabins are available from renowned for its Etruscan and Roman 4.30 p.m. The meeting with the tour heritage. leader and the crew is scheduled at 5. Adria–Ferrara–Zelo (35 km by bike dinner-time, at 7 p.m. It is possible to + 35 km by bus). After a short cruise we combine an extra tour before your saddle our bikes and, following the Po bike&boat week: Venice–Porecˇ, Veneto. through farmland and hamlets, we reach 2. Venice. In the morning a local guide Ferrara. Under its overlords, the Este will let you discover the capital of the family, this ancient City State attracted ancient “Serenissima Republic of Ven- influential architects and artists for ice”, which held sway over much of the centuries. A private bus takes us back to Mediterranean (and beyond) for centu- our floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village ries. After that you have a lot of time to on the Canal Bianco, the waterway soak up its timeless beauty or explore its which runs parallel to the Po. islands. 6. Zelo–Mantua (50 km). We sail for a 3. Venice–Chioggia (30 km). Cruising short stretch and, back on our bikes, we out of Venice at a gentle pace, we start reach the village of Bergantino where we our bike and boat adventure on the Lido, visit the charming Carousel and Street the first of the two islands we explore Entertainment Museum. Following the today. Fashionable with the artists and river through Ostiglia (famed for its aristocracy of the Belle Époque, the Lido medieval fortress and floating mill) and di Venezia is now home to the Interna- on to Governolo Lock. Once a vital tional Venice Film Festival and its galaxy staging post for local navigation, this is of stars. A short island-hop takes us to where the River Mincio flows into the Po, Pellestrina, where we cycle towards the creating the largest inland basin in Italy. Ca’ Roman nature reserve, past the Leaving the Po behind, we reach Mantua fishermen’s cottages and boats. Here, through a magnificent navigation in the where we rejoin the barge and sail to afternoon. L I B O E Chioggia – a bustling and colourful 7. Mantua round tour (40 km). An entire R R GIROLIBERO I O MAPS

G

· · Bike & Boat CYCLING GUIDE · fishing harbour known as “Little Venice”. day dedicated to the discovery of this · GREENS BIKE & BOAT · · · · ROADBOOK · · 4. Chioggia–Porto Viro–Adria (40 km). little visited cultural gem, its three G S From Venice R E E N A morning stroll through Chioggia’s fish picturesque “lakes” formed by the to Mantua ACCOMPANYING Street maps of Venice, Chioggia, Adria, Mantua From Venice Ferrara, Mantua and cycle maps This guide accompanies the Girolibero bike & boat tour and This guide accompanies the Girolibero bike & boat tour and aims to whet your appetite for the regions between Venice aims to whet your appetite for the regions between Venice to Mantua Venice and Mantua: and Mantua: o l i b Bike & Boat tour in Italy. The original. market is recommended and, time Mincio, and its surrounding countryside , e r MATERIAL scenically and culturallySights, fascinating history, places wining and dining tips, i r , scenically and culturally fascinating places , useful information o historical information G

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useful information · · , useful information , · tips on good meals and snacks · , tips on good meals and snacks · · CYCLING GUIDE l i b e · · o r G · r o R E E N S i L

allowing, a visit up the millennial clock – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga · O I B G R BIKE & BOAT For these tours you will · I E · R · G

· ·

From Venice to Mantua to Venice From · · O · · · · S · G · · R E N E From Mantua· · G · · R · tower – the oldest in the world – for family. In the late afternoon a local guide receive the complete set E E N S to Venice some breathtaking views. Our cycling will lead you through the most known Sights, history, wining and dining tips, of Greens guides: useful information From Mantua to Venice

r o l i i b

resumes southbound, into the delta of highlights of the town. e G ·

r - Cycling Guide ·

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·

· · G · R · E · the imposing Po. This unique wetland 8. Mantua. Departure after breakfast. - Maps E N S · park is the prime reserve in Europe for Possibility to book extra nights. - Roadbook herons and home to a colony of flamin- gos. We overnight in Adria, an ancient Greek port once close to the shores of

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 29 Italy

Bolzano, Italy’s northern outpost town | | | | | 370 km | 11 Days/10 Nights | the first 4 days Self-Guided only Lake Garda, a natural heaven Tortelli di zucca, dumplings filled with pumpkin Bike & Hotel + Bike & Boat Gewürztraminer, white wine Bolzano–Mantua–Venice

Ferrara a short bus transfer will bring ROUTE PROFILE Bolzano/Bozen you to Adria, an ancient Greek port, From Bolzano to Mantua you will ride on famous for trading amber coming from well-planned cycle lanes, part of which the Baltic. run along the Adige banks. Towards 8. Adria–Porto Viro–Chioggia (40 km). Lake Garda there is a bit more challeng- Rovereto The boat will bring you to Porto Viro. You ing climb to face. From Mantua to Venice Lago di will be suspended between water and you will pedal along rivers and canals on I Garda Brenta land, as you will pedal between the Po tarmac cycle paths or roads with low Treviso Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. traffic. Vicenza You follow then the Po-Brondolo water- Verona Mestre Desenzano Padova Venezia way, which links the river to the Venetian PARKING

Peschiera Mincio Laguna lagoon. You will stay overnight in Chiog- In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no di Venezia gia, known as “the little Venice”. reservation possible, to be paid on-site). Adige 9. Chioggia–Venice (30 km). A visit to Mantova Chioggia MARE the fish market at dawn is an absolute BY PLANE Zelo Adria ADRIATICO Po “must”! The boat then brings you to the Bolzano is well connected (90–120 min.) S.Benedetto Revere Delta nature reserve of Ca’ Roman. Pedalling with the following airports: Verona del Po Po along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and Venice (VCE). Ferrara from here, riding on the cycle path you reach the ferry landing stage. A short ferry-boat ride takes you to the Lido DAY BY DAY ing one of the most famous Italian cycle island, with a stop in Malamocco. After 1. Arrival in Bolzano. paths, which runs parallel to the River the final short ride you reach again the 2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km). Mincio. The stage ends in Mantua, with barge. You cycle along the Adige beside apple overnight aboard our barges Ave Maria/ 10. Venice. In the morning a local guide orchards, vineyards and through the Vita Pugna. will let you discover the magnificent villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. You 5. Mantua round tour (40 km). centre of Venice. After that you have a then reach Trento: take your time to have An entire day dedicated to the discovery lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty a look behind the splendid walls of its of this wonderful city and its sorround- or explore its islands. painted buildings. Possibility to shorten ings dominated by the family of Gonzaga. 11. Venice. After breakfast end of the stage by taking the train in several 6. Mantua–Governolo–Zelo services. Possibility either to book extra train stations along the way. (50 km by bike). The boat takes you to nights or to combine with following 3. Trento–Desenzano/Peschiera Governolo, then you start the ride follow- tours: Veneto (36), Venice–Porecˇ (46). (50 km by bike + ferry). You reach ing the River Po. Subsequently you will Rovereto and Mori. From here you visit the “Carousel and folk show mu- continue up on a gently rising slope in seum” in Bergantino. After a few kms the direction of Lake Garda. On the ferry barge awaits you in Zelo. boat you travel as far as Peschiera/ 7. Zelo–Ferrara–Adria (50 km by bike Desenzano along the southern shore of + 60 km by bus). After breakfast you will the lake. start cycling towards Ferrara, a wonder- 4. Desenzano/Peschiera–Mantua ful town with a historical centre, still (70/45 km). Today you will cycle follow- surrounded by the old city walls. From

30 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFORMATIONS VITA AVE PUGNA MARIA DEPARTURES Webcode - from Mantua I09 I10 VITA PUGNA from Mantua: 11.04, 25.04, 9.05, 23.05, 6.06, 20.06, 4.07, 18.07, 1.08, 15.08, 29.08, Webcode - von Venedig I11 I12 12.09, 26.09, 10.10.2015 Standard cabin value season 840 € 990 € from Venice: 18.04, 2.05, 16.05, 30.05, 13.06, 27.06, 11.07, 25.07, 8.08, 22.08, 5.09, 19.09, 3.10, 17.10.2015 SUPPLEMENTS AVE MARIA from Mantua: 4.04, 18.04, 2.05, 16.05, 30.05, 13.06, 27.06, 11.07, 25.07, 8.08, 22.08, Standard season 150 € 200 € 5.09, 19.09, 3.10, 17.10.2015 High season 210 € 360 € from Venice: 11.04, 25.04, 9.05, 23.05, 6.06, 20.06, 4.07, 18.07, 1.08, 15.08, 29.08, 12.09, 26.09, 10.10.2015 Superior cabin - 140 € SEASONS Single cabin 300 € Value: 4.04 - 25.04 Standard: 2.05 - 22.08 and 10.10 - 17.10 REDUCTIONS High: 29.08 - 3.10 Bunk bed cabin - 100 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 overnights, full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch), accompanying 3rd adult in the cabin 250 € Tour Leader on board and on bike, sheets and towels, route description and maps, bus transfer Ferrara–Adria/Ferrara–Zelo, harbour charges, coffee, tea and other hot drinks CHILDREN REDUCTIONS* on board, mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change, guided visit in Venice and 0 - 2 years - -90% Mantua, visit of a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano, visit of Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. 3 - 5 years - -50% NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 - 8 years - -30% Beverages, museums, fees and extras in general, one ferry-boat stage in Pellestrina (about 9 €), everything not included in the section “included in the price”. BICYCLE RENT EXTRA NIGHTS (LOCAL TAXES TO BE PAID ON-SITE) Girolibero bike 70 € In Mantua: 45/75 € 3* Hotel - DBL/SGL; 85/125 € 4* Hotel - DBL/SGL In Mestre: 65/85 € 3/4* Hotel - DBL/SGL Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € In Venice: from 65/100 € 2/3* Hotels (Certosa Island) - DBL/SGL; from 90/150 € 3/4* Hotel - DBL/SGL Helmet 15 €

SURCHARGES FOR THE FIRST 4 DAYS FROM BOLZANO TO DEPARTURES FROM BOLZANO (Self-Guided tour) MANTUA (only Self-Guided) WE 22.04 - 30.09 3/4* Hotels, in DBL room 390 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 3 nights hotel accommodation (in Bolzano, Trento, Peschiera/Desenzano), welcome Single room supplement 90 € briefing in English, luggage transportation, detailed route description, 3-days Hotline High season supplement service. 20 € (July, August) NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Girolibero bike 45 € Beverages, local hotel taxes (to be paid on spot), museums and extras in general, everything, which is not included in the section “included in the price”). Electro-bike Kalkhoff 90 € EXTRA NIGHTS IN BOLZANO Reductions 3rd/4th adult 60 € 65/85 € 3/4* Hotel - DBL/SGL in room

Special offers for groups wishing to charter the boat

* Discount only applying if child is occupying 3rd or 4th bed in the cabin. 4th bed only in the superior cabins available.

USEFUL INFORMATION

NAVIGATION typically sets sail after breakfast, GUIDED AND By Railway and Car The programme has been planned to meeting up with the bikes in the SELF-GUIDED TOUR Mantua is situated on the A22 Highway feature navigation along the Fissero/ afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary The detailed directions and maps Brennero–Modena, only 50 km south Bianco canal, which runs parallel to are undertaken by boat, to allow supplied will let you cycle indepen- of Verona. By train it is connected the Po and connects Mantua to the easier access onto cycling paths. dently or in a group, following the Tour frequently to the railway station of Adriatic Sea. Issues with high and low Leader. The section Bolzano–Mantua Verona (journey: 45 min.) Venice is water, as well as logistic obstacles BICYCLES is only self-guided. situated on the A4 highway and on one can modify some of the daily stretches Unisex bikes with 27-gears Shimano of the principal railway lines. The or overnight stays. These decisions Deore, fully equipped with 1 side-bag, HOW TO REACH VENICE AND journey Venice–Mantua (or opposite) is are taken by the boat’s captain. 1 water bottle, 1 padlock, 1 map MANTUA: covered by train in approx. 2,5 h. holder/front bag (only for Self-Guided) By Plane BIKE ROUTE per bike and 1 repair kit per couple Both Venice and Mantua are well This cycling tour is largely along the (only for Self-Guided). Because of high served by many airports of Northern flats of the Po plains, and the daily transportation costs of the bikes in Italy: Venice (VCE), Treviso (TSF), stages vary from 30 to 55 km – most- Venice it is not advised to travel with Verona (VRN), Bergamo (BGY), Milano ly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers own bikes. Malpensa (MXP), Milano Linate (LIN) and canals, or quiet country roads. The boat is moored at night and

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 31 France

| | | | 300 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bike & Boat in France Provence–Camargue

Roquemaure Chateauneuf du-Pape

Avignone Pont du Gard

F Vallabregues Tarascon Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

hône Les-Baux-de-Provence t R Lunel ti e Gallician P Arles

Grand Montpellier Aigues-Mortes Étang Rhône de Vaccarès Le Grau-du-Roi Étang de Berre

St. Maries-de-la-Mer

From Aigues-Mortes cathedral, loved by the gipsies. You will limestone cliffs and olive trees will Roquemaure and return to Villeneuve spend the night moored in the village of accompany the trip. In the evening you following the course of the river. to Avignon Gallician. will moor in Vallabrègues, pretty Proven- 8. Avignon. After breakfast, end of DAY BY DAY 4. Gallician–Arles (20 km). You will sail çal village on the banks of the Rhône. services. Possibility to book extra nights. 1. Aigues-Mortes. Individual arrival and for a few hours up to Saint Gilles and 6. Vallabrègues–Avignon (60 km). boarding after 6 p.m. in Aigues-Mortes, then cycle to today’s destination: Arles, The stage today will bring you to the best medieval town, ancient military and known for the richness of its antique and preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: commercial ramapart on the Mediter- Roman patrimony. The city fascinates Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. ranean. you with its hidden treasures. Getting In the afternoon you will arrive in Avi- 2. Aigues-Mortes round tour (50 km). lost among its small alleys will be like gnon, the city of the Popes. You will be Going through small country lanes entering a picture by Van Gogh. In the moored in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the between canals and lagoons you will afternoon you will also have the opportu- opposite bank of the Rhône. reach the charming fishermen’s village nity to be welcome by a professional 7. Avignon round tour (45 km). Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refresh- guide, who will accompany you around Navigation up to Avignon, and then cycle ing bath on the beach. the jewels of the town. in the direction of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 3. Aigues-Mortes–Gallician (65 km). 5. Arles–Vallabreguès (65 km). Breath- following low-traffic roads surrounded You will cycle among cane and rice fields taking stage, which brings you to the by vineyards. In Châteauneuf- du-Pape and salt lakes, accompanied by horses, Alpilles, with the perched village of you can enjoy a tasting of the very flamingos and bulls, and arrive to Les-Baux-de-Provence and then to Saint famous Provençal wine. After that you Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer with its Rémy de Provence. A landscape of will cross the Rhône at the height of

32 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com France

Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct Camargue Park, with its horses, bulls and wilderness Saucisson de taureau, typical salami of the Camargue Bandol, rosé wine

From Avignon 3. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon– 5. Arles–Gallician (20 km). Today the Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refresh- Vallabrègues (60 km). Today’s stage whole morning is dedicated to visit ing bath on the beach. to Aigues-Mortes brings you to the best preserved Roman Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with 8. Aigues-Mortes. After breakfast, DAY BY DAY aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a beautiful Roman ruins. You will also end of services. Possibility to book extra 1. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. truly spectacular work of architecture. have the opportunity to be welcome by a nights. Individual arrival at 6 p.m. and boarding In the evening you will moor in professional guide, who will accompany in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village you around the jewels of the town. After 2. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (45 km). on the banks of the Rhône. lunch you reach the lock of Saint Gilles Navigate up to Avignon, the city of 4. Vallabreguès–Arles (65 km). and from there you will sail to Gallician, popes, and then cycle in the direction of This stage brings you to Saint Remy de where you will spend the night. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, following roads Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus. 6. Gallician–Aigues-Mortes (65 km). with low levels of traffic surrounded by This village is also famous for having You will cycle among cane fields, rice vineyards. hosted Van Gogh in the days of his fields and salt lakes, accompanied by In Châteauneuf- du-Pape you can enjoy mental illness. Then, you move onto the horses, flamingos and bulls, and arrive a tasting of the very famous Provençal Alpilles, with Les-Baux-de-Provence, a at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and then wine. After that you will cross the village lodged in the rock itself. Aigues-Mortes. Rhône. You will cross the Rhône through A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive 7. Aigues-Mortes round tour (50 km). Roquemaure and return to Villeneuve by trees accompanies your journey. Going through small country lanes following the course of the river. between canals and lagoons you will reach the charming fishermen’s village

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 33 France

PRICES PER PERSON GENERAL INFORMATIONS

L’ESTELLO SOLEO

DEPARTURES Webcode - from Avignon F24 FROM AVIGNON 18.04, 2.05, 16.05, 30.05, 13.06, 27.06, 11.07, 25.07, 8.08, 22.08, Webcode - from Aigues-Mortes F30 5.09, 19.09, 3.10, 17.10.2015 FROM AIGUES-MORTES Standard cabin value season 980 € 25.04, 9.05, 23.05, 6.06, 20.06, 4.07, 18.07, 1.08, 15.08, 29.08, 12.09, 26.09, 10.10.2015 SEASONS SUPPLEMENTS Value: from April 18th to May 9th, from August 1st to August 22nd and from October 10th to October 17th 2015 Standard season 100 € Standard: from May 16th to July 25th 2015 High: from August 29th to October 3rd 2015 High season 150 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights accommodation, full board (breakfast, dinner and a self- Single cabin 300 € made packed lunch), sheets and towels, detailed route description, maps and info-pack, tour leader on bike, emergency van in the area, guided visit of Arles, entrance to Pont du Gard, harbour charges, tea BICYCLE RENT and coffee on board, wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Girolibero bike 70 € Beverages on board, museums and everything which is not men- tioned above. Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € EXTRA NIGHTS In Avignon 60/90 € 2/3* Hotel – DBL/SGL Helmet 15 € In Aigues-Mortes 65/100 € 2/3* Hotel – DBL/SGL

Special offers for groups wishing to charter the boat

USEFUL INFORMATION

NAVIGATION ON RIVERS AND CANALS BICYCLE EMERGENCY VAN & TRANSFERS SELF-GUIDED AND Issues with high and low water, Different frame sizes of unisex bikes A minivan is available on the area for GUIDED TOUR as well as logistic obstacles can with 27-gears Shimano Deore will emergencies. The same van offers This tour offers the chance to choose modify some of the daily stretches or be available on board. They are fully alternative excursions for those if pedalling alone (taking advantage embarkation points. These decisions equipped with 1 side-bag, 1 water customers who don’t want to cycle on of a very detailed route description) are taken by the boat’s captain. bottle, 1 padlock, 1 map holder/front some days or can organize transfers or with the whole group, following the It is envisaged that the boat will sail bag (only for Self-Guided) per bike to shorten the longest stages. These tour leader. When booking the tour you some of the way during breakfast or and 1 repair kit per couple (only for extra services are not included and need to specify which option is chosen the evening meal to make getting out Self-Guided). Due to a limited space must be paid on site. Programs and (i.e. if Guided or Self-Guided). of the towns easier or to shorten the on board only a few own bikes will be prices are available on board. stages. accepted upon request. HOW TO REACH AVIGNON AND AIGUES-MORTES BY PLANE BIKE ROUTE Both Avignon and Aigues-Mortes Route on bike paths and low traffic are well served by some airports: roads in rural and city areas. Short Montpellier Mediterranée (MPL), stretches are on unpaved roads and Marseille Provence (MRS), Nîmes few on unavoidable busy roads. Garons (FNI), Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS), Avignon Caumont (AVN).

34 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com BIKE & HOTEL

The cycling holiday accommodated at carefully selected hotels: just enjoy your day in the Great Outdoors, in the knowledge that your accommodation is all arranged and that a welcoming room awaits at the other end. Your luggage is transferred for you every morning to your next hotel, and you can cycle as light as air and carefree. Maps and detailed directions will lead you to your destination (if you’re self-guided); otherwise, if you’re travelling in a group tour, simply follow your tour leader. Italy

| | | | 280 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Veneto Venice Lands

ROUTE PROFILE Bassano del Grappa - Total length: 270/295 km Asolo Montebelluna Marostica - Total vertical up: 530 m Treviso - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved Brenta Piave - Train connection among the overnight Sile Vicenza stays: every day Lago di Bacchiglione - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by Garda Verona Mestre Venezia taking the train: day 3. Peschiera Stra Venice Padova Laguna The itinerary is completely in the low- di I Venezia MARE lands except for the 1 km slope in Asolo. ADRIATICO You ride on secondary streets with low Adige traffic or paved bike paths. Chioggia Po BY PLANE Vicenza/Mestre are well connected DAY BY DAY 5. Mestre/Venice–Chioggia villas. Just before entering Vicenza you (60–90 min.) with the following airports: 1. Vicenza. Individual arrival. A niceFerrara and (1st cycling day for those starting in see the Villa Valmarana ai Nani with its Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), Treviso cosy historical city centre characterized Mestre) (35 km). Leaving Mestre this marvellous frescoes by Tiepolo. (TPS), Bergamo (BGY-150 min). by the buildings of the famous architect mor­ning, you head into Venice pedalling 8. Vicenza. Departure after breakfast. Andrea Palladio (16th century). on the 4 km bridge “della Libertà”, then Possibility either to book extra nights or 2. Vicenza–Bassano del Grappa to Tronchetto harbour. From here you to combine with the following tours: (40 km). From Vicenza you cycle towards take a ferry along the canal Giudecca to Venice–Mantua/Mantua–Venice Marostica, famous for its castle and the Lido. This is the most exciting day, Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29). chessboard in the main square. The last pedalling on two narrow islands that stop is Bassano del Grappa with its divide the sea from the lagoon: Mala- covered wooden bridge and the “grappa”. mocco and the island of Pellestrina. 3. Bassano del Grappa–Treviso 6. Chioggia–Padova (60 km). You will L I B O E (65/40 km). You enter Asolo, which be pedalling along the two rivers that R R GIROLIBERO I O

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· · · · our ride. The downhill run takes you to area centuries ago: Bacchiglione and G S R E E N the land of Prosecco vineyards and on to Brenta. You continue on to Strà, famous ACCOMPANYING Maser. Possibility to shorten the stage of for the majestic Villa Pisani. On arrival in MATERIAL 25 km by taking the train from Monte- Padova, you will find the great basilica For this tour you will belluna to Treviso. dedicated to St. Anthony, the historic receive the complete 4. Treviso–Mestre/Venice (45 km). Caffè Pedrocchi and Prato della Valle. set of Greens guides: Leaving Treviso behind you, follow the 7. Padova–Vicenza (50 km). The Bac- - Cycling Guide course of the River Sile up to Casale. chiglione River points the way out of the - Maps At the end of the trip Venice awaits you the city and you reach Costozza, a little - Roadbook for an evening among canals and narrow town at the foot of the Berici hills. The streets. Accommodation in Mestre; a bike path passes in front of Villa Ro- supplement applies for lodging in Venice. tonda, the most famous of the Palladian

36 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Palladian villas in Vicenza and Treviso Botanical Garden of Padova, an Unesco site Polenta and baccalà (polenta and stockfish) Cabernet, red wine

PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFORMATIONS SHORT BREAK SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A Cat. B Cat. A+ DEPARTURES 2015 | | 135 km | 5 Days | Webcode I03 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA, SU from Vicenza Webcode I16 Season 1 655 € 498 € 1290 € (Cat. A, B, A+) Season 2 700 € 563 € 1290 € TU, WE from Mestre (Cat. A, B) DAY BY DAY 28.03 - 24.10 1. Mestre. Arrival. Supplement SGL 198 € 145 € 280 € Special departure dates for at least 2. Mestre/Venice–Chioggia. 5 persons. Half Board ¹ 170 € 140 € - You will cycle to Tronchetto GUIDED TOUR SEASONS harbour. From here you take a Season 1: 28.03 - 29.05 and ferry to Lido. You pedal on the Webcode I03G 14.09 - 24.10 islands Malamocco and Pell- Basic price 955 € - - Season 2: 30.05 - 13.09 estrina. Overnight in Chioggia. 3. Chioggia–Padova. You will Supplement SGL 198 € - - GUIDED TOUR reach the majestic Villa Pisani in 23.05, 30.05, 04.07. 29.08, 26.09. BICYCLE RENT Strà. On arrival in Padova, don’t Minimum of participants: 8 persons miss the historical centre. Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 4. Padova–Mestre. You will Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € 7 nights hotel accommodation, cycle along the Brenta Canal, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing overlooked by the villas of the Helmet 15 € in English, luggage transportation, ancient Venetian nobility. EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A Cat. B Cat. A+ Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide, 5. Mestre. Departure. route descriptions & maps, 7-days Vicenza/Treviso DBL/SGL from 55/85 € from 40/65 € on request Hotline service, ticket for ferry PRICE PER PERSON 415 € DBL Mestre DBL/SGL from 65/85 € from 55/65 € - transfer (bike not included, approx. 4 €) on day 5 valid only Cat. A/ 110 € SGL supplement Venice ² DBL/SGL from 90/150 € on request A+, entrance into Villa Valmarana 20 € season 2 supplement (30.05 - 13.09) REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room) ai Nani, ice-cream in the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza. BICYCLE RENT Adults 130 € 100 € - Guided tour includes also: 45 € Girolibero bike Children 0 - 2 years 90% 90% - Cat. A Hotel accommodation, 105 € Electro-bike 7 dinners (3-course meal, 1 dinner 3 - 5 years 50% 50% - INCLUDED IN THE PRICE in Venice), guide on bike, support 4 nights in Cat. A, 4 breakfast 6 - 8 years 30% 30% - van in the area, Guided tour of Ven- buffets, welcome briefing, ice, visits and wine tasting. Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* Hotels. Cat. B mainly 3* Hotels, with luggage transportation, route some 2* Hotels and one 4* Hotel. Cat. A+ only 4* and luxury hotels (night in NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE description and maps, Hotline Venice - 3* Hotel -instead of Mestre Venice is included). Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). service. ¹ 6 dinners included, beverages not included (3-course meal); Only for cat. B ferry-boat transfers DEPARTURES 2015 ² on request night in Venice instead of Mestre (for departure from Mestre on day 5 (altogether about 25 € TU, WE 5.05 - 23.09 only possible as last night of the tour with delivery of the bikes in Mestre). per person + bike).

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 37 Italy

| | | | 280 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Verona–Venice Across Lake Garda and through Verona

Bolzano dova with its famous Giotto’s Chapel and ROUTE PROFILE Lago one of the biggest squares of Europe - Total length: 280/345 km di Caldaro “Prato della Valle”. - Total vertical up: 1,270/1,450 m 7. Padova–Mestre/Venice (40 km). - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved Salorno Adige The tour continues easily through the - Train connection among the overnight Trento flat Veneto. You will cycle along the stays: every day I Riva Brenta Canal, overlooked by the coun- - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by del Garda tryside villas of the ancient Venetian taking the train: day 2 and 5. Rovereto nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Bassano Widmann) until you reach Mestre, As a whole it is an easy to manage Treviso Lago Brenta Venice’s mainland. You can choose to itinerary, riding on secondary streets di Garda stay directly in Venice with a price with low traffic or paved bike paths. Vicenza supplement. There are light hilly bits with short uphill Desenzano Verona Mestre Soave 8. Mestre/Venice. Departure after sections. Peschiera MARE San Bonifacio Padova Venezia breakfast. Transfer back to Bolzano on Abano ADRIATICO PARKING Adige request when booking the tour. Chioggia Possibility either to book extra nights or In Bolzano: from 60 € per week to combine with the following tours: depending on the hotel (no reservation Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29), possible, to be paid on-site). DAY BY DAY 4. Desenzano/Peschiera–Verona Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46). 1. Bolzano. Arrival. Bolzano is a famous (60/35 km). Today you head to Verona. BY PLANE commercial and tourist centre and also a With the Adige crossing it, this is one of Bolzano is well connected (90–120 min.) historical and cultural connection be- the most important and beautiful cities with the following airports: Verona tween the Italian and the German world. in the Veneto region. Worth visiting are: (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and Venice (VCE). 2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km). the Roman Arena, the Church of San Today you will ride mostly along the Zeno and Juliet’s House. Adige River, through orchards and vine- 5. Verona–Vicenza (75/40 km). At first, yards passing the villages of Ora, Egna the route starts out flat and then heads L I B O E and Salorno. The dam pathways lead through the Monti Berici, a hilly region R R GIROLIBERO I O

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· · · · stage by taking the train in several train view of the city. The old city centre is G S R E E N stations along the way. characterized by the beautiful private ACCOMPANYING 3. Trento–Peschiera/Desenzano palaces and public buildings by Andrea MATERIAL (50 km by bike + ferry). Always pedalling Palladio, the famous 16th century archi- For this tour you will along the Adige you reach Rovereto and tect known all over the world. Possibility receive the complete Mori. From here westwards towards to shorten the stage by taking the train in set of Greens guides: Lake Garda. After a short ascent, a several train stations along the way. - Cycling Guide refreshing descent will follow and lead 6. Vicenza–Padova (50 km). Cycling out - Maps you to Torbole and to Riva. The ferry of Vicenza you will come across the - Roadbook cruise takes you to the southern part of beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda. Along the lake. the Bacchiglione river, the route will continue to the fascinating city of Pa-

38 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Verona and the Arena Dolomites and the iconic pink peaks, a world natural heritage Olive oil from Garda lake Recioto, dessert red wine

PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFORMATIONS SHORT BREAK SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A Cat. B DEPARTURES 2015 | | 150 km | 5 Days | Webcode I01 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA, SU 28.03 - 17.10 Webcode I18 Season 1 690 € 590 € TU, WE 19.05 - 9.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 Season 2 728 € 628 € DAY BY DAY persons. Season 3 768 € 658 € 1. Bolzano. Arrival. SEASONS 2. Bolzano–Trento. Today you Supplement SGL 198 € 145 € Season 1: 28.03 - 19.04 and 28.09 - 17.10 will ride through vineyards and Half Board ¹ 170 € - Season 2: 20.04 - 26.06 and 7.09 - 27.09 tiny beautiful villages. The dam Season 3: 27.06 - 6.09 pathways lead then to Trento. GUIDED TOUR 3. Trento–Peschiera/Desen- GUIDED TOUR zano. Pedalling along the Adige Webcode I01G 25.04, 9.05, 20.06, 11.07, 19.09. you reach Lake Garda. A ferry Minimum of participants: 8 persons. Basic price 995 € - cruise takes you to the southern INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Supplement SGL 198 € - part of the lake. 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast 4. Peschiera/Desenzano– BICYCLE RENT buffet, welcome briefing in English, lug- Verona. Today you head to gage transportation, Girolibero Greens Girolibero bike 70 € Verona, one of the most beauti- Cycling Guide, route descriptions & ful cities in Veneto region. Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € maps, 4-hours ferry cruise through Lake 5. Verona. Departure. Garda, 7-days Hotline service, entrance Helmet 15 € into Villa Valmarana ai Nani, ice-cream in PRICE PER PERSON EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A Cat. B the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza. 475 € DBL Bolzano DBL/SGL 65/85 € Guided tour includes also: 110 € SGL supplement Cat. A Hotel accommodation, 7 dinners 25 € season 2 supplement Mestre DBL/SGL 65/85 € 55/65 € (3-course meals, 1 in Venice), guide on (27.06 - 6.09) bike, support van in the area, wine tast- Venice ² DBL/SGL from 90/150 € BICYCLE RENT ing, guided visits of Verona and Venice. 45 € Girolibero bike REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room) NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 105 € Electro-bike Adults 130 € 100 € Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Train transfers. Children 0 - 2 years 90% 4 nights in Cat. A, 4 breakfast TRANSFERS buffet, welcome briefing in 3 - 5 years 50% To be confirmed when booking English, luggage transportation, 6 - 8 years 30% the tour route description and maps, 60 € Mestre–Bolzano (bike included). 4-hours ferry cruise through Cat.A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels. Cat. B mainly Available on Saturday and Sunday Lake Garda, Hotline service 3* hotels, with some 2* hotels. ¹ 6 dinners included, beverages not (other days on request). Also possible on DEPARTURES 2015 included (3-course meal); ² on request night in Venice instead of Tuesday and Wednesday from 26.05 to SA, SU, TU 16.05 - 8.09 Mestre with delivery of the bikes in Mestre. 16.09.15.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 39 Italy

| | | 275 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Adige Cycle Route

ETSCHRADWEGFrom Resiapass to Verona/Mantua

VARIATION 2 Mainly along flat roads with only a few A Passo Resia 7. Desenzano/Peschiera–Mantua rolling parts. The region of South Tyrol is (70/45 km). Today you will follow one of provided with an excellently-built cycle- the most famous Italian cycle paths, lanes system. You can ride almost Silandro Bolzano passing through the villages of Borghet- exclusively on well-planned, traffic-free Lago di to and Valeggio sul Mincio. The trip ends cycle lanes, part of which run along the Caldaro I in Mantua, wonderful art city. Adige banks. Adige 8. Mantua. Departure after breakfast. Towards Lake Garda there is a bit more Riva Trento Possibility either to book extra nights or challenging climb to face. del Garda Rovereto to combine with following tours: Treviso Mantua–Venice/Venice–Mantua PARKING Lago di Garda Vicenza Brenta (pp. 28-29), Veneto (p. 36). In Bolzano: from 60 € per week Desenzano Verona depending on the hotel (no reservation Peschiera Venezia ROUTE PROFILE Padova MAR possible, to be paid on-site). del Garda Mincio ADRIATICO - Total length: 275/315 km Mantova Po Chioggia - Total vertical up: 830/1,040 m BY PLANE - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved Bolzano is very well connected to the - Train connection among the overnight following airports (90–120 min): stays: every day Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and DAY BY DAY through the villages of Ora, Egna and - Possibility to shorten the itinerary Venice (VCE). VARIATION 1 Salorno. Along the river banks you ride by taking the train: every day except 1. Bolzano. Arrival. towards Trento. day 7. 2. Resiapass–Silandro (50 km). We will Possibility to shorten the stage by taking drive you to Resia up to 1500 metres of the train in several train stations along height, where your cycling tour starts. the way. The majestic cycle lane will take you 6. Trento–Desenzano/Peschiera past the lake Resia and the closter of (50 km by bike + ferry). You’ll reach the L I B O E Montemaria near Silandro. Lake Garda. Before leaving for Riva, R R GIROLIBERO I O

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· · · · continues along the Adige, passing above! The ferry cruise takes you to the G S R E E N through orchards and nice landmarks southern part of the lake. The boat MAPS ACCOMPANYING CYCLING GUIDE

like the imposing Castle Dornsberg. You excursion alone makes the whole trip MATERIAL ROADBOOK From Passo Resia to Bolzano arrive in the beautiful city of Merano. worthwhile. For the short break tour From Passo Resia From Passo ResiaStreet map of Bolzano, Silandro, Merano 4. Merano–Bolzano (35 Km). Still 7. Desenzano/Peschiera–Verona from Resiapass to to Bolzano and cycle maps to Bolzano O L I B R E How every meter brings you Sights, history, wining and dining tips, I R useful information O

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· · · O · · · · S · G N · · R E E · · little towns like Nalles and Andriano and one of the most important and beautiful G · · the complete set of R · E E N S your destination, Bolzano. Take your cities of Italy. Greens guides: time for a walk around the capital of the 8. Verona. Departure after breakfast. - Cycling Guide South Tyrol. - Maps 5. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 Km). Cycling - Roadbook along the lane you follow the Adige beside apple orchards, vineyards and

40 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Resia and its old campanile in the lake Adige River, the second longest river of Italy Speck, smoked pork from South Tyrol Müller Thurgau, white wine

PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFORMATIONS SHORT BREAK

SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 | | 115 km | 5 Days SELF-GUIDED TOUR Variation 1 2 SA 9.05 - 19.09 Webcode I30 Webcode I15 I02 SU 28.06 - 23.08 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons. DAY BY DAY Season 1 682 € SEASONS 1. Bolzano. Arrival. 2. Resiapass–Silandro. Season 2 722 € Season 1: 9.05 - 26.06 and 05.09 - 19.09 Season 2: 27.06 - 4.09 Transfer up to Resiapass, Supplement SGL 198 € then cycle to Silandro. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 3. Silandro–Merano. BICYCLE RENT 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, Along the river Adige you will welcome briefing in English, luggage trans- reach Merano. Girolibero bike 70 € portation, transfer from Bolzano to Resiapass, 4. Merano–Bolzano. 4-hours ferry cruise through Lake Garda, route Ride past little towns like Nalles Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service. and Andriano until you reach Helmet 15 € NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Bolzano. Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €) 5. Bolzano. Departure. EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A TRANSFERS Bolzano DBL/SGL 65/85 € To be confirmed when booking the tour PRICE PER PERSON 60 € Mantua/Verona–Bolzano (bike included, 415 € DBL Verona DBL/SGL 65/85 € min. 4 persons). Available on Saturday (other 110 € SGL supplement days only on request). 30 € season 2 supplement Mantua DBL/SGL 45/75 € (27.06 - 4.09) REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room) BICYCLE RENT 45 € Girolibero bike Adults 130 € 105 € Electro-bike INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Children 0 - 2 years 90% 4 nights in Cat. A, 3 - 5 years 50% 4 breakfast buffets, welcome briefing in English, luggage 6 - 8 years 30% transportation, route descrip- tion and maps, Hotline service. Cat. A 3/4* hotels with a cozy and typical guesthouse in Silandro. DEPARTURES 2015 SA 9.05 - 19.09 SU 28.06 - 23.08

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 41 Italy

Innsbruck city centre and the “Golden Roof” | | | 255 km | 7 Days/6 Nights or 10 Days/9 Nights Tyrol mountains and meadows Sarde in saor, fresh sardines and onions from Adriatic Sea Innsbruck–Verona/Venice Silvaner, white wine From the mountains to the sea

Innsbruck DAY BY DAY 8. Vicenza–Padova (50 km). VARIATION 1 Cycling out of Vicenza you will come Brennero/Brenner 1. Innsbruck. Arrival. across the beautiful Palladian Villa A Isarco/Vipiteno/Sterzing 2. Innsbruck–Bressanone (55 km by Rotonda. Along the Bacchiglione river, Eisack CH bike + 40 km transfer). A private transfer the route will continue to the fascinating Bressanone/ will take you to Brennero, where you’ll city of Padova with its famous Giotto’s Bolzano/Bozen start cycling into the green Isarco valley. Chapel and one of the biggest squares of Your cycling day continues without Europe “Prato della Valle”. Lago di Caldaro I difficulties through nice villages and 9. Padova–Mestre/Venice (40 km). Salorno green meadows till Fortezza, where you You will cycle along the Brenta Canal, Adige will see the ancient fort. Lake Varna overlooked by the countryside villas of Trento awaits you for a relaxing break before the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Riva del Garda you reach Bressanone. Malcontenta, Villa Widmann) until you Rovereto Bassano 3. Bressanone–Bolzano (45 km). reach Mestre, Venice’s mainland. You Lago Brenta Treviso Continue along the same cycle path, can choose to stay directly in Venice di Garda with few kms today: you’ll have the with a price supplement. Adige Vicenza Desenzano Verona Mestre opportunity to visit the huge Sabiona 10. Mestre/Venice. Departure. Soave Padova MARE medieval monastery, built on a rocky-hill Peschiera Venezia San Bonifacio Abano ADRIATICO and dominating the Isarco-valley. Over- ROUTE PROFILE Mincio night in Bolzano. - Total length: 255/390 km 4. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km). - Total vertical up: 1,860/2,410 m You will ride along the Adige River, - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO through orchards and vineyards, passing - Train connection among the overnight the villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. stays: every day SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 The dam pathways lead then to Trento. - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by Variation 1 2 SELF-GUIDED TOUR 5. Trento–Desenzano/Peschiera taking the train: day 3, 4 and 7. TH, FR 7.05 - 25.09 (50 km by bike + ferry). Always pedalling Webcode I32 I27 Special departure dates along the Adige you reach Rovereto and The itinerary is mainly on one of the for at least 5 persons. Season 1 635 € 930 € Mori. After a short ascent, a refreshing most beautiful cycle path in Italy. Con- SEASONS descent will follow and lead you to tinuing from Lake Garda to Venice the 675 € 995 € Season 2 Season 1: 7.05 - 26.06 Torbole and to Riva. The ferry cruise itinerary is developed riding on second- Supplement SGL 170 € 245 € and 5.09 - 25.09 takes you to the southern part of the ary streets with low traffic. Season 2: 27.06 - 4.09 lake. BICYCLE RENT 6. Desenzano/Peschiera–Verona BY PLANE INCLUDED IN THE Girolibero bike 70 € 95 € PRICE (60/35 km). Today you head to Verona. Innsbruck (INN) or good connections 6/9 nights hotel accom- Worth visiting are: the Roman Arena, the with the following airports (100–120 Electro-bike Kalkhoff 135 € 215 € modation, breakfast Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House. min.): Munich (MUC), Salzburg (SZG). 7. Verona. Departure. Helmet 15 € buffet, welcome brief- ing in English, luggage EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A transportation, transfer VARIATION 2 from Innsbruck to Bren- 7. Verona–Vicenza (75/40 km). At first, Innsbruck DBL/SGL 65/85 € nero, route descriptions & the route starts out flat and then heads Verona DBL/SGL 65/85 € maps, 4-hours ferry cruise through the Monti Berici, a hilly region through Lake Garda, 7/10- just south of Vicenza. The old city centre Mestre DBL/SGL 65/85 € days Hotline service. is characterized by the beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Venice ¹ DBL/SGL from 90/150 € NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Palladio, the famous 16th century REDUCTIONS 110 € 170 € Local taxes architect known all over the world. The (3rd person in room) (approx 10-15 €). ones who consider this stage too long can take a train from several railway Cat. A 3/4* hotels. Train transfers. ¹ on request night in Venice instead of stations. Mestre with delivery of the bikes in Mestre.

42 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

The countryside villas of the ancient venetian nobility | | | 205 km | 7 Days/6 Nights Vineyards of Verona and Soave Risotto, a creamy rice dish Lake Garda–Venice Gambellara, white wine Highlights of Veneto

DAY BY DAY ROUTE PROFILE 1. Peschiera/Desenzano. Arrival. - Total length: 205/ 230 km 2. Peschiera/Desenzano–Verona - Total vertical up: 650/800 m (35/60 km). Today you head to Verona. - Terrain: 95 % asphalt, 5 % unpaved With the Adige crossing it, this is one of - Train connection among the overnight the most important and beautiful cities stays: day 2, 5, 6 in the Veneto region. Worth visiting are: - Possibility to shorten the stage by I the Roman Arena, the Church of San taking the train: day 4 Zeno and Juliet’s House. Treviso 3. Verona-Ilasi/Soave (30/40 km). As a whole it is an easy to manage Lago Brenta di Garda The stage is flat and relaxing, crossing itinerary, riding on secondary streets Vicenza beautiful vineyards and the countryside. with low traffic or paved bike paths. Illasi Mestre Desenzano Verona Soave Your cycle route will join the “Strada del There are light hilly bits with short uphill Peschiera MARE Vino” (wine road) that leads to Illasi/ sections. San Bonifacio Padova Venezia ADRIATICO Soave, a very famous area full of vine- Adige yards and nice medieval sights. BY PLANE 4. Illasi/Soave–Vicenza (50/40 km). Peschiera and Desenzano are very well At first, the route starts out flat and then connected to the following airports: heads through the Colli Berici, a hilly Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE). region just south of Vicenza, with a PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO wonderful view of the city. The old city centre is characterized by the beautiful Cat. A Cat. B SELF-GUIDED TOUR DEPARTURES 2015 private palaces and public buildings by SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I33 Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th cen- MO, TU 20.04 - 22.09 tury architect known all over the world. Special departure dates for Season 1 625 € 525 € 5. Vicenza–Padova (50 km). at least 5 persons. Cycling out of Vicenza you will come Season 2 655 € 555 € SEASONS across the beautiful Palladian Villa Supplement SGL 170 € 125 € Season 1: 20.04 - 28.06 and Rotonda. Along the Bacchiglione river, 9.09 - 22.09 the route will continue to the fascinating BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 29.06 - 8.09 city of Padova with its famous Giotto’s Chapel and one of the biggest squares of Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Europe “Prato della Valle”. Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € 6 nights hotel accommoda- tion, breakfast buffet, route 6. Padova–Mestre/Venice (40 km). Helmet 15 € description & maps, 7-day The tour continues easily through the flat Veneto. You will cycle along the Brenta Cat. A Cat. B service hotline. EXTRA NIGHTS Canal, overlooked by the countryside Peschiera/ DBL from 55 € NOT INCLUDED villas of the ancient Venetian nobility Desenzano SGL from 80 € IN THE PRICE (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Wid- DBL 65 € 55 € Local taxes Mestre mann) until you reach Mestre, Venice’s SGL 85 € 65 € (approx. 10-15 €). mainland. You can choose to stay di- DBL from 90 € Venice 1 rectly in Venice with a price supplement. SGL from 150 € 7. Mestre/Venice. Departure after REDUCTIONS breakfast. (3rd/4th person in 130 € 100 € room)

Cat. A mainly 3* hotels with some 4* hotels; Cat. B mainly 3* hotels, with some 2* hotels. 1 on request night in Venice instead of Mestre with delivery of the bikes in Mestre.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 43 Italy

Bassano and the famous wooden bridge | | | 310 km | 8 Days/7 Nights The Venetian lagoon and its birdlife Sopressa, typical salami of Veneto region Bolzano–Bassano–Venice Grappa, the King of Italian spirits Across the beautiful Brenta Valley

DAY BY DAY Bolzano 6. Padova–Chioggia (60 km). Lago 1. Bolzano. Arrival. The bi­lingual capital From Padova you cycle along canals. di Caldaro city of South Tyrol is a renowned com- The rivers Bacchiglione and Brenta,

Salorno mercial and tourist centre which has a which were once important commercial Adige rich history. Today Italian and German waterways, accompany you to the Borgo cultures and ways of life join . picturesque fishing village Chioggia, in I Trento Valsugana The historical centre of Bolzano is the Venetian lagoon. Laghi Levico enchantingly beautiful. 7. Chioggia–Mestre (35 km). Across the di Caldonazzo e Levico Bassano 2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km). islands of Pellestrina and Lido, which del Grappa Your cycling tour starts with a ride along separate the open sea from the Venetian Lago di Garda Treviso Brenta the banks of the Adige river, past fruit lagoon, you reach the stately, beautiful Sile orchards, vineyards and through the Venice. After a nice long stroll in the Vicenza Mestre town of Ora, Egna and Salorno. Along city’s fascinating maze of lanes and Verona Padova the embankments you ride towards bridges you will reach Mestre by train. Bacchiglione Venezia Trento with its wonderful frescoed 8. Mestre. Departure after breakfast. MARE Adige ADRIATICO buildings. Possibility to shorten the stage Possibility either to book extra nights or Chioggia by taking the train in several train sta- to combine with the following tours: tions along the way. Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29), 3. Trento–Bassano del Grappa Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46). (20/35 km by train + 75/60 km by bike). PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO The whole stage schedules 95 km ROUTE PROFILE altogether. We suggest anyway to - Total length: 310/350 km SELF-GUIDED Cat. A Cat. B DEPARTURES 2015 shorten it of minimum 20 km by taking a - Total vertical up: 410/1,010 m TOUR SELF-GUIDED TOUR train from Trento to the lakes area, - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved Webcode I13 SA 9.05 - 12.09 avoiding in this way the only uphill - Train connection among the overnight Special departure dates for at section of the stage. Starting from the stays: every day Season 1 710 € 628 € least 5 persons. spring of the lakes Caldonazzo and - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by Season 2 750 € 668 € SEASONS Levico, you will follow the river Brenta taking the train: day 2 and day 3. Season 1: 9.05 - 26.06 and across its beautiful valley up to Bassano Supplement SGL 198 € 145 € 5.09 - 12.09 del Grappa, which offers you its famous It is generally an easy route that runs on Season 2: 27.06 - 4.09 BICYCLE RENT wooden-roofed bridge and a wonderful quiet sideroads and secure cycle lanes. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE historical centre. Possibility to shorten Some hilly sections on day 2 and day 3. Girolibero bike 70 € 7 nights hotel accommodation, the stage by taking the train in several Electro-bike breakfast buffet, welcome brief- train stations along the way. PARKING 160 € Kalkhoff ing in English, luggage trans­ 4. Bassano–Vicenza (40 km). After a In Bolzano: from 60 € per week de- portation, route descriptions & Helmet 15 € few kilometres from Bassano you reach pending on the hotel (no reservation maps, 7-days Hotline service. the little fortified town of Marostica, possible, to be paid on-site). EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A Cat. B NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE which is famous for its castle “Castello Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). BY PLANE DBL 65 € da Bassano” and the stone chessboard Bolzano Train journey from Trento to Lake SGL 85 € on its main square. At the end of this Bolzano is very well connected to the area (approx. 40 minutes, 6 € DBL 65 € 55 € stage Vicenza awaits you: this is the following airports (90–120 min): Verona Mestre per person) on day 3. Ferry-boat SGL 85 € 65 € famous city of the Renaissance architect (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and Venice (VCE). transfers on day 7 (altogehter DBL from 90 € Andrea Palladio, who built plenty of Venice about 25 € per person). SGL from 150 € extraordinary buildings around here. Train journey from Venice to Mes- 5. Vicenza–Padova (50 km). You leave REDUCTIONS tre on day 7 (approx. 15 minutes, Vicenza and ride past the splendid “Villa (3rd/4th person 130 € 100 € 2,5 € per person) in room) Rotonda” by Palladio. Through the village TRANSFERS of Costozza and then cycling along the To be confirmed when booking river Bacchiglione you arrive at the Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, the tour: 60 € Mestre-Bolzano ancient university city of Padova. Here with some 3* hotels; (bike included). Available on you will be astonished by the exceptional Cat. B mainly 3* hotels, Saturday and Sunday (other days with some 2* hotels. only on request). abundance of architectural masterpieces and art treasures.

44 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Cortina, the famous elegant mountain resort | | | 275 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Dolomites and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo Cheeses of the mountains Bolzano–Cortina–Venice Prosecco, white wine From the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea

DAY BY DAY wheel transport. At the end of the trip Brunico 1. Bolzano. Arrival. Venice awaits you for an evening among Dobbiaco 2. Bolzano–Brunico–Dobbiaco (30 canals and narrow streets. Accommoda- km). In the morning a private transfer tion in Mestre; a supplement applies for brings you to Brunico, a lively town with lodging in Venice. Cortina Calalzo d’Ampezzo a historical centre and rural surround- 8. Mestre/Venice. Departure after Bolzano ings. The route is on a slightly uphill breakfast. Possibility either to book I bicycle path along the river Rienz, that extra nights or to combine with following leads to Dobbiaco, close to the Austrian tours: Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat Piave border. (pp. 28-29), Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46). Valdobbiadene 3. Dobbiaco–Cortina (35 km). Leaving Dobbiaco you take the cycle path along ROUTE PROFILE Lago Asolo Sile di Garda Adige Brenta Treviso the Landro valley from where you admire - Total length: 275 km the famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo. - Total vertical up: 2,010 m Verona Mestre Going downhill and southwards you - Terrain: 87% asphalt, 13% unpaved Venezia reach Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina is a - Train connection among the overnight Adige MARE famous Ski and Mountainsport Resort, stays: day 2 and day 7 ADRIATICO with a very elegant and lively centre, - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by where you can go shopping. taking the train: day 2, day 5 and 4. Cortina–Belluno day 6. (40 km by bike + 40 km by train). Today PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO you pedal slightly downhill along the old You will ride on back-roads with low railway route until you reach San Vito traffic or for short stretches on unpaved SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 and then Calalzo. The landscape is very paths in good condition. Mostly in the SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I14 relaxing here: you cycle through the lowlands with some hilly sections. SU 3.05 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 27.09 Cadore woods, then stop in the small Season 1 655 € Special departure dates for at least village of Pieve, where you can see the PARKING 5 persons. birth house of the painter Titian. Train In Bolzano: from 60 € per week de- Season 2 700 € SEASONS transfer from Calalzo to Belluno (not pending on the hotel (no reservation Supplement SGL 180 € Season 1: 3.05 - 27.06 and included in price). possible, to be paid on-site). 7.09 -27.09 5. Belluno–Valdobbiadene (60 km). BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 28.06 - 19.07 and From Belluno you pedal along a slightly BY PLANE 23.08 - 6.09 hilly Toscana-like landscape. You reach Bolzano is very well connected to the Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE then Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the following airports (90–120 min): Verona Electro-bike famous land of Prosecco, with its more (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and Venice (VCE). 160 € 7 nights hotel accommodation, Kalkhoff breakfast buffet, welcome briefing than 4500 mq of vineyards. If you like to go for a wine tasting, today is your day! Helmet 15 € in English, luggage transportation, private transfer Bolzano–Brunico, 6. Valdobbiadene–Treviso (65 km). EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A route descriptions & maps, 7-days From Valdobbiadene you cycle south- Hotline service. wards until you cross the Piave river and DBL 65 € Bolzano enter the Po valley. You’ll cycle next to SGL 85 € NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE one of the most important Palladian DBL 65 € Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). Mestre Villas, the Villa Barbaro in Maser. From SGL 85 € Train transfer from Calalzo to here on to Treviso, a city surrounded by DBL from 90 € Belluno (approx. 50 min, 8 € per Venice ¹ water, situated at the confluence of the SGL from 150 € person). Sile and Botteniga rivers. REDUCTIONS 90 € TRANSFERS 7. Treviso–Mestre/Venice (45 km). (3rd person in room) To be confirmed when booking Leaving Treviso behind you, follow the the tour Cat. A 3/4* hotels. course of the river Sile up to Casale. 60 € Mestre-Bolzano (bike included). ¹ on request night in Venice instead Here you’ll be surprised by the “Cimitero Available on Saturday and Sunday of Mestre with delivery of the bikes dei Burci”, a “graveyard” of old cargo in Mestre. (other days only on request). boats, abandoned along the river since the Sixties, to protest against the rise of

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 45 Italy-Slovenia-Croatia

| | | 320 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Venice–Porecˇ The lands of the ancient Republic of Venice

Tagliamento

Isonzo by taking a train at the end of the stage 7. Portorož–Porecˇ (55 km). Cycling I Palmanova SLO from Monfalcone to Trieste. southwards, you will pass through the You will once again head towards the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian Monfalcone Portogruaro Latisana sea: the gulf of Trieste awaits you, with town with a humid environment, which is Aquileia many possible stops along the way, such a key area as regards ornithology. Some Marano as Duino with its two castles, Sistiana kms later you will cross the Croatian Treviso Lagunare Grado Golfo Trieste with its characteristic bay and Miramare border down along Istria, the Adriatic di Trieste Piave with its famous white castle built ac- sea’s largest peninsula. In the end you Caorle cording to the wishes of Maximilan of will reach Porecˇ, the tourism capital of Laguna Pirano Augsburg, situated in a beautiful park of Croatia, with its Eufrasian Basilica, Mestre Portorose di Venezia Jesolo more than 20 hectares in size. Just a which was declared Patrimony of Hu- few kilometres lie between you and manity by UNESCO in 1997. Venezia MAR Buje ADRIATICO Trieste, the ancient port of the Asburgic 8 . P o r e cˇ . After breakfast, end of ser- Empire, which has much to offer as vices. Return to Venice by boat (option). regards attractions and history. Possibility either to book extra nights or Parenzo HR 6. Trieste–Portorož (45 km). After a to combine with following tours: Venice– few kilometres you will cross over into Mantua Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29) or Bolza- Slovenia, often cycling along cycle paths no–Verona–Venice (p. 38). DAY BY DAY where extensive fish farming is prac- through famous holiday resorts such as 1. Mestre/Venice. Individual arrival in tised) and “casoni” (constructions used Koper, first for a long period a Venetian Mestre (the mainland of Venice). The city by fishermen in the past during the and then Austrian town, and Piran, of Venice will captivate you with its fishing season). Afterwards you will go to another important town which was ruled splendour, acknowledged worldwide. the town of Portogruaro, one of the main over for a long time by Venice. You then 2. Mestre–Jesolo/Caorle/seacoast centres in the period of the “Serenissima finally arrive in Portorož, a town re- (40/65 km). After a few kilometres by Republic of Venice”, which is still impres- nowned for its spa and bathing facilities. bike, you take the ferry and then the sive even today with its glorious “Palaz- vaporetto, passing in front of Piazza San zi” or “palaces”. Marco. Then you will reach Punta Sab- 4. Portogruaro–Palmanova/Aquileia bioni, the furthest south area of the (60/70 km). The trip can be shortened of GIROLIBERO Adriatic coast, which is north of Venice. 20 km by taking a train from Portogruaro GREENS From here you cycle along the stunning to Latisana. You will spend the day MAPS CYCLING GUIDE

seacoast, with various opportunities for between the region of Veneto and Friuli ACCOMPANYING ROADBOOK From Venice a refreshing bath in the sea. The over- Venezia Giulia, passing through an area MATERIAL to Porecˇ Street maps of Mestre, Venice, LidoFrom di Jesolo, Venice From VeniceCaorle, Portogruaro, Palmanova, Aquileia, Grado, night will be in one of the places along abundant in water and history, among For this tour you will to Porecˇ Trieste, Piran, Portorož, Porecˇ and cycleto maps Porecˇ O L I B R E How every meter brings you Sights, history, wining and dining tips, I R useful information O

G nearer your destination ·

· ·

· · L I B E · · this famous coastline. rivers, canals and ancient Roman towns. O R · · O G · receive the complete R R S I E E N L

· O I B G R

· I E · R · G ·

· · · O · · · · S · G N · · R E E · · 3. Jesolo/Caorle/seacoast–Portogrua- Your destination will be Aquileia, with its · G set of Greens guides: R · · E E N S ro (65/40 km). Leaving the sea behind Roman excavations, or Palmanova, - Cycling Guide you, you will head north towards the named “the starry city” because from - Maps Julian , leaving the sea behind you. above the town resembles a 9-pointed - Roadbook You will be passing through an area with star. a multitude of “Valli da pesca” (stretches 5. Palmanova/Aquileia–Trieste (70/50 of lagoon enclosed by earthen dikes km). The trip can be shortened of 30 km

46 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy-Slovenia-Croatia

Aquileia and the Roman excavations The Istrian coast and its beaches Fresh mussels, taste them in a variety of dishes Refosco, red wine

ROUTE PROFILE PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO - Total length: 320/340 km - Total vertical up: 1,390 m - Terrain: 92% asphalt, 8% unpaved SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 - Train connection among the overnight SELF-GUIDED TOUR stays: NO Webcode I04 SA 11.04 - 18.07 and 22.08 - 3.10 FR 29.05 - 10.07 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by Season 1 639 € Special departure dates for at least 5 persons. taking the train: day 4 and 5. SEASONS Saison 2 699 € You will ride the first three stages along Saison 1: 11.04 - 5.06 and 13.09 - 3.10 flat roads, across the Veneto and Friuli Saison 2: 6.06 - 18.07 and 22.08 - 12.09 Supplement SGL 198 € plain, and the last three on slightly hillier INCLUDED IN THE PRICE sections. BICYCLE RENT 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days PARKING Girolibero bike 70 € Hotline service, ferry transfer on day 2 (bike not included, approx. In Mestre: Information on request 4 €). Except departure of 18.07, when the ferry boat transfer will be The railway parking place is always a Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € replaced by a private transfer. good alternative (about 60 € per week, reservation not possible). NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Helmet 15 € Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). BY PLANE Train transfers: EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A Portogruaro–Latisana (approx. 10 min, 6 € per person); Venice is well connected with the Monfalcone–Trieste (approx. 25 min, 7 € per person). following airports: Venice (VCE) Treviso DBL 65 € Mestre (TSF), Verona (VRN), Trieste (TRS). SGL 85 € FERRY BOAT TRANSFER DBL 65 € To be confirmed when booking the tour: P o r e cˇ SGL 85 € Istria-Venice by boat (boarding time between 6 am and 7 am and de- DBL from 90 € parture of the boat around 8 am, duration approx. 150 min). Venice SGL from 150 € Price 60-65 € per person (+ 10 € for own bikes), depending on the season. REDUCTIONS 100 € Dates and prices will be communicated at the beginning of 2015. (3rd person in room) If the ferry boat is not available the service will be replaced by a private Cat. A 3* Hotels (sometimes a few 4* transfer. Hotels). The booking (complete with full names, passport number, nationality, date of birth) is compulsory when sending the reservation. Transfer from Venice Terminal San Basilio (arrival point from Porecˇ / Piran) to hotel/railway station in Mestre, price 80 € 1-2 persons, 160 € 3-4 persons, bike included. The transfer is only available (and also strongly recommended) for clients with own bikes.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 47 A 1000 km long cycle path connecting the Alps and Northwestern Slovenia’s lakes with the Adriatic beaches and lagoons. A journey to be enjoyed through three different Adriabike one-week holiday proposals offering sun, sea, nature and culture. The Northern Adriatic cycle route Discover the emotions of a path combining Mitteleuropean culture and Mediterranean Kranjska Gora, Koper, Trieste, Venezia, Ravenna lifestyle. photo M. Danesin photo AT www.adriabike.eu Kranjska Gora ! Consult the online catalogue IT SI Discover the stops of the journey Download the tracks and the app Info about the project Interbike Trieste ! Venezia ! ! Koper Capodistria HR

Progetto INTERBIKE finanziato nell΄ambito INTERBIKE project funded under del Programma per la Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Program for Cross-Border Cooperation Italia-Slovenia 2007-2013, dal Fondo europeo Italy-Slovenia 2007-2013, by the European Mare Adriatico di sviluppo regionale e dai fondi nazionali. Regional Development Fund and national funds.

Projekt INTERBIKE sofinanciran v okviru Programa Projekt INTERBIKE wurde im Zusammenhang des Programms ! čezmejnega sodelovanja Slovenija-Italija 2007-2013 zur grenzüberschreitenden Zusammenarbeit Slowenien- iz sredstev Evropskega sklada za regionalni razvoj Italien 2007-2013 durch Finanzmittel des Europäischen Fonds Ravenna in nacionalnih sredstev. für regionale Entwicklung sowie nationale Mittel finanziert. Italy

A 1000 km long cycle path connecting the Alps and Northwestern Slovenia’s lakes with the Adriatic beaches and lagoons. A journey to be enjoyed through three different Adriabike one-week holiday proposals offering sun, sea, nature and culture. The Northern Adriatic cycle route Discover the emotions of a path combining Mitteleuropean culture and Mediterranean Kranjska Gora, Koper, Trieste, Venezia, Ravenna lifestyle.

Comacchio, founded on 13 islets linked by bridges and canals | | | 340 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Po Delta and the pink flamingos Parmigiano Reggiano cheese From Lake Garda to the Adriatic Lugana, white wine Peschiera–Ferrara–Po Delta

DAY BY DAY virtue of their unique fusion of Renais- 1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda. sance vision and natural landscape. 2. Peschiera del Garda–Mantua Overnight will be either in Ostellato or Lago di Treviso (45 km). From Peschiera, skirting the Pomposa, with its 9th century Abbey, a Garda I Mincio, you follow Italy’s most famous major centre of learning in the Dark Ages. Desenzano Verona Venezia cycleway and reach Mantua. Along the 7. Po Delta round tour (65/70 km) Peschiera way, you discover the settlements of For the last cycling stage you will com- Borghetto, with its iconic watermills and plete a round tour. If the overnight is in Adige MARE Mincio Valeggio, with its Parco Sigurtà, a green Ostellato you will follow the cycleway to ADRIATICO Mantova Governolo Sermide oasis spread across 600,000 sqm. Comacchio, a small town in the heart of Po Delta 3. Mantua–Ostiglia/Sermide (45/65 the lagoon, considered the Delta’s S.Benedetto Ostiglia Stellata Po del Po km). Leaving Mantua along its lakes and capital. Founded on 13 islets linked by Pomposa Mesola the river Mincio, you arrive at the historic bridges and canals, Comacchio also Ferrara lock of Governolo and join Italy’s largest boasts the area’s richest historic centre. Ostellato Comacchio waterway: the majestic River Po. A Pushing deeper into the lagoon, you detour leads to Polirone Abbey at San explore its fishing farms, or “valleys”, Benedetto. Carrying on along the Po with their fishermen’s shacks and salt cycleway, you arrive to the overnight stay marshes. If your overnight is in Pomposa in Ostiglia or Sermide. you will head towards the coast through 4. Ostiglia/Sermide–Ferrara the Mesola Forest Nature reserve, PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO (65/45 km). You resume along the Po emerging at the tiny fisherman’s harbor and arrive at Stellata, a settlement with of Goro with its picturesque waterfront. SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 the star-shaped Rocca Possente, an 11th This is the core of Po Delta, its fishing SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I22 SU 12.04 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 4.10 century fortress, once controlling the “valleys” and brackish lagoon, home to Special departure dates for at least river’s shipping from the floodplain. At over 300 species of birds. Season 1 628 € 5 persons. Bondeno you veer off to catch the scenic 8. Po Delta. Breakfast and end of tour. cycling path of the Burana Canal. Once Supplement SGL 180 € SEASONS ruled by the Este dynasty and a key city ROUTE PROFILE Season 1: 12.04 - 19.07 and BICYCLE RENT state of the Italian Renaissance, Ferrara - Total length: 300 km 23.08 - 4.10 photo M. Danesin photo is now a thriving university town and - Total vertical up: 0 m AT Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Italy’s “Cycling Capital”. - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved ! 7 nights accommodation, breakfast 5. Ferrara round tour (50 km). This day - Train connection among the overnight Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € Kranjska Gora buffet, luggage transportation, is dedicated to a nice round tour in the stays: day 2, 3, 4 and 5 quiet countryside around Ferrara, con- - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by www.adriabike.eu Helmet 15 € route description & maps, 7-days Hotline service. sidered the ‘bike capital’ of Italy, due to taking the train: day 4 and 6 Consult the online catalogue IT SI EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A the large use of bicycles in the everyday NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE life. Ferrara is a key City State of ancient The tour is completely on flat terrain and Discover the stops of the journey DBL 65 € Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). Peschiera Italy, which attracted influential archi- along cycling tracks – typically embank- Download the tracks and the app SGL 90 € TRANSFERS tects and artists for centuries. You will ments and country paths – and occa- DBL 50 € Info about the project Interbike ! Po Delta area To be confirmed when booking visit the historic little touched centre of sional minor roads with low-level traffic. Trieste SGL 65 € Venezia ! the tour this thriving university town, still sur- Some stretches within the Po Delta ! REDUCTIONS Po Delta–Peschiera del Garda Koper 100 € rounded by the original city walls. Reserve are on rough (but unchallenging) Capodistria (3rd person in room) 290 € (1-4 persons) 6. Ferrara–Ostellato/Pomposa (40/70 tracks, although the tour is largely on 350 € (5-8 persons) km). Today’s stage offers the discovery of tarmacked surfaces. Cat. A 3/4* hotels. HR two of the Este family’s celebrated Delizie: Belriguardo and Verginese. Built PARKING between the 14th and 16th centuries, In Peschiera: free in unguarded public Progetto INTERBIKE finanziato nell΄ambito INTERBIKE project funded under del Programma per la Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Program for Cross-Border Cooperation they both form part of the collection of parking at approx. 1 km from the hotel. Italia-Slovenia 2007-2013, dal Fondo europeo Italy-Slovenia 2007-2013, by the European Mare Adriatico country retreats and hunting lodges di sviluppo regionale e dai fondi nazionali. Regional Development Fund and national funds. playfully known as “Delights”. Along with BY PLANE Projekt INTERBIKE sofinanciran v okviru Programa Projekt INTERBIKE wurde im Zusammenhang des Programms ! Ferrara itself, in its day a pioneering Peschiera is very well connected to the čezmejnega sodelovanja Slovenija-Italija 2007-2013 zur grenzüberschreitenden Zusammenarbeit Slowenien- Ravenna iz sredstev Evropskega sklada za regionalni razvoj Italien 2007-2013 durch Finanzmittel des Europäischen Fonds example of town planning, these villas following airports: Verona (VRN), Venice in nacionalnih sredstev. für regionale Entwicklung sowie nationale Mittel finanziert. are listed as World Heritage Sites by (VCE).

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 49 Italy

Sirmione, ancient lakeside settlement | | | 165 km | 7 Days/6 Nights Regional Nature Park of river Mincio Tortelli of Valeggio, hand-made fresh pasta filled with meat Lake Garda Bardolino, red wine Roundtour from Peschiera del Garda

DAY BY DAY 7. Peschiera. Departure or possibility 1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda, either to book extra nights or to combine Lago di Sirmione Garda Adige a veritable fortress-city completely with the following tours: Bussolengo surrounded by water, an architectural Venice–Mantua/Mantua–Venice jewel of art and culture. Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29). Peschiera Verona Desenzano 2. Peschiera round tour (40 km). First day on bike among fruit plantations ROUTE PROFILE Adige and vineyards of the eminent still white - Total length: 165 km wine Lugana, characteristic of this - Total vertical up: 650 m Solferino Valeggio sul Mincio region. You arrive in Solferino, the site of - Terrain: 100% asphalt the famous battle that ended the Italian I Second War of Independence, providing You will ride along routes which are on the basis for a united Italy. rural/secondary roads or cycle paths in

Mincio 3. Peschiera del Garda–Desenzano the area of Garda Lake. The entrance to del Garda (45 km). In search of another Verona has slightly more traffic but only highly-valued place on the west bank of for a short stretch. Laghi the lake, you will ride on to Desenzano di BY PLANE Mantova Mantova where there will be a round tour on the sweet morainic hills. For the less ath- Peschiera is very well connected to the letic, the town offers various possibilities following airports: Verona (VRN), Venice to spend several hours relaxing peace- (VCE). PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO fully on the banks of the lake. Transfer by train from Desenzano to Peschiera for SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 the overnight stay. SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I24 every day 11.04 - 26.09 4. Peschiera del Garda. Day of rest and relax. Use the opportunity for a visit to Season 1 510 € SEASONS the walled city and its lake. Alternatively Season 1: 11.04 - 23.05 and excursion to Sirmione by public trans- Season 2 590 € 12.09 - 26.09 portation. Season 2: 24.05 - 11.09 Supplement SGL 198 € 5. Peschiera del Garda–Verona INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (45 km). Pedal towards Verona, the city BICYCLE RENT 6 nights hotel accommodation, of Romeo and Juliet, with the river Adige breakfast buffet, route description passing through it; this is one of the most Girolibero bike 70 € & maps, train tickets for Desen- beautiful cities in Veneto. Don’t miss the Roman Arena, the stunning Church of Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € zano–Peschiera, Verona–Peschiera and Mantua–Peschiera as in the San Zeno and, naturally, Juliet’s House. Helmet 15 € itinerary, 7-day service hotline. Transfer by train from Verona to Peschie- ra del Garda for the night. NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A 6. Peschiera del Garda–Mantua Local taxes (approx. 8 €). DBL 55 € (35 km). An evocative route which is Peschiera SGL 85 € suitable for everyone along one of the DBL 65 € most famous and loved cycle paths of Verona SGL 85 € Italy. From Lake Garda to Mantua be- tween the provinces of Verona and Cat. A 3* hotel (hotel Puccini or equivalent if not available). Mantua inside the Regional Nature Park of the river Mincio. Transfer by train from Mantua to Peschiera for the overnight stay.

50 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Padova city of art, home of Giotto’s frescoes | | | 160 km | 7 Days/6 Nights Euganean Hills Regional Park Prosciutto di Montagnana, local ham aged at least 12 months Terme Euganee Moscato, dessert white wine Abano and Montegrotto

DAY BY DAY also known as the Malcontenta, de-

Sile 1. Abano/Montegrotto. signed in 1559 by Andrea Palladio and Mestre Arrival at the hotel. now a Unesco World Heritage Site. The I 2. Euganei Hills (45 km). A delightful return journey is by train, from Mestre. Brenta itinerary through the Natural Park of the 6. Praglia–Villa dei Vescovi (30 km). Bacchiglione Venezia Brenta Euganei hills and its wonderful sights. You conclude the week with an easy Mira Padova The first stop will be in the gardens of itinerary that will take you to the cel- Stra Abano Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio, one of the ebrated Benedictine abbey in Praglia, Praglia Terme most important examples of the classical founded in the eleventh century and for Italian garden. You will then visit the centuries a key agricultural management medieval town of Arquà Petrarca. The centre for the Paduan countryside. The Luvigliano LAGUNA Montegrotto DI VENEZIA destination of your excursion is the abbey is now a centre of excellence for terme walled town of Monselice, a strategic the restoration of antique books. The Arquà medieval fortress. itinerary continues towards the majestic Petrarca 3. Padua (35 km). A series of country Villa dei Vescovi, designed in the six- roads will take you to the unique six- teenth century. A few relaxing hours can Monselice Chioggia teenth-century Villa Emo Capodilista, be spent while visiting the interiors and now also a prestigious vine-growing and enjoying a picnic in the gardens. wine-making estate. 7. Abano/Montegrotto. Departure after Following the Bacchiglione river you will breakfast. Possibility either to book extra come to Padua. You will have a whole nights or to combine with the following PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO free afternoon to discover the wonders tours: Mantua–Venice/Venice–Mantua this city can offer, such as the Scrovegni Bike&Boat (pp. 26-27), Veneto (p. 34). SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 Chapel, frescoed by Giotto and a Unesco SELF-GUIDED TOUR ROUTE PROFILE Webcode I25 World Heritage Site, the Basilica of St every day 18.04 - 3.10 Anthony, the Prato della Valle square, - Total length: 160 km Season 1 435 € Special departure dates for at least Andrea Mantegna’s frescoes and the - Total vertical up: 240 m 5 persons. prestigious university founded in 1222. - Terrain: 85% asphalt, 15% unpaved Season 2 475 € SEASONS 4. Free day. You can use this day off to Supplement SGL 200 € Season 1: 18.04 - 21.06 and relax and enjoy a wellbeing package at Four simple itineraries totalling about 5.09 - 3.10 the hotel, or you can simply spend the 160 km, all relatively level except for the Half Board ¹ 80 € Season 2: 22.06 - 4.09 whole day at the pool. Alternatively, you first, which includes very little difference can take a 45-minute train ride into in altitude. The routes are along safe Half Board ² 140 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights hotel accommodation, Venice and discover its calli and canals. cycle paths or roads with very little For those who prefer cycling, the new traffic. BICYCLE RENT breakfast buffet, route descrip- tion and maps, swimming pool 60-km cycle path around the Euganei PARKING Girolibero bike 70 € entrance, 7-days Hotline service. hills is the ideal choice. 5. Brenta Canal (50 km + train). In Abano/Montegrotto: free in the Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE From Abano you join the Brenta canal, private parking place of the hotel. Local taxes (about 9 €). which was built by the Venetians to link Helmet 15 € Special treatments at the hotel Padua to the Venice lagoon and immedi- BY PLANE Spa. Cat. A 3* hotel (hotel Aqua or ately became a crucial communication Abano and Montegrotto Terme are well Train transfer: equivalent if not available) and trade route. Sumptuous villas were connected (60-120 min.) with the follow- Mestre–Terme Euganee ¹ 6 dinners included (3-course built here between the sixteenth and ing airports: Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), (approx. 30 min, 9 € per person) meal), beverages not included; eighteenth centuries. Three of the most Treviso (TSF) and Bologna (BLQ). ² 3 dinners included (3-course stately buildings are the eighteenth- meal), beverages not included. century Villa Pisani in Stra, Villa Sceri- man Widmann in Mira and Villa Foscari,

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 51 Italy

| | | 160 km | 7 Days/6 Nights Merano, sophisticated spa town Lake Caldaro and the vineyard landscape Apricot dumplings, typical dessert of Venosta Valley South Tyrol Valleys Schiava, red wine Bike & relax around Bolzano

DAY BY DAY 6. Merano–Bolzano (35 km). By train 1. Bolzano. Arrival at the hotel. you reach Merano and start cycling 2. Renon roundtour (35 km). In the along the Venosta valley, among apple Vipiteno morning you will take the cable railway orchards and vineyards. Isarco for an evocative round trip on the Renon On your way you ride past sleepy little A Fortezza I plateau, the riviera of the Dolomites. In towns like Nalles and Andriano. Still the 1600s, Renon was the preferred cycling along the cycle lane you reach Bressanone summer residence of aristocratic fami- your destination, Bolzano. Merano lies from Vienna and Bolzano, who built 7. Bolzano. After breakfast end of Adige splendid alpine cottages which you can services. Renon admire today. Ponte Gardena 3. Bolzano–Lake Caldaro (45 km). ROUTE PROFILE At the beginning of the tour you leave - Total length: 160 km Appiano Bolzano Bolzano behind you and slightly uphill you - Total vertical up: 1,250 mt Lago will pass the higher Appiano. This is - Terrain: 100% asphalt di followed by a descent through the vine- Caldaro yards to the Lake Caldaro, one of the All the routes are on rural/secondary Ora largest lakes in South Tyrol, where roads and cycle paths. There are some bathing is possible from May to Septem- short ascents and descents mainly in the ber. By Ora follow the cycle path along first stage on Renon plateau. PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO the Adige north again. 4. Bolzano. Day of rest. Take the oppor- PARKING SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 tunity to visit Bolzano or to relax in the In Bolzano: from 60 € per week de- SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I23 hotel. Its mediaeval city centre, Gothic pending on the hotel (no reservation every day 11.04 - 26.09 and Romanesque churches and bilingual possible, to be paid on-site). Season 1 495 € Special departure dates for at least signage give it a unique flavour of a city 5 persons. at the crossroad of Italian and Austrian BY PLANE Season 2 530 € SEASONS cultures. For those who wish to pedal Bolzano is very well connected to the Supplement SGL 198 € Season 1: 11.4 - 27.06 and also today, we suggest the itinerary to following airports (90–120 min): Verona 5.09 - 26.09. Trento along a very nice and quiet cycle (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and Venice (VCE). BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 28.06 - 4.09 path (approx. 70 kms) from where you go back to Bolzano by train. Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights hotel accommodation, 5. Bressanone–Bolzano (45 km). From Bolzano the train takes you to Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € breakfast buffet, route description and maps, 7-days Hotline service. Bressanone, the artistic and cultural Helmet 15 € capital of the Isarco valley. Here you can NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE visit the baroque Cathedral and a inter- EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A South Tyrol Mobilcard for railway esting Pharmacy Museum, located in a and cable car (incl. transporta- DBL 65 € nearly 500-year-old townhouse. From Bolzano tion of the bike), about 40 € as per SGL 85 € Bressanone you cycle along the valley, programme; passing through Fortezza and returning Cat. A 4* hotel (hotel Scala oder Local taxes (about 10 €). finally to the capital of South Tyrol. gleichwertiges wenn nicht verfügbar).

52 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com South Tyrol ... Italy with a twist

South Tyrol is Italy at its best – with a dash of Alpine influence. 8,000 miles of nature trails set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites. Add to that, 300 days of sunshine a year, delicious food fusing Italian and Alpine influences, fine regional wines and amazing spa treatments ranging from soothing to exhilarating and it’s clear to see why South Tyrol is Italy with a Twist. www.suedtirol.info Italy

Savoy Residences in and surroundings | | | 240 km | 8 Days/7 Nights The vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato Truffles, often served in traditional dishes Piedmont Barolo, red wine Wine and food lovers’ paradise!

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY Po 6. Asti–Casale Monferrato (55 km). Casale Monferrato 1. Arrival in Alessandria, a city divided Take advantage of the hospitality of the Torino by the river Tanaro. Piazza della Libertà wine cellars and restaurants along the and Piazza Duomo with its wonderful way, which offer an excellent eno- I neoclassical cathedral are worth a visit. gastronomical choice. In Monferrato you 2. Alessandria–Acqui Terme (50 km). will eventually meet the river Po, the Po You cycle for a few Kilometers along the longest river in Italy. Strada Franca, an ancient road dating 7. Casale Monferrato–Alessandria Alessandria back to 1454. You will pass across (45 km). Further cycling across green Asti Tanaro smooth hills, woods and small isolated hills and cultivated lands. Passing villages where you will be able to taste through the small villages on the right local products and excellent local wines side of the Po river you will return to Bormida (Barbera and Dolcetto d’Acqui among Alessandria where the tour ends. others). Acqui Terme: famous for its 8. Alessandria. Departure after break- Neive spring waters, like the “Bollente” situ- fast. Possibility to book extra nights. ated in the historical centre. Alba Acqui Terme 3. Acqui Terme–Alba (55 km). ROUTE PROFILE You come across the famous Langhe - Total length: 240/275 km hills, the countryside and the vineyards - Total vertical up: 2,630/2,930 m as well as the splendid small villages of - Terrain: 91% asphalt, 9% unpaved PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO , Rocchetta Palafea and - Train connection among the overnight Canelli. The stage ends in Alba, home of stays: day 2, 6 and 7. SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 the most precious of the truffles, the - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I05 Tartufo Bianco, and of the famous taking the train: day 2 and 7. SA 18.04 - 3.10 “Dolcetto d’Alba”. Special departure dates for at least Season 1 615 € 4. Alba–Asti (35 km). A route through Tour of an average difficulty mainly 5 persons. vineyards and along panoramic paths running on paved roads with low traffic. Season 2 655 € SEASONS which will eventually take you to Asti in The highest elevation gap is on the Supplement SGL 175 € Season 1: 18.04 - 1.05 and the heart of Monferrato. Do visit the stages Acqui Terme–Alba and 26.09 - 3.10 historical centre with its famous towers, Asti–Casale Monferrato. A bit more BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 the Romanic monuments and the splen- traffic is to be faced when approaching did Gothic cathedral. the towns of Alessandria and Asti. Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, 5. Excursion to Torino or Asti round (35 km). Today you can choose PARKING Helmet 15 € breakfast buffet, luggage transpor- tour tation, route descriptions & maps, between cycling across the Asti hills and In Alessandria: private garage at a cost EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A 7-days Hotline service. their nature parks and a trip by train to of approx. 12 € per day close to the hotel Torino, which can be reached in about (no reservation possible, to be paid DBL 55 € Alessandria NOT INCLUDED one hour. Torino, the first capital of Italy, on-site). SGL 75 € IN THE PRICE is a city with splendid monuments, REDUCTIONS Local taxes (approx. 10 €). BY PLANE 100 € tree-lined roads and ancient cafés, (3rd person in room) Train transfer to Torino (approx. which offer a choice of chocolate-based Alessandria is well connected 40 min., 9 € per person). specialties. with the following airports (60–180 Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels. min.): Torino (TRN), Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) and Milano Malpensa (MXP).

54 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi | | | 265 km | 8 Days/7 Nights A landscape of rolling hills and olive groves Pecorino cheese, often flavoured by local black truffle Umbria Sagrantino, red wine The green and spiritual heart of Italy

DAY BY DAY Arezzo you can cycle on towards Trevi getting 1. Individual arrival in Orvieto. This then back to the the main itinerary. The breathtaking city was built on the sum- stage ends in Spoleto, a well preserved I mit of a butte of white tuff and therefore medieval village, nowadays a flourishing Lago it looks like a fortress standing on the cultural centre of international fame. Trasimeno Tevere impressive cliffs. The Gothic façade of 6. Spoleto–Todi (60 km). Today you Magione Castiglione the cathedral of Orvieto is just one of the cycle on towards the village of Castel del Lago Assisi many unique monuments covering Ritardi and from here you leave the Perugia Chiusi millenniums of history. Umbrian valley to enter beautiful hills Spello 2. Orvieto–Castiglione del Lago (30 covered with oak and olive trees till you Città della Pieve Bevagna Foligno km transfer + 40/50 km by bike).Short reach Todi, considered one of the most train transfer to Fabro, with its beautiful beautiful medieval cities in Italy, perched Fabro castle overlooking the Chiana Valley. on a hill and overlooking the Tiber valley. You start cycling over the rolling hills 7. Todi–Orvieto (45/55 km). Today’s Todi Spoleto with two choices: either going a bit uphill stage leads you through small villages in Orvieto through Città della Pieve (a medieval the middle of the nature. A variation of Lago di village still surrounded by fourteenth- the stage takes you along a bank of the Bolsena century city walls) or through an easier Lake Corbara. On the last kilometres the but longer stretch through Chiusi. The white tuff cliff town of Orvieto suddenly medieval town of Castiglione del Lago emerges from the splendid rolling hills. and its imposing castle surrounded by 8. Orvieto. Departure after breakfast. PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO walls awaits you. 3. Castiglione del Lago–Perugia (40 km ROUTE PROFILE SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 by bike + 20 km by train). Following the - Total length: 265/290 km SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I19 northern shores of the lake and crossing - Total vertical up: 3,260 m SA 2.05 - 19.09 hills you finally reach Magione and its - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved Season 1 685 € Special departure dates for at castle. From here you have a short - Train connection among the overnight least 5 persons. transfer by train to Perugia. This city was stays: day 2, 3, 4, 5 Supplement SGL 175 € SEASONS built as an acropolis on the hills and has a - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by BICYCLE RENT Season 1: 2.05 - 19.09 splendid old town centre surrounded by taking the train: day 2, 3, 5 Etruscan city walls. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Girolibero bike 70 € 4. Perugia–Assisi (35 km). Today there The level of difficulty of this itinerary is 7 nights hotel accommodation, is an easy trip. After having crossed the moderate. The route follows mainly the Helmet 15 € breakfast buffet, luggage trans- portation, route descriptions & Tiber plain the stage leads you to Santa asphalt low traffic roads and each day Maria degli Angeli at the foot of the hill of you will have to climb a few little steep EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A maps, 7-days Hotline service. Assisi, where many places are linked to slopes. In the last two stages between DBL 60 € NOT INCLUDED Orvieto the everyday life of Saint Francis of Spoleto and Orvieto you will have the SGL 80 € IN THE PRICE Assisi. Afterwards you reach Assisi, challenge of some more difficult slopes. Local taxes (approx. 10 €). REDUCTIONS which will astonish you with its art, 100 € (3rd person in room) Train transfers: monuments and the great atmosphere. PARKING Orvieto–Fabro (approx. 20 min., The 13th century Basilica is the mother In Orvieto: private garage at a cost of Cat. A 3* hotels with one 2* hotel in 6 € per person); church of the Franciscan Order and approx. 12 € per day close to the hotel Magione–Perugia Castiglione del Lago. burial place of St. Francis. (no reservation possible, to be paid (approx. 30 min., 6 € per person). 5. Assisi–Spoleto (45/50 km). This is on-site). the most exciting trip of the tour with many possible stops. The first one is BY PLANE Spello, a walled town lying on the ridge You can reach Orvieto from Roma of Monte Subasio, with a large number Fiumicino (FCO), Roma Ciampino (CIA), of Roman ruins. You then cycle crossing Perugia (PEG) and Florence (FLR). the countryside towards Foligno, famous Orvieto is located on the railway line for its “Piazza della Repubblica” and which connects Rome with Florence and “Piazza del Duomo”. A small detour is therefore easy to reach from both leads you to Bevagna and afterwards cities (approx. 90 min.).

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 55 Italy

Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli and the iconic Tower | | | 225 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Massaciuccoli Lake, a oasis for the birdlife Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a large grilled beef T-bone Tuscany Vin Santo, dessert white wine Between Pisa and Florence

DAY BY DAY 6. Florence. Free day. It will be up to you 1. Pisa. Arrival. The city is famous all to decide how to spend your time in one over the world for its magic Piazza dei of the world’s most beautiful cities! I Miracoli with the characteristic leaning 7. Florence–Empoli–Pisa (40/65 km by tower, the bell tower of the city cathedral. bike + 40/65 km by train). Today you can Montecatini Pistoia Part of the UNESCO World Heritage since choose if either starting pedalling directly Lago di Terme Massaciuccoli 1987, besides a large number of monu- from Florence and reaching Pisa through Collodi ments it also offers the friendly and lively a train transfer from Empoli or taking a Lucca Poggio a Caiano atmosphere of a university city. train to Empoli and riding to Pisa along Vinci 2. Pisa–Lucca (30/45 km). Today you the river Arno. MAR MONTI PISANI are pedalling northwards along the river 8. Pisa. Departure after breakfast. TIRRENO Pisa Firenze Empoli Serchio for an easy stage. For those who Possibility either to book extra nights or Arno wish a slightly longer itinerary, there is to combine with the tour: Umbria (p. 55). the option of going towards Massaciuc- coli Lake before reaching Lucca. ROUTE PROFILE 3. Lucca–Montecatini (45 km). - Total length: 225/280 km Through a panoramic road you reach the - Total vertical up: 1,110/1,640 m little village of Collodi and the town of - Terrain: 88% asphalt, 12% unpaved Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of - Train connection among the overnight Pinocchio spent his childhood, you can stays: every day visit the famous Pinocchio’s Park (cre- - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO ated in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa taking the train: day 3, 5 and 7. Garzoni. In Pescia you can enjoy a quiet SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 stroll among churches, palaces, Renais- The itinerary runs mostly on a flat area SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I06 sance mansions and the local flower with some hilly parts which do not SA 11.04 - 10.10 street market. require particular athletic skills.

Season 1 638 € MO 29.06 - 27.07 4. Montecatini–Montecatini (60 km). Special departure dates for at Today’s route offers you again two PARKING Season 2 698 € least 5 persons. possibilities. You can relax in one of the In Pisa: free parking place outside the Supplement SGL 195 € SEASONS most famous thermal cities in Europe first hotel, for the whole duration of the Season 1: 11.04 - 1.05 and and stroll down the narrow lanes of the tour (in the hotel garage the price is BICYCLE RENT 26.09 - 10.10 old city, which is situated on a hill and about 10 € per day, no reservation Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 can be reached by a characteristic possible, to be paid on-site). Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE cable-railway. Otherwise a picturesque itinerary will lead you among villas of the BY PLANE Helmet 15 € 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome brief- Medici family, olive groves, vineyards Pisa is well connected with the following EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A ing in English, luggage trans- and beautiful historical farms, going past airports: Pisa (PSA), Florence (FLR). Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace DBL 60 € portation, route description and Pisa (visit to the museum possible). SGL 90 € maps, 7-day Hotline service. 5. Montecatini–Florence (50/65 km). REDUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 100 € Today you have to choose either to start (3rd person in room) Local taxes: (approx. 10-15 €). pedalling directly from Montecatini or to Train transfers: shorten the trip through a short train Cat. A 3/4* hotels (sometimes a cosy Montecatini–Pistoia transfer to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque 2* hotel in Lucca). (approx. 20 min., 6 € per person); and Renaissance monuments (in particu- Florence–Empoli (approx. 30 min., 8 € per person); lar churches) and having one of the most Empoli–Pisa (approx. evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del 30 min., 9 € per person). Duomo (Cathedral Square). From here back onto the saddle, immersed in the Tuscan flatland, to reach Florence.

56 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Piazza del Campo in Siena, home of the historical Palio race | | | 195 km | 8 Days/7 Nights The Chianti hillsides offering an unique landscape Cantucci and Ricciarelli, typical biscuits of Siena Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino, red wine Florence, Siena and the Chianti

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 6. Tavarnelle–Colle Val d’Elsa (45 km). VARIATION 1 From Tavarnelle you cycle to Colle Val 1. Siena. Arrival. d’Elsa, which lies in the heart of Tus- Pisa Firenze 2. Siena–Radda in Chianti (45 km). cany, in a strategically favourable posi- Empoli Arno From Siena you start to head north tion near the towns of Siena and Flor- towards the beautiful village of Radda in ence. It is situated on the via Francigena Greve Chianti. The remains of its ancient walls that connects Rome with the North. On Livorno Tavarnelle in Chianti show the historical significance that this the way you pass Certaldo, whose upper I Certaldo town had in the competition between part has remained as it was in the S. Gimignano Radda MAR in Chianti Florence and Siena. Middle Ages. Further on you come TIRRENO Colle Val d’Elsa 3. Radda in Chianti–Greve (40 km). across San Gimignano, which rises on a The route brings you to Greve over the hill dominating the Val d’Elsa with its Siena rounded hills with beautiful views. towers. 4. Greve–Florence (40 km). Florence, 7. Colle Val d’Elsa–Siena (40 km). See capital of Tuscany, spreads on the banks variation 1. of the Arno, between the Adriatic and the 8. Siena. Departure after breakfast. Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. In Florence, cradle ROUTE PROFILE PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO of the Renaissance, worked the world - Total length: 195/255 km famous artists Leonardo and Michelan- - Total vertical up: 3,180/3,970 m SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 gelo. - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved SELF-GUIDED TOUR Variation 1 2 5. Florence. A full day to spend visiting - Train connection among the overnight SA 11.04 - 10.10 Florence. The city is often considered stays: NO Webcode I17 I31 Special departure dates for at the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by least 5 persons. and was long ruled by the Medici family. taking the train: NO Season 1 638 € 588 € SEASONS Florence is also famous for its magnifi- Season 2 698 € 648 € Season 1: 11.04 - 1.05 and cent art and architecture. Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted 26.09 - 10.10 6. Florence–Colle Val d’Elsa (40 km by with steeper inclines, but not over- Supplement SGL 195 € Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 train + 25 km by bike). In the morning a whelmingly so. The daily distance is short train transfer will bring you to about 40 kilometres. Though the daily INCLUDED Half Board ¹ 170 € Certaldo. From here you will then cycle routes are not too long, they can be IN THE PRICE further up to Colle Val d’Elsa. strenuous, so we do recommend being BICYCLE RENT 7 nights hotel accommoda- tion, free fenced parking 7. Colle Val d’Elsa–Siena (40 km). From in reasonably good physical condition for Girolibero bike 70 € place, breakfast buffet, Colle Val d’Elsa you will cycle to the this tour. luggage transportation, route beautiful town of Siena, which is not only Helmet 15 € descriptions & maps, 7-days one of the most fascinating towns in PARKING Hotline service. Tuscany but is also in a particularly beau- In Siena: free parking in fenced parking EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A tiful position, with lovely surroundings. place at approx. 1 km from the hotel, DBL 75 € NOT INCLUDED 8. Siena. Departure. Possibility either to booking is compulsory. Florence IN THE PRICE SGL 130 € book extra nights or to combine with the Local taxes DBL 60 € following tours: Pisa–Florence (p. 56) or BY PLANE Siena (approx. 10-15 €). SGL 90 € Umbria (p. 55). Siena is well connected (70–115 min.) Train transfer: REDUCTIONS Florence–Certaldo with the following airports: 100 € VARIATION 2 (3rd person in room) (approx. 50 min., 10 € per Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA). person). 5. Florence–Tavarnelle (40 km). The Cat. A 3* hotels (in Colle val d’Elsa village of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa has sometimes a cosy BB). Roman origins; it is named after the ¹ 6 dinners included (3-course meal, ancient taverns offering accommodation beverages not included). and refreshment located along the road which linked Florence to Siena and thence to Rome.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 57 Italy

Alberobello and Trulli, ancient dry-stone “huts” | | | 320 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Adriatic and Ionian Sea: clean waters, crags and fine sands Orecchiette, traditional handmade pasta-dish Apulia Negroamaro, red wine Olive groves and crystal seas

DAY BY DAY ROUTE PROFILE 1. Matera. Arrival. Over millennia, inhab- - Total length: 320 km itants of the region have carved dwell- - Total vertical up: 1,450 m Bari ings directly into ravines and gullies - Terrain: 99% asphalt, 1% unpaved made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic - Train connection among the overnight MAR ADRIATICO I Alberobello honey-colored soft stone. These houses stays: day 4. Ostuni are called “Sassi”, today a World Herit- - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by Gioia age site. taking the train: day 3. del Colle Locorotondo Brindisi Matera 2. Matera–Alberobello (70 km). You cycle to the famous trulli which were Mostly in the lowlands, sometimes hilly. Taranto Lecce generally constructed as dwellings or Traffic is almost non existent in Apulia storehouses. Alberobello is situated except during the high holiday season. Otranto upon two hills. On the eastern hill is the The route includes very beautiful Gallipoli new town. On the western hill, the trulli stretches on the coast. are lined up in an urban conglomeration, MAR IONIO subdivided into two districts: Monti and BY PLANE S. Maria di Leuca Aia Piccola, both World Heritage sites. Matera is well connected (90 min.) with 3. Alberobello–Ostuni (45 km). You Bari airport (BRI). cycle through the countryside to Ostuni, Lecce is well connected by train with the which is reputed as an architectural airports of Bari and Brindisi. jewel, and is commonly referred to as PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture. SHORT BREAK SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 4. Ostuni–Lecce–Gallipoli (70 km SELF-GUIDED TOUR | | 205 km | 6 Days | Webcode I08 by train + 50 km by bike). After a short SA 28.03 -13.06 and 29.08 - 24.10 train transfer and a few kilometers Webcode I35 Season 1 615 € Special departure dates for at least through the town of Lecce, you go deep 5 persons. into the “salentinian countryside”, before Season 2 655 € DAY BY DAY SEASONS approaching the Ionian coast and your 1. Lecce Season 1: 28.03 - 17.04 and daily destination, Gallipoli. Supplement SGL 180 € 2. Lecce–Gallipoli 10.10 - 24.10 5. Gallipoli–Santa Maria di Leuca 3. Gallipoli–Santa Maria di Season 2: 18.04 - 13.06 and BICYCLE RENT (50 km). Cycling further along the coast Leuca 29.08 - 9.10 you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca. 4. S. M. di Leuca–Otranto Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Its name was given by the ancient Greek 5. Otranto–Lecce sailors who came from the East. They Helmet 15 € 7 nights hotel accommodation, 6. Lecce breakfast buffet, welcome briefing saw this place lightened by the sun and EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A in English, luggage transportation, therefore called it “leukos”, meaning PRICE PER PERSON white. The town is today a famous DBL 60 € route descriptions & maps, 7-days 495 € DBL Matera seaside resort. SGL 90 € Hotline service. 130 € SGL supplement 6. Santa Maria di Leuca–Otranto DBL 60 € 40 € season 2 supplement Lecce NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (50 km). Today you will cycle northwards SGL 90 € (18.04 - 13.06 and 28.09 - 9.10) Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). along the Adriatic coast to Otranto, the Train Transfer Ostuni–Lecce BICYCLE RENT REDUCTIONS most eastern point of Italy where you 100 € (approx. 60 min., 9 € per person). 70 € Girolibero bike (3rd/4th person in room) can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the INCLUDED TRANSFERS great Aragonese Castle. Cat. A 3/4* hotels (in Alberobello in 5 nights hotel accommodation, To be confirmed when booking 7. Otranto–Lecce (55 km). Riding along some cases a typical “widespread breakfast buffet, luggage trans- the tour the Alimini Lakes and their unique Medi- hotel”, called “trullo”). portation, route descriptions & 45 € p.p. Bari-Matera terranean bush you will enter Lecce. maps, 7-days Hotline service. (min. 2 persons) Thanks to its Baroque style, it has earned Brindisi–Matera: on request the nickname of Florence of the South. DEPARTURES 2015 TU 31.03 - 16.06 and Lecce–Bari: on request 8. Lecce. Departure after breakfast. 1.09 - 27.10 Lecce–Brindisi: on request Possibility to book extra nights.

58 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Noto, Caltagirone and Siracusa, jewels of the baroque age | | | 230/195 | 8 Days/7 Nights or 7 Days/6 Nights Vendicari Nature Reserve, a mix of lagoons, sand dunes, and rocky coastlines Fresh fish, from the coastline fishing communities Sicily Nero d’Avola, red wine The land of lemons and oranges

DAY BY DAY the city was rebuilt in the style of that VARIATION 1 (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS) Parco time with beautiful honey-coloured stone dell'Etna Catania 1. Caltagirone. Arrival. buildings with ornate churches and Piazza Armerina 2. Caltagirone–Piazza Armerina– monuments surrounding attractive MAR IONIO Caltagirone (35 km). In the morning piazzas. I there is a transfer to Piazza Armerina 7. Noto–Siracusa (35 km). Heading with its Villa Romana del Casale, 5 km north, the route continues towards Caltagirone southwest of the town. First excavated in Siracusa, the capital of Ancient Greece Siracusa 1950, it was probably a hunting lodge and home to Archimedes. With the Island and summer residence and is decorated of Ortigia in the background, the centre with multicoloured mosaic floors that are of Siracusa is a wonderful example of unique throughout the Roman world in ancient city. Ragusa Vittoria Noto their quality and extension. After the visit 8. Siracusa. Departure after breakfast. Modica cycle back to Caltagirone. Possibility to book extra nights. Pozzallo Marzamemi MAR VARIATON 2 (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS ROUTE PROFILE MEDITERRANEO WITH ARRIVAL ON SUNDAY IN - Total length: 230/195 km CALTAGIRONE) - Total vertical up: 1,670/1,170 m 3. Caltagirone–Modica (45 km by bike - Terrain: 100% asphalt + 40 km transfer). From Caltagirone you - Train connection among the overnight cycle southward until you reach Vittoria stays: NO PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO where a transfer will bring you to Modi- - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by ca. The upper town is watched over by taking the train: NO SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 the magnificent 18th century façade of SELF-GUIDED TOUR Variation 1 2 the church of San Giorgio. The itinerary develops on low traffic side SA 28.03 - 13.06 and 4. Modica–Pozzallo (35 km). Before roads except for the short part entering Webcode I28 I29 29.08 - 24.10 leaving Modica taste the famous spicy Siracusa. Most stretches are on low- Special departure dates for at chocolate. From Modica you will gradu- lands with some slightly hilly passages. Season 1 645 € 605 € least 5 persons. ally descend alongside the characteristic This tour is however suggested to people Supplement SGL 180 € 150 € SEASONS caves of the Iblei mountains to Scicli, with a minimum of bike practice. Season 1: 28.03 - 13.06 and totally rebuilt in the Baroque style after BICYCLE RENT 29.08 - 24.10 the earthquake of 1693. Continue BY PLANE onwards through the marine centre of Caltagirone and Siracusa are well con- Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7/6 nights hotel accommoda- Pozzallo. nected (90 min.) by bus and train with Helmet 15 € tion, breakfast buffet, luggage 5. Pozzallo–Marzamemi (55 km). This Catania airport (CTA). transportation, transfer from day of cycling on an almost completely EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A Caltagirone to Piazza Armerina flat course will bring you to Portopalo di DBL 45 € (only for Variation 1) and from Capo Passero, continental Europe’s Caltagirone SGL 65 € Vittoria to Modica, route southernmost point. Before arriving to DBL 50 € descriptions & maps, 7-days Marzamemi, the beautiful island of Siracusa SGL 75 € Hotline service. Correnti marks the meeting point of the Ionian and Mediterranean seas. REDUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE 100 € 6. Marzamemi–Noto (25 km). The route (3rd person in room) PRICE takes a turn to the north passing through Local taxes (approx. 10 €). Cat. A 3* Hotels, B&B and agriturismo. the relatively untouched and pristine TRANSFERS natural preserve of Vendicari, where you To be confirmed when can relish the beauty of the countryside. booking the tour (min. 2 pax) The trip continues north, ending in the 50 € Catania-Caltagirone; city of Noto, considered to be the finest 60 € Siracusa-Catania Baroque town in Sicily. Completely devastated in the earthquake of 1693

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 59 France

| | | 295 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Loire valley From Orléans to Saumur

7. Chinon–Saumur (35 km). The tour continues along country roads beyond the confluence of the rivers Loire and Orléans Vienne arriving in Savigny en Vèron and Loira the sites of Candes St-Martin. A few Kilometres away there is the castle of F St.Dye Angers Beaugency Montsoreau from which you can enjoy Blois the landscape over the Fontevraud Loira Chambord Amboise Abbey. At the end of the stage you will Saumur Tours Rigny- Cheverny visit Saumur, considered the “Pearl of Ussé Chaumont Anjou”. Villandry 8. Saumur. Departure after breakfast. Chenonceaux Cher Possibility either to book extra nights or Vienne Chinon to combine with the following tour: Paris–London (p. 62). Indre

ROUTE PROFILE - Total length: 295 km - Total vertical up: 720 m - Terrain: 91% asphalt, 9% unpaved DAY BY DAY to the town of Onzain. Here it is possible - Train connection among the overnight 1. Orléans. Independent arrival in to visit the castle of Chaumont built on stays: every day Orléans, homeland of Joan of Arc. the top of a hill overlooking the river. In - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by 2. Orléans–Beaugency/St. Dyé (30/50 Amboise you cannot miss the house taking the train: day 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 km). You pedal along the Loire alternat- where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last ing cycle paths with back-roads. After a years of his life. In this tour you cycle through the won- visit to the Cathedral of Clery St. André 5. Amboise–Tours (55 km). After the derful Loire Valley. This cycle trip is not you arrive at the Chateau Dunois with forest of Amboise you arrive in Chenon- very demanding, though sometimes the beautiful medieval centre of Beau- ceaux, known as the castle of the three there are some hilly sections. The daily BY PLANE gency. A land full of water and culture ladies. You continue along the river Cher stages are not very long – always about Orléans is well connected with the will lead the way to the beautiful town of up to the city of Tours. You might also 50 kms – mostly in the lowlands. The following airports (120-210 min.): Paris St. Dyé, an ancient river harbour. decide to stop for a visit at the castle of itinerary is mainly on cycle paths or Charle de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), 3. Beaugency/St. Dyé–Blois (70/50 Nitray with its famous wine cellars. paved roads with a little traffic. Paris Beauvais (BVA) and Nantes (NTE). km). From the huge park surrounding 6. Tours–Chinon (60 km). Pedalling Chambord Castle today’s trip continues between the Loire and the Cher rivers PARKING on to Cheverny Castle through the forest you arrive at Villandry Castle, well known In Orléans: unguarded free parking of Boulogne. One last ride to the castle for its gardens. Following the Loire river, inside the hotel property included in the of Beauregard across the forest before you’ll reach the city Langeais where you price. you arrive in Blois. can stop for a break. Before arriving in 4. Blois–Amboise (45 km). After the Chinon you will visit Ussé, where you can visit of the city of Blois and its impres- admire the castle of the Sleeping Beauty. sive castle, you pedal through forests up

60 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com France

Tours, Unesco Heritage Site The gardens of Château de Villandry Goat cheese from Loire valley Sancerre, white wine

PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFORMATIONS VARIATION ORLÉANS–TOURS SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A Cat. B DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR | | 175 km | 6 days Webcode F03 SA 25.04 - 26.09 SU 31.05 - 6.09 DAY BY DAY Season 1 685 € 599 € Special departure dates for at least 5 1. Orléans persons. 2. Orléans–Beaugency/ Season 2 730 € 635 € St. Dyé SEASONS 3. Beaugency/St. Dyé–Blois Season 1: 25.04 - 5.06 and 7.09 - 26.09 4. Blois–Amboise Supplement SGL 200 € 175 € Season 2: 6.06 - 6.09 5. Amboise–Tours Half Board ¹ 160 € 150 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6. Tours 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast BICYCLE RENT buffet, welcome briefing in English, lug- PRICE PER PERSON gage transportation, route descriptions & Cat. A: Girolibero bike 70 € maps, 7-days Hotline service, hotel taxes. 520 € DBL 140 € SGL supplement TRANSFERS 30 € Season 2 supplement Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € To be confirmed when booking the tour Cat. B: 65 € p.p. Saumur–Orléans (bike included) 455 € DBL Helmet 15 € min. 2 persons, every day; 125 € SGL supplement 65 € p.p. Tours–Orléans (bike included) 20 € Season 2 supplement EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A Cat. B min. 2 persons, every day. BICYCLE RENT Orléans DBL/SGL 55/85 € 50 € Girolibero bike 140 € Electro-bike

Saumur DBL/SGL 65/100 € 55/85 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 5 nights hotel accommoda- REDUCTIONS 80 € 60 € tion, breakfast buffet, welcome (3rd person in room) briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descrip- Cat. A mainly 3* hotels with a few 2* hotels. tions & maps, Hotline service, Cat. B mainly 2* hotels with a few 3* hotels. hotel taxes. ¹ 6 dinners included (except the one in Tours), beverages not included. DEPARTURES 2015 SA 25.04 - 26.09 SO 31.05 - 06.09

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| | | | 340 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Paris–London The new Avenue Verte: between Notre Dame and the London Eye

Londra NL GB Tamigi Coulsdon Crawley East Grinstead BE Brighton Polegate Newhaven

LA MANICA F Dieppe

Forges-les-Eaux Gournay-en-Bray Senna Gisors Villarceaux Vernon Théméricourt Cergy Saint-Denis Nanterre Parigi

DAY BY DAY castle bearing the same name. After the refuge for marsh birds. Here you are in wood to Crawley: an ultramodern city, 1. Bienvenue à Paris! Those arriving in small town of Bray-et-Lû you will pro- Dieppe, France’s leading seaside resort this will get you ready for The Old Smoke the early afternoon can make a first visit ceed along the river Epte to Gisors and and a favourite place for many impres- itself, London. From here you take the of the Ville Lumière. the fortress marking the historical sionist painters. Appointment on the train to Couldson, where you start cycling 2. Paris–Cergy (55 km). Au revoir Paris! Franco-Norman border. quayside for the trip across the Channel. through green parks and quiet districts to Starting from Notre Dame you can follow 4. Gisors/surroundings–Forges-les- Overnight in New­haven after the cross- the heart of London. Your finish line for the Axe Historique from the Louvre with Eaux (65 km). Departure from Gisors for ing. the week will be Westminster. the Champs Elysées through the Arc de Gournay-en-Bray and then on to Forges- 6. Newhaven–East Grinstead (55/75 8. London. After breakfast, goodbye and Triomphe till the new Défense district. les-Eaux, the renowned spa resort. km). From Newhaven take the train to au revoir! Possibility either to book extra After Nanterre, you will come to the Welcome to Normandy, or rather to Polegate where you start to pedal. nights or to combine with the following islands and parks so dear to the impres- Gourmandie, land of unique flavours! Alternatively you can cycle till Brighton tour: Loire Valley (p. 60). sionists, once a destination for Sunday 5. Forges-les-Eaux–Newhaven (60 km and take the train from there but in this trips, somewhere to spend the afternoon by bike + ferry). From Forges-les-Eaux case you will extend the mileage of 20 “en plein air” on a boat between the you follow the brand new cycle path that km. Along the Cuckoo Valley and the old Seine and the Marne. Welcome to the will take you directly to the sea, through railway line, you will come to Heathfield. Promenade Bleue in Paris! the wonderful countryside dotted with From here it gets more difficult but once 3. Cergy–Gisors/surroundings (65 km). farms that supply their excellent products in Groombridge it will be flat again. Your journey continues through the heart to the Norman and Parisian markets. Following the Forest Way you arrive to of the Vexin natural park, home to pictur- Along the second half of the route the the historic local market town of East esque towns, castles and farmhouses. landscape is tinged with blue as you pass Grinstead. After Théméricourt and its spectacular through the Arques estuary, overlooked 7. East Grinstead-London (45 km). Maison du Parc, you continue to Vil- by the castle of the same name and From East Grinstead you take the Worth larceaux and its eighteenth-century ancient sand caves that have become a Way, a cycle path through a wonderful

62 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com France-Great Britain

Paris and London, two of Europe’s most alluring capitals The white cliffs of southern British coastline Seafood of Seine-Maritime Calvados, the apple brandy from Normandy

ROUTE PROFILE PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO - Total length: 340 km - Total vertical up: 1,675 m - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 - Train connection among the overnight SELF-GUIDED TOUR stays: day 2, 3, 6 and 7 Webcode F01 SA 16.05 - 19.09 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by SEASONS Season 1 689 € taking the train: day 2, 6 and 7 Season 1: 16.05 - 20.06 and 5.09 - 19.09 Season 2: 27.06 - 29.08 Season 2 719 € The route follows the Avenue Verte along GUIDED TOUR dedicated cycle paths, road shoulder Supplement SGL 450 € 4.07, 11.07, 1.08, 8.08, 15.08. cycle lanes and quiet country roads. The route is in the lowlands when it INCLUDED IN THE PRICE GUIDED TOUR follows the main rivers, it then becomes 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome slightly more difficult in the countryside briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descrip- Webcode F01B areas, especially in England. tion and maps, ferry cruise Dieppe-Newhaven, support van in the area, 7-days Hotline service. BY PLANE Basic price 998 € Extra services for Guided tour: Both Paris and London are well con- Supplement SGL 450 € guide on bike, 5 dinners (beverages not included). nected to many airports. Paris: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE BICYCLE RENT (PRY), Beauvais (BVA). All the train transfers. London: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick Girolibero bike 80 € (LGW), Stansted (STN). Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € MAXI ASSISTANCE Helmet 15 € For this tour, Girolibero offers you MAXI assistance for both group and individual EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A packages. This means that in addition to a guide for the Guided tour, individual Paris DBL/SGL on request clients can count on the support of a vehicle travelling nearby. Thanks to this London DBL/SGL on request service, individual clients can enjoy a worry-free cycling holiday. REDUCTIONS 140 € (3rd person in room)

Cat. A 3/4* hotels with one 2* hotel in Gisors/ surroundings.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 63 France

Avignon, the splendid city of exiled Popes | | | 305 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Camargue Nature Park Petit farcis, Provençal stuffed vegetables Provence and Camargue Châteauneuf-du-Pape, red wine Roman sites and Van Gogh landscapes

DAY BY DAY height of Roquemaure and come back in 1. Individual arrival in Arles, the city of Villeneuve along the Rhône banks. Uzès diabolical “ferias”, muse of artists and 7. Avignon–Arles (60 km). poets, known for its rich ancient and After leaving the Palace of the Popes, Avignone Pont du Gard Romanesque heritage. you will cycle again to close the tour 2. Arles–Aigues-Mortes (65 km). returning to Arles. Along the way, you Leave the city and go into the delta of cannot miss a stop at the famous Saint- Nîmes the Rhône, better known as “Camar- Rémi-de-Provence and Les-Baux-de- F Saint-Rémy-de-Provence gue”, where nature still prevails over Provence, well-known places throughout Les-Baux-de-Provence civilization. the world thanks to Van Gogh. You will cycle among cane fields, salt 8. Arles. Piccolo Rodano Arles lakes, flamingos, horses and bulls. After breakfast, end of services. Rodano Montpellier You will stop in Saintes-Maries-de-la- Mer, and then continue towards the ROUTE PROFILE Aigues-Mortes medieval fortress of Aigues-Mortes. - Total length: 305 km Riserva Naturale 3. Aigues-Mortes–Nîmes (40 km). - Total vertical up: 980 m della Camargue Back to civilization. Following streets - Terrain: 91% asphalt, 9% unpaved St. Maries-de-la-Mer with low traffic you reach the populated - Train connection among the overnight centre of Nîmes; rich in art and history, it stays: day 3 and 7 is also called the “Rome of France”, but - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by it also reminds with its arenas and taking the train: day 3 PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO bullfighting. 4. Nîmes–Uzès (45 km). After a tour of Route mostly on low traffic roads in rural SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 the city, surrounded by its Roman past, and city areas. Short stretches are on SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode F13 you will cycle up to the best preserved unpaved roads. A couple of days present SA 11.04 - 17.10 Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du some short uphill sections with the only Season 1 715 € Special departure dates for at least Gard, a truly spectacular work. Refresh relevant ascent to Les-Baux-de- 5 persons. yourself with a bath on the banks of the Provence (4 km of gentle ascent). Season 2 760 € SEASONS river Gard before reaching Uzès. BY PLANE Supplement SGL 225 € Season 1: 11.04 - 5.06 and 5. Uzès–Avignon (50 km). Riding 27.09 - 17.10 through gentle hills, today you will reach Arles is well connected to the following BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 6.06 - 26.09 the capital of Provence, a real open air airports: Marseille Provence (MRS), Lyon museum. Avignon was a papal city for Saint Exupéry (LYS), Nîmes Garons (FNI), Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, nearly a century and here seven popes Avignon Caumont (AVN). Montpellier decided, in 1300, the destiny of the Mediterranée (MPL). Electro-bike Kalkhoff 160 € breakfast buffet, luggage trans- portation, welcome briefing in Eng- Christian Church. Before the arrival, stop Helmet 15 € lish, route descriptions & maps, at the beautiful ancient village of Ville- entrance to Pont du Gard, 7-days neuve-lès-Avignon. EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A Hotline service, hotel taxes. 6. Avignon–Châteauneuf-du-Pape– DBL 75 € Avignon (45 km). You will cycle towards Arles SGL 105 € Châteauneuf-du-Pape, following low- traffic roads and surrounded by vine- Cat. A 3/4* hotels, with some yards. You cross the river Rhône at the 2* hotels.

64 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com BIKE & FAMILY

Designed with the younger ones in mind: simple itineraries, shorter stages and following cycling tracks or the quietest roads. Bikes, trailers and accessories for hire, catering for kids of all ages. All luggage transfer is arranged and accommodation options include triple and quad rooms wherever possible, helping you to contain costs. Italy

Peschiera del Garda, one of Italian best-loved lake resort | | | 110 km | 7 Days/6 Nights Parco Sigurtà, a vast and diverse botanical park Tortelli of Valeggio, hand-made fresh pasta filled with meat Lake Garda Bardolino, red wine Easy cycling and bags of fun

DAY BY DAY 6. Peschiera. A day for some lakeside 1. Desenzano. Individual arrival. relaxation and an opportunity to enjoy Lago di Sirmione Garda Adige 2. Desenzano–Peschiera del Garda some of the week’s attractions once Pastrengo (25 km). Crossing the regional border again. from into the Venice Lands, 7. Peschiera. After breakfast, end of Desenzano Peschiera Verona Park Natura Viva our first stage takes us to Peschiera, one tour.

Adige of the best loved resorts on Lake Garda. Pozzolengo Still completely shielded by its original ROUTE PROFILE Valeggio Venetian walls and surrounded by water, - Total length: 110 km Borghetto sul Mincio Peschiera will soon make you feel well - Total vertical up: 310 m and truly on holiday with its gorgeous - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved I beach offering all manner of water sports, and its range of shops, restau- Routes are devised with the younger Mincio rants and gelaterias. traveller in mind and are predominantly 3. Peschiera–Borghetto–Parco on cycleways and quiet roads. Flat with Sigurtà–Peschiera (35 km). no significant climbs. The itinerary is Laghi di Leaving Peschiera, today we head for designed in loops and can thus be Mantova Mantova the Sigurtà Garden Park, skirting the modified at will. River Mincio along the famous cycleway that leads to Mantua. Our first port of PARKING call is the riverside hamlet of Borghetto, Depending on the hotel, about 10 € per PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO listed among “Italy’s most beautiful day. No reservation possible. villages” and renowned, along with SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 neighbouring Valeggio, for its tortellini. BY PLANE SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I37 MO 2.05 - 26.09. Sigurtà covers a surface area of Desenzano and Peschiera are very well 600,000 sq. meters, with paths linking connected to the following airports: Season 1 490 € SEASONS 18 ponds, meadows, a labyrinthine Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE). Season 1: 2.05 - 26.09 maze, a medicinal plants garden and BICYCLE RENT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE large sundial, as well as an educational Girolibero bike 70 € 6 nights accommodation, breakfast play farm. Then cycle back to Peschiera buffet, luggage transportation, for the night. Child seat free route description & maps, 7-days 4. Peschiera. Today’s menu is strictly Hotline service. for kids only (of all ages!): Gardaland, Child trailer 80 € one of Europe’s top theme parks, offer- NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE FollowMe-tandem 70 € ing dozens of rides and attractions. Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €), The park can be reached by free shuttle entrance fees to the theme parks Family tandem 140 € service from Peschiera station. Alterna- mentioned in the programme (to be tively, why not enjoy the Sealife Aquari- checked on their websites). Helmet 15 € um or the Canevaworld Aquapark (also REDUCTIONS served by free shuttle). (3rd/4th person in room) 5. Peschiera–Zoo Parco Natura Viva–Peschiera (40 km). The Parco Children 0-2 years 100% Natura Viva has been described as a zoological park where “the animals 3-6 years 50% actually look contented”, and today’s 7-12 years 30% excursion takes us into the heart of a conservation project with a difference, Cat. A 3* hotels (with swimming which includes a number of endangered pool in Peschiera). species. There is an added bonus for cyclists: a reduced ticket price. Cycle back to Peschiera.

66 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Villa Valmarana ai Nani, with its frescoes, gardens and eccentric statues of dwarfs | | | 120 km | 7 Days/6 Nights Euganean Hills Regional Park Polenta e baccalà (polenta and stockfish) From Vicenza to Abano Terme Bianco di Custoza, white wine Nature, art and relaxation

DAY BY DAY the Euganian Hills (a volcanic outcrop 1. Vicenza. Individual arrival. often mistaken for Alpine foothills 2. Vicenza round tour (20 km). Our – hence the abundance of thermal cycling holiday kicks off with a forage waters), we reach another spa resort: I Vicenza Treviso into the green countryside outside the Battaglia Terme. A canal flows through Sile city gates. A cycleway leads to the old the tiny attractive village, and you can be Mestre hamlet of Maddalene and its karst excused for thinking that you are in a Bacchiglione Brenta springs – always a great way to cool backwater of Venice. Back to Abano for Lago di Fimon Venezia down (save the ice cream for later!). At the night. Padova Polegge, another hamlet, you can dis- 6. Abano. Relax and enjoy the hotel cover the remains of a Roman aqueduct, pool, or pile into a local bus to discover Abano Terme before heading back into town. Elegant the treasures of Padova: the choice is LAGUNA Vicenza was home to the Renaissance yours. Alternatively, why not hop in a cab Montegrotto DI VENEZIA architect Andrea Palladio, and the to Le Fiorine Adventure Park: the tree- pedestrianised historic centre offers top ropes, suspension bridges and Battaglia Terme many of his celebrated designs. It is also zip-lines, deep in the Euganian Hills a great place for a spot of shopping and woodland, will soon release your inner – better still – a richly deserved gelato at Tarzan! the historic Gelateria Brustolon! 7. Abano. After breakfast, end of tour. 3. Vicenza–Lake Fimon–Vicenza (30 km). A short ride out of town two of ROUTE PROFILE PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO Vicenza’s most famous villas await your - Total length: 120 km visit: Palladio’s perfectly symmetrical La - Total vertical up: 160 m SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 Rotonda and the 18th Century Villa - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I38 MO 4.05 - 28.09 Valmarana ai Nani, adorned by statues of dwarfs and playful frescoes by Tiepolo. Routes are devised with the younger Season 1 460 € SEASONS The cycleway then takes us to Lake traveller in mind and are predominantly Season 1: 4.05 - 28.09 Fimon, which you can explore on foot, on cycleways and quiet roads. Flat, BICYCLE RENT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE by bike or by boat. Then back along the except for a couple of short climbs. The Girolibero bike 70 € 6 nights accommodation, breakfast same track to Vicenza, skirting the Berici itinerary is designed in loops and can buffet, luggage transportation, Hills. thus be modified at will. Child seat free route description & maps, 7-days 4. Vicenza–Abano (40 km). Today we Hotline service, entrance into Villa take our familiar Riviera Berica cycleway, PARKING Child trailer 80 € Valmarana ai Nani, ice-cream in the this time carrying on to the hillside In Vicenza: 40 € per week Unguarded FollowMe-tandem 70 € best ice cream parlour in Vicenza village of Costozza, its picturesque stone parking inside the hotel property. No (Brustolon). houses surrounded by olive groves and reservation possible. Family tandem 140 € vineyards. Here we also find Villa da NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Schio, rich in history and renowned for BY PLANE Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €). Helmet 15 € its botanical gardens. Vicenza is well connected (60–90 min.) REDUCTIONS Resuming our ride southwards, we come with the following airports: (3rd/4th person in room) to the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia, Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), Treviso before reaching our destination: the (TPS), Bergamo (BGY-150 min). Children 0-2 years 100% thermal resort of Abano. 5. Abano–Battaglia Terme–Abano (30 3-6 years 50% km). Leaving Abano, a brief ride takes us 7-12 years 30% to Montegrotto Terme where we find the Butterfly House, one of the top butterfly Cat. A 2/3* hotels (with swimming conservation centres in Italy. pool in Abano). Pedalling through the Regional Park of

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Orléans, Unesco Heritage Site | | | 210 km | 7 Days/6 Nights The gardens of Château de Villandry Goat cheese from Loire valley Castles of the Loire Sancerre, white wine A fairy tale freewheel

DAY BY DAY works of art and narrow alleyways 1. Blois. Individual arrival. tangled around its castle. 2. Blois–Amboise (45 km). 6. Blois–Chambord (45 km). Orléans We saddle up for the start of a magical Today’s étappe leads us to one of the ride that today takes us along the River most famous and majestic of all Loire F Loire as far as Amboise. Steeped in castles: Chambord. Leaving the hotel, history, the atmospheric market town is we head for Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, an Loira Loira Blois celebrated for its château and the ancient hamlet perched on the river. Chambord Amboise Clos-Lucé manor, where Leonardo lived From here we continue southwards into Saumur Tours for three years (and died) and where the heart of the countryside until we Cheverny Ussé some of his remarkable inventions are reach the castle’s surrounding forest. Villandry Chitenay on display. The 19th-century turtle 7. Blois. After breakfast, end of tour. Cher Vienne Azay le Rideau Indre Chenonceaux fountain (topped by a teddy bear figure), ROUTE PROFILE Chinon the Clock Tower and the 7-level Chinese Pagoda all add to the town’s interest. - Total length: 210 km 3. Amboise–Chenoncheaux (35 km). - Total vertical up: 520 m We start the day cycling through the - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved magnificent Forest of Amboise and into - Train connection among the overnight fields of wheat and barley. Our destina- stays: day 2 tion is the Château de Chenonceau, its gardens fabulously landscaped against Routes are devised with the younger PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO the meandering River Cher. What better traveller in mind and are predominantly way to enjoy today’s exploration through on cycleways and quiet roads. They are SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 verdant landscapes than astride our designed in loops and can thus be SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode F20 SA 2.05 - 25.07 and 15.08 - 26.09 two-wheeled steeds. Expect some ups modified at will. and downs shortly before Chenoncheaux Season 1 490 € SEASONS (it is always possible to return by train). PARKING Season 1: 2.05 - 25.07 and 4. Amboise–Chitenay (45 km). Free unguarded parking place in the BICYCLE RENT 15.08 - 26.09 Fields of wheat and poppy meadows property of the hotel. No reservation Girolibero bike 70 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE scattered with centennial oaks: welcome possible. 6 nights accommodation, breakfast to the fertile farmlands of Touraine. The BY PLANE Child seat free buffet, luggage transportation, scenery is dotted with delightful hamlets route description & maps, 7-days- such as Fougères and Vallières-les- Blois is well connected with the follow- Child trailer 80 € Hotline service, hotel taxes. Grandes, and towered by majestic ing airports (120-210 min.): Paris FollowMe-tandem 70 € castles – among them Fougères-sur- Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly Biévre – all awaiting your discovery. The (ORY), Paris Beauvais (BVA) and Nantes Family tandem 140 € picturesque route takes us largely along (NTE). quiet roads and the only challenging Helmet 15 € climb is a 1km stretch right at the start. REDUCTIONS 5. Chitenay–Blois (40 km). (3rd/4th person in room) An easy ride takes you from Chitenay to charming Cellettes, a commune bathed Children 0-4 years 100% by the placid River Beuvron, for a visit to the Renaissance Château de Beaure- 5-12 years 50% gard. After traversing the enchanting 13-15 years 30% Forest of Roussy, we come to the Loire and the town of Blois, which welcomes Cat. A 3* Hotels (with swimming you with its elegant bridge, monuments, pool in Amboise and Chitenay).

68 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com ROADBIKE

In collaboration with former pro cyclist Andrea Ferrigato, whose silverware accounts for 17 international victories, we enriched this brochure with a section dedicated to all drop handlerbar fans. Pedal on the roads that have written the course of cycling history: the Dolomites, Piedmont, Tuscany, Flanders, Paris-Roubaix... Tours for thoroughbred sportsmen and sportswomen with a thirst for adrenaline and a challenge, but who also appreciate a touch of comfort: accommodation in carefully selected hotels, luggage transfer and backup from a specialist tour operator. More on the website www.roadbike.girolibero.it Italy

Venice, a city made for walking and… losing yourself! | | | 540 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Dolomites, the Sella Ronda and the 4 Passes Speck, smoked pork from South Tyrol Bolzano–Venice Kerner, white wine From the legendary Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea

Brunico DAY BY DAY 34–25 gear ratio for the Pianezze pass! Dobbiaco 1. Arrival in Bolzano. Recharging your batteries with a good 2. Bolzano–Brunico–Dobbiaco glass of wine is a must. P. Gardena Corvara Cortina D’Ampezzo P. Pordoi (120 km, + 2,200 m, 6.30 h). Private 6. Valdobbiadene–Treviso (70 km, Passo Giau BOLZANO/BOZEN P. Campolongo transfer to Corvara, in the Sella Ronda + 1,000 m, 3.30 h). Up Montello on one park. Here 4 passes await you, ascents of the many roads that lead to the top.

Adige I that have written the history of cycling. After the descent you come to Treviso. Belluno Variant (80 km) without Sella Ronda. On the way you go through Maser, where Trento Ferri says: The colour of the rock and you can admire Villa Barbaro, a jewel of Piave * the scents in the air make this a mystical architecture by Andrea Palladio. Valdobbiadene place. The last part includes a lot of * Ferri says: We have over 33 different Brenta Treviso downhill route, so don’t be put off by the asphalted ascents to choose: the gradi- Lago Sile kilometres. ents often reach 10–12%, and even 18% di Garda Adige 3. Dobbiaco–Cortina (100 km, + 2,500 at times. Mestre MARE Venezia ADRIATICO m, 6 h). You follow the cycle path along 7. Treviso–Mestre–Venice (50 km, the Landro valley, at the foot of the three + 300 m, 2.30 h). You leave Treviso and Chioggia peaks of Lavaredo. A slightly uphill follow the Sile River to Casale. In the end, stretch, then down to Cortina d’Ampezzo Venice awaits you! You stay overnight in and from here up again towards Falzar- Mestre, but can book to stay in Venice, PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO ego Pass. The final ascent leads you to subject to a surcharge. “His Majesty” the Giau. Ferri says: Enjoy your day in Venice, SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A * DEPARTURES 2015 Variant (70 km) without Falzarego Pass. a city that is one of its kind in the world! SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I14R * Ferri says: is the unques- But if you really must pedal, there are SU 3.05 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 27.09 tioned queen of the Dolomites. You really always the Asolo and Castelfranco hills Season 1 655 € Special departure dates for at least need 34–29… trust me! and back. 5 persons. 4. Cortina–Belluno (100 km, + 2,500 8. Mestre. After breakfast, end of ser- Season 2 700 € SEASONS m, 5.30 h). Up again to Giau Pass: from vices. Supplement SGL 198 € Season 1: 3.05 - 27.06 and here, an extremely fast downhill ride 7.09 - 27.09 towards Selva di Cadore, then up to PARKING BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 28.06 - 19.07 and Staulanza Pass and Duran Pass. Today’s In Bolzano: from 60 € per week 23.08 - 6.09 stage finishes in Belluno with a 40 km depending on the hotel (no reservation High-end road bike 200 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE downhill run. possible, to be paid on-site). Standard road bike 7 nights hotel accommodation, Variant (80 km) without Staulanza Pass. 120 € BY PLANE with carbon fork breakfast buffet, luggage transpor- * Ferri says: A stage included in the tation, private transfer Bolzano- 2012 Giro d’Italia, here ridden in the Bolzano is well connected (90–120 min.) Helmet 15 € Corvara/Brunico, GPS tracks for opposite direction… which does not with the following airports: Verona the stages (device not provided), make it any easier, in fact this slope of (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and Venice (VCE). EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A 7-days Hotline service. Duran Pass will have your lungs and legs DBL 65 € Bolzano screaming! SGL 85 € NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 5. Belluno–Valdobbiadene (70 km, Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €), DBL 65 € + 1,000 m, 4 h). You pedal over slightly Mestre GPS device. SGL 85 € hilly terrain that recalls the Tuscan DBL from 90 € Venice ¹ TRANSFERS landscape and then arrive in Valdobbia- SGL from 150 € To be confirmed when booking dene, surrounded by the famous the tour Prosecco vineyards. Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 60 € Mestre–Bolzano (bike in- 3* hotels. * Ferri says: Today’s stretch takes you cluded). Available on Sunday (other ¹ on request night in Venice instead up to San Boldo Pass and Pianezze, two days on request). of Mestre. historic ascents for the professionals who train in these hills. I recommend a

70 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Bolzano, Italy’s northern outpost town immersed in the Dolomites | | | 525 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Stelvio Area, with the Gavia, Mortirolo and Stelvio Passes Beef goulash Dolomites and Stelvio Pass Gewürztraminer, white wine Passes and Peaks of the Alps

DAY BY DAY * Ferri says: Take it easy out of Merano 1. Arrival in Bolzano. so as to arrive at Prato allo Stelvio in (87 km, good shape. Stop to refuel and for a bite A 2. Bolzano–Badia Valley + 2,790 m, 5 h). You leave Bolzano and before the Big One. CH I reach the Gardena Valley and the village 6. –Gavia Pass–Bormio (80 km, Merano of Ortisei, a renowned wood carving + 1,930 m, 4 h). The day is dedicated to Adige P. Gardena Val Badia centre. You then start your climb to the the ascent of the historic and fabulous P. Falzarego passes of Selva, Pordoi and Campolongo. Gavia, where over the years countless P. Sella P. Campolongo Bormio Bolzano P. Pordoi Then the fast downhill into the Badia champions have challenged one another Passo Giau Valley. in the Giro d’Italia. Your day has come! P. Gavia * Ferri says: The fireworks start with a * Ferri says: “We’ve got the Gavia Adige bang and in the space of a few hours today,” you keep telling yourself on the P. Mortirolo you’re pedalling in the Sellaronda amphi- day, doing the Giro d’Italia: it’s a wonder- theatre: colours, scents, a sense of ful, long long climb, though not impos- Adda elation and freedom. sibly strenuous. 3. In Badia Valley (82 km, + 2,460 m, 7. Bormio–Mortirolo–Bormio (80 km, 6 h). From the idyllic Badia Valley to the + 1,800 m, 5 h). Ready to ascend the easy Campolongo Pass, before tackling Mortirolo Pass? – A 12-km monumental “His Majesty” the Giau Pass. challenge and 1,300 m of elevation. This PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO * Ferri says: Pace yourself as best as is the historic climb that connects Valtel- you can for the first part of the Giau Pass: lina with the Camonica Valley. SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 it’s tough with some stretches at 12%, * Ferri says: The first few km are scary: SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I15R and the last 3 km will be long and hard. 42 mins is the record time set by Ivan SU 31.05 - 27.09 But once you reach the peak, you’re Gotti in 1999, when he won the Giro Season 1 770 € Special departure dates for at least rewarded with one of the finest views d’Italia. What will yours be? 5 persons. anywhere on the planet. 8. Bormio. Departure after breakfast. Season 2 810 € SEASONS 4. Badia Valley–Merano (98 km, PARKING Supplement SGL 198 € Season 1: 31.05 - 30.06 and + 1,360 m, 5 h). You climb to the Valgar- 1.09 - 27.09 dena Pass to complete your loop of the In Bolzano: from 60 € per week BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 1.07 - 30.08 Sellaronda. The road carries on up depending on the hotel (no reservation towards the Alpe di Siusi and then dips possible, to be paid on-site). High-end road bike 200 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, down into Bolzano and Merano. Standard road bike with Ferri says: A relatively less challeging BY PLANE 120 € breakfast buffet, 7 dinners * carbon fork (beverages not included), luggage day to catch your breath. Just two Bolzano is very well connected to the climbs, both enjoyable, with half the following airports (90–120 min): Verona Helmet 15 € transportation, GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided), well- elevation faced yesterday. (VRN), Innsbruck (INN) and Venice (VCE). EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A ness area and laundry service in 5. Merano–Bormio (97 km , + 2,937 m, Bormio, 7-days Hotline service. 6 h). Our cycle path out of Merano rises DBL 65 € Bolzano gently to Prato allo Stelvio and is merely SGL 85 € NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE the overture of what lies ahead: the Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €), Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some legendary 48 bends that punctuate the GPS device. 3* hotels. 25.4 km and 1,840 m of elevation de- manded by the Stelvio Pass. Long and chilly descent into Bormio.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 71 Italy

Vicenza and Palladio’s architecture | | | 620 km | 8 Days/7 Nights Mount Grappa and its historic 27 km climb Asiago cheese, typical from Vicenza’s mountains Venice Lands Prosecco, white wine Cycling in the road bike land

DAY BY DAY Treporti, where you take a ferry that 1. Arrival in Vicenza, a city of art and stops in Venice, Lido island, Pellestrina

Asiago Conegliano industry, it is where dozens of world- and Chioggia. Adige famous companies are headquartered: * Ferri says: An easy stage, on the flat, Bassano del Grappa Brenta Fizik, Selle Italia, Wilier, Campagnolo and dominated by the scent of the sea. Marostica many others. 6. Chioggia–Abano Terme (100 km, + Treviso I 2. Vicenza–Bassano del Grappa 1,000 m, 4 h). The stage starts with 40 Lago di (120 km, + 1,500 m, 5 h). From Vicenza km of flat cycling along the rivers to Brenta Garda VICENZA you cycle north towards Marostica: you Monselice. From here you come to the COLLI pedal through the square where they play Euganei Hills regional park, where you Verona BERICI Mestre Venezia Padova chess and up along the castle walls, find continual ascents and descents and Laguna Abano Terme heading for the high plain of Asiago. delightful little towns such as Arquà Teolo MAR (15 km at 6% that leaves you breathless, Petrarca. This stage ends in Abano ADRIATICO Adige Arquà Petrarca but with splendid scenery). The Valsuga- Terme, a renowned spa resort.

Chioggia na cycle path takes you to Bassano. * Ferri says: Be careful of the wind * Ferri says: The worst part is the during the first part and pace your ascent up to Asiago. I have cycled it pedalling, as the last part is winding with hundreds of times with Pozzato, Rebellin, some arduous ascents and up to 3–4 km Ballan… you are highly likely to meet long. PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO them on these roads. 7. Abano Terme–Vicenza (100 km, 3. Bassano del Grappa–Treviso + 1,300 m, 4 h). Cycle to Ponte di Bar- SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 (120 km, + 2,500 m, 6 h). Ascent to barano, where the road starts to rise and SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I03R Monte Grappa, where epic battles were fall a dozen times, through the Colli SA, SU 28.03 - 24.10 fought in the World War I, but also in the Berici. Down towards Costozza and after Season 1 655 € Special departure dates for at Giro d’Italia and in the historic race that a few km on the level, as you come into least 5 persons. has been run here since 1930: 27 km, a Vicenza, you can admire the marvellous Season 2 700 € SEASONS difference of 1,500 metres in altitude, Villa La Rotonda by Palladio. Supplement SGL 198 € Season 1: 28.03 - 29.05 and with a central apparently flat stretch of * Ferri says: Not much traffic and a 14.09 - 24.10 3.5 km. Long descent down to Valdob- route through green countryside, short BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 30.05 - 13.09 biadene in the province of Treviso, yet challenging ascents before the final through the Prosecco wine hills. descent… arms up towards the sky and High-end road bike 200 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommoda- Variant (80 km). Without the Grappa dream of winning! Standard road bike with ascent. 8. Vicenza. Departure after breakfast. 120 € tion, breakfast buffet, luggage carbon fork transportation, GPS tracks * Ferri says: A wonderful route if the weather is good. In bad weather, come BY PLANE Helmet 15 € for the stages (device not pro- vided), 7-days Hotline service, down from Monte Grappa via Campo- Vicenza/Mestre are well connected with EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A ticket for ferry transfer (bike not solagna–Campo Croce–Crespano. the following airports: Venice (VCE), included, approx. 4 €) on day 5. 4. Treviso–Treviso (100 km, + 1,300 m, Verona (VRN), Treviso (TPS), Bergamo DBL 55 € Vicenza/Treviso 4 h). A tough circular route with continual (BGY-150 min). SGL 85 € NOT INCLUDED uphill–downhill stretches through the DBL 65 € IN THE PRICE Mestre Montello and Prosecco hills. A visit to SGL 85 € Local hotel taxes Vittorio Veneto before heading back to DBL from 90 € (approx. 10-15 €), GPS device. Venice ¹ Treviso. SGL from 150 € * Ferri says: Today the scenery is still REDUCTIONS breathtaking here, through vineyards and 130 € (3rd/4th person in room) woods, along roads where many Treviso based professional cyclists train. Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* 5. Treviso–Venice–Chioggia (80 km). hotels. A flat route along the canals of the Sile ¹ on request night in Venice instead of River that head seawards. You cycle Mestre. through Jesolo, a renowned summer tourist resort and come to Cavallino

72 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Verona, the city of art and… shopping | | | 390 km | 7 Days/6 Nights Cima Veleno, backbreaking climb with views to die for Olive oil from Garda Lake Lake Garda Valpolicella Classico, red wine Peschiera roundtour

DAY BY DAY leads to Negrar, you can stop at the Colà Lago di Iseo 1. Individual arrival in Peschiera del spa and recharge your batteries with a Garda, a treasure trove of art and swim. Cima Veleno architecture surrounded by water. * Ferri says: A very uphill–downhill Torri del 2. Round tour (70 km, + 320 m, 3 h). route with five medium difficult ascents Salò Benaco Adige I First day on the saddle through orchards of about 3–4 km each. An excellent

Lago Garda and vineyards of Lugana, the still white route for the scenery and to work your di Garda Negrar local wine. You come to Solferino, site of legs. A stop to relax your muscles at the Bardolino Sirmione the famous battle that marked the end of Colà spa is a must. Desenzano the Second War of Independence. 6. Peschiera del Garda–Cima Veleno Verona PESCHIERA * Ferri says: This stage in the hills (90 km, + 1,390 m, 5 h). We follow the DEL GARDA surrounded by the scents of the country- lakeside to Assenza di Brenzone, where Solferino Adige side is easy and pleasant, on secondary the new Italian cyclist’s mecca starts: roads with very little difference in Cima Veleno, an 8 km ascent with a Mincio altitude. Take it easy, today is just a gradient that reaches 20% at certain warm-up stage! points. Down towards Garda, this beauti- 3. Peschiera del Garda–Desenzano ful town on the lake and then the same del Garda–Salò (90 km, + 680 m, 4 h). route back to Peschiera. Today’s stretch takes you to Salò and If you don’t want to tackle such a dif- PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO continues with a round trip on gently ficult climb you can go to Caprino Ve- rolling moraine hills. For those feeling ronese and pedal up from Ferrara di SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 under par, this town offers plenty of Monte Baldo: here the view over Lake SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I24R chances to relax on the lakeside. Garda is magnificent. Every day 11.04 - 26.09 * Ferri says: There’s a fine ascent that Another even easier alternative: cycle to Season 1 510 € SEASONS takes you from Desenzano to Polpenazze Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet and Season 1: 11.04 - 23.05 and del Garda: you can put your all into it then enjoy a day’s retail therapy and Season 2 590 € 12.09 - 26.09 because it’s followed by a long easy culture. Supplement SGL 198 € Season 2: 24.05 - 11.09 descent into Salò. * Ferri says: The Cima Veleno ascent is 4. Peschiera del Garda–Torri del pretty awesome, only for the really INCLUDED IN THE PRICE BICYCLE RENT Benaco (70 km, + 600 m, 3 h). expert (and lovers of very hard work). 6 nights hotel accommodation, The road runs along the lakeside and You’ll need a 34–29 gear ratio… other- High-end road bike 200 € breakfast buffet, luggage transpor- tation, GPS tracks for the stages rises northwards through the towns of wise you’ll have to get off and walk! Standard road bike with Lazise, Bardolino and Garda. When you The ascent up to Ferrara di Monte Baldo 120 € (device not provided), 7-days carbon fork Hotline service. get to Torri del Benaco, you climb to is also lovely, offering a panorama very Castion Veronese, with hills of olive trees reminiscent of the Swiss mountains, Helmet 15 € NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE keeping you company the whole way. with cows and large expanses of green Local hotel taxes (approx. 8 €), EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A * Ferri says: A very pleasant route meadows. GPS device. along the lakeside with lovely scenery 7. Peschiera del Garda. After breakfast, DBL 55 € Peschiera and the climb up to Castion Veronese is end of services. SGL 85 € really easy: enjoy the view! DBL 65 € Verona 5. Peschiera del Garda–Negrar BY PLANE SGL 85 € (70 km, + 680 m, 4 h). The road follows Peschiera is very well connected to the Cat. A 3* hotel (hotel Puccini or the Valpolicella valley, famous for its following airports: Verona (VRN), Venice equivalent if not available). good wine and numerous wineries. After (VCE). having tackled the great ascent that

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 73 Italy

Turin, the old italian Capital, a must-visit city | | | 510 km | 8 Days/7 Nights The vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato Truffles, often served in traditional dishes Piedmont Barbera, red wine The ascents of

DAY BY DAY the same, using your legs, heart and

Po Ticino 1. Individual arrival in Alessandria, willpower. Casale Monferrato a city divided by the Tanaro River. Piazza 5. Asti round tour (90 km, + 1,000 m, Torino della Libertà and Piazza Duomo, with its 4 h). A cycle through the Monferrato Po magnificent neoclassic cathedral, are vineyards to reach Turin. The end stretch truly worth a visit. is a climb up the famous Superga hill, 7 2. Alessandria–Castellania–Acqui km at 8%, followed by a lovely descent Tanaro ALESSANDRIA Asti Terme (90 km, + 660 m, 3.30 h). down into Turin, a must-visit city! Back to Bormida The tour starts in Alessandria and takes Asti by train. Castellania you to Castellania, Fausto Coppi’s birth- * Ferri says: The ascent up Superga is a place. You then take the road that leads great classic, included every year in the Alba to Novi Ligure with easy ascents up and Giro del Piemonte. over the hills of vineyards that produce 6. Asti–Casale Monferrato (90 km, Acqui Terme I the renowned Barbera and Dolcetto + 1,500 m, 4.30 h). You pedal north- d’Acqui wines. In the evening you can wards up to Monferrato, along a winding relax in the warm spa waters of Acqui route with continual variations in steep- Terme. ness and steep climbs that at times are * Ferri says: A visit to Fausto Coppi’s very similar to the Mur de huy ascent in house and birthplace is very moving and, the classic Flèche Wallonne. PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO once back on the saddle, you will feel you * Ferri says: Take care on the steep are pedalling at his side. climbs, a 34–25 gear ratio may often be SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 3. Acqui Terme–Alba (100 km, useful. Stop every now and again to enjoy SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I05R + 2,100 m, 5 h). Three climbs await you the view and the silence. SA 18.04 - 3.10 on your journey through the Langhe, with 7. Casale Monferrato–Alessandria Season 1 615 € Special departure dates for at least gradients of up to 12%. One of these is (50 km, + 500 m, 3 h). Our tour contin- 5 persons. the ascent with its many holy ues through green hills and farmed land, Season 2 655 € SEASONS sanctuaries surrounded by Dolcetto through small towns on the right-hand Supplement SGL 175 € Season 1: 18.04 - 1.05 and vineyards. bank of the Po River and comes to an end 26.09 - 3.10 * Ferri says: A demanding route with in Alessandria. BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 continuous medium-length ascents, 5–7 * Ferri says: A short final stage so that km. Save some of your energy for the you can once again enjoy the peace and High-end road bike 200 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, last difficulty of the day, the Gino Bartali the marvellous scenery. Stop to lunch in Standard road bike with ascent… if you have dared too much and one of the many wineries on the way and 120 € breakfast buffet, luggage transpor- carbon fork tation, GPS tracks for the stages get here tired, you too will be forced to pop a good Italian spumante to toast say: “l’è tutto sbagliato, è tutto da rifare” yourselves and your holiday. Helmet 15 € (device not provided), 7-days Hotline service. (it’s all wrong, do it again), Bartali’s 8. Alessandria. After breakfast, end of EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A historic motto. services. NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 4. Alba–Asti (90 km, + 1,400 m, 4,30 DBL 55 € Local hotel taxes (approx. 10 €), Alessandria h). Quiet roads through vineyards and PARKING SGL 75 € GPS device, train transfer Torino– hazelnut groves in the heart of Monfer- In Alessandria: private garage at a cost Asti on day 5 (approx. 40 min., Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some rato. Today we cross the Tanaro natural of approx. 12 € per day close to the hotel 9 € per person + bike). 3* hotels. park and the Sarmassa natural reserve. (no reservation possible, to be paid The stage ends in Asti with its monu- on-site). ments and splendid Gothic cathedral. * Ferri says: Like yesterday, the route BY PLANE winds through hills marked by the hard Alessandria is well connected (60–180 work of man: they truly spent all their min.) with the following airports: Torino energy in these vineyards and across the (TRN), Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) and slopes of hazelnut trees. You have to do Milano Malpensa (MXP).

74 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com Italy

Florence, cradle of the Italian Renaissance | | | 735 km | 8 Days/7 Nights The Chianti hillsides and the unmade roads of Eroica Stewed wild boar Tuscany Morellino di Scansano, red wine The heroes’ hills

DAY BY DAY 5. Florence-Siena, along the Eroica

Alpi Apuane 1. Individual arrival in Pisa. (90 km, + 1000 m, 4 h). Leaving Flor- 2. Pisa–Lucca (70 km, + 960 m, 4 h). ence along the River Arno, pedal towards You leave Pisa, heading for San Giuliano Greve and Radda in Chianti among the Lucca I Terme, cycle around Monte Serra and iconic hills and vineyards of Chianti. Firenze tackle the ascent up the Buti side, the The climbs are gentle (5% at most) and Vinci PISA Arno historic testing bench for professional culminate with the spectacular white cyclists such as Bartoli, Ulrich and gravel roads of “Eroica” path. Arrival in Contador. The road climbs evenly and Siena’s Piazza del Campo. there is a unique view from the top: Ferri says: Enjoy the roads of the Volterra * MAR the Tyrrhenian Sea with the islands of Eroica: tranquillity, absence of traffic and TIRRENO Siena Elba and Giglio. You then follow a the illusion that you are pedalling in the slightly winding route towards Lake 1930s are all emotions you will cherish Lago Trasimeno Massaciuccoli, ending this stage in for a long time. wonderful Lucca. 6. Siena–Montalcino–Pienza–Siena Montalcino Montepulciano * Ferri says: Enjoy the Buti ascent and (120 km, + 1,200 m, 5 h). A route that challenge the great names, remembering follows the Cassia road south to the however that today is only your first day. wonderful town of Montalcino. After Make frequent use of gear ratio 34–26. about 40 km, the ascent that takes you PRICE PER PERSON GENERAL INFO 3. Lucca–Apuan Alps–Lucca (130 km, up to the town is intimidating, but it + 1,300 m, 6 h). You leave Lucca for opens up into the most fabulous pano- SELF-GUIDED TOUR Cat. A DEPARTURES 2015 Camaiore, climbing gently to reach rama. The rest will get you ready to tackle SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode I17R Massa Carrara. An ascent takes you into the next uphill–downhill stretch that takes SA 11.04 - 10.10 the heart of the Apuan Alps, a new peak you to Pienza and then back to Siena. Special departure dates for at least Season 1 750 € of white rock offering a spectacular view Variant (70 km). 5 persons. over the Tyrrhenian Sea. You then cycle Ferri says: My favourite stage: here Season 2 810 € * SEASONS down, crossing the valley which takes we combine (pleasant) effort with unique Supplement SGL 198 € Season 1: 11.04 - 1.05 and you back to Lucca. views, great wines and local culinary 26.09 - 10.10 Variant (70 km) via Viareggio and Forte specialities. Stopping to eat in Montalcino BICYCLE RENT Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 dei Marmi. or Pienza is almost obligatory! * Ferri says: The stage that goes up to 7. Siena–Pisa (113 km, + 770 m, High-end road bike 200 € INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, the Apuan Alps is wonderful, with fabu- 4.30 h). Along the provincial road you Standard road bike with lous scenery as you rise. The valley that come to Colle Val d’Elsa and then head 120 € breakfast buffet, luggage transpor- carbon fork tation, GPS tracks for the stages takes you from Castelnuovo Garfagnana towards San Gimignano, the marvellous to Lucca is quick, but a bit busy towards city dominated by its medieval towers. Helmet 15 € (device not provided), 7-days Hotline service. the end. The short route, on the other The stage brings you back to Pisa, where EXTRA NIGHTS Cat. A hand, is very pleasant if you love the sea the round trip and your holiday finally NOT INCLUDED and... the good life! come to an end. DBL 60 € IN THE PRICE Pisa 4. Lucca–Florence (100 km, + 610 m, Ferri says: A demanding route, uphill SGL 90 € * Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €), 4 h). From Lucca the road seesaws up to the 60 km mark, then much easier GPS device. Cat. A 3/4* hotels (sometimes a and down until a long descent takes you until Pisa. This is the last stage, very cosy 2* hotel in Lucca). down to Vinci, Leonardo’s birthplace, beautiful and peaceful, excellent for mak- where you can visit the museum dedi- ing memories of Tuscany. cated to this genius. 8. Pisa. After breakfast, end of services. Afterwards you tackle the Vittolini ascent that takes you to Florence. PARKING * Ferri says: This is a very pleasant In Pisa: free parking place outside of route, the ascents are pretty easy and the first hotel. it’s worth forgetting times and enjoying a slice of history. This evening, Florentine BY PLANE steak for dinner with a glass of good Pisa is well connected with the following Chianti: tomorrow you’ll need your legs! airports: Pisa (PSA), Florence (FLR).

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 75 BROCHURE 2015

BESPOKE TOURS

Clients choose the destination and decide when to leave, we will organize the trip with Andrea Ferrigato as tour leader. Some examples: Andalusia and Sierra Nevada; Nizza–Mont Ventoux; Tunisia and the desert oasis; Tenerife training week...

We can even organize special weeks connected to the main biking events of the world: 1 GIRO D’ITALIA 8 days/7 nights Guided tour, from 1,800 €

2 TOUR DE FRANCE 8 days/7 nights Guided tour, from 1,800 €

3 RONDE OF FLANDERS 4 days/3 nights Guided tour, from 480 €

more on roadbike.girolibero.it

76 BROCHURE 2015 ELEVATION PROFILES NEW!

Mantua–Venice, Venice–Mantua ...... p. 28 Bolzano–Mantua–Venice ...... p. 30

Zelo Zelo Adria Adria Trento e Venic e Venic Ferrara Ferrara Mantova Mantova Chioggia Chioggia Peschiera

900 m Desenzano 200 m Mantova Loop Riva del Garda 600 m Bolzano/Bozen 100 m 300 m 0 m 0 m 0 km 40 90 140 140 170 200 0 km 70 120 120 145 180 230 280 280 320 360

Aigues-Mortes–Avignon ...... p. 32 Avignon–Aigues-Mortes ...... p. 33

Arles Arles Avignon Avignon Gallician Gallician Vallabrègues Vallabrègues Avignon Loop Avignon Avignon Loop Avignon Aigues Mortes 200 m Aigues Mortes 200 m Aigues Mortes Loop Aigues Mortes Loop 0 m 0 m 0 km 45 110 130 195 255 300 0 km 45 105 170 190 255 300

Veneto ...... p. 36 Bolzano–Verona–Venice ...... p. 38

Trento Mestre Mestre Verona Treviso Padova Padova Vicenza Vicenza Vicenza Bassano Chioggia Peschiera Desenzano 200 m 400 m San Bonifacio Riva Del Garda Bolzano/Bozen 200 m 0 m 0 m 0 km 40 105 150 185 245 295 0 km 70 120 120 145 180 215 255 305 345

Adige Cycle Route ...... p. 40 Innsbruck–Venice ...... p. 42

Trento Trento Verona Mestre Verona Padova Merano Vicenza Mantova Peschiera Peschiera Desenzano 1500 m Desenzano

Passo Resia 1200 m Riva del Garda Riva Del Garda Bolzano/Bozen 1000 m Bolzano/Bozen 800 m Brennero/Brenner Bressanone/Brixen

500 m Silandro/Schlanders 400 m 0 m 0 m 0 km 50 85 120 190 240 240 265 300 310 0 km 55 100 170 220 220 245 280 355 405 445

Lake Garda–Venice ...... p. 43 Bolzano–Bassano–Venice ...... p. 44

Illasi Trento Mestre Soave Padova Verona Mestre Vicenza Padova Vicenza Chioggia Peschiera Desenzano 600 m

200m Lago di Levico Bolzano/Bozen 100m 300 m Bassano del Grappa 0 m 0 m 0 km 35 60 90 100 140 190 230 0 km 70 70 150 190 240 300 335

77 Bolzano–Cortina–Venice ...... p. 45 Venice–Porecˇ ...... p. 46

Porec Caorle Jesolo Trieste Mestre Mestre Treviso Calalzo Belluno Aquileia Portorož

1500 m Palmanova 200 m Portogruaro

1000 m Valdobbiadene Brunico/ 100 m Dobbiaco/Toblach 500 m Cortina d’Ampezzo 0 m 0 m 0 km 30 65 105 105 165 230 275 0 km 40 65 110 170 185 235 280 330

Lake Garda–Adriatic ...... p. 49 Lake Garda ...... p. 50

Ferrara Sermide Mantova Ostellato Pomposa Peschiera Peschiera Ferrara loop 200 m Loop Verona Po Delta Loop Mantova Loop

200 m Peschiera Loop

100 m Desenzano Loop 0 m 0 m

0 km 45 110 155 205 245 275 340 0 km 40 85 120 165

Terme Euganee ...... p. 51 South Tyrol Valleys ...... p. 52

1400 m Renon Loop Padua Loop Praglia Loop Merano Loop Caldaro Loop Caldaro Brenta Canal Brenta 200 m Abano Terme

1000 m Bolzano/Bozen 100 m

Euganei Hills Loop 600 m 0 m 200 m Bressanone/Brixen Loop Bressanone/Brixen 0 km 45 80 110 160 0 km 35 80 125 45

Piedmont ...... p. 54 Umbria ...... p. 55

Asti Todi Alba Assisi Fabro Orvieto Perugia Spoleto Asti Loop Castiglione Alessandria Alessandria 700 m

500 m Acqui Terme 500 m 300 m Casale Monferrato 300 m 100 m 100 m 0 m 0 m 0 km 50 105 105 175 230 275 0 km 50 110 145 195 255 305

Tuscany: Pisa–Florenz ...... p. 56 Tuscany: Chianti ...... p. 57

Pisa Pisa Siena Siena Lucca Firenze Empoli Firenze Certaldo

400 m Montecatini 600 m Tavarnelle V.P. Tavarnelle Colle Val d’Elsa Colle Val Greve in Chianti Greve Radda in Chianti

200 m Montecatini Loop 300 m

0 m 0 m 0 km 45 90 150 215 245 305 0 km 45 85 125 165 185 210 245

Apulia ...... p. 58 Sicily ...... p. 59

Noto Lecce Lecce Ostuni Vittoria Modica Otranto Matera Gallipoli Pozzallo Siracusa Alberobello Caltagirone 400 m Marzamemi S.M. di Leuca 600 m Piazza Armerina 200 m 300 m

0 m 0 m 0 km 70 115 115 165 215 265 320 0 km 35 80 80 115 170 205 240

78 Loire valley ...... p. 60 Paris–London ...... p. 62

Paris Blois Tours Cergy Gisors Dieppe Chinon London St. Dyé Orléans Saumur Amboise Newhaven Beaugency 200 m 200 m East Grinstead 100 m Les Eaux Forges

0 m 0 m

0 km 30 50 100 145 200 260 295 0 km 55 km 120 km 185 km 245 km 245 km 300 km 345 km

Provence–Camargue ...... p. 64 Lake Garda ...... p. 66

Arles Uzès Arles Nîmes Avignon Peschiera Desenzano 200 m Avignon Loop Avignon 200 m Aigues Mortes 100 m Valeggio Sul Mincio Valeggio

0 m 0 m Natura Viva Zoo Parco 0 km 65 105 150 200 245 305 0 km 25 60 100

Vicenza–Abano ...... p. 67 Loire valley ...... p. 68

Blois Blois Fimon Abano Vicenza Polegge Amboise Battaglia Chitenay Chambord 200 m 200 m Chenoncheaux 100 m 100 m 0 m 0 m

0 km 20 50 90 120 0 km 45 80 125 165 210

Bolzano–Venice ...... p. 70 Dolomites and Stelvio Pass ...... p. 71

Bormio Bormio Mestre Merano Treviso Cortina Bolzano Bolzano P. Gavia Belluno Brunico Venezia Corvara Bolzano Giau Pass Sella Pass P. Mortirolo Sellaronda Pordoi Pass Gardena Pass

2300 m Falzarego Pass

2100 m Valdobbiadene

1400 m 1600 m Campolongo Pass 700 m 900 m 0 m 200 m

Venice Lands ...... p. 72 Lake Garda ...... p. 73

Salò Asiago Negrar Treviso Verona Vicenza Vicenza Montello Solferino Sirmione Bardolino Peschiera Colli Berici 1200 m Desenzano Cima Veleno Colli Euganei Abano Terme

1500 m Monte Grappa Lido di Venezia

800 m Torri del Benaco 1000 m 400 m 500 m 0 m 0 m

Piedmont ...... p. 74 Tuscany ...... p. 75

Asti Pisa Pisa Vinci Alba Siena Lucca Acqui Firenze Volterra Castellani Montalcino Revigliasco Alessandria 1200 m Alpi Apuane 700 m Montepulciano 800 m Casale Monferrato 400 m 400 m 100 m 0 m

79 GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. INTRODUCTION: of the contract, only once the operator chased. For cancellations which are not must be made in writing within the NOTION OF TOURIST PACKAGE has sent confirmation, even by telemat- caused by force majeure or accidental deadline of one working day prior to the Considering that: ic means, to the client. Indications cause or by insufficient number of par- booked departure date: a) the operator and vendor of tourist regarding the package that are not con- ticipants, or reasons which are different a) withdrawal until 30 days preceding packages, to whom the tourist makes a tained in the contractual documents, from those of the non acceptance by the departure date: 20% of the total request, must be in possession of the brochures or in other written means, will the tourist of the alternative tourist amount administrative authorisation in order to be provided in good time before the package offered, the operator who can- b) withdrawal from 29 until 22 days pre- carry out their activity. start of the journey by the operator in cels (art. 33 letter e Consumer’s Code) ceding the departure date: 25% of the b) the tourist has the right to receive a accordance with his obligations under will reimburse the tourist the double of total amount copy of the tourist package sale con- art. 37 comma 2 of the Tourist’s Code. what was paid to and received by the c) withdrawal from 21 until 15 days pre- tract (under art. 35 D.Lgs. 79/2011 of operator. The amount to be reimbursed ceding the departure date: 50% of the the Tourist’s Code) an essential docu- 5. PAYMENT can never be more than the double of total amount ment to get access to the National A deposit of 25% of the price of the the amount that the tourist would owe d) withdrawal from 14 until 8 days pre- Guarantee Fund (art. 18 of these Gener- tourist package is to be paid at the on that same date according to art. 10, ceding the departure date: 70% of the al Conditions). moment of booking. The balance must comma 4 in the case the cancellation total amount: The definition of tourist package (article be paid not later than 30 days preced- was done by the tourist himself. e) withdrawal from 7 until 1 day preced- 34 Tourist’s Code) is as follows: tourist ing the intended departure date. In case ing the departure date: 95% of the total packages have as their subject matter of reservation after the above men- 8. WITHDRAWAL BY TOURIST amount travel, holidays and “all inclusive” tours, tioned date the whole payment is due in The tourist may withdraw in writing f) on departure day and and no-show: which result from the pre-arranged the act of reserving the package. Failure from the contract, without penalty only 100%. combination of at least two of the fol- to pay the sums indicated above by the in the following cases: For the Bike & boat tours the following lowing components, which must be established date constitutes an express - increase in the price as mentioned in cancellation fees apply: sold or offered for sale at an inclusive termination clause such as to determine art. 6 greater than 10%; a) withdrawal until 90 days preceding price and cover a period of more than rightful termination by the operator. - significant changes of one or more of the departure date: 10% of the total 24 hours or include at least one over- the elements of the contract, which are amount night accommodation: 6. PRICE objectively considered fundamental to b) withdrawal from 89 until 60 days pre- (a) transport; (b) accommodation; The price of the tourist package is the fruition of the tourist package either ceding the departure date: 40% of the (c) other tourist services not ancillary to determined in the contract, and refers proposed after conclusion of the con- total amount transport or accommodation (redact- to the price indicated in the brochure or tract but before departure and not c) withdrawal from 59 until 30 days pre- ed)... and accounting for a significant in the separate programmes, which accepted by the tourist. ceding the departure date: 60% of the proportion of the “tourist package”. have been added subsequently. The In the above cases the tourist has the total amount contract provides that price revisions right to alternatively: d) withdrawal from 29 until 7 days pre- 2. LEGISLATIVE SOURCES can be made up to 20 days before the - receive an alternative tourist package, ceding the departure date: 85% of the The purchase of a tourist package, established departure date and solely without paying a supplement and with total amount either with services offered on national to allow for variations in: the reimbursement of excess cost, in e) withdrawal from 6 until 1 day preced- territory or abroad will be governed - up - transportation costs, including the the case that the second package has ing the departure date: 95% of the total to its abrogation under art. 3 D.Lgs no. cost of fuel; an inferior value to the first; amount and 79 dd. May 23rd, 2011 (Tourist’s Code) - taxes or fees due for certain tourist - reimbursement of only the sums f) on departure day and no-show: - by the Italian Law 27/12/1977 n°1084 services such as landing taxes or already paid. Such reimbursement must 100%. in ratification and implementation of the embarkation or disembarkation fees at be carried out within seven working The same amounts apply to the cus- International Convention on Travel Con- ports and airports; days from the receipt of the reimburse- tomer, even if the missed departure is tracts (CCV) regarding travel contracts - exchange rates applied to the pack- ment request. due to the lack or imprecision of the signed in Brussels on 23.04.1970 and age in question. For these variations The tourist must communicate his deci- necessary personal documents. No also by Tourist’s Code (art(s). 32-51) reference will be made to the exchange sion (of acceptance of the alteration or refund is due to the customer who does and its subsequent modifications. rate and costs mentioned above in of withdrawal) within and not after two not show up at the place of accommo- force on the date of publication of the working days from the moment he dation or in the case of cancellation 3. OBLIGATORY INFORMATION: programme as printed in the brochure receives notice of the increase or altera- during the the program stay. TECHNICAL BRIEF technical brief or on the date printed in tion. If no communication is made with- The operator is obliged to provide either the above mentioned adjustments. in these limits, the proposal formulated ALTERATION OF THE BOOKING within the brochure or separately to it a by the operator is to be considered as For each and any kind of alteration of technical brief. The details that must be 7. ALTERATIONS OR accepted. The tourist who withdraws the already booked tourist package the included in the technical brief within the CANCELLATION OF A TOURIST from the contract before departure for customer is obliged to pay an adminis- brochure or separately to it are: PACKAGE BEFORE DEPARTURE reasons other than those listed in trative fee of Euro 30 per person. - details regarding the operator’s Before the departure the operator or comma 1 or in the case considered A reduction in participants will be con- administrative authorisation; vendor who is forced to make signifi- under art. 7, comma 2, will be charged - sidered a cancellation and therefore - details regarding the operator’s civil cant alterations to one or more ele- independently from the payment of a subject to the cancellation fees as men- responsibility insurance policy; ments of the contract must give imme- deposit as in art.5 - with the individual tioned above. The operator is not - period of validity of the brochure or diate notification in writing to the tourist cost of the organisation and the penalty obliged to fulfil any customer's altera- programmes separate to the brochure indicating the type of alteration and the in the amount indicated in the brochure tion request of an already booked tour- or tailor made tour; consequent variation in price. technical brief or programme or tailor ist package if he is not able to meet the - methods and conditions for transferral If the alteration proposal is not accept- made tours. In the case of pre-formed customer's requirements. (Art. 39 of Tourist’s Code); ed, the tourist can reserve the right to groups these amounts will be agreed - exchange rate used in the case of reclaim the amount already paid or on a case by case basis at the moment 9. ALTERATIONS AFTER currency adjustments, days or value receive an alternative tourist package in of the signing of the contract. DEPARTURE (Art. 40 Tourist’s Code). accordance with commas 2 and 3 of After departure, should the operator find article 10. The tourist maintains the CANCELLATION FEES himself in a position of not being able to 4. BOOKINGS above rights also when cancellation is If the customer withdraws from the offer, for whatever reason, except for a Reservation requests must be made on due to an insufficient number of partici- contract he is anyway obliged to pay personal reason of the tourist, an essen- the appropriate contractual form filled pants required as stated in the brochure the registration fee which is Euro 30 per tial part of the services included in the in entirely and signed by the client. or in the separate programme, or due to person in 2015. The calculation of the contract, he must offer alternative solu- Acceptance for the booking will be force majeure and accidental cause, days does not include the day of with- tions, without additional cost to the complete, with subsequent conclusion regarding the tourist package pur- drawal. A declaration of withdrawal price paid by the tourist and, if the ser-

80 girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com vices offered are of a lower value than tourists is liable towards the operator 16. COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS vendor, who provides for a third party, those foreseen, the customer must be for any compromise to the right of Any failure in the enforcement of the even in a telematic way, a separated reimbursed exactly for the difference. subrogation. The tourist must also contract must be contested by the tourist service, has to issue to the In the case that no alternative solution inform the operator in writing, at the tourist without delay during the tour so tourist the documents for the provided is possible, or rather the solution of the moment of booking, of any special that the operator, his local representa- service, showing the amount paid for operator is refused by the tourist for personal requests that may be the tive or assistant can rectify the situa- it, and cannot in any way be consid- justifiable serious reasons, the operator subject of specific agreements on tion as quickly as possible. Otherwise ered a tour operator. will at no extra cost, provide the tourist details of the holiday (pregnancy, food the compensation will be reduced or B) CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT with equivalent transport back to the intolerances, disabilities, etc.), as long excluded under art. 1227 C.C. The following clauses of the general place of departure or to another pre- as the implementation of these The tourist must - on penalty of loss of contractual conditions can be applied agreed place depending on availability requests is possible. any right to claims – make a written to these above mentioned contracts: of the means and places. In this case complaint by registered letter, with art. 6 comma 1; art. 7, comma 2; art. the operator will compensate the tour- 12. HOTEL CLASSIFICATION receipt of delivery, to the operator or 13 and art. 18. The application of ist for the difference between the ser- The official category of hotels is the vendor no later than 10 working these clauses does not render these vices to be supplied under the contract described in the brochure or with alter- days after the date of return to the contracts in any way those of a tourist and those supplied to the moment of native informative material only on the original place of departure. package. The terms used in said the early return. basis of explicit and formal indications clauses regarding contract for tourist by the competent authorities in the 17. INSURANCE AGAINST packages (operator, travel etc) must be 10. TRANSFER OF BOOKINGS country where the service is provided. CANCELLATION EXPENSES AND considered in reference to the corre- The tourist who withdraws may trans- In the absence of official recognised REPATRIATION sponding figures of the purchasing fer his booking to another person pro- classification of the competent Public It is advisable for the tourist to draw up contract for the single tourist services vided that: Authorities of the countries, even if an insurance policy against expenses (vendor, accommodation etc.). a) the operator has been informed in members of the EU, the operator deriving from the cancellation of the writing at least 4 working days before reserves the right to their own descrip- package tour, incidents, luggage (loss COMPULSORY NOTE the established departure date and tion in the catalogue or brochure of the and damage) as well as an assistance According to the Italian Law n.269 also at the same time receives com- structure in order to permit an evalua- contract, which covers the expenses dated 3/10/98, article 16. The Italian munication regarding all the details of tion and subsequent acceptance of it of repatriation in case of accident or ill- Law punishes the crimes concerning the transferee; by the tourist. ness. Insurance policies are not prostitution and juvenile pornography b) the transferee satisfies all the condi- included in our tour package offered by means of reclusion even if these tions to benefit from the service (ex. 13. REGIME OF RESPONSIBILITY by the operator. crimes are committed abroad. Article 39 Tourist’s Code) and in par- The operator is responsible for damage ticular with requisites regarding pass- caused to the tourist by the total or 18. NATIONAL GUARANTEE PRIVACY ports, visas and medical certificates; partial breach of contractual services FUND Information regarding ex art. 13 of the c) the transferee must reimburse the owed, whether they are offered by him (art. 51 Tourist’s Code) Legislative Decree 196/2003 (legal operator any extra costs that he may or by third party suppliers of services, The Presidency of the Council of Min- code regarding personal data). The incur in order to proceed with the unless proof can be given that the isters has constituted a National Guar- processing of personal data is carried transferral. The amount will be quanti- event derived from the tourist (also antee Fund to which tourists may out both on paper and digitally, in fied prior to the transferral. The trans- including initiatives carried out inde- apply (under the terms of Art. 100 of compliance with the Legislative Decree feror and the transferee shall be jointly pendently by the tourist) or by external the Consumer’s) in the case of insol- 196/2003, in order to perform and con- and severally liable for the payment of circumstances in supplying contractual vency or bankruptcy of vendors or clude the contract and for the imple- the price of the package and also to services, accidental cause, force operators, for the protection of the fol- mentation of the services that consti- the amounts in point c) of the present majeure, or from circumstances that lowing rights: tute the tourist package. Personal data article. the operator could not, professionally - reimbursement of price paid; will be given solely to the suppliers of or realistically foresee or resolve. The - repatriation in case of holidays the services included in the tourist 11. OBBLIGATIONS vendor where the booking for the tour- abroad. package purchased. FOR THE TOURISTS ist package was made is not held The fund must also ensure immediate The tourist may at any time exercise Foreign citizens will find the informa- responsible under any circumstances availability of economic assistance in his/her rights under art. 7 of the Legis- tion concerning health requirements for obligations that arise from the the case of obligatory return of holiday lative Decree 196/03 and documentation necessary for organisation of the journey, but is makers from non-European Union by contacting Bike Incoming expatriation through their diplomatic responsible exclusively for the obliga- countries due to emergencies ascriba- informally, by telephone, or at representatives present in Italy and/or tions that arise from the quality of ble or otherwise to the conduct of the [email protected] through official government informa- mediation and therefore in the limits for operator. The details of the use of the tion channels. In any case, before such responsibility in respect of the fund are governed by Decree of the TECHNICAL DATA departure the tourists must check any legal obligations in force, except for the President of the Council of Ministers Brochure valid from October 2014 updates with the relevant authorities exemption under art. 46 Tourist’s Code. dated 23 July 1999. no. 349 G.U.n° to December 2015. and come into line with the information 249 dated 12/10/1999 and the reim- Technical organisation: received before the tour starts. In the 14. LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION bursement requests to the fund are not BIKE INCOMING S.R.L. absence of such verification the opera- Compensations under art(s). 44, 45 subject to any time limits. The operator exerts the activity as travel agency tor cannot in any way be held respon- and 47 of the Tourist’s Code and rele- concurs in nurturing this fund in so far and tour operator in Via Conforto da sible if one or more tourists do no vant limitation periods are regulated by as established by the comma 2 of the Costozza, 7 - Vicenza, Italy depart. The tourists must be in pos- what is considered in this document mentioned art. 51 Tourist’s Code by Fiscal Code 03794470249 session of a personal passport or and in any case within the limits estab- paying the premium of the insurance, Registred with no. VI-354659 at some other document valid for travel lished, by the C.C.V., by the Interna- which the operator is obliged to take the companies registration list in in the countries to be visited, as well tional Conventions, which regulate the out. Part of this premium is paid into Vicenza. as any tourist and transit visas and services of the tourist package as well the fund, the payment method is indi- Aut. Amm. of the province of health certification that might be as by art.(s) 1783 and 1784 of the Civil cated by art. 6 of the DM 349/99. Vicenza n° 22507 of 26/03/2013 required. They must also respect the Code. Insurance guarantee: normal rules of prudence and dili- ADDENDUM GENERAL UnipolSai Assicurazioni gence, all information provided to 15. OBLIGATION CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACTS - no. 1/72935/319/40173402. them by the operator and also any reg- FOR ASSISTANCE SALE OF SINGLE TOURIST All prices are in Euro. ulations and administrative or legisla- The operator must give assistance to SERVICES The printing ends in October 2014, tive requirements regarding their travel the tourist with professional diligence A) LEGISLATION changes might appear beyond our and tourist package. The participants and exclusively with reference to the Contracts regarding the sale of single control. We apologize for any printing will be liable for all and any damages obligations cited both by law and by services (accommodation, transport, errors or omissions. that may be incurred by the holiday contract. The operator and the vendor any separate tourist service) and those operator that may be caused by their are exonerated from their responsibili- therefore that do not regard a tourist failure to respect the above conditions. ties (articles 13 and 14 of these Gener- package, are governed by Travel Con- Tourists must provide the operator al Conditions) when the contract can- tracts CCV art. 1, 3 and 6, arts. 17 to with all documents, information and not be carried out in part or completely 23 and arts. 24 to 31 with the exclu- other elements in their possession due to the tourist or due to an unfore- sion of references regarding contracts required for the exercise of operator’s seeable or inevitable by a third for organised travel or from other spe- right of subrogation with regard to third party, or rather fortuitous or by force cific stipulations referring to the sale of parties responsible for damages. The majeure. single services in the contract. The

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - [email protected] - www.girolibero.com 81 HOW TO BOOK

1 CHOOSE YOUR TOUR SAVING TIPS 2015* on the website www.girolibero.com or on this brochure. Early booking discount -5% (by 31st Jan. 15) Early booking discount -3% 2 1 (by 28th Feb. 15) CONTACT US Group discount (from 6 people) -3% to check the availability (with all details) and to receive an Group discount (from 8 people) -5% exact quotation. Returning customer discount -5% (from your 3rd tour) ** 3 2 3 * Valid only on basic tour price and RECEIVE AN OPTION only for tours of min. 6 nights. If it is possible to book the desired Discounts are not cumulative if you tour, you will receive a non-binding book a Bike&Boat tour in high season. option for few days. ** extra 1% discount for any additional tour

Read all details on: 4 www.girolibero.com SEND US YOUR BOOKING Within this time send us the booking form (p. 83) and a copy of the deposit CONTACT US: (25% of the total amount of the tour Telephone: +39 0444 330724 price). Fax: +39 0444 167930 You can pay per credit card or per 4 5 [email protected] bank transfer on our account.

BANK ACCOUNT: 5 Bike Incoming S.R.L. WE WILL SEND YOU Iban: ...... Banca Popolare Friuladria-Crédit Bic: ...... Banca: ...... THE BOOKING Causale: ...... Agricole CONFIRMATION IBAN: after receiving the deposit. IT54B0533660165000040277489 BIC/SWIFT: BPPNIT2P189 Name of the travel 6 Reference: applicant + tour or webcode. SEND US THE BALANCE 30 days before the departure. (Please 6 note the date in your agenda – Girolibero will NOT remind you to do it).

7 RECEIVE THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS After the payment we will send you the hotel list and the general travel information per e-mail. The travel documents will be sent by post (EU countries) or delivered on site. 7

82 BOOKING FORM Via Conforto da Costozza 7 36100 Vicenza, Italy Tel: 0039 0444 330724 - Fax: 0039 0444 167930 I book the following tour for myself and the the participants mentioned below: [email protected] - www.girolibero.com

Tour and category ...... Webcode ......

Departure ...... o self-guided tour o guided tour

Treatment: o Bed&Breakfast o Half Board o Full Board

N° of ...... rooms/cabins Single Double Twin Triple 4 places

other type of ...... cabin (Ave Maria only) Bunk beds Double superior Twin superior Triple superior 4 places superior

Extra nights: in ...... from ...... to ......

in ...... from ...... to ......

Transfer: on ...... from ...... to ......

Travel applicant

Name ...... Surname ......

Date of birth ...... Place of birth ......

Full address ......

Mobile ...... Telephone ...... E-Mail ......

Participants Bikes

Unisex bike Male bike

Date 7 27 E- 7 27 Name, Surname of birth Height Own gears* gears** bike*** gears* gears** Helmet

o o o o o o o

o o o o o o o

o o o o o o o

o o o o o o o

o o o o o o o

* Nexus Shimano with pedal brake. Available only for some tours and on request. ** Deore Shimano without pedal brake. Available for any tour. *** Available only for some tours and on request.

! Payment

I pay through: o Bank transfer o Credit card

I accept the general conditions for myself and the above mentioned participants.

Place ...... Date ...... Signature ...... number 03794470249 Vat Vicenza Italy. 36100 Via Conforto da Costozza 7, Girolibero operated by Bike Incoming S.R.L., Ferraraf î l  î Awaken your

senses Beretta | ph. Luca noemastudio.it

Venice Milan FERRARA

Bologna Florence

fî l it breathe it live it taste it sî it

parcodeldelta.com / ferrarabike.com

PROVINCIA COMUNE DI

United Nations Ferrara, City of DI FERRARA COMACCHIO Educational, Scientific and the Renaissance Cultural Organization and its Po Delta

Girolibero.indd 1 15/10/14 15:21