Heart of Europe Bicycle Tours
Bella Italia
Itinerary
(Dates are for illustration only)
If a romantic ride in a gondola or a pleasant bike ride amidst vineyards and olive groves is your fantasy, then this tour is for you. Our program is suitable for bikers of ALL levels of experience. We will travel with LUXURY MOTORCOACH SUPPORT throughout the tour. You have the option of biking as much or as little as you desire.
Saturday
, September 12, 2006 U.S.A./MilanDepart for Europe via scheduled international carrier to Milan, Italy.
Sunday
, September 13, 2006 Milan/LuganoEarly morning arrival at Milan's Malpensa airport where we will be greeted by the HEART OF EUROPE tour leaders and our fully equipped luxury motorcoach that will take us to Lugano, Southern Switzerland's "Garden City." After assembly of the bicycles, we will enjoy a warm-up ride along the shores of the charming Ceresio Peninsula to the artist colony of Morcote. We then return to our lakeside hotel.
Monday
, September 14, 2006 Lugano(25-50 miles cycling)
Today's lovely route through this vacation paradise takes us to Lake Maggiore, the most famous of the Italian Lakes. We will be biking along the shoreline past country villas, gardens and vineyards to the colorful town of Ascona. Along the way we will have the opportunity to take a boat ride to the romantic islands of Isole Bella and Isole Superiore off the coast of Stresa, famous for their palaces. We then return to Lugano via coach. After dinner we have the option of taking a funicular to the top of Monte Bré for a breathtaking view of Lugano and surroundings.
Tuesday
, September 15, 2006 Lugano/Sirmione(20-30+ miles cycling)
In the morning we bike from our hotel along the fjord-like north shore of Lake Lugano to Menaggio for a great downhill to Cadenabbia. From here we take the ferry across Lake Como to charming Bellagio. Following lunch at this magnificent setting we continue along the lake's tree-lined western coast to Lecco. One of a biker's highlights should be the optional six mile climb to the village of Ghisallo. The twisting road with postcard views of the lake takes you to Italy's cyclist's church, Madonna del Ghisallo. The 14th century chapel has become famous as a museum for racing memorabilia including photos, jerseys and bikes of international racing immortals.
We then travel to Sirmione, the internationally known resort which lies on a picturesque peninsula that extends 2 miles into Lake Garda.
Wednesday
, September 16, 2006 Sirmione(28-45+ miles cycling)
Today's ride is one of the highlights of the Northern Lakes region. We will drive the western shore of Lake Garda to Riva del Garda and then begin our biking at Nago situated high above the beautiful waters of the lake. Enjoy the view while biking down to Torbole, a colorful village that has become well known for its yachting and wind surfing. Bike through the captivating villages of Malcesine, Torri del Benaco and Peschiera del Garda on the way back to Sirmione. The splendid thirteenth century Veronese island fortress, Rocca Scaligera, stands guard as you enter through the town gate. Dinner tonight will be in the romantic restaurant district.
Thursday
, September 17, 2006 Sirmione/Verona(Optional 35+ miles cycling)
Free time available to relax, take a dip in the clear waters outside our hotel or bike along the southwest coast of Lake Garda to Porto Portese and then inland through vineyards and olive groves. This afternoon we will drive to Verona, the enchanting city of Romeo and Juliet. After seeing the sights, dine at a ristorante or trattoria of your choice in the fashionable Piazza Bra which surrounds the magnificent Roman Amphitheater.
Friday
, September 18, 2006 Verona/Venice(23-40+ miles cycling)
Today we enter the heartland of the Veneto Region. Our motorcoach brings us to the outskirts of Vicenza located at the foot of the Berici mountains. Bright red poppy fields enhance our journey through the Po River Valley past the Euganean Hills to Este, the walled Medieval city of Monselice and Abano Terme. Late afternoon finds us in Padua, home of some of the most famous frescoes by the Medieval painter, Giotto. For the night we will stay in Mestre - just outside of Venice.
