Girolibero brochure 2014 issuu by Girolibero

E-bike? Yes, please! more on p. 11

2014 Cycling and Bike&Boat Self-guided and guided tours in Italy and France

Girolibero viale Margherita, 95 - I - 36100 Vicenza - tel. +39 0444 330724 - www.girolibero.com

BROCHURE

OVER

2014

FURTHER TOURS AND DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:

DESTINATIONS IN ITALY, FRANCE, REST OF EUROPE

www.girolibero.com

GB NL

D CZ SK A

R SLO HR

AL GR

INDEX KATALOG 2014

A bit of history, a bit of philosophy and a bagful of figures

Bike and Hotel The classic bike trip: landscapes and the Great outdoors, without the hassle of logistical issues. You ride and soak in the views; we do the rest.

p.37

A bike to get around during the day and a boat for accommodation and meals. Your floating hotel follows your journey along the waterways and gives you the option of a lazy day on board.

p.29

A… cycling holiday?!

Which one’s for me? 10

Accompanying material and backup 16

Greens, our bike guides

Girolibero roadbike – just the challenge 20 22

24 26

our boats in Italy

our boats in France

Life on board doing “bike&boat” in style exclusive chartering your own rivercruise 72

General conditions 74

roadbike racing bike tours through some of the most scenic regions in Italy. Glorious views, legendary ascents, unforgettable food and wine, inspirational historic towns. Adrenaline, cuisine and culture rolled into one.

p.65

our bikes

our workshop – the engine room of Girolibero 14

Bike and Boat

How to book Booking form

GiROlibERO Contact us monday to Friday 8.30 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 18.30 Tel (+39) 0444 330724 Fax (+39) 0444 167930 info@girolibero.com www.girolibero.com Graphics: www.noparking.it

piERpaOlO ROMiO as ever at the helm 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

Hello

A BIT OF HISTORY A BIT OF PHILOSOPHY AND A BAGfuL Of fIGurES as a TOUR OpERaTOR WE’VE bEEN ON THE ROad FOR YEaRs spECialisiNG iN EasY CYCliNG HOlidaYs aNd aCTiVE TOURs. WE PROGRAMME, ORGANISE, PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND TEST ALL OUR TOURS, MAKING SURE THAT THE ROUTES ARE QUIET, THE FOOD TASTY AND THE BEDS COMFY.

NO. Of StAff

NO. Of BIkES

ANNuAL SALES

tOtAL kM Our CLIENtS HAVE COVErED BY BIkE

ItALIANS ON HOLIDAY WItH GIrOLIBErO

Year 2002

912.045 €

200.000

700

Year 2013

3.400.000 1.200 10.426.000 €

7.500

BROCHURE 2014

BECAuSE WE ArE CYCLIStS tOO

We believe that cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy a holiday, and that the perfect ingredients are curiosity, a touch of initiative and the right dose of comfort.

ALWAYS BY YOur SIDE

Year after year, back at our home base in Vicenza, we leave no stone unturned as we fine-tune your favourite tours and carve out new itineraries. For us, fulfilling your requests is a matter of pride – whether you’re occasional cyclists or accomplished riders.

LEt’S fACE It

We love feeling the breeze on our cheeks and we’d urge anyone to enjoy the Great Outdoors by bike: the views, the towns, the local people you come across… they all give you that special feeling of discovery.

Our fAVOurItE COLOur

… has got to be green. But we also love a blue sky or a lavender field.

fOrEIGN VISItOrS IN ItALY WItH GIrOLIBErO

NO. Of trAVELLErS BY BIkE & BOAt

COuNtrIES ItALIAN rEGIONS EXPLOrED BY BIkE VISItED BY BIkE

YOur fAVOurItE tOurS

Bolzano–Verona– Venice, Loire Valley, Bike & Boat in Italy

Our VErY fIrSt tOur Veneto, from 2002

3.800

7.500

WHErE DO ItALIANS CYCLE ON HOLIDAY? Netherlands Germany Austria

Programming

NICOLA BOARIA at our offices since the beginning of time 2 km by Girolibero bike (+ child seat) to get to work

A... CYCLING HOLIDAY ?!

IT’S THE EASIEST THING!

EASY CYCLING HOLIDAYS

We strive to ensure that you enjoy a manageable and carefree cycling holiday, and we’ll go out of our way to coordinate our services like clockwork. We select the most suitable hotels along the route; lay on a baggage transfer system that is punctual and efficient; we supply up-to-date background information and cycling guides; provide the best bikes; guarantee our assistance 7 days a week. Our services, in a nutshell:

Selected Hotels

We appreciate that after a day in the Great Outdoors, there’s nothing better than finding a welcoming home-from-home in which to relax. We personally handpick all the hotels on our tours, mindful of your comfort as well as their proximity to cycling paths and any relevant local sites. For our Bike & Boat tours we use boats that are either brand new or up-to-scratch, with adequate cabin space and excellent service on board.

Baggage Transfer

Most of our tours are itinerary-based, and we personally take care of the baggage transfer from hotel to hotel – a service that is included in the price. We supply you with tough luggage labels, and let you cycle on ahead – free of luggage, unnecessary weight or worries.

Background Material

Our main job in winter is to prepare all the background material you may need: maps, itinerary directions and a wealth of local information are all essential tools for the independent cyclist who needs to find his or her own way. Our background material is detailed and allows you to get from A to B with ease (see also pp. 14-17). We are also happy to supply up-to-date GPS readings for anyone who prefers to navigate with a GPS.

GOOD REASONS FOR CHOOSING A HOLIDAY ON TWO WHEELS There are plenty of travellers, both Italian and foreign, who year after year choose a cycling holiday – and many of these have already travelled with Girolibero. Biking it means:

choosing a “human-powered, pedal-driven vehicle” (Wikipedia) which gets the oxygen and blood flowing – along with warmheartedness and a good dose of humour

staying in the Great Outdoors for 70% of the time

taking a holiday, not a package trip (we’ll be there but you’ll hardly see us)

Off the Beaten Track

In the tracks of Holland, Germany and Austria, other European countries have followed suit and developed their own cycling networks. That is certainly the case in Italy and France, where we have crafted our own itineraries. Ours are freeform routes which use the established networks as much as possible – as well as other safe and quiet backroads and country lanes, well away from busy traffic.

Our Fleet of Bikes

Over 1,200 citybikes, assembled by our own mechanics specifically with your needs in mind: light but tough frames; puncture-resistant tyres; responsive breaks and gears; gel saddles in various heights; plus mudguards and saddlebag racks. Our e-bikes are increasingly popular: they’re up-to-scratch, reliable and benefit from high-capacity batteries for even the longest of days. (See also pp. 10-11)

Assistance

Can’t find your hotel? Trouble following the route? Mechanical snag with your hire bike? – No problem: Girolibero’s Helpline is available 7 days a week. This enables us to sort out any issues ourselves and, in trickier cases, to reach and help you on the spot.

discovering lands, the local people and their ways at a “human” pace – and without worrying about the summer rush, parking, the weight of traffic or the fastest road

refuelling body and soul, away from the madding crowd

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Options kaTia bRUsTOlON our latest recruit, but already part of the furniture 2 km by Girolibero bike to get to work

WHICH ONE’S fOr ME? SELF GUIDED / IN A GROUP / 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

for the independent rider – whether solo or with friends and family – following our own set route using our maps and detailed directions for each stage. No group, no Tour Leader: just rider and bike. Girolibero will book your hotels, transfer your luggage from stop to stop, and provide you with all necessary information material and assistance. You will be spoilt for choice: discover Italy on two wheels, head to toe – or why not head for France and discover some of its most beautiful regions?

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

FROM OuR GuEST BOOK: “We have just returned from an amazing trip through Tuscany! The routes were well thought out, the maps and directions very clear and easy to follow, and the hotels were nice and in great locations. Thank you to Girolibero, this was the very best way to experience Tuscany. We look forward to our next trip!” Doris, Tuscany Pisa–Florence, p. 54

BROCHURE 2014

IN A GROUP WITH A TOUR LEADER

FROM Our GUEST BOOK: Hello, We just wanted to write to let you know how impressed we were with both the tour and tour guide on our recent cycling holiday. The hotels exceeded our expectations on the whole and the food was excellent. Our guide was both knowledgeable and fun and she gave time to the whole group. It was quite a mix with six Germans, one Spanish, one Irishman and two English. Anna, Veneto, pp. 38-39

The ideal holiday for the cyclist who enjoyes the company of others and meeting like-minded people. Plus, the peace of mind of travelling with a Tour Leader: they guide the group along the route and are informed about all things local; they are also there to help if necessary and generally run the show. The following are available as group tours in this brochure: Mantua–Venice by Bike and Boat (pp. 30-31), Provence–Camargue by Bike and Boat (pp. 34-35), Veneto (pp. 38-39), Bolzano–Verona–Venice (pp. 40-41), Paris–London/London–Paris (pp. 62-63).

TAILORMADE

Whether it’s for a special interest group, an extended family clan or a tribe of friends; for an association, a club or a business: we can adapt our existing tours or create new ones from scratch. Flexibility is the name of this particular game: 1 hotels picked to suit your needs, 2 shorter or longer cycling stretches as requested, 3 customised background material, 4 an expert Tour Leader. And these are the cards we play with: 5 top quality hire bikes (pp. 10-11), 6 bike trailers to transport them anywhere around Europe (up to 200), 7 floating hotels for any Bike and Boat tours (see pp. 20-23), 8 Plus, we can book the best restaurants, guided tours and any other extra service.

FROM Our GUEST BOOK: We have just returned from our bike & boat tour aboard the Vita Pugna, and I just wanted to tell you that the experience was quite unforgettable. We’d never had a boat all to ourselves, as a group, and we’ve had the time of our lives: the crew was attentive and willing, and our tour leader a true travelling companion. We’d love to do it all again next year: when you get a chance, could you let us know what availability there is for your boats in Provence and Camargue, please? Best regards Klaus, Mantua–Venice, p. 30

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Bikes

RObERTO CEliN getting grubby is in his job description 4 km by (vintage) roadbike to get to work albERTO bRiCHEsE the Workbench Wizard 1 km by Girolibero bike to get to work

OUR BIkES THROUGH OUR RESEARCH AND CLIENT FEEDBACK, WE HAVE COME UP WITH WHAT WE BELIEVE IS THE IDEAL TWO-WHEELER FOR THE GIROLIBERO CYCLIST: A UNISEX LOW-ENTRY CITYBIKE, WITH A RIDING POSITION THAT IS UPRIGHT, COMFORTABLE AND RELAXED. THE ALUMINIUM FRAME PROVIDES EXCELLENT STABILITY AND SAFETY WITHOUT FEELING HEAVY. THE GEl saddlE aNd FlaT ERGONOMiC HaNdlEbaR GRips (YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THEM!) GiVE addEd COMFORT aNd CONFidENCE. WE’RE CYCLISTS TOO AND... WE JUST LOVE THEM! 10

SPECIALIStS AND CrAftSMEN Girolibero’s unmistakeable orange bike (branded with our famous Green Bee!) is assembled in Vicenza. It’s a low-entry citybike with an aluminium frame, mudguards, a saddlebag rack, comfortable gel saddle, puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon tyres, and with responsive breaks and gears. At the point of hire we also provide waterproof Ortlieb saddlebags, handlebar bag or mapholder, repair kit and combination lock – all for free. All bikes are serviced, tuned and cleaned prior to each departure.

BROCHURE 2014

SPECIAL 2 ELECtrIC BIkES

By popular demand, Girolibero has now invested in a considerable number of e-bikes, much favoured by cyclists who love the Great Outdoors, but prefer to let the bike take the strain. Our research has led us to the following models, which are available on all our tours

(with the exception of Sicily, Apulia, Umbria, Pisa–Florence, Chianti, Piedmont): - kalkhoﬀ, Agattu model Motor: 36 volts, 540W/H Impulse, located centrally. The high-capacity battery is secured to the seat tube. Gears: Nexus 8-speed. Range: approx. 90 km (flat terrain, average speed). - BionX, Girolibero frame Motor: SL 250HT, 48 volts, 422.4W/H, located within the rear wheel. The high-capacity BionX battery is secured under the saddlebag rack. Gears: Deore 27-speed. Range: approx. 70 km (flat terrain, average speed).

4 5 6 7

BIkES 1 uNISEX BICYCLE

Deore Shimano: 27 gears available also with Nexus Shimano: 7 gears with pedal brake.

3 MEN’S BICYCLE

Deore Shimano: 27 gears available also with Nexus Shimano: 7 gears with pedal brake.

4 rACING BIkE

With carbon fork and 27-gear Shimano Tiagra.

5 tANDEM PINO

Revolutionary, easily manoeuvrable. Perfect vision for both. hase-bikes.com

6 tANDEM DEEP

Low entry, 8 gears: the perfect tandem for a cycling tour. pedalpower.de

7 tANDEM ONDErWAtEr

A versatile bike for children transportation. onderwaterﬁets.nl

8 fOLLOW ME tANDEM

The ideal solution for carrying children (4-7 years old): followme-tandem.com Available also bike trailer (0-4 years old): croozer.it

ACCESSOrIES 9 HANDLEBAr BAG klickﬁx.de connection

rEPAIr kIt girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Logistics and Workshop

Antonio Germani simply put: sorts it all out 10 km by mountain bike to get to work GIOVANNI BOTTAZZI bikes, trailers and tour leaders throughout Europe 5 km by bike to get to work

OUR WORKSHOP THE ENGINE ROOM OF GIROLIBERO IN VICENZA A 500 SQM WAREHOUSE HOUSES OUR OFFICES AND WORKSHOPS. A GIGANTIC GREEN BEE – THE GIROLIBERO LOGO – HOVERS OVER THE ENTRANCE TO OUR “HIVE”, MEANING YOU CAN’T MISS US! POP IN AND SEE WHAT THE BUZZ IS ALL ABOUT.

tHE OrANGE BIkES

1,200 GIrOLIBErO BICYCLES

IN SuMMEr

In Vicenza: during the summer, 1,200 orange bikes, 10 vans, 11 bike trailers and hundreds of accessories go in and out of the workshops, supervised by our mechanics and logistics staff. In Europe: in order to follow you even more closely, our mobile workshops travel beyond national borders too. - france, Orléans 250 Girolibero bikes are available for the following tours: The Loire Valley, Paris–London/London–Paris - france, Arles 150 Girolibero bikes for our tours in Provence and Camargue

IN WINtEr

Every year, in October, all Girolibero bikes deployed on our tours come back into our workshops for a complete overhaul. In March they will be ready for the start of the next season, in perfect shape.

= 10 bikes

900 hours

5 mechanics

WOrk tO CHECk ALL BIkES

WE ArE IN tHEIr HANDS!

after the season

3 years AVErAGE uSE

of Girolibero’s bikes, before being placed on the market and sold to our best fans!

A good holiday starts right here: perfect maintenance of the bikes, efficient coordination of luggage transfers, rapid prompt supplies to our boats in Italy, that every week we prepare according to the requirements of the customers.

Every week the bikes are given a complete overhaul and taken to the departure points for our tours, in perfect condition and ready to be handed over to our customers. We entrust all this to roberto, Alberto, Nicolò, Andrea and Lorenzo, whose enthusiasm for their work means that your holiday is truly perfect.

Infopacks

ValENTiNa MaCCÀ a passion for languages, a maniac for precision 20 km by bus + folding 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.

BROCHURE 2014

EVErYtHING YOu NEED INfO-PACk Self-guided tours We provide one complete info-pack per room/cabin, containing: 1. Travel documents (vouchers, hotel list) 2. Luggage labels 3. Handlebar bag 4. Water bottle (1 per Bike) 5. Girolibero Greens Roadbook (pp. 16-17) 6. Girolibero Greens Maps (pp. 16-17) 7. Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide (pp. 16-17) or cycling guide edited by a different publisher.

On request and adding an extra cost, we can give also GPS-System with maps. Guided tours A tour leader will guide the group and take with him the travel documents for all the participants. You will receive the following items only: 2. Luggage labels 3. Handlebar bag 4. Water bottle (1 per Bike) 6. Girolibero Greens Maps (pp. 16-17) 7. Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide (pp. 16-17) or by a different publisher

fINDING tHE WAY To help you follow the roadbook more easily, we placed arrow stickers as road signs along the way. With them and our accompanying material it will be impossible to get lost! tELEPHONE ASSIStANCE Customer Care and Hotline Service This phone service is there to assist you seven days a week (from 8.00 to 20.00 hours) for any emergency or tour-related issue. Our vehicles and staff are never far away from you since we look after your bikes and

your luggage. We are therefore generally available to step in to help at short notice, if required. I DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t SPEAk ItALIAN! No problem! Our guides and travel documents are also available in English and German, as well as (depending on the destination) in French and Dutch. Our Tour Leaders and staff are generally multilingual too.

1 4

ElENa RiaTTi roadbooks, brochures, etc.: right, that’s signed off – let’s print it! 3 km by Girolibero bike to get to work aMERiO TRONCa when out of the office, he’s on the road doing recces 2 km to get to work (rather more when out and about in Europe)

Greens guides

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.

BROCHURE 2014

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N.B. Maps and Roadbooks are available in Italian, English and German for all our tours; extra languages are also available in selected cases. * Greens travel guides are currently available for: Venice–Mantua/Mantua– Venice (by bike and boat); Bolzano–Verona–Venice; Veneto. For all other tours, you will receive (free of charge) a comprehensive and up-to-date guide produced by another publisher.

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1) travel guide* 2) Detailed maps The guide not only provides of your route: in colour and at a commentary to the scenery and scale of 1:75,000 or 1:50,000 artistic heritage of each of the (depending on the destination), places you will encounter on including elevation and maps of your way, but also provides any town centres of historical important historical information relevance. Produced in and practical suggestions partnership with Esterbauer that will make your trip and any Publishers (Bikeline Guides), a stopovers you plan more brand renowned for quality. enjoyable and safer. And, last but not least, 3) roadbook: describing the the guide also provides cycling route, stage by stage. information on wining and Great on its own or in dining, with recommendations conjunction with the maps. viale ircoli for anything from a gargantuan e viale C Fiu me rm l Ve a d . meal to a quick snack. J le ia do ar v via

A trIO Of BOOkLEtS Depending on the destination, you would receive:

CAMPEDELLO

THE ROadbOOk EFFORTlEss 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)

ad ov a–

Roadbike aNdREa FERRiGaTO the pedigree champion in our team 23 km by roadbike to get to work

GIrOLIBErO rOADBIkE JUST CHALLENGE! GIROLIBERO, IN COLLABORATION WITH FORMER pRO CYClisT aNdREa FERRiGaTO, HAS ENRICHED ITS CATALOGUE WITH A NEW SECTION DEDICATED TO ALL DROP HANDLEBAR FANS. RACING BIKE TOURS IN SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL REGIONS IN ITALY, WHERE IN ADDITION TO VIEWS AND lEGENdaRY asCENTs YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY UNFORGETTABLE FOOD AND WINE AND VISIT INNUMERABLE CITIES OF ART ALONG THE WAY.

The routes vary in difficulty, allowing you to decide whether to race along or pedal in a relaxed fashion. What’s more, many of the stages offer an easier option for those wanting to rest their muscles. Also on racing bike you can choose beetween independent / in a Group / Tailormade tours. In brief: 1 Overnight stays in selected accommodation 2 Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel 3 GPS traces for the stages 4 Info material 5 Bike rental and GPS navigation device 6 Phone assistance 7 Medical-luggage insurance roadbike tours: Our self-guided tours on pp. 65-71 Much more on our website www.roadbike.girolibero.it

ANDrEA fErrIGAtO, “fErrI” tO HIS frIENDS About me: I was born with cycling in my heart: I have always pedalled with a passion, as a little boy I dreamed of becoming a pro cyclist and every time I got on my bike, a blue Torpedo, I dreamt I was racing. I started competitive racing at the age of 15 and I raced for 680,000 km, never stopping until I was 35. I used all my energy to end my professional career happy in the knowledge that I had played all my aces: 8 Giro d’Italia, 4 Tour de France, 17 victories, including two world cups (GP Zürich and the Leeds International Classic), a stage in the Giro d’Italia, GP de Plouay, GP Bern, Vuelta al Algarve and various races with the Italian National Team. I have continued to pedal out of my love for this sport and to work in the world of bikes when the road, the one that flies past under your tyres, brought me to Girolibero. I continue to train, looking for the best ascents and finding new routes, even better when they lead to a good restaurant and a fine wine cellar. This is my challenge now: managing to share my emotions with all those who travel with me and Girolibero roadbike holiday.. ferri says: Just like a friend who has already been there, Andrea has advice on each stage for you: the most exciting ascent, the most suitable gear, the wine to taste as your end-of-stage reward. If you have any doubts or queries… ask Ferri! ferri@girolibero.it

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

BROCHURE 2014

BESPOKE TOURS Our speciality! You choose the destination and decide when to leave, we will organize the trip. Some examples: Andalusia and Sierra Nevada; Nizza–Mont Ventoux; Tunisia and the desert oasis... We will even organize the weeks connected to the main biking events of the world:

Giro d’Italia 8 days/7 nights guided tour, from 2,200 €

GF STELVIO SANTINI 5 days/4 nights guided tour, from 650 €

Ronde of Flanders 4 days/3 nights guided tour, from 480 € more on roadbike.girolibero.it

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Fleet

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

OUR BOATS

IN ITALY

WE’VE INTRODUCED THE BIKE AND BOAT FORMULA IN ITALY AS WELL, WITH TWO BOATS OF OUR OWN. MODERN, BRIGHT AND SPACIOUS, THE AVE MARIA WAS DESIGNED BY A WELL-KNOWN TEAM OF ITALIAN ARCHITECTS AND LAUNCHED IN 2011. THE VITA PUGNA IS A WONDERFULLY ROMANTIC DUTCH BARGE WHICH WE HAVE BEEN SAILING SINCE 2008, AFTER HER LONG VOYAGE FROM AMSTERDAM TO THE RIVER PO.

BROCHURE 2014

AVE MArIA 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. Each double bed can be separated into two single beds.

3 tHE LIVING ArEA

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

4 EXtrA fEAturES

› 2 sundecks › Free hot drinks machine (including Italian ground coffee) › Free wi-fi with 2 computers › Large 55” screen in the lounge for video/internet › Dedicated bike storage (for approx. 40 hanging bikes) › Hair-dryers (limited number) available on request

5 tOurS

Mantua–Venice/ Venice–Mantua, Bolzano–Mantua–Venice: (pp. 30-33)

VItA PuGNA 1 IN fIGurES

3 tHE LIVING ArEA

2 CABINS

4 EXtrA fEAturES

Capacity: 21 guests Length: 36 m Width: 5.4 m Draught: 1.60 m

› 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

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

› 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. 30-33)

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Fleet ANTONIO FASOLATO My last family holiday? The Loire by bike 30 km by car + folding bike to get to work

Our BOATS

IN France IN PROVENCE AND THE CAMARGUE TWO BARGES PLY THE WATERS EXCLUSIVELY FOR GIROLIBERO. THE SOLEO IS A LOCAL FLATBOAT BUILT IN 1958, CONVERTED INTO A LEISURE BOAT IN 1988 AND REFURBISHED IN 2009. L’ESTELLO IS A 1937 DUTCH BARGE SAILED OVER TO FRANCE; SHE TOO HAS BEEN REFURBISHED TO OFFER A HIGH LEVEL OF COMFORT, WITHOUT COMPROMISING ANY OF HER ORIGINAL CHARM.

BROCHURE 2014

SOLEO 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 in 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. 34-35)

L’EStELLO 1 IN fIGurES Capacity: 20 guests Length: 39 m Width: 5.2 m Draught: 1.6 m

2 CABINS

› 10 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. 34-35) Estello

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Bike & Boat

THE CREW captains, cooks and service personnel 2 weeks on board, 2 week on the ground, 6 months a year

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! THAT, WE BELIEVE, IS WHAT MAKES GIROLIBERO’S BIKE & BOAT HOLIDAYS UNIQUE.

BROCHURE 2014

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? 0 Want to know more? Read an account of a group tour on p. 9.

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 cabins, 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 By (very) popular request, here is the recipe for the best loved dessert served aboard the Ave Maria and Vita Pugna: INGREDIENTS: - 6 eggs (medium) - 120 g caster sugar - 500 g mascarpone cream - 400 g sponge fingers (savoiardi) - espresso coffee (enough to soak the biscuits) - dark cocoa powder (enough to dust)

METHOD: 1. Separate the eggs and combine the yolks with 60 g of sugar 2. Whip until the consistency is light in colour, frothy and creamy 3. Stir in the mascarpone cream 4. In a separate bowl, whip the egg white to stiff peaks, adding the remaining 60 g of sugar halfway through 5. Gently mix the egg white into the yolk mixture, slowly stirring upwards

6. Drizzle the savoiardi with coffee until nicely soaked but not soggy 7. Line the bottom of a flat trifle bowl with a single layer of savoiardi and cover this with a first layer of the mixture; continue with alternate layers 8. Finish with a layer of mixture on top, level it and dust with cocoa 9. Refrigerate for a few hours “SQUISITO!”

River Cruising and Charter

GIULIO VALLORTIGARA proud of the red and white livery of the Ave Maria and his beloved Vicenza FC! 6 km by e-bike to get to work

EXCLUSIVE CHARTERING YOUR OWN RIVERCRUISE

BROCHURE 2014

GIrOLIBErO’S fLEEt IN ItALY AND frANCE

ANOtHEr IDEA Or tWO . . .

JUST ONE CabiN OR THE WHOlE bOaT? – DEPENDS ON HOW MANY OF YOU THERE ARE. BUT WHY NOT ORGANISE A GROUP OF FRIENDS AND HIRE A BOAT ALL TO YOURSELVES FOR THAT HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME?

» rIVEr CruISING Why not request the boat for your group and we’ll organise a one-week river cruise for you? And, for anyone keener on sightseeing than cycling, we can always arrange minibus excursions to cities brimming with art, architecture and sites. 0 the weeks not to be missed:

ItALY 40

vita pugna

ave maria

A long voyage brought the barge over to Italy in 2007 after Girolibero acquired her in Holland. Now sails between Mantua and Venice.

Our flagship, launched in 2011. Originally a sand dredger and redesigned to our own specification as a passenger boat: stylish, roomy, with a low carbon footprint and a fabulous kitchen. www.avemariaboat.com

up to 21 people

up to 40 people

0 Suggested itinerary:

MaNTUa–VENiCE p. 30 VENiCE–MaNTUa p. 31 bOlZaNO–VENiCE p. 33

frANCE 22

soleo

l’estello

Romantic French riverboat, refurbished in 2009. The perfect salon from which to enjoy the fire-red sunsets of Provence.

The Soleo’s unidentical twin sister, also refurbished in 2009. “Another apéritif, anyone?”.

up to 22 people

0 Suggested itinerary: pROVENCE–CaMaRGUE p. 34-35

» IN ItALY - 19 July 2014, Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Holy Redeemer), Venice - 27 August–6 September 2014, The Venice Film Festival » IN frANCE - 2.-22. Juli 2014, Theaterfestival in Avignon

up to 20 people

0 Suggested itinerary: pROVENCE–CaMaRGUE p. 34-35

» WINtEr WEEkENDS During November and March, our boats in Italy are also available for weekends and longer breaks. 0 A couple more ideas: How about celebrating Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Carnival with us on board?

. . . Or PErHAPS EVEN . . . ! » COurSES AND ACtIVItY BrEAkS Cookery courses to discover the secrets of our remarkable chefs; or painting, yoga, history of art courses and anything else that springs to mind – perhaps even... witnessing the celebrated Wedding of the Venetian Lagoon, all the while living on board our floating hotels. » tEAM BuILDING Ave Maria and Vita Pugna have proved popular with groups of colleagues who want a quiet environment in which to spend some time bonding. 0 Have a look at the video from a recent team building exercise on board the Ave Maria :

BIKE & BOAT

Tours in this brochure

2 videos on the website!

A bicycle to get around during the day and a boat for meals and accommodation. The floating hotel follows by river the stages of the journey, becoming a foothold in the lazy days.

itALY

FRAncE

Mantua–Venice

Aigues-Mortes– Avignon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . p. 30 | 210 Km | 8 days/7 nights Self guided and guided tour from 865 €

Venice–Mantua

. . . . . . p. 31 | 200 Km | 8 days/7 nights Self guided and guided tour from 805 €

bolzano–Mantua– Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 34 | 300 Km | 8 days/7 nights Self guided and guided tour from 980 €

Avignon– Aigues-Mortes . . . . . . .

p. 34 | 300 Km | 8 days/7 nights Self guided and guided tour from 980 €

p. 33

| 360 Km | 11 days/10 nights Self guided and guided tour from 1240 €

girolibero - tel. 0444 323639 - numero verde 800-190510 girolibero -solo tel. 0039 da telefono 0444 330724 fisso--info@girolibero.com info@girolibero.it- -www.girolibero.com www.girolibero.it

29 29

Italy

| 210 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bike & Boat in Italy Mantua–Venice

Treviso

Mincio

Mantova

Verona

Br Vicenza

Padova Ad ig

Chioggia

Zelo

Adria

S.Benedetto Revere Ferrara

DAy by DAy

1. Mantua. The cabins are available from 4.30 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m. 2. Mantua, round tour (40 km, elevation up 0 m). An entire day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family and now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. In the late afternoon a local guide will lead you through the most known highlights of the town. 3. Mantua–Governolo–Zelo (50 km by bike, elevation up 0 m). A short cruise along the lush banks of the Mincio takes us to Governolo, where it flows into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy. At Governolo Lock, once a vital staging post for local navigation, we saddle our bikes and follow the Po through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval

Venezia

Laguna di Venezia

MARE ADRIATICO

Delta del Po

fortress and floating mill) and on to the village of Bergantino. Here we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. Finally, we reach Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po. 4. Zelo–Ferrara–Adria (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus, elevation up 0 m). After breakfast we continue our bike and boat adventure cycling towards Ferrara, another key City State of ancient Italy. You will visit this historic town and discover its little touched centre, still surrounded by the original city walls. From Ferrara a short transfer by private coach will take you to Adria. Once close to the shores of the sea which bears its name, Adria was an ancient Greek port, famous for trading Baltic amber. Its remarkable museum also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman and Venetian heritage. 5. Adria–Porto Viro–Chioggia (40 km, elevation up 0 m). An exhilarating day of discovery alternating sailing and cycling

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

starts with a short cruise to our drop-off point at Porto Viro and the exploration of the Po’s delta. This unique wetland park is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to several colonies of flamingos. At the mouth of the River Adige, which flows fast and cool from the Dolomites, we then follow the Po-Brondolo waterway and reach the Venetian lagoon. Our overnight stop is the bustling and colourful fishing port of Chioggia, known as “Little Venice”. 6. Chioggia–Venice (30 km, elevation up 0 m). A morning visit to the fish market is recommended and, time allowing, we also climb up Chioggia’s millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. We then enjoy some island hopping in the lagoon itself by bike and boat, starting with our barge dropping us off on Pellestrina (home to the Ca’ Roman nature reserve); and continuing by public ferry for the short crossing to the Lido island. Celebrated by Thomas Mann (Death in

Venice) and particularly fashionable with the artists and aristocracy of the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. Finally, our floating hotel takes us to our marina in Venice, for the culmination of our bike and boat holiday. 7. Venice. In the morning a local guide will let you discover the capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic of Venice”, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries. After that you have a lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands. 8. Venice.After breakfast end of services. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with following tours: Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46) or Veneto (p. 38).

Italy

MAPS

CYCLING

Bike & Boat

GUIDE

BIKE & BOAT

ROAD

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Street maps of Venice, Chioggia Ferrara, Mantua , Adria, and cycle maps

wining and

For these tours you receive the complete set of Greens guides (pp.16-17): - Cycling Guide - Maps - Roadbook

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AccOMpANyING MATERIAL

BOOK

· EE N S ·

R E E N S

G i r

· · · · ·

GIROLIBERO GREENS

· · · · ·

I B E O L

of flamingos. We overnight in Adria, an ancient Greek port once close to the shores of the sea which bears its name, also renowned for its Etruscan and Roman heritage. 5. Adria–Ferrara–Zelo (35 km by bike + 35 km by bus, elevation up 0 m). After a short cruise we saddle our bikes and, following the Po through farmland and hamlets, we reach Ferrara. Under its overlords, the Este family, this ancient City State attracted influential architects and artists for centuries. A private bus takes us back to our floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po. 6. Zelo–Mantua (50 km, elevation up 0 m). We sail for a short stretch and, back on our bikes, we reach the village of Bergantino where we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. Following the river through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval fortress and floating mill) and on to Governolo Lock. Once a vital staging post for local navigation, this is where the River Mincio flows into the Po, creating the largest inland basin in Italy. Leaving the Po behind, we reach Mantua through a magnificent navigation in the afternoon. 7. Mantua round tour (40 km, elevation up 0 m). An entire day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family. In the late afternoon a local guide will lead you through the most known highlights of the town. 8. Mantua. Departure after breakfast. Possibility to book extra nights.

· · · · ·

1. Venice. The cabins are available from 4.30 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m. It is possible to combine an extra tour before your bike&boat week: Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46), Veneto (p. 38). 2. Venice. In the morning a local guide will let you discover the capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic of Venice”, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries. After that you have a lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands. 3. Venice–Chioggia (30 km, elevation up 0 m). Cruising out of Venice at a gentle pace, we start our bike and boat adventure on the Lido, the first of two islands we explore today. Fashionable with the artists and aristocracy of the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. A short island-hop takes us to Pellestrina, where we cycle towards the Ca’ Roman nature reserve, past the fishermen’s cottages and boats. Here, where we rejoin the barge and sail to Chioggia – a bustling and colourful fishing harbour known as “Little Venice”. 4. Chioggia–Porto Viro–Adria (40 km, elevation up 0 m). A morning stroll through Chioggia’s fish market is recommended and, time allowing, a visit up the millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. Our cycling resumes southbound, into the delta of the imposing Po. This unique wetland park is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a colony

G I

DAy by DAy

Bike & Boat in Italy Venice–Mantua

Fro m

| 200 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

tua

ice to Man

From Ven

Superb on-board catering Authentic regional cuisine, both simple and refined. Cities of art Venice, Mantua, Ferrara, outstanding jewels of the Italian Renaissance. Po Delta Reserve Tranquillity, natural beauty and birdlife to explore by bike.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

pRIcE PER PERSON

GENERAL INFORMATION

VITA pUGNA (p. 21)

boat

AVE MARIA (p. 21)

DEpARTURES

Direction

From Venice

From Mantua

From Venice

From Mantua

Tour code

I11

I09

I12

I10

805 €

865 €

1055 €

1115 €

Standard cabin value season

+ 120 €

Single cabin

+ 300 €

Middle season

+ 145 €

+ 155 €

high season

+ 185 €

+ 215 €

REDUcTIONS

bunk bed cabin 3rd/4th person in cabin best price (March 29 th)

from Venice: 26.04, 10.05, 24.05, 7.06, 21.06, 5.07, 19.07, 2.08, 16.08, 30.08, 13.09, 27.09, 11.10.2014. from Mantua: 19.04, 3.05, 17.05, 31.05, 14.06, 28.06, 12.07, 26.07, 9.08, 23.08, 6.09, 20.09, 4.10, 18.10.2014. AVE MARIA

SUppLEMENTS

Superior cabin

VITA pUGNA

- 100 €

- 200 €

- 120 €

from Venice: 5.04, 19.04, 3.05, 17.05, 31.05, 14.06, 28.06, 12.07, 26.07, 9.08, 23.08, 6.09, 20.09, 4.10, 18.10.2014. from Mantua: 29.03, 12.04, 26.04, 10.05, 24.05, 7.06, 21.06, 5.07, 19.07, 2.08, 16.08, 30.08, 13.09, 27.09, 11.10.2014. SEASONS

Best price: March 29th Value: from April 5th to April 26th and October 18th Middle: from July 5th to August 23rd and from October 4th to October 11th High: from May 3rd to June 28th and from August 30th to September 27th INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE: 7 overnights, full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch), accompanying 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 on board, mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change, guided visit in Venice and Mantua, visit of a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano, visit of Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE: 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

Girolibero bike

65 €

Electro-bike

145 €

helmet

15 €

ExTRA NIGhTS

(local taxes to be paid on site) In Mantua 45/75 € 3* Hotel - DBL/SGL; 85/125 € 4* Hotel - DBL/SGL In Mestre 65/85 € 3/4* Hotel – DBL/SGL In Venice from 90/150 € 3/4* Hotel – DBL/SGL

USEFUL INFORMATION NAVIGATION ON RIVERS AND cANALS

The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/ Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po and connects Mantua to the Adriatic Sea. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays. These decisions are taken by the boat’s captain. bIKE ROUTE

This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 30 to 55 km – mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. The boat is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikes in the

afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by boat, for example to allow easier access onto cycling paths, or simply to enjoy the cruise through the Venice lagoon.

bIcycLES

27-gear Shimano Deore unisex bikes in appropriate frame sizes.They are puncture-proof, fully serviced and equipped with a trip computer, sidebag, water bottle and padlock. Additionally, Self-guided cyclists are supplied with a map holder/front bag (1 per bike) and a repair kit (1 per couple). Due to space and safety restrictions, only a limited number of clients’ bikes can be accepted on board upon request.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

GUIDED AND SELF GUIDED TOUR

The detailed directions and maps supplied with your free info-pack offer you the option of either cycling independently or with the rest of the group, following the Tour Leader. When booking this bike and boat tour, please specify your chosen option (i.e. Guided or Self-guided). hOW TO REAch VENIcE AND MANTUA:

By Plane Both Venice and Mantua are well served by many airports of Northern Italy: Venice (VCE), Treviso (TSF), Verona (VRN), Bergamo (BGY), Milano Malpensa (MXP), Milano Linate (LIN)

By Railway and Car Mantua is situated on the A22 Highway Brennero–Modena, only 50 km south of Verona. By train it is connected very frequently to the railway station of Verona (journey: 45 min.) Venice is situated on the A4 highway and on one of the principal railway lines, which links Venice to the most important Italian cities. The journey Venice–Mantua (or opposite) is covered by train in approx. 2,5 hours.

Italy

Bolzano Italy’s northern outpost town immersed in the Dolomites. Lake Garda Sit back and soak up the views, as you sail through by ferry, North to South. Superb on-board catering from Mantua, an authentic regional cuisine.

| 360 km | 11 Days/10 Nights | the first 4 days self guided only

Bike & Hotel + Bike & Boat Bolzano–Mantua–Venice Bolzano/Bozen OVERNIGHT IN HOTEL OVERNIGHT ON BOARD

Trento Riva del Garda

Rovereto

Mincio

Mantova

Verona

Vicenza Desenzano Peschiera

Treviso

Padova

Venezia

Laguna di Venezia

Ad ig

Zelo

Adria

S.Benedetto Revere Ferrara

DAy by DAy

1. Arrival in Bolzano. 2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km, elevation up 370 m). You cycle along the Adige beside apple orchards, vineyards and through the villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. You then reach Trento: take your time to have a look behind the splendid walls of its painted buildings. Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way. 3. Trento–Peschiera/Desenzano (50 km by bike + ferry, elevation up 200 m). You reach Rovereto and Mori. From here you continue up on a gently rising slope in direction of Lake Garda. On the ferry boat you travel as far as Peschiera/ Desenzano along the southern shore of the lake. 4. Peschiera/Desenzano–Mantua (35/60 km, elevation up 150/330 m). Today you will cycle following one of the most famous Italian cycle paths, which runs parallel to the River Mincio. The stage ends in Mantua, with overnight aboard our barges Ave Maria/ Vita Pugna. 5. Mantua, round tour (40 km, elevation up 0 m). An entire day dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its sorroundings dominated by the family of Gonzaga.

MARE ADRIATICO Chioggia

Delta del Po

6. Mantua–Governolo–Zelo (50 km by bike, elevation up 0 m). The boat takes you to Governolo, then you start the ride following the River Po. Subsequently you will visit the “Carousel and folk show museum” in Bergantino. After a few kms the barge awaits you in Zelo. 7. Zelo–Ferrara–Adria (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus, elevation up 0 m). After breakfast you will start cycling towards Ferrara. A guided visit of this wonderful

town will let you discover its historical centre, still surrounded by the old city walls. From Ferrara a short bus transfer will bring you to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic. 8. Adria–Porto Viro–Chioggia (40 km, elevation up 0 m). The boat will bring you to Porto Viro. You will be suspended between water and land, as you will pedal between the Po Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. You follow then the Po-Brondolo waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. You will stay overnight in Chioggia, known as “the little Venice”. 9. Chioggia–Venice (30 km, elevation up 0 m). A visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute “must”! The boat then brings you to the nature reserve of Ca’ Roman. Pedalling along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: from here, riding on the cycle path you reach the ferry landing stage. A short ferry-boat ride takes you the up the Lido island, with a stop in Malamocco. After the final short ride you reach again the barge. 10. Venice. In the morning a local guide will let you discover the magnificent centre of Venice. After that you have a lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands.

11. Venice. After breakfast end of services. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with following tours: Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46) or Veneto (p. 38). ROUTE pROFILE

From Bolzano to Mantua you will ride on well-planned cycle lanes, part of which run along the Adige banks. Towards Lake Garda there is a bit more challenging climb to face. From Mantua to Venice you will pedal along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or roads with low traffic. pARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). by pLANE

Bolzano is well connected (90–120 min.) with the following airports: Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

pRIcE PER PERSON (Surcharges for the first 4 days from bolzano to Mantua) ExTRA NIGhTS SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 375 € DBL + 90 € SGL + 15 € high season supplement (from June 28th to Sept. 5th, 2014)

bIcycLE RENT

40 € Girolibero bike 80 € Electro-bike

In Bolzano 65/85 € 3/4* Hotel DBL/SGL In Mestre 65/85 € 3/4* Hotel DBL/SGL In Venice From 90/150 € 3/4* Hotel DBL/SGL REDUcTIONS

3rd person in room: 30 €

INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

3 nights hotel accommodation (in Bolzano, Trento, Peschiera/Desenzano), welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, detailled route description, 3-days Hotline service.

Tour code I26

not included in the section “included in the price”. DEpARTURES FROM bOLZANO

Every Wednesday from April 23rd to October 1st 2014.

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Beverages, local hotel taxes (to be paid on site), museums and extras in general, everything, which is

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France

| 300 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bike & Boat in France Provence-Camargue Chateauneuf du-Pape

Roquemaure Pont du Gard

Avignone

Vallabregues Tarascon Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Aigues-Mortes

Étang de Vaccarès

ôn

h dR

Le Grau-du-Roi

Les-Baux-de-Provence Arles

Montpellier

hôn tR e

Gallician

Pet i

Lunel

Étang de Berre

St. Maries-de-la-Mer

From Aigues-Mortes to Avignon Day by Day

1. Aigues-Mortes. Individual arrival and boarding after 6 p.m. in Aigues-Mortes, medieval town, ancient military and commercial rampart on the Mediterranean. 2. Aigues-Mortes, round tour (45 km, elevation up 0 m). Going through small country lanes between canals and lagoons you will reach the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the wonderful beach of L’Espiguette. 3. Aigues-Mortes–Gallician (65 km, elevation up 0 m). You will cycle among cane and rice fields and salt lakes, accompanied by horses, flamingos and bulls, and arrive to Saintes-Maries-dela-Mer with its cathedral, loved by the gipsies. You will spend the night moored in the village of Gallician. 4. Gallician–Arles (20 km, elevation up

0 m). You will sail for a few hours up to Saint Gilles and then cycle to today’s destination: Arles, known for the richness of its antique and Roman patrimony. The city fascinates you with its hidden treasures. Getting lost among its small alleys will be like entering a picture by Van Gogh. In the afternoon you will also have the opportunity to be welcome by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town. 5. Arles–Vallabreguès (65 km, elevation up 300 m). Breathtaking stage, which brings you to the Alpilles, with the perched village of Les-Baux-deProvence and then to Saint Rémy de Provence. A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender and olive trees will accompany the trip. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. 6. Vallabrègues–Avignon (60 km, elevation up 300 m). The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very

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spectacular work. In the afternoon you will arrive in Avignon, the city of the Popes. You will be moored in Villeneuvelès-Avignon on the opposite bank of the Rhône. 7. Avignon, round tour (45 km, elevation up 100 m). Navigation up to Avignon, and then cycle in the direction of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, following lowtraffic roads surrounded by vineyards. In Châteauneuf- du-Pape you can enjoy a tasting of the very famous Provençal wine. After that you will cross the Rhône at the height of Roquemaure and return to Villeneuve following the course of the river. 8. Avignon. After breakfast, end of services. Possibility to book extra nights.

From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes Day by Day

1. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Individual arrival at 6 p.m. and boarding in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. 2. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (45 km, elevation up 100 m). Navigate up to Avignon, the city of popes, and then cycle in the direction of Châteauneuf-duPape, following roads with low levels of traffic surrounded by vineyards. In Châteauneuf- du-Pape you can enjoy a tasting of the very famous Provençal wine. After that you will cross the Rhône. You will cross the Rhône through Roquemaure and return to Villeneuve by following the course of the river. 3. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon– Vallabrègues (60 km, elevation up 300 m). Today’s stage brings you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe:

Pont du Gard, a truly spectacular work of architecture. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. 4. Vallabreguès–Arles (65 km, elevation up 300 m). This stage brings you to Saint Remy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus. This village is also famous for having hosted Van Gogh in the days of his mental illness. Then, you move onto the Alpilles, with Les-Baux-deProvence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender and olive trees accompanies your journey. 5. Arles–Gallician (20 km, elevation up 0 m). Today the whole morning is dedicated to visit Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will also have the opportunity to be welcome by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town. After lunch you reach the lock of Saint Gilles and from there you will sail to Gallician, where you will spend the night. 6. Gallician–Aigues-Mortes (65 km, elevation up 0 m). You will cycle among cane fields, rice fields and salt lakes, accompanied by horses, flamingos and bulls, and arrive at Saintes-Maries-dela-Mer and then Aigues-Mortes. 7. Aigues-Mortes, round tour (45 km, elevation up 0 m). Going through small country lanes between canals and lagoons you will reach the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the wonderful beach of L’Espiguette. 8. Aigues-Mortes. After breakfast, end of services. Possibility to book extra nights.

France

Landscapes of Van Gogh The villages, vineyards and meadows that inspired the painter. Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct. Still intact and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Wilderness of the Camargue, with its horses, bulls and fascinating gipsy culture.

USEFUL INFORMATION NAVIGATION ON RIVERS AND CANALS

Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation points. These decisions are taken by the boat’s captain. It is envisaged that the boat will sail some of the way during breakfast or the evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages.

Bicycle

Different frame sizes of unisex bikes with 27-gears Shimano Deore will be available on board. They are fully equipped with 1 side-bag, 1 water bottle, 1 padlock, 1 map holder/front bag (only for Self-Guided) per bike and 1 repair kit per couple (only for SelfGuided). Due to a limited space on board only a few own bikes will be accepted upon request.

Aigues-Mortes–Avignon tour code F30 Avignon–Aigues-Mortes tour code F24

SEASONS EMERGENCY VAN & TRANSFERS

A minivan is available on the area for emergencies. The same van offers alternative excursions for those customers who don’t want to cycle on some days or can organize transfers to shorten the longest stages. These extra services are not included and must be paid on site. Programs and prices are available on board.

BIKE ROUTE

Route on bike paths and low traffic roads in rural and city areas. Short stretches are on unpaved roads and few on not avoidable busy roads.

PRICE PER PERSON

SELF GUIDED AND GUIDED TOUR

This tour offers the chance to choose if pedalling alone (taking advantage of a very detailed route description) or with the whole group, following the tour leader. When booking the tour you need to specify which option is chosen (i.e. if Guided or Self guided). HOW TO REACH AVIGNON AND Aigues-Mortes BY PLANE

Both Avignon and Aigues-Mortes are well served by some airports: Montpellier Mediterranée (MPL), Marseille Provence (MRS), Nîmes Garons (FNI), Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS), Avignon Caumont (AVN).

Standard season: from April 19th to April 26th 2014 and from July 5th to August 23rd 2014. High season: from May 3rd to June 28th 2014 and from August 30th to October 18th 2014.

SELF GUIDED AND GUIDED TOUR

boat Soleo/L’Estello (p. 23) 980 € DBL + 300 € SGL + 100 € high season supplement

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet Extra nights

In Avignon 60/90 € 2/3* Hotels – DBL/SGL In Aigues-Mortes 65/100 € 2/3* Hotels – DBL/SGL

included in the price

7 nights accommodation, full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-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 and coffee on board, wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Beverages on board, museums and everything which is not mentioned above. DEPARTURES

From Avignon 19.04, 3.05, 17.05, 31.05, 14.06, 28.06, 12.07, 26.07, 9.08, 23.08, 6.09, 20.09, 4.10, 18.10.2014. From Aigues-Mortes 26.04, 10.05, 24.05, 7.06, 21.06, 5.07, 19.07, 2.08, 16.08, 30.08, 13.09, 27.09, 11.10.2014.

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BIKE & HOTEL The classic bike trip: landscapes and open air, without the hassle of logistical issues. All you have to do is ride from one destination to another and enjoy the view.

Tours in this brochure

more on the website!

itALY Veneto

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 38 | 270 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 498 € Guided tour from 955 €

bolzano–Verona– Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 40 | 280 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 628 € Guided tour from 995 €

Innsbruck–Verona/ Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 42 | 255 Km | 7 Days/6 Nights Self guided tour from 635 € | 390 Km | 10 Days/9 Nights Self guided tour from 930 €

Adige cycle Route

. . . p. 43 | 275 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 682 €

bolzano–bassano– Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 44 | 310 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 628 €

bolzano–cortina– Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 45 | 275 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 655 €

Venice–porecˇ

. . . . . . . . . p. 46 | 320 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 628 €

bolzano–Ferrara . . . . . .

p. 48 | 315 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 682 €

Lake Garda–Adriatic .

p. 49 | 300 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 628 €

South Tyrol Valleys . . .

p. 50 | 160 Km | 7 Days/6 Nights Self guided tour from 520 €

Terme Euganee

. . . . . . . p. 52 | 160 Km | 7 Days/6 Nights Self guided tour from 435 €

piedmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 53 | 240 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 655 €

Tuscany: pisa–Florenz

. . . . . . . . . . p. 54 | 225 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 698 €

Tuscany: chianti . . . . . .

p. 55 | 195 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 698 €

Umbria

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 56 | 265 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 685 €

Apulia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 57 | 320 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 645 €

Sicily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 58 | 230 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 645 € | 195 Km | 7 Days/6 Nights Self guided tour from 605 €

FRAncE provence– camargue . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 59 | 305 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 695 €

Loire valley . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 60 | 295 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 580 €

paris–London/ London–paris . . . . . . . . .

p. 62

| 340/320 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 679 € Guided tour from 985 €

Lake Garda . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 51 | 165 Km | 7 Days/6 Nights Self guided tour from 510 €

Italy

| 270 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Veneto Venice Lands 8. Vicenza. Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with the following tours: Venice–Mantua/Mantua–Venice Bike&Boat (pp. 31-33).

Bassano del Grappa Asolo

Marostica

Montebelluna Treviso

ta cch

Verona

igl

ion

Padova

Ad ig

Mestre Stra Laguna di Venezia

ROUTE pROFILE Venezia Venice

- Total Length: 270/295 km - Total vertical up: 530 m - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3.

MARE ADRIATICO

Chioggia

I B E O L R O

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up 130 m). The Bacchiglione River points the way out of the the city and you reach Costozza, a little town at the foot of the Berici hills. The bike path passes in front of Villa Rotonda, the most famous of the Palladian villas. Just before entering Vicenza you see the Villa Valmarana ai Nani with its marvellous frescoes by Tiepolo.

· · · · ·

1. Vicenza. Individual arrival. A nice and cosy historical city centre characterized by the buildings of the famous architect Andrea Palladio (16th century). 2. Vicenza–Bassano del Grappa (40 km, elevation up 100 m). From Vicenza you cycle towards Marostica, famous for its castle and the chessboard in the main square. The last stop is Bassano del Grappa with its covered wooden bridge and the “grappa”. 3. Bassano del Grappa–Treviso (65/40 km, elevation up 300 m). You enter Asolo, which presents us the only real uphill section of our ride. The downhill run takes you to the land of Prosecco vineyards and on to Maser. Possibility to shorten the stage of 25 km by taking the train from Montebelluna to Treviso. 4. Treviso–Mestre/Venice (45 km, elevation up 0 m). Leaving Treviso behind you follow the course of the River Sile up to Casale. At the end of the trip Venice awaits you for an evening among canals and narrow

streets; accommodation is in Mestre. A supplement applies for lodging in Venice. 5. Mestre/Venice–Chioggia (1st cycling day for those starting in Mestre) (35 km, elevation up 0 m). Leaving Mestre this morning you head into Venice pedalling on the 4 km bridge “della Libertà”, then to Tronchetto harbour. From here you take a ferry along the canal Giudecca to Lido. This is the most exciting day, pedalling on two narrow islands that divide the sea from the lagoon: Malamocco and the island of Pellestrina. 6. Chioggia–Padova (60 km, elevation up 0 m). You will be pedalling along the two rivers that carried trade in and out of Venice in this area centuries ago: Bacchiglione and Brenta. You continue on to Strà, famous for the majestic Villa Pisani. On arrival in Padova, you will find the great basilica dedicated to St. Anthony, the historic Caffè Pedrocchi and Prato della Valle. 7. Padova–Vicenza (50 km, elevation

· · · · ·

Ferrara

G I

Peschiera

DAy by DAy

Lago di Garda

Vicenza

The itinerary is completely in the lowlands except for the 1 km slope in Asolo. You ride on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. by pLANE

Vicenza/Mestre are well connected (60–90 min.) with the following airports: Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), Treviso (TPS), Bergamo (BGY-150 min).

GIROLIBERO GREENS

R E E N S

AccOMpANyING MATERIAL

For these tours you receive the complete set of Greens guides (pp.16-17): - Cycling Guide - Maps - Roadbook

Italy

Prosecco Paradise By bike through the vineyards of the celebrated sparkling wine. Palladio’s architecture The Renaissance master’s finest designs, in and around Vicenza. Padova, city of art and learning. The oldest Faculty of Medicine in the world.

PRICE PER PERSON

Self guided tour code I03 - Guided tour code I03G

SEASONS

REDUCTIONS

Value season: from March 29th to April 30th 2014 and from September 27th to October 25th 2014. Middle season: from May 1st to June 25th 2014 and from August 30th to September 26th 2014. High season: from June 26th to August 29th 2014.

3rd/4th person in room: 100 € Cat. B 130 € Cat. A Until the age of 2: 90% From 3 to 5 years: 50% From 6 to 8 years: 30%

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet Half Board

140 € Cat. B 170 € Cat. A 6 dinners included (3-course meals), beverages not included. Extra nights

SELF GUIDED TOUR

Cat. B (2/3* Hotels) 498 € DBL + 145 € SGL + 40 € Middle season + 80 € High season Cat. A (3/4* Hotels) 655 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 35 € Middle season + 55 € High season Cat. A+ (luxury Hotels and villas) 1290 € DBL + 280 € SGL

GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A (3/4* Hotels) 955 € DBL + 198 € SGL

In Vicenza/Treviso From 40/65 € Cat. B DBL/SGL From 55/85 € Cat. A DBL/SGL In Mestre 55/65 € Cat. B - DBL/SGL 65/85 € Cat. A - DBL/SGL In Venice From 90 € Cat. A / B - DBL From 150 € Cat. A / B SGL Night in Venice instead of Mestre (luggage delivered to the hotel) From 90 € Cat. A / B - DBL From 150 € Cat. A / B SGL

included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service, 24-hours-ticket for Venice public transport valid only Cat. A (bike not included, approx. 4 €), entrance into Villa Valmarana ai Nani, ice-cream in the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza. Guided tour includes also: Cat. A Hotel accommodation, 7 dinners (3-course meal, 1 dinner in Venice), guide on bike, support van in the area, guided tour of Venice, visits and wine tasting.

Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Ferry-boat transfers on day 5 (altogether about 25 € per person + bike). DEPARTURES

Self guided tour: Every Saturday and Sunday from Vicenza and every Tuesday and Wednesday from Mestre, from March 29th to October 25th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons! Attention! Starting point Treviso: dates to be announced. Guided tour: April 19th, May 31st, June 7th, June 28th, July 12th, September 13th 2014.

SHORT BREAK |

| 135 km | 5 Days |

Tour code I16 Day by Day

1. Mestre. Arrival. 2. Mestre/Venice–Chioggia (35 km). You will cycle to Tronchetto harbour. From here you take a ferry to Lido. You pedal on the islands Malamocco and Pellestrina. Overnight in Chioggia. 3. Chioggia–Padova (60 km). You will reach the majestic Villa Pisani in Strà. On arrival in Padova, don’t miss the historical centre. 4. Padova–Mestre (40 km). You will cycle along the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the villas of the ancient Venetian nobility until you reach Mestre. 5. Mestre. Departure. PRICE PER PERSON

415 € DBL; 110 € SGL supplement 45 € Girolibero bike 20 € high season suppl. (from June 26th to August 29th, 2014) included in the price

4 nights in 3/4* Hotel, 4 breakfast buffets, welcome briefing, luggage transportation, route description and maps, Hotline service. Departures

Every Tuesday and Wednesday from May 6th to September 24th 2014.

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Italy

| 280 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Verona–Venice Across Lake Garda and through Verona

Riva del Garda Rovereto

Soave

San Bonifacio

Abano

Adige

DAy by DAy

Mestre

Padova

Venezia

MARE ADRIATICO

Chioggia

I B E O L O

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4. Peschiera/Desenzano–Verona (35/60 km, elevation up 150/330 m). Today you head to Verona. With the Adige crossing it, this is one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region. Worth visiting are: the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House. 5. Verona–Vicenza (75/40 km, elevation up 470 m). At first, the route starts out flat and then heads through the Monti Berici, a hilly region just south of Vicenza, with a wonderful view of the city. The old city centre is characterized by the beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect known all over the world. Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way. 6. Vicenza–Padova (50 km, elevation up 80 m). Cycling out of Vicenza you will

· · · · ·

Vicenza Verona

Peschiera

Treviso

Lago di Garda Desenzano

Bassano

· · · · ·

Salorno Trento

come across the beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda. Along the Bacchiglione river, the route will continue to the fascinating city of Padova with its famous Giotto’s Chapel and one of the biggest squares of Europe “Prato della Valle”. 7. Padova–Mestre/Venice (40 km, elevation up 0 m). The tour continues easily through the flat Veneto. You will cycle along the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Widmann) until you reach Mestre, Venice’s mainland. You can choose to stay directly in Venice with a price supplement. 8. Mestre/Venice. Departure after breakfast. Transfer back to Bolzano on request when booking the tour. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with the following tours: Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat (p. 31), Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46).

G I

Ad ig

Lago di Caldaro

Bolzano/Bozen

ROUTE pROFILE

- Total Length: 280/345 km - Total vertical up: 1,270/1,450 m - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2 and 5. As a whole it is an easy to manage itinerary, riding on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. There are light hilly bits with short uphill sections. pARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on site). by pLANE

Bolzano is well connected (90–120 min.) with the following airports: Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

GIROLIBERO GREENS

R E E N S

AccOMpANyING MATERIAL

For these tours you receive the complete set of Greens guides (pp.16-17): - Cycling Guide - Maps - Roadbook

Italy

Dolomites Towns, villages and valleys in the shadow of the iconic pink peaks. Lake Garda Among the

most elegant holiday destinations in northern Italy. Venice Forget your bike and directions: Venice is made

for walking and losing yourself !

PRICE PER PERSON

Self guided tour code I01 - Guided tour code I01G

SEASONS

Half Board

REDUCTIONS

DEPARTURES

Standard season: from March 29th to June 27th 2014 and from September 6th to October 18th 2014. High season: from June 28th to September 5th 2014.

170 € (only for Cat. A) 6 dinners included (3-course meals), beverages not included.

3rd/4th person in room: 100 € Cat. B 130 € Cat. A Until the age of 2: 90% From 3 to 5 years: 50% From 6 to 8 years: 30%

Self guided tour: every Saturday and Sunday from March 29th to October 18th 2014. Additionally every Tuesday and Wednesday from May 13th to September 10th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

SELF GUIDED TOUR

Cat. B (2/3* Hotels) 628 € DBL + 145 € SGL + 30 € High season Cat. A (3/4* Hotels) 728 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 40 € High season

GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A (3/4* Hotels) 995 € DBL + 198 € SGL

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet

Extra nights

In Bolzano 65 € Cat. A / B - DBL 85 € Cat. A / B - SGL In Mestre 55/ 65 € Cat. B - DBL/SGL 65/ 85 € Cat. A - DBL/SGL In Venice From 90 € Cat. A / B - DBL From 150 € Cat. A / B - SGL Night in Venice instead of Mestre (luggage delivered to the hotel) From 90 € Cat. A / B - DBL From 150 € Cat. A / B - SGL TRANSFERS

To be confirmed when booking the tour Mestre/Venice–Bolzano 60 € per person (bike included). Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days only on request). Also possible on Tuesday and Wednesday from May 20th to September 17th 2014.

included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide, route descriptions & maps, 4-hour ferry cruise through Lake Garda, 7-days Hotline service, entrance into Villa Valmarana ai Nani, ice-cream in the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza. Guided tour includes also: Cat. A Hotel accommodation, 7 dinners (3-course meals, 1 in Venice), guide on bike, support van in the area, wine tasting, guided visits of Verona and Venice. Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Train transfers.

Guided tour: April 19th, May 17th, June 28th, August 30th, October 4th 2014.

SHORT BREAK |

| 150 km | 5 Days |

Tour code I18 DAY BY DAY

1. Bolzano. Arrival. 2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km). Today you will ride through vineyards and tiny beautiful villages. The dam pathways lead then to Trento. 3. Trento–Peschiera/Desenzano (50 km + ferry). Pedalling along the Adige you reach Lake Garda. A ferry cruise takes you to the southern part of the lake. 4. Peschiera/Desenzano–Verona (35/60 km). Today you head to Verona, one of the most beautiful cities in Veneto region. 5. Verona. Departure. PRICE PER PERSON

475 € DBL; 110 € SGL supplement 45 € Girolibero bike 25 € high season supplement (from June 28th to Sept. 5th, 2014) included in the price

4 nights in 3/4* Hotel, 4 breakfast buffet, welcome briefing, luggage transportation, route description and maps, 4-hour ferry cruise through Lake Garda, Hotline service Departures

every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday from May 10th to September 14th 2014.

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Italy

Tyrol A backdrop of towering mountains, verdant meadows and wooden chalets. Lake Garda Sail across the lake beloved by poets and artists through the ages. Adriatic Sea Venice and her lagoon welcome you on the home stretch of the tour.

| 255 km | 7 Days/6 Nights or 10 Days/9 Nights

Innsbruck–Verona/Venice From the mountains to the sea

Worth visiting are: the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno and Juliet’s House. 7. Verona. Departure.

Innsbruck A

Brennero/Brenner Isa rc Vipiteno/Sterzing o/ Ei sa ck I Bressanone/Brixen

VARIATION

Bolzano/Bozen

Ad ig

Lago di Caldaro Salorno Trento

Riva del Garda Bassano

Ad ig Mincio

Vicenza

Mestre

Soave San Bonifacio

Day by Day

1. Innsbruck. Arrival. 2. Innsbruck–Bressanone (55 km cycle + 40 km transfer, elevation up 570 m). A private transfer will take you to Brennero, where you’ll start cycling into the green Isarco valley. Your cycling day continues with no difficulties through nice villages and green meadows till Fortezza, where you will see the ancient fort. Lake Varna awaits you for a relaxing break before you reach Bressanone. 3. Bressanone–Bolzano (45 km, elevation up 570 m). Continue along the same cycle path, with few kms today: you’ll have the opportunity to visit the huge Sabiona medieval monastery, built on a rocky-hill and dominating the Isarco-valley. Overnight in Bolzano. 4. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km, elevation up 370 m). You will ride along the Adige River, through orchards, vineyards passing the villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. The dam pathways lead then to Trento. 5. Trento–Peschiera/Desenzano (50 km by bike + ferry, elevation up 200 m). Always pedalling along the Adige you reach Rovereto and Mori. After a short ascent, a refreshing descent will follow

Peschiera

Verona

Lago di Garda Desenzano

Treviso

Rovereto

Abano

Padova

Venezia MARE ADRIATICO

and lead you to Torbole and to Riva. The ferry cruise takes you to the southern part of the lake. 6. Peschiera/Desenzano–Verona (35/60 km, elevation up 150/330 m). Today you head to Verona.

PRICE PER PERSON SEASONS

Standard season: from May 8th to June 25th 2014 and from September 6th to September 26th 2014. High season: from June 26th to September 5th 2014.

7. Verona–Vicenza (75/40 km, elevation up 470 m). At first, the route starts out flat and then heads through the Monti Berici, a hilly region just south of Vicenza. The old city centre is characterized by the beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect known all over the world. The ones who consider this stage too long can take a train from several railway stations. 8. Vicenza–Padova (50 km, elevation up 80 m). Cycling out of Vicenza you will come across the beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda. Along the Bacchiglione river, the route will continue to the fascinating city of Padova with its famous Giotto’s Chapel and one of the biggest squares of Europe “Prato della Valle”. 9. Padova–Mestre/Venice (40 km, elevation up 0 m). You will cycle along the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa

3/4* hotels 635 € DBL + 170 € SGL + 40 € High season

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total Length: 255/390 km - Total vertical up: 1,860/2,410 m - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3, 4 and 7. The itinerary is mainly on one of the most beautiful cycle path in Italy. Continuing from Lake Garda to Venice the itinerary is developed riding on secondary streets with low traffic. BY PLANE

Innsbruck (INN) or good connections with the following airports (100–120 min.): Munich (MUC), Salzburg (SZG).

Innsbruck-Verona tour code I32 - Innsbruck-Venice tour code I27

Variation 10 days/9 nights 3/4* hotels 930 € DBL + 245 € SGL + 60 € High season

Bicycle rent SELF GUIDED TOUR

Widmann) until you reach Mestre, Venice’s mainland. You can choose to stay directly in Venice with a price supplement. 10. Mestre/Venice. Departure.

65 € Girolibero bike (7 days) 90 € Girolibero bike (10 days) 15 € Helmet Extra nights

In Innsbruck 65/85 € DBL/ SGL In Verona 65/85 € DBL/SGL

In Mestre 65/85 € DBL/ SGL In Venice From 90 € DBL From 150 € SGL Night in Venice instead of Mestre (luggage delivered to the hotel) From 90 € DBL From 150 € SGL REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 110 € (7 days) 136 € (10 days) included in the price

6/9 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet,

welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, transfer from Innsbruck to Brennero, route descriptions & maps, 4-hour ferry cruise through Lake Garda, 7/10-days Hotline service. Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Train transfers. DEPARTURES

Every Thursday and Friday from May 8th to September 26th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

Italy

Cycle paths 90 % of the itinerary is along the longest cycle route in Italy. South Tyrol Italy’s northernmost region, imbued with both Italian and Tyrolean spirit. Bolzano, Trento, Mantua, Verona Stylish historic centres also great for shopping.

| 275 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Adige Cycle Route From Resiapass to Verona/Mantua A

Passo Resia/ Reschen Pass Merano

Etsch

Bolzano/Bozen

Adi ge

Silandro/ Schlanders

Riva del Garda

Lago di Caldaro Trento

Rovereto

Lago di Vicenza Garda Desenzano Verona Peschiera Padova del Garda Mincio Mantova

Day by Day

1. Bolzano. Arrival. 2. Resiapass–Silandro (50 km, elevation up 120 m). We will drive you to Resia up to 1500 metres of height, where your cycling tour starts. The majestic cycle lane will take you past the lake Resia and the closter of Montemaria as far as Silandro. 3. Silandro–Merano (40 km, elevation up 60 m). The tour continues along the

Adige, passing through orchards and nice landmarks like the imposing Castle Dornsberg. You arrive in the beautiful city of Merano. 4. Merano–Bolzano (35 Km, elevation up 60 m). Still cycling along the cycle lane you reach little towns like Nalles and Andriano and your destination, Bolzano. Take your time for a walk around the capital of the South Tyrol. 5. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 Km, elevation up 370 m). Cycling along the lane you follow the Adige beside apple orchards, Venezia vineyards MARand through the villages of ADRIATICO Ora, Egna and Salorno. Along the river Chioggia banks you ride towards Trento. Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way. 6. Trento–Peschiera/Desenzano (50 km by bike + ferry, elevation up 200 m). You’ll reach the Lake Garda. Before leaving for Riva, don’t miss the sight of the lake from above! The ferry cruise takes you to the southern part of the lake. The boat excursion alone makes the whole trip worthwhile. 7. Peschiera/Desenzano–Verona (35/60 km, elevation up 150/330 m). Today you head to Verona, one of the

PRICE PER PERSON

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 682 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 40 € High season

VARIATION

7. Peschiera/Desenzano-Mantua (45/70 km, elevation up 20/200 m). Today you will follow one of the most famous Italian cycle paths, passing through the villages of Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio. The trip ends in Mantua, wonderful art city. 8. Mantua. Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with following tours: Mantua–Venice/Venice–Mantua (pp. 30-31), Veneto (p. 38).

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet Extra nights

In Bolzano 65/85 € DBL/SGL In Verona 65/85 € DBL/SGL In Mantua 45/75 € DBL/SGL TRANSFER

To be confirmed when booking the tour Mantua/Verona–Bolzano

lanes system. You can ride almost exclusively on well-planned, traffic-free cycle lanes, part of which run along the Adige banks. Towards Lake Garda there is a bit more challenging climb to face. PARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). BY PLANE

Bolzano is very well connected to the following airports (90–120 min): Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

SHORT BREAK

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total Length: 275/315 km - Total vertical up: 830/1,040 m - Terrain: 97% asphalt, 3% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: every day except day 7 Mainly along flat roads with only a few rolling parts. The region of South Tyrol is provided with an excellently-built cycle-

Resiapass–Verona tour code I15 - Resiapass–Mantua tour code I02

SEASONS

Standard season: from May 10th to June 27th 2014 and from September 6th to September 13th 2014. High season: from June 28th to September 5th 2014.

most important and beautiful cities of Italy. 8. Verona. Departure after breakfast.

60 € per person - bike included (min. 4 persons) Available on Saturday (other days only on request).

Resiapass, 4-hour ferry cruise through Lake Garda, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

REDUCTIONS

Not included in the price

3rd/4th person in room: 130 € Until the age of 2: 90% From 3 to 5 years: 50% From 6 to 8 years: 30% included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, transfer from Bolzano to

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €) DEPARTURES

Every Saturday from May 10th to September 13th 2014. Additionally every Sunday from June 29th to August 24th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

| 115 km | 5 Days |

Tour code I30 DAY BY DAY

1. Bolzano. Arrival. 2. Resiapass–Silandro Transfer up to Resiapass, then cycle to Silandro. 3. Silandro–Merano Along the river Adige you will reach Merano. 4. Merano–Bolzano Ride past little towns like Nalles and Andriano until you reach Bolzano. 5. Bolzano. Departure. PRICE PER PERSON

415 € DBL 110 € SGL supplement 45/95 € Girolibero bike/Electro-bike 30 € high season suppl. (from June 28th to September 5th 2014) included in the price

4 nights in 3/4* Hotel, 4 breakfast buffets, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route description and maps, Hotline service. DEPARTURES

Every Saturday from May 10th to September 13th 2014. Additionally every Sunday from June 29th to August 24th, 2014.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Trento Stroll through the Alpine town’s Medieval centre and visit Buonconsiglio Castle. Grappa The King of Italian Spirits, best savoured at its picturesque home, Bassano. Treviso Compact and elegant historic town, one of northern Italy’s unsung jewels.

| 310 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Bassano–Venice Across the beautiful Brenta Valley Bolzano/Bozen

Ad ig

Lago di Caldaro

Salorno Borgo Valsugana

Trento Laghi Levico di Caldonazzo e Levico

Bassano del Grappa Treviso

Adi g

Day by Day

1. Bolzano. Arrival. The bilingual capital city of South Tyrol is a renowned commercial and tourist centre which has a rich history. Today the Italian and the German cultures and ways of life join together. The historical centre of Bolzano is enchantingly beautiful. 2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km, elevation up 370 m). Your cycling tour starts with a ride along the banks of the Adige river, past fruit orchards, vineyards and through the town of Ora, Egna and Salorno. Along the embankments you ride towards Trento with its wonderful frescoed buildings. Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way. 3. Trento–Bassano del Grappa (35 km by train + 60 km by bike, elevation up 600 m). The whole stage schedules 95 km altogether. We suggest anyway to shorten it of minimum 20 km by taking a train from Trento to the lakes area, avoiding in this way the only uphill section of the stage. Starting from the spring of Lake Caldonazzo and Levico, you will follow the river Brenta across its beautiful valley up to Bassano del Grappa, which offers you its famous wooden-roofed bridge and a wonderful historical centre. 4. Bassano–Vicenza (40 km, elevation up 20 m). After a few kilometres from Bassano you reach the little fortified

Mestre

Padova

gli

Vicenza Verona

Lago di Garda

Venezia Chioggia

town of Marostica, which is famous for its castle “Castello da Bassano” and the stone chessboard on its main square. At the end of this stage Vicenza awaits you: this is the famous city of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who built plenty of extraordinary buildings around here.

5. Vicenza–Padova (50 km, elevation up 20 m). You leave Vicenza and ride past the splendid “Villa Rotonda” by Palladio. Through the village of Costozza and then cycling along the river Bacchiglione you arrive at the ancient university city of Padova. Here you will be astonished by the exceptional abundance of architectural masterpieces and art treasures. 6. Padova–Chioggia (60 km, elevation up 0 m). From Padova you cycle along canals. The rivers Bacchiglione and Brenta, which were once important commercial waterways, accompany you to the picturesque fishing village Chioggia, in the Venetian lagoon. 7. Chioggia–Mestre (35 km, elevation up 0 m). Across the islands of Pellestrina and Lido, which separate the open sea from the Venetian lagoon, you reach the stately, beautiful Venice. After a nice long stroll in the city’s fascinating maze of lanes and bridges you will ride to Mestre along the 4 km-long bridge “Ponte della Libertà”. 8. Mestre. Departure after breakfast.

Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with the following tours: Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat (p. 31), Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46). ROUTE profile

- Total Length: 310/350 km - Total vertical up: 410/1,010 mt - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2 and day 3. It is generally an easy route that runs on quiet sideroads and secure cycle lanes. Some hilly sections on day 2 and day 3. PARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). BY PLANE

Bolzano is very well connected to the following airports (90–120 min): Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I13

SEASONS

TRANSFERS

Standard season: from April 26th to June 27th 2014 and from September 6th to September 13th 2014. High season: from June 28th to September 5th 2014.

To be confirmed when booking the tour Mestre/Venice–Bolzano 60 € per person (bike included). Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days only on request).

SELF GUIDED TOUR

Cat. B (2/3* Hotels) 628 € DBL + 145 € SGL + 30 € High season Cat. A (3/4* Hotels) 710 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 40 € High season

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet Extra nights

In Bolzano 65 € Cat. A / B - DBL 85 € Cat. A / B - SGL In Mestre 55 €/65 € Cat. B - DBL/SGL 65 €/85 € Cat. A - DBL/SGL In Venice From 90 € Cat. A / B - DBL From 150 € Cat. A / B - SGL

REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 100 € Cat. B 130 € Cat. A included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Train journey from Trento to Lake area (approx. 40 minutes, 5 € per person + bike). Ferry-boat transfers on day 7 (altogehter about 25 € per person + bike). DEPARTURES

Every Saturday, from April 26th to September 13th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

Italy

The Prosecco route Pedal through the vineyards to the gates of Treviso. Asolo Celebrated as “The City of a Hundred Horizons” for its mountain settings. Three Peaks of Lavaredo Breathtaking, whether viewed from above or below.

| 275 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Cortina–Venice From the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea Brunico/Bruneck DOLOMITI/ DOLOMITEN Bolzano/Bozen

Cortina d’Ampezzo

8. Mestre/Venice. Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with following tours: Venice–Mantua Bike and Boat (p. 31), Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46).

Dobbiaco/Toblach TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO DREI ZINNEN Calalzo

ROUTE PROFILE

e av

Day by Day

1. Bolzano. Arrival. 2. Bolzano–Brunico–Dobbiaco (30 km by bike + 70 km transfer, elevation up 490 m). In the morning a private transfer brings you to Brunico, a lively town with a historical centre and rural surroundings. The route is on a slightly uphill bicycle path along the river Rienz, that leads to Dobbiaco, close to the Austrian border. 3. Dobbiaco–Cortina (35 km, elevation up 330 m). Leaving Dobbiaco you take the cycle path along the Landro valley from where you admire the famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo. Going downhill and southwards you reach Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina is a famous Ski and Mountainsport Resort, with a very elegant and lively centre, where you can go shopping. 4. Cortina–Belluno (40 km by bike + 40 km by train, elevation up 140 m). Today you pedal slightly downhill along the old railway route until you reach San Vito and then Calalzo. Landscape is here very relaxing: you cycle through the Cadore woods, then stop in the small village of Pieve, where you can see the birth house of painter Titian. Train transfer from Calalzo to Belluno (not included in price). 5. Belluno–Valdobbiadene (60 km, elevation up 760 m). From Belluno you pedal along a slightly hilly Toscana-like landscape. You reach then Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the famous land of Prosecco, with its more than 4500 mq of

- Total Length: 275 km - Total vertical up: 2,010 m - Terrain: 87% asphalt, 13% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2 and day 7 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, day 5 and day 6.

Valdobbiadene Sile Treviso

Verona

Asolo

Ad ig

Belluno

Mestre

Venezia MARE ADRIATICO

vineyards. If you like to go for a wine tasting, today is your day! 6. Valdobbiadene–Treviso (65 km, elevation up 290 m). From Valdobbiadene you cycle southwards until you cross the Piave river and enter the Po valley. You’ll cycle next to one of the most important Palladian Villas, the Villa Barbaro in Maser. From here on to Treviso, a city surrounded by water, situated at the confluence of the Sile and Botteniga rivers.

7. Treviso–Mestre/Venice (45 km, elevation up 0 m). Leaving Treviso behind you follow the course of the river Sile up to Casale. Here you’ll be surprised from the “Cimitero dei Burci”, a “graveyard” of old cargo boats, abandoned along the river from the Sixties, to protest against the rise of wheel transport. At the end of the trip Venice awaits you for an evening among canals and narrow streets; accommodation is in Mestre. A supplement applies for lodging in Venice.

You will ride on back-roads with low traffic or for short stretches on unpaved paths in good condition. Mostly in the lowlands with some hilly sections. PARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). BY PLANE

Bolzano is very well connected to the following airports (90–120 min): Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I14

SEASONS

TRANSFERS

Standard season: from May 4th to June 28th 2014 and from September 8th to September 28th 2014. High season: from June 29th to September 7th 2014.

To be confirmed when booking the tour Mestre/Venice–Bolzano 60 € per person (bike included). Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days only on request).

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 655 € DBL + 180 € SGL + 45 € High season

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet Extra nights

In Bolzano 65/85 € DBL/SGL In Mestre 65/85 € DBL/SGL In Venice From 90/150 € DBL/SGL Night in Venice instead of Mestre (luggage delivered to the hotel) From 90/150 € DBL/SGL

REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 90 € included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation,

private transfer Bolzano– Brunico, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service. Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Train transfer from Calalzo to Belluno (approx. 1 hour, 6 € per person + bike). DEPARTURES

Every Sunday from May 4th to July 20th 2014 and from August 24th to September 28th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy-Slovenia-Croatia

| 320 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Venice–Porecˇ The lands of the ancient Republic of Venice

Latisana

Venezia

Monfalcone

Aquileia Marano Lagunare Grado

Treviso

San Donà di Piave Quarto Pia ve d’Altino Laguna di Venezia Mestre Jesolo

ent Portogruaro Oderzo

Caorle

Ison

li Tag Palmanova

SLO

Golfo Trieste di Trieste Piran

MAR ADRIATICO

Portorož Buje HR

Porecˇ

Day by Day

1. Mestre (Venice). Individual arrival in Mestre (the mainland of Venice). The city of Venice will captivate you with its splendour, acknowledged worldwide. 2. Mestre–Jesolo/Caorle/seacoast (40/60 km, elevation up 0 m). After a few kilometres on bike, you take the ferry and then the vaporetto, passing in front of Piazza San Marco. Then you will reach Punta Sabbioni, the area furthest south of the Adriatic coast, which is to the north of Venice. From here you cycle along the stunning seacoast, with various opportunities for a refreshing bath in the sea. The overnight will be in one of the places along this famous coastline. 3. Jesolo/Caorle/seacoast–Portogruaro (70/40 km, elevation up 0 m). Leaving the sea behind you, you will head north towards the Julian Alps, leaving the sea behind you. You will be passing through an area with a multitude of “Valli da

pesca” (stretches of lagoon enclosed by earthen dikes where extensive fish farming is practised) and “casoni” (constructions used by fishermen in the past during the fishing season). Next you will go to the town of Portogruaro, one of the main centres in the period of the “Serenissima Republic of Venice”, which is still impressive even today with its glorious “Palazzi” or “palaces”. 4. Portogruaro–Palmanova/Aquileia/ Grado (60/70/85 km, elevation up 30 m). The trip can be reduced of 20 km by taking a train from Portogruato to Latisana. You will spend the day between the region of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, passing through an area abundant in water and history, among rivers, canals and ancient Roman towns. Your destination will be one of these three: Aquileia, with its Roman excavations, Palmanova, named “the starry city” because from above the town resembles

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

a 9-pointed star, or Grado, a very famous coastal place laying on a nice lagoon. 5. Palmanova/Aquileia/Grado–Trieste (70/50/50 km elevation up 420 m) The trip can be reduced of 30 km by taking a train at the end of the stage from Monfalcone to Trieste. You will once again head towards the sea: the gulf of Trieste awaits you, with many possible stops along the way, such as Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its characteristic bay and Miramare with its famous castle built according to the wishes of Massimiliano d’Asburgo, situated in a beautiful park of more than 20 hectares in size. Just a few kilometres lie between you and Trieste, the ancient port of the Asburgic Empire, which has much to offer in the way of attractions. 6. Trieste–Portorož (45 km, elevation up 470 m). After a few kilometres you will cross over into Slovenia, often

cycling along cycle paths through famous holiday resorts such as Koper, first for a long period a Venetian and then Austrian town, and Piran, another important town which was ruled over for a long time by Venice. You then finally arrive in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa and bathing facilities. 7. Portorož–Porecˇ (55 km, elevation up 470 m). Cycling southwards, you will pass through the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town with a humid environment, which is a key area as regards ornithology. Some kms later you will cross the Croatian border down along Istria, the Adriatic sea’s largest peninsula. In the end you will reach Porecˇ, the tourism capital of Croatia, with its Eufrasian Basilica, which, in 1997, was declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. 8. Porecˇ. After breakfast, end of services. Return to Venice by boat (option).

Italy-Slovenia-Croatia

Caorle A fishing community on the Venetian lagoon and one of the oldest Adriatic resorts. Trieste Stylish and

cosmopolitan, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s gateway to the sea. Porecˇ A historical melting pot on the Istrian coast, from the Romans to the Venetians.

VARIATION ON DAY 2 AND DAY 3

If hotels on the standard itinerary are not available. 2. Mestre/Venice–Oderzo (65/45/30 km elevation up 0 m). The destination of the first stage is Oderzo, a small town with Roman origins. You will have the possibility to shorten the stage with a train transfer to Quarto d’Altino or San Donà di Piave. 3. Oderzo–Portogruaro (45 km elevation up 0 m). A trip along a quiet plain rich of water will lead you to Portogruaro, an important centre of the ancient‚ “Serenissima Republic of Venice”. ROUTE PROFILE

- Total Length: 320/340 km - Total vertical up: 1.390 mt - Terrain: 92% asphalt, 8% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: NO - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 4 and 5. You will ride the first three along flat roads, across the Veneto and Friuli plain, and the last three stages on slightly hillier sections.

PRICE PER PERSON SEASONS

Standard season: from April 12th to June 6th 2014 and from September 14th to September 27th 2014. High season: from June 7th to September 13th 2014.

SELF GUIDED TOUR

2/3* Hotels 628 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 70 € High season

Bicycle rent

70 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet Extra nights

In Mestre 65 € DBL 85 € SGL

Tour code I04

In Porecˇ 65 € DBL 85 € SGL In Venice From 90 € DBL From 150 € SGL

REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 100 € included in the price

FERRY BOAT TRANSFER

To be confirmed when booking the tour Transfer Porecˇ-Venice by boat around 8 am (approx. 150 min.). Price 60-65 € per person (+ 10 € for own bikes), depending on the season. The booking (complete with full names, passport number, nationality, date of birth) is compulsory when sending the reservation. In case of strike or any other reason interrupting the ferry service, a coach transfer service will be organized.

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, Vaporetto + ferry transfer from Venice to Punta Sabbioni (for the departure of July 19th the ferry transfer will be replaced by a coach transfer), 7-days Hotline service.

Monfalcone–Trieste (approx. 25 min, 6 €). DEPARTURES

Each Saturday from April 12th to July 19th 2014 and from August 23rd to September 27th 2014. Additionally each Friday from May 30th to July 11th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Train transfers: Portogruaro–Latisana (approx. 10 min, 5 € per person);

BY PLANE

Venice is well connected with the following airports: Venice (VCE) Treviso (TSF), Verona (VRN), Trieste (TRS).

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Adige River cycle path Along Italy’s longest bike route, from Bolzano to Riva del Garda. Lake Garda Once the playground of the rich and famous, still elegant and a natural haven. Ferrara A flagship of Renaissance town planning, now “Italy’s Cycling Capital”.

| 315 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Ferrara The Waterways of Northern Italy

nights or to combine with the tour: Veneto (p. 38).

Ad ig

Bolzano/Bozen

Trento Riva del Garda

ROUTE pROFILE

Rovereto

S.Benedetto Ostiglia

Governolo

Mincio

Mantova

Verona

Padova Laguna di Venezia

Ad ig

Treviso Si le

Br Vicenza Desenzano Peschiera

Venezia MARE ADRIATICO

Sermide Stellata

Ro Ferrara

DAy by DAy

1. Bolzano. Arrival. Bolzano is a famous commercial and tourist centre and also a historical and cultural connection between the Italian and the German world. 2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km, elevation up 370 m). Today you will ride mostly along the Adige River, through orchards, vineyards passing the villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. The dam pathways lead then to Trento. Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way. 3. Trento–Peschiera/Desenzano (50 km by bike + ferry, elevation up 200 m). Always pedalling along the Adige you reach Rovereto and Mori. From here westwards towards Lake Garda. After a short ascent, a refreshing descent will follow and lead you to Torbole and to Riva. The ferry cruise takes you to the southern part of the lake. 4. Peschiera/Desenzano–Mantua (45/70 km, elevation up 20/200 m). Today you will follow one of the most famous Italian cycle paths, passing through the villages of Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio. The stage ends in Mantua, wonderful art city. 5. Mantua–Ostiglia/Sermide (45/65 km, elevation up 0 m). Leaving Mantua along its lakes and the Mincio, you arrive at the historic lock of Governolo and join Italy’s largest waterway: the majestic River Po. A detour leads to Polirone

- Total Length: 315/340 km - Total vertical up: 570/770 km - Terrain: 97% asphalt, 3% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2 and 6

Delta del Po

Abbey at San Benedetto: designed by Giulio Romano for the Benedictine Order, it remains one of the most magnificent in northern Italy. Carrying on along the Po cycleway, you arrive at our night stop at Ostiglia or Sermide, a crossing which witnessed some of the fiercest fighting at the end of the Second World War. 6. Ostiglia/Sermide–Ferrara (65/45 km, elevation up 0 m). You resume along the Po and arrive at Stellata, a settlement where the star-shaped Rocca Possente, an 11th century fortress, once controlled the river’s shipping from the floodplain. At Bondeno you veer off to

catch the scenic cycling path of the Burana Canal, tree-lined all the way to Ferrara. Once ruled by the Este dynasty and a key city state of the Italian Renaissance, Ferrara is now a thriving university town and Italy’s “Cycling Capital”. 7. Ferrara round tour (65/45 km, elevation up 0). Back to the Po river you reach the rural town of Ro where you can admire one of the last remaining floating mills on the Po. You can choose to go back from the same way or make a detour on the countryside. 8. Ferrara. After breakfast end of services. Possibility either to book extra

Mainly along flat roads with only a few rolling parts. The region of South Tyrol is provided with an excellently-built cyclelanes system. You can ride almost exclusively on well-planned, traffic-free cycle lanes, part of which run along the Adige banks. The second part of the tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. pARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). by pLANE

Bolzano is well connected (90–120 min.) with the following airports: Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I21

SEASONS

ExTRA NIGhTS

Standard season: from April 19th to June 27th 2014 and from September 6th to October 6th 2014. High Season: from June 28th to September 5th 2014.

In Bolzano 65/85 € DBL/SGL In Ferrara 65/85 € DBL/SGL

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 682 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 30 € High season

bIcycLE RENT

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet

REDUcTIONS

4-hour ferry cruise through Lake Garda, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service. NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

3rd person in room: 100 €

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €)

INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Every Saturday from April 19th to October 6th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

7 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation,

DEpARTURES

Italy

Lake Garda Sail across the lake beloved by poets and artists through the ages. Ferrara and Mantua Two Renaissance jewels which have flourished along the Po river banks. Po Delta and Adriatic Sea Cycling through broad swathe of lagoons, fishing farms and beaches.

| 300 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

From Lake Garda to the Adriatic Peschiera–Ferrara–Po Delta

also boasts the area’s richest historic centre. Pushing deeper into the lagoon, you explore its fishing farms, or “valleys”, with their fishermen’s shacks, salt marshes and, hopefully, spot some of the Delta’s unmissable flamingoes. The loop takes you back to our hotel. 8. Po Delta. Breakfast and end of tour.

Treviso Verona

nci o

Peschiera

Ad ig

Mi Mantova Po

Venezia

Governolo

S.Benedetto Ostiglia

MARE ADRIATICO

Sermide Stellata

ROUTE pROFILE

Pomposa Ferrara

DAy by DAy

1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda, a fortified town surrounded by the lake’s waters, and renowned for its 19th century military architecture and art treasures. 2. Peschiera del Garda–Mantua (45 km, elevation up 0 m). From Peschiera, skirting the Mincio, you follow Italy’s most famous cycleway and reach Mantua. Along the way, you discover the settlements of Borghetto, with its iconic watermills and Valeggio, with its Parco Sigurtà, a green oasis spread across 600,000 sqm. 3. Mantua–Ostiglia/Sermide (45/65 km, elevation up 0 m). Leaving Mantua along its lakes and the Mincio, you arrive at the historic lock of Governolo and join Italy’s largest waterway: the majestic River Po. A detour leads to Polirone Abbey at San Benedetto: designed by Giulio Romano for the Benedictine Order, it remains one of the most magnificent in northern Italy. Carrying on along the Po cycleway, you arrive to the overnight stay in Ostiglia or Sermide, a crossing which witnessed some of the fiercest fighting at the end of the Second World War. 4. Ostiglia/Sermide–Ferrara (65/45 km, elevation up 0 m). You resume along the Po and arrive at Stellata, a settlement where the star-shaped Rocca Possente, an 11th century fortress, once controlled the river’s shipping from the floodplain. At Bondeno you veer off to catch the scenic cycling path of the

Ostellato

Delta del Po

Comacchio

Burana Canal, tree-lined all the way to Ferrara. Once ruled by the Este dynasty and a key city state of the Italian Renaissance, Ferrara is now a thriving university town and Italy’s “Cycling Capital”. 5. Ferrara–Ostellato (40 km, elevation up 0 m). Today’s stage offers the discovery of two of the Este family’s celebrated Delizie: Belriguardo and Verginese. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, both form part of the collection of country retreats and hunting lodges playfully known as “Delights”. Along with Ferrara itself, in its day a pioneering example of town planning, these villas are listed as World Heritage Sites by virtue of their seemless fusion of Renaissance vision and natural landscape. Overnight stop at Ostellato.

6. Ostellato–Po Delta (55/60 km, elevation up 0 m). The Po di Primaro cycleway leads to the 9th century Abbey of Pomposa, a major centre of learning in the Dark Ages. Cycling towards the coast through the Mesola Forest Nature Reserve, you emerge at the tiny fishermen’s harbour of Goro, with its picturesque waterfront. Welcome to the Po Delta, its fishing “valleys” and brackish lagoon, home to over 300 species of birds. 7. Po Delta Round Tour (50 km, elevation up 0 m). Following the cycleway that joins seven beaches through a landscape of pine woods and white dunes, you arrive at Comacchio, a small town in the heart of the lagoon and considered the Delta’s capital. Founded on 13 islets linked by bridges and canals, Comacchio

- Total Length: 300 km - Total vertical up: 0 m - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 3, 4 and 5 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 4 and 6 The tour is completely on flat terrain and along cycling tracks – typically embankments and country paths – and occasional minor roads with low-level traffic. Some stretches within the Po Delta Reserve are on rough (but unchallenging) tracks, although the tour is largely on tarmacked surfaces. pARKING

In Peschiera: free in unguarded public parking at approx. 1 km from the hotel. by pLANE

Peschiera is very well connected to the following airports: Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE).

pRIcE PER PERSON

SELF GUIDED TOUR

2/3/4*Hotels 628 € DBL + 180 € SGL

bIcycLE RENT

65 € Girolibero bike 15 € Helmet

Tour code I22 ExTRA NIGhTS

REDUcTIONS

In Peschiera 65/90 € DBL/SGL In Po Delta area 50/65 € DBL/SGL

3rd person in room: 100 €

TRANSFERS

7 nights accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route description & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

To be confirmed when booking the tour Po Delta–Peschiera del Garda 290 € (up to 4 persons) 350 € (5-8 persons)

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). DEpARTURES

Every Sunday from April 13th to July 20th and from August 24th to October 5th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Cycle paths Among the best in Italy, to suit all abilities – from meadows to mountains. Centre-based A single home from home, enabling you to plan your excursions at will. Lake Caldaro Nestled in the Dolomites near Bolzano: swim, hike, enjoy the wine route.

| 160 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

South Tyrol Valleys Bike & relax around Bolzano

Vipiteno/Sterzing

Isa

Fortezza

Bressanone/Brixen Merano/Meran Etsch

Renon/Ritten

Appiano Lago di Caldaro

Ponte Gardena

Bolzano/Bozen

Ora/Auer

Day by Day

1. Bolzano. Arrival at the hotel. 2. Renon roundtour (35 km, elevation up 300 m). In the morning you will take the cable railway for an evocative round trip on the Renon plateau, the riviera of the Dolomites. In the 1600s, Renon was the preferred summer residence of aristocratic families from Vienna and Bolzano, who built splendid alpine cottages which you can admire today. 3. Bolzano–Lake Caldaro (45 km, elevation up 400 m). At the beginning of the tour you leave Bolzano behind you and slightly uphill you will pass the higher Appiano. This is followed by a descent through the vineyards to the Lake Caldaro, one of the largest lakes in South Tyrol, where bathing is possible from May to September. By Ora follow the cycle path along the Adige north again. 4. Bolzano. Day of rest. Take the opportunity for a visit to Bolzano or to relax in the hotel. Its mediaeval city centre, Gothic and Romanesque churches and bilingual signage give it a unique flavour of a city at the crossroads of Italian and Austrian cultures. For those who wish to pedal also today, we suggest the itinerary to Trento along a very nice and quiet cycle path (approx. 70 kms) from where you go back to Bolzano by train.

5. Bressanone–Bolzano (45 km, elevation up 500 m). From Bolzano the train takes you to Bressanone, the artistic and cultural capital of the Isarco valley. Here you can visit the baroque Cathedral and a interesting Pharmacy Museum, located in a nearly 500-yearold townhouse. From Bressanone you cycle along the valley, passing through Fortezza and returning finally to the capital of South Tyrol. 6. Merano–Bolzano (35 km elevation up 50 m). By train you reach Merano and

start cycling along the Venosta valley, among apple orchards and vineyards. On your way you ride past sleepy little towns like Nalles and Andriano. Still cycling along the cycle lane you reach your destination, Bolzano. 7. Bolzano. After breakfast end of services.

All the routes are on rural/secondary roads and cycle paths. There are some short ascents and descents mainly in the first stage on Renon plateau.

ROUTE PROFILE

BY PLANE

- Total Length: 160 km - Total vertical up: 1,250 mt - Terrain: 100% asphalt

Bolzano is very well connected to the following airports (90–120 min): Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

PARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site).

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I23

SEASONS

EXTRA NIGHTS

Standard season: from April 12th to June 28th 2014 and from September 6th to September 27th 2014. High season: from June 29th to September 5th 2014.

In Bolzano 65 € DBL 85 € SGL

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

SELF GUIDED TOUR

4* Hotel (Hotel Scala or equivalent if not available) 520 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 30 € High season

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

6 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, route description and maps, train tickets for Bolzano–Bressanone and Bolzano–Merano, 7-days Hotline service.

Not included in the price

Cable railway Bolzano–Renon (about 12 €); Local taxes. DEPARTURES

Every day from April 12th to September 27th 2014.

Italy

Temperate climate Naturally beautiful, ideal for cycling and celebrated for its wines. Sirmione Ancient lakeside settlement, beloved by Catullus, Tennyson, Maria Callas...Tortelli of Valeggio. Pasta in Paradise, since the 14th century, on the banks of the Mincio.

| 165 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Sirmione

Adi g

Lake Garda Roundtour from Peschiera del Garda Lago di Garda

Bussolengo Desenzano

Peschiera

Verona Ad ig

Valeggio sul Mincio

Solferino

Laghi di Mantova

Day by Day

1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda, a veritable city-fortress completely surrounded by water, an architectural jewel of art and culture. 2. Peschiera, round tour (40 km, elevation up 170 m). First day on bike among fruit plantations and vineyards of the eminent Lugana still white wine, characteristic of this region. You arrive in Solferino, the site of the famous battle that ended the Second War of Independence, providing the basis for a united Italy. 3. Peschiera del Garda–Desenzano del Garda (45 km, elevation up 310 m). In the search for another highly-valued place on the west bank of the lake, you will ride on to Desenzano where there will be a round tour on the sweet morainic hills. For the less athletic, the town offers various possibilities to pass several hours relaxing peacefully on the banks of the lake. Transfer by train from Desenzano to Peschiera for the overnight stay. 4. Peschiera del Garda. Day of rest and relax. Use the opportunity for a visit to the walled city and its lake. Alternative excursion to Sirmione by public transportation. 5. Peschiera del Garda–Verona (45 km, elevation up 150 m). Pedal towards Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, with the river Adige passing through it; this is one of the most

Mantova

beautiful cities in Veneto. Don’t miss the Roman Arena, the stunning Church of San Zeno and, naturally, Juliet’s House. Transfer by train from Verona to Peschiera del Garda for the night. 6. Peschiera del Garda–Mantua (35 km, elevation up 20 m). An evocative route which is suitable for everyone along one of the most famous and loved cycle paths of Italy. From Lake Garda to Mantua between the provinces of Verona and Mantua inside the Regional Nature Park of the river Mincio. Transfer by train from Mantua to Peschiera for the overnight stay.

7. Peschiera. Departure or possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with the following tours: Venice–Mantua/ Mantua–Venice Bike&Boat (pp. 31-33).

BY PLANE

Peschiera is very well connected to the following airports: Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE).

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total Length: 165 km - Total vertical up: 650 m - Terrain: 100% asphalt You will ride along routes which are on rural/secondary roads or cycle paths in the area of Garda Lake. The entrance to Verona has slightly more traffic but only for a short stretch.

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I24

SEASONS

EXTRA NIGHTS

Standard season: from April 12th to May 24th 2014 and from September 13th to September 27th 2014. High season: from May 25th to September 12th 2014.

In Peschiera 55 € DBL 85 € SGL In Verona 65 € DBL 85 € SGL

Not included in the price

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Every day from April 12th to September 27th 2014.

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3* Hotel (Hotel Puccini or equivalent if not available) 510 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 80 € High season

Bicycle rent

65 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet

and Mantua–Pescheria as in the itinerary, 7-day service hotline.

Local taxes (approx 8 €). DEPARTURES

6 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, route description & maps, train tickets for Desenzano– Peschiera, Verona–Peschiera

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Euganean Hills Regional Park A lush and striking outcrop of volcanic origin. Padova One of the Veneto’s Cities of Art, home of Giotto’s remarkable Scrovegni frescos. Thermal springs and wellness Abano Terme speaks for itself.

| 160 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Terme Euganee Abano and Montegrotto

antique books. The itinerary continues towards the majestic Villa dei Vescovi, designed in the sixteenth century. A few relaxing hours can be spent while visiting the interiors and enjoying a picnic in the gardens. 7. Abano/Montegrotto. Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with tour Mantua– Venice/Venice–Mantua (p. 30-31), Veneto (p. 38).

Sile Mestre

Bre

nta

gli

Praglia

Padova Abano Terme

Mira

Venezia

Brenta

Stra

Luvigliano

LAGUNA DI VENEZIA

Montegrotto terme

ROUTE profile

Arquà Petrarca

DAY BY DAY

1. Abano/Montegrotto. Arrival at the hotel. 2. Euganei Hills (45 km, elevation up 170 m). A delightful itinerary through the Natural Park of the Euganei hills and its wonderful sights. The first stop will be in the gardens of Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio, one of the most important examples of the classical Italian garden. You will then visit the medieval town of Arquà Petrarca. The destination of your excursion is the walled town of Monselice, a strategic medieval fortress. 3. Padua (35 km, elevation up 0 m). A series of country roads will take you to the unique sixteenth-century Villa Emo Capodilista, now also a prestigious vine-growing and wine-making estate. Following the Bacchiglione river you will come to Padua. You will have a whole free afternoon to discover the wonders this city can offer, such as the Scrovegni Chapel, frescoed by Giotto and a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Basilica of St Anthony, the Prato della Valle square, Andrea Mantegna’s frescoes and the prestigious university founded in 1222. 4. Free day. You can use this day off to relax and enjoy a wellbeing package at the hotel, or you can simply spend the whole day at the pool. Alternatively, you can take a 45-minute train ride into Venice and discover its calli and canals.

- Total Length: 160 km - Total vertical up: 240 m - Terrain: 85% asphalt, 15% unpaved

Chioggia

Monselice

For those who prefer cycling, the new 60-km cycle path around the Euganei hills is the ideal choice. 5. Brenta Canal (50 km by bike + 50 km by train, elevation up 0 m). From Abano you join the Brenta canal, which was built by the Venetians to link Padua with the Venice lagoon and immediately became a crucial communication and trade route. Sumptuous villas were built here between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Three of the most stately buildings are the eighteenth-century Villa Pisani in Stra, Villa

Sceriman Widmann in Mira and Villa Foscari, also known as the Malcontenta, designed in 1559 by Andrea Palladio and now a Unesco World Heritage Site. The return journey is by train, from Mestre. 6. Praglia–Villa dei Vescovi (30 km, elevation up 70 m). You conclude the week with an easy itinerary that will take you to the celebrated Benedictine abbey in Praglia, founded in the eleventh century and for centuries a key agricultural management centre for the Paduan countryside. The abbey is now a centre of excellence for the restoration of

Four simple itineraries totalling about 160 km, all relatively level except for the first, which includes very little difference in altitude. The routes are along safe cycle paths or roads with very little traffic. PARKING

In Abano/Montegrotto: free in the private parking place of the hotel. BY PLANE

Abano and Montegrotto Terme are well connected (60-120 min.) with the following airports: Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), Treviso (TSF) and Bologna (BLQ).

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I25

SEASONS

HALF BOARD

Standard season: from April 19th to June 22nd 2014 and from September 6th to October 4th 2014. High season: from June 23rd to September 5th 2014.

80 € 3 dinners included (3-course meals) 140 € 6 dinners included (3-course meals) Beverages not included.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3* Hotel (Hotel Aqua or equivalent if not available) 435 € DBL + 200 € SGL + 40 € High season

Bicycle rent

70 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet

included in the price

6 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, route description and maps, swimming pool entrance, 7-days Hotline service.

Not included in the price

Local taxes. Special treatments at the hotel Spa. Train transfer: Mestre–Terme Euganee (approx 45 min, 8 € per person) DEPARTURES

Every day from April 19th to October 4th 2014.

Italy

Truffles The famous local “Black Diamonds” are often used in Piedmontese gastronomy. Vineyards Cycle through acre upon acre of vineyards and lush, hilly farmland. Langhe The renowned wine-producing region, home of Barolo, Barbera and Dolcetto.

| 240 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Piedmont Wine and food lovers’ paradise! Po

Casale Monferrato

Torino

Po Alessandria

ro Tana Bo

Asti

Neive Alba

Canelli

Day by Day Itinerary

1. Alessandria. Arrival in Alessandria, a city divided by the river Tanaro. Worth a visit is Piazza della Libertà and Piazza Duomo with its wonderful neoclassical cathedral. 2. Alessandria–Acqui Terme (50 km, elevation up 530 m). You cycle for a few Kilometers along the Strada Franca, an ancient road dating back to 1454. You will pass across smooth hills, woods and small isolated villages where you will be able to taste local products and excellent local wines (Barbera and Dolcetto d’Acqui among others). Acqui Terme: famous for its spring waters, like the “Bollente” situated in the historical centre. 3. Acqui Terme–Alba (55 km, elevation up 1,000 m). You come across the famous hills of the Langhe, the countryside and the vineyards as well as the splendid small villages of Montabone, Rocchetta Palafea and Canelli. The stage ends in Alba, home of the most precious of the truffles, the Tartufo Bianco, and of the famous “Dolcetto d’Alba”. 4. Alba–Asti (35 km, elevation up 250 m). A route through vineyards and along panoramic paths which will eventually take you to Asti in the heart of Monferrato. Do visit the historical centre with its famous towers, the Romanic monuments and the splendid Gothic cathedral. 5. Excursion to Torino or Asti round tour (35 km, elevation up 300 m).

Acqui Terme

Today you have a choice between cycling across the Asti hills and their nature parks and a trip by train to Torino, which can be reached in about one hour. Torino, the first capital of Italy, is a city with splendid monuments, tree-lined roads and ancient cafés, which offer a choice of chocolate-based specialties. 6. Asti–Casale Monferrato (55 km, elevation up 700 m). Take advantage of the hospitality of the wine cellars and restaurants along the way, which offer an excellent eno-gastronomical choice. In Monferrato you will eventually meet the river Po, the longest river in Italy. 7. Casale Monferrato–Alessandria (45 km, elevation up 150 m). Further cycling across green hills and cultivated

lands. Passing through the small villages on the right side of the Po river you will return to Alessandria where the tour ends. 8. Alessandria. Departure after breakfast. Possibility to book extra nights.

The highest elevation gap is on the stages Acqui Terme–Alba and Asti–Casale Monferrato. A bit more traffic is to be faced when approaching the towns of Alessandria and Asti.

ROUTE profile

In Alessandria: private garage at a cost of approx 12 € per day close to the hotel (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site).

- Total Length: 240/275 km - Total vertical up: 2,630/2,930 m - Terrain: 91% asphalt, 9% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 6 and 7. - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 7. Tour of an average difficulty mainly running on paved roads with low traffic.

PARKING

BY PLANE

Alessandria is well connected (60 – 180 min.) with the following airports: Torino (TRN), Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) and Milano Malpensa (MXP).

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I05 extra nights

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 655 € DBL + 175 € SGL

Bicycle rent

70 € Girolibero bike 15 € Helmet

route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

In Alessandria 55 € DBL 75 € SGL

Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10 €). Train transfer to Torino (approx. 45 min., 7 € per person + bike ).

REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 100 € included in the price

DEPARTURES

Every Saturday from April 19th to October 4th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation,

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Pisa The ancient university town renowned for its iconic Tower, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Montecatini Terme This charming spa town in the hills has attracted visitors for centuries. Florence Cradle of the Renaissance and relished by art lovers worldwide.

| 225 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Tuscany Between Pisa and Florence

Montecatini Terme

Lago di Massaciuccoli Lucca MAR TIRRENO

Pisa

Poggio a Caiano Vinci

MONTI PISANI

1. Pisa. Arrival. The city is famous all over the world for its magic Piazza dei Miracoli with the characteristic leaning tower, the bell tower of the city cathedral. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1987, besides a large number of monuments it also offers a friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city. 2. Pisa–Lucca (30/45 km, elevation up 20/100 m). Today you are pedalling northwards along the river Serchio for an easy stage. For those who wish a slightly longer itinerary, there is the option of going towards Massaciuccoli Lake before reaching Lucca. 3. Lucca–Montecatini (45 km, elevation up 280 m). Through a panoramic road you reach the little village of Collodi and the town of Pescia. In Collodi, where the author of Pinocchio spent his childhood, you could visit the famous Pinocchio’s Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia you could enjoy a quiet stroll among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the local flower street market. 4. Montecatini–Montecatini (60 km, elevation up 310 m). Today’s route offers you again two possibilities. You can relax in one of the most famous thermal cities in Europe and stroll down the narrow lanes of the old city, which is situated on a hill and can be reached by a characteristic cable-railway. Otherwise a pictur-

ROUTE pROFILE

Firenze

Arno

Pistoia

Collodi

DAy by DAy

Florence and reaching Pisa through a train transfer from Empoli or taking a train to Empoli and riding to Pisa along the river Arno. 8. Pisa. Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with tour: Umbria (p. 56)

- Total Length: 225/280 km - Total vertical up: 1,110/1,640 m - Terrain: 88% asphalt, 12% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3, day 5 and 7.

Empoli

esque itinerary will lead you among villas of the Medici family, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful historical farms, going past Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace (visit to the museum possible). 5. Montecatini–Florence (50/65 km, elevation up 150/400 m). Today you have to choose either to start pedalling directly from Montecatini or to shorten the trip through a short train transfer to Pistoia, rich in Romanesque and Renaissance monuments (in particular churches) and

having one of the most evocative squares in Italy: Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). From here back into the saddle, immersed in the Tuscan flatland, to reach Florence 6. Florence. Free day. It will be up to you to decide how to spend your time in one of the world’s most beautiful cities! 7. Florence–Empoli–Pisa (40/65 km by bike + 40/65 km by train, elevation up 100/300 m). Today you can choose if either starting pedalling directly from

The itinerary runs mostly on a flat area with some hilly parts which do not require particular athletic skills. pARKING

In Pisa: free parking place at the first hotel, for the whole duration of the tour. by pLANE

You can fly to Pisa airport (PSA) with various low cost companies.

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I06 ExTRA NIGhTS

SELF GUIDED TOUR

2/3/4* Hotels 698 € DBL + 195 € SGL

bIcycLE RENT

70 € Girolibero bike 15 € Helmet

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

In Pisa 60 € DBL 90 € SGL REDUcTIONS

3rd person in room: 100 € INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route description and maps, 7-day Hotline service.

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Local taxes: (approx 10-15 €). Train transfers: Montecatini–Pistoia (approx. 10 min., 4 € per person); Florence–Empoli (approx. 30 min., 6 € per person); Empoli–Pisa (approx. 30 min., 6 € per person).

DEpARTURES

Every Saturday from April 19th to October 4th 2014. Additionally every Monday from June 30th to July 28th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

Italy

Siena Home of the historical, fast and furious Palio race in Piazza del Campo. Wine The Chianti hillsides produce some of Italy’s noblest wines. Florence Refined and unrushed, a magnet for culture vultures and shopaholics alike.

| 195 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Tuscany Florence, Siena and the Chianti

the Elsa Valley with its towers. 7. Colle Val D’Elsa–Siena (40 km, elevation up 700 m). Standard tour. 8. Siena. Departure after breakfast.

Firenze

Pisa

Arno

Empoli

Tavarnelle

Livorno

MAR TIRRENO

ROUTE profile

Greve in Chianti

Certaldo S. Gimignano

- Total Length: 195/255 km - Total vertical up: 3,180/3,970 m - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: NO - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: NO

Radda in Chianti

Colle Val d’Elsa

Siena

Day by Day Itinerary

1. Siena. Arrival. 2. Siena–Radda in Chianti (45 km, elevation up 900 m). From Siena you start to head north towards the beautiful village of Radda in Chianti. The remains of its ancient walls show the historical significance that this town had in the competition between Florence and Siena. 3. Radda in Chianti–Greve (40 km, elevation up 500 m). The route brings you to Greve over the rounded hills with beautiful views. 4. Greve–Florence (40 km, elevation up 600 m). Florence, capital of the region of Tuscany, spreads on the banks of the Arno, between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. Two of the many artists associated with Florence are Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti. 5. Florence. A full day to spend visiting Florence. The city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its magnificent art and architecture. 6. Florence–Colle Val D’Elsa (40 km by train + 25 km by bike, elevation up 480 m). In the morning a short train transfer will bring you to Certaldo. From here you will then cycle further up to Colle Val D’Elsa. 7. Colle Val D’Elsa–Siena (40 km, elevation up 700 m). From Colle Val

d’Elsa you will cycle to the beautiful town of Siena, which is not only one of the most fascinating towns in Tuscany but is also in a particularly beautiful position, with lovely surroundings. 8. Siena. Departure. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with following tours: Pisa–Florence (p. 55) or Umbria (p. 56). VARIATION

5. Florence–Tavarnelle (40 km, elevation up 700 m). The village of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa has Roman origins; it is named after the ancient taverns offering

accommodation and refreshment located along the road which linked Florence to Siena and thence to Rome. 6. Tavarnelle–Colle Val D’Elsa (45 km, elevation up 490 m). From Tavarnelle you cycle to Colle di Val d’Elsa, which lies in the heart of Tuscany, in a strategically favourable position near the towns of Siena and Florence. It is situated on the via Francigena that connects Rome with the North. On the way you pass Certaldo, whose upper part has remained as it was in the Middle Ages. Further on you come across San Gimignano, which rises on a hill dominating

PRICE PER PERSON

Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly so. The daily distance is about 40 kilometres. Though the daily routes are not too long, they can be strenuous, so we do recommend being in reasonably good physical condition for this tour. PARKING

In Siena: free parking in fenced parking place at approx. 1 km from the hotel, booking is compulsory. BY PLANE

Siena is well connected (70–115 min.) with the following airports: Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA).

Tour code I17 - Variation tour code I31 REDUCTIONS

SELF GUIDED TOUR

Bicycle rent

2/3* Hotels, b&b, agriturismo 698 € DBL + 195 € SGL

70 € Girolibero bike 15 € Helmet

Variation 2/3* Hotels, b&b, agriturismo 648 € DBL + 195 € SGL

3rd person in room: 100 € included in the price

Half board

170 € 6 dinners included (3-course meals), beverages not included. extra nights

In Florence 75/130 € DBL/ SGL In Siena 60/90 € DBL/SGL

7 nights hotel accommodation, free fenced parking place, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Train transfer: Florence–Certaldo (approx. 50 min., 7 € per person + bike). DEPARTURES

Every Saturday from April 19th to September 27th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

| 265 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Umbria Arezzo The green and spiritual heart of Italy

Magione

Castiglione del Lago Chiusi

ve Te

Lago Trasimeno

Perugia

Città della Pieve

Assisi

Bevagna

Spello Foligno

Fabro Todi Orvieto

Spoleto

Lago di Bolsena DAY BY DAY

1. Individual arrival in Orvieto. This breathtaking city was built on the summit of a butte of white tuff and therefore it seems like a fortress standing on the impressive cliffs and overlooking the Umbrian countryside. The Gothic façade of the cathedral of Orvieto is just one of the many unique monuments covering millenniums of history. 2. Orvieto–Castiglione del Lago (30 km transfer + 40/50 km by bike, elevation up 400 m). After a small trip by train to Fabro and its beautiful castle overlooking the Chiana Valley, you start cycling over the rolling hills. You have two choices: either going a bit uphill through Città della Pieve (a medieval village still surrounded by fourteenthcentury city walls and birthplace of the famous painter “il Perugino”) or through an easier but longer stretch through Chiusi. The perfectly preserved medieval town of Castiglione del Lago and its imposing castle surrounded by walls awaits you. 3. Castiglione del Lago–Perugia (40 km by bike + 20 km by train, elevation up 630 m). Following the northern shores of the lake, passing through Passignano del Trasimeno, and crossing hills to finally reach Magione and its castle Cavalieri di Malta. From here you have a short transfer by train to reach Perugia. This city was built as an acropolis on the

hills and has a splendid old town centre surrounded by Etruscan city walls. 4. Perugia–Assisi (35 km, elevation up 320 m). Today there is an easy trip. After having crossed the Tiber plain the stage leads you to Santa Maria degli Angeli at the foot of the hill of Assisi, where many places are linked to the everyday life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Afterwards you then reach the town of Assisi, which will astonish you with its art, monuments and the great atmosphere. The 13th century Basilica di San Francesco is the mother church of the Franciscan Order and burial place of St. Francis. 5. Assisi–Spoleto (45/50 km, elevation up 570 m). This is the most exciting trip

Assisi The Basilica of Saint Francis holds pride of place with its frescos by Giotto. Lake Trasimeno Italy’s largest, with history and nature in harmony. Orvieto Rising dramatically above volcanic cliffs, one of Umbria’s cultural jewels.

of the tour with many possible stops. The first one is Spello, a walled town lying on the ridge of Monte Subasio, with a large number of Roman ruins. You then cycle crossing the Umbrian countryside towards Foligno, famous for its “Piazza della Repubblica” and “Piazza del Duomo”. A small detour leads you to Bevagna and afterwards you can cycle on towards Trevi getting then back to the the main itinerary. The stage ends in Spoleto, a well preserved medieval village, nowadays a flourishing cultural centre of international fame. 6. Spoleto–Todi (60 km, elevation up 620 m). From Spoleto you cycle on towards the village of Castel Ritardi and from this point you leave the Umbrian valley to enter beautiful hills covered with oak and olive trees as far as Todi, considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy, perched on a hill and overlooking the Tiber valley. 7. Todi–Orvieto (45/55 km, elevation up 720 m). Today’s stage leads you through small villages in the middle of the nature. There are some hilly sections, which are however not too difficult to face. A variation of the stage takes you along a bank of the Lake Corbara. On the last kilometres the white tuff cliff town of Orvieto suddenly emerges from the splendid rolling hills. 8. Orvieto. Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or

to combine with tour: Tuscany Pisa– Florence (p. 54). ROUTE profile

- Total Length: 265/290 km - Total vertical up: 3,260 m - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 3, 4, 5 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary taking the train: day 2, 3, 5 The level of difficulty of this itinerary is moderate. The route follows mainly the asphalt low traffic roads and each day you will have to climb a few little steep slopes. On the last two stages between Spoleto and Orvieto you will have the challenge of some more difficult slopes. PARKING

In Orvieto: private garage at a cost of approx 12 € per day close to the hotel (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). BY PLANE

You can reach Orvieto from Roma Fiumicino (FCO), Roma Ciampino (CIA), Perugia (PEG) and Florence (FLR). Orvieto is located on the railway line which connects Rome with Florence and is therefore easy to reach from both cities (approx. 90 min.).

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I19 extra nights

SELF GUIDED TOUR

2/3/4* Hotels 685 € DBL + 175 € SGL

Bicycle rent

70 € Girolibero bike 15 € Helmet

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

In Orvieto 60 € DBL 80 € SGL REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 100 € included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation,

route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service. Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10 €). Train transfers: Orvieto–Fabro (approx. 20 min., 4 € per person); Magione–Perugia (approx. 30 min., 6 € per person).

DEPARTURES

Every Saturday from May 3rd to September 20th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

Italy

Trulli Spend a night in a trullo, an ancient dry-stone “hut”, at Alberobello. Matera Its historic centre dug out of rock, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sea Apulia enjoys a coastline of clean waters, crags, coves and fine sands.

| 320 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Apulia Olive groves and crystal seas

motives done in the 17th-century with the tender stone from Lecce. The old town enclosed by what is left of the ancient walls, bears the impression of that exuberant period. 8. Lecce. Departure after breakfast. Possibility to book extra nights.

Bari MAR ADRIATICO

Alberobello

Matera

Gioia del Colle

Ostuni Locorotondo

Brindisi

ROUTE PROFILE

Lecce

Taranto

- Total Length: 320 km - Total vertical up: 1,450 m - Terrain: 99% asphalt, 1% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 4. - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3.

Otranto Gallipoli MAR IONIO S. Maria di Leuca

DAY BY DAY

1. Matera. Arrival. For millennia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honeycolored soft stone. These houses are called “Sassi” and are today a World Heritage site. 2. Matera–Alberobello (70 km, elevation up 400 m). You cycle to the famous trulli of Alberobello and Locorotondo. Trulli were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. Alberobello is situated upon two hills, once separated by a riverbed. On the eastern hill is the new town, with modern architectural features. On the western hill, the trulli are lined up in an urban conglomeration, subdivided into two districts: Monti and Aia Piccola, both National Monuments from 1930, and today World Heritage sites. 3. Alberobello–Ostuni (45 km, elevation up 280 m). You cycle through the countryside to Ostuni, which is reputed as an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture. 4. Ostuni–Lecce–Gallipoli (70 km by train + 50 km by bike, elevation up 70 m). A train transfer brings you to Lecce. After a few Kilometers through this amazing Baroque town, you go deep into “salentinian countryside”, before

approaching the Ionian coast and your daily destination, Gallipoli. 5. Gallipoli–Santa Maria di Leuca (50 km, elevation up 50 m). Cycling further along the coast you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca. The name Santa Maria di Leuca was given by the ancient Greek sailors who came from the East. They saw this place lightened by the sun and therefore called it “leukos”, meaning white. Santa Maria di Leuca is a famous seaside resort and a fishing area. 6. Santa Maria di Leuca–Otranto

(50 km, elevation up 550 m). Today you will cycle northwards along the Adriatic coast to Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle. 7. Otranto–Lecce (55 km, elevation up 100 m). Riding along the Alimini Lakes and their unique Mediterranean bush you will enter Lecce. Thanks to its Baroque style, it has earned the nickname of Florence of the South. You will come to appreciate the rich sculpted

Mostly in the lowlands, sometimes hilly. Traffic is almost non existent in Apulia except during the high holiday season. The route includes very beautiful stretches on the coast. BY PLANE

Matera is well connected (90 min.) with Bari airport (BRI). Lecce is well connected by train with the airports of Bari and Brindisi.

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code I08 extra nights

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels (in Alberobello Trulli, B&B or residence ) 645 € DBL + 180 € SGL

Lecce–Bari 280 € (up to. 4 persons); Lecce–Bari 340 € (5-8 persons).

In Matera 60 € DBL 90 € SGL In Lecce 60 € DBL 90 € SGL

REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 100 €

TRANSFERS Bicycle rent

70 € Girolibero bike 15 € Helmet

To be confirmed when booking the tour Bari–Matera 45 € per person (min. 2 persons); Lecce–Matera 70 € per person (min. 2 persons);

included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). Train Transfer Ostuni–Lecce (approx 60 min., 8 € per person + bike). DEPARTURES

Each Saturday from March 29th to June 14th and from August 30th to October 18th. Special departure dates can be organised for at least 6 persons!

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Fish The freshest catch on your plate, along a coastline of fishing communities. Sleepy villages, timeless mule tracks, unrushed hospitality. Noto Jewel in the crown of Sicily’s baroque towns and villages. As for the marzipan...

| 230/195 | 8 Days/7 Nights or 7 Days/6 Nights

Sicily The land of lemons and oranges PARCO DELL'ETNA

background, the centre of Siracusa is a wonderful example of an ancient city. 8. Siracusa. Departure after breakfast. Possibility to book extra nights.

Catania

Piazza Armerina

MAR IONIO

ROUTE profile Caltagirone

Vittoria

- Total length: 230/195 km - Total vertical up: 1,670/1,170 mt - Terrain: 100% asphalt - Train connection among the overnight stays: NO - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: NO

Siracusa

Ragusa

Noto

Modica MAR MEDITERRANEO

Pozzallo

DAY BY DAY

1. Caltagirone. Arrival. 2. Caltagirone–Piazza Armerina– Caltagirone (35 km, elevation up 500 m). In the morning there is a transfer to Piazza Armerina with its Villa Romana del Casale, 5 km southwest of town. First excavated in 1950, it was probably a hunting lodge and summer home and is decorated with multicoloured mosaic floors that are unique throughout the Roman world in their quality and extend. After the visit cycle back to Caltagirone. 3. Caltagirone–Modica (45 km by bike + 40 km transfer, elevation up 650 m). From Caltagirone you cycle southward until you reach Vittoria where a transfer will bring you to Modica. The upper town is watched over by the magnificent 18th century façade of the church of San Giorgio. 4. Modica–Pozzallo (35 km, elevation up 180 m). Before leaving Modica try the famous spicy chocolate. From Modica you will gradually descend alongside the caves characteristic of the Iblei mountains to Scicli, totally rebuilt in the Baroque style after the earthquake of 1693. Continue onwards through the marine centre of Pozzallo. 5. Pozzallo–Marzamemi (55 km, elevation up 100 m). This day of cycling on an almost completely flat course will bring you through Portopalo di Capo Passero, continental Europe’s southern-

Marzamemi

most point. Before arriving to Marzamemi, the beautiful island of Correnti marks where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. 6. Marzamemi–Noto (25 km, elevation up 180 m). The route takes a turn to the north passing through the relatively untouched and pristine natural preserve of Vendicari, where you can relish the beauty of the countryside. The trip continues north, ending the day at the city of Noto, considered to be the finest

Baroque town in Sicily. Completely devastated in the earthquake of 1693 the city was rebuilt in the style of that time with beautiful honey-coloured stone buildings with ornate churches and monuments surrounding attractive piazzas. 7. Noto–Siracusa (35 km, elevation up 60 m). Heading north, the route continues towards Siracusa, the capital of Ancient Greece and home to Archimedes. With the Island of Ortigia in the

PRICE PER PERSON

The itinerary develops on low traffic side roads except for the short part entering Siracusa. Most of the stretches are on lowlands with some slightly hilly passages. This tour is however suggested to people with a minimum of bike practise. BY PLANE

Caltagirone and Siracusa are well connected (90 min.) by bus and train with Catania airport (CTA).

Tour code I28 - Variation tour code I29 TRANSFERS

SELF GUIDED TOUR

Bicycle rent

2/3* Hotels, B&B or agriturismo 645 € DBL + 180 € SGL

70 € Girolibero bike 15 € Helmet

Variation 7 days/6 nights Arrival on Sunday in Caltagirone 605 € DBL + 150 € SGL

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

extra nights

In Caltagirone 45 € DBL 65 € SGL In Siracusa 50 € DBL 75 € SGL

To be confirmed when booking the tour (min. 2 pax) Catania–Caltagirone 50 € per person; Siracusa–Catania 60 € per person. REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 100 € included in the price

7/6 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, transfer from Caltagirone to

Piazza Armerina and from Vittoria to Modica, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service. Not included in the price

Local taxes (approx 10 €). DEPARTURES

Each Saturday from March 29th to June 14th 2014 and from August 30th to October 18th 2014. Special departure dates can be organised for at least 6 persons!

France

Avignon The splendid city of exiled Popes, fine wines and the acclaimed theatre festival. Camargue Nature Park Wild white horses, black bulls and flushed flamingoes. Uzès Lofty and picturesque town with a colourful history, from the Romans to the Cathars.

| 305 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Provence and Camargue Roman sites and Van Gogh landscapes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Uzès Avignon

Pont du Gard

Nîmes

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence hôn tR e

Pet i

Les-Baux-de-Provence Arles

Gr hô

Montpellier

St. Maries-de-la-Mer

Aigues-Mortes

Réserve Naturelle de Camargue

DAY BY DAY

1. Individual arrival in Arles, the city of diabolical “ferias”, muse of artists and poets, known for its rich ancient and Romanesque heritage. 2. Arles–Aigues-Mortes (65 km, elevation up 20 m). We leave the city and we go into the delta of the Rhône, better known as “Camargue”, where nature still prevails over civilization. We will cycle among cane fields, salt lakes, flamingos, horses and bulls. We will stop in Saintes-Maries-de-laMer, and then we will continue towards the medieval fortress of Aigues-Mortes. 3. Aigues-Mortes–Nîmes (40 km, elevation up 80 m). Back to civilization. Following streets with low traffic we reach the populated centre of Nîmes; rich in art and history, it is also called the “Rome of France”, but it also reminds Spain with its arenas and bullfighting. 4. Nîmes–Uzès (45 km, elevation up 260 m). After a tour of the city, surrounded by its Roman past, you will cycle up to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a truly spectacular work. You can refresh with a bath on the banks of the river Gard before reaching Uzès. 5. Uzès–Avignon (50 km, elevation up 220 m). Riding through gentle hills, today we will reach the capital of Provence. It was a papal city for nearly a century and here seven popes decided,

in 1300, the destiny of the Christian Church. A real open air museum. Before the arrival, stop at the beautiful ancient village of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. 6. Avignon–Châteauneuf-du-Pape– Avignon (45 km, elevation up 100 m). We will cycle towards Châteauneuf-duPape, following low-traffic roads and surrounded by vineyards. We cross the river Rhône at the height of Roquemaure and we will come back in Villeneuve along the Rhône banks. 7. Avignon–Arles (60 km, elevation up 300 m). After leaving the Palace of the Popes, we will cycle again to close the tour returning to Arles. Along the way,

we cannot miss a stop at the famous Saint-Rémi-de-Provence and Les-Bauxde-Provence made well-known throughout the world by Van Gogh. 8. Arles. After breakfast, end of services.

Route mostly on low traffic roads in rural and city areas. Short stretches are on unpaved roads. A couple of days present some short uphill with the only relevant ascent to Les-Baux-de-Provence (4km of gentle ascent).

ROUTE PROFILE

BY PLANE

- Total Length: 305 km - Total vertical up: 980 m - Terrain: 91% asphalt, 9% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 3, 7 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3 and 7.

Arles is well connected to some airports: Marseille Provence (MRS), Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS), Nîmes Garons (FNI), Avignon Caumont (AVN). Montpellier Mediterranée (MPL).

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code F13

SEASONS

extra nights

DEPARTURES

Standard season: from April 5th to June 28th 2014 and from September 28th to October 11th 2014. High season: from June 29th to September 27th 2014.

In Arles 70 € DBL 105 € SGL In July and August prices on request.

Every Saturday from April 5th to June 28th and from July 26th to October 11th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

SELF GUIDED TOUR

2/3/4* Hotels 695 € DBL + 225 € SGL + 45 € High season

Bicycle rent

70 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet

included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, welcome briefing in English, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service, hotel taxes.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

France

| 295 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Loire valley From Orléans to Saumur

Orléans Loir St.Dye

Angers Loire

Saumur

RignyUssé

Tours

Blois Amboise Chaumont Chenonceaux

Villandry

Indre

Day by Day

1. Orléans. Independent arrival in Orléans, homeland of Joan of Arc. 2. Orléans–Beaugency/St. Dyé (30/50 km, elevation up 0 m). You pedal along the Loire alternating cycle paths with back-roads. After a visit to the Cathedral of Clery St. André you arrive at the Chateau Dunois with the beautiful medieval centre of Beaugency. A land full of water and culture will lead the way to the beautiful town of St. Dyé, an ancient river harbour. 3. Beaugency/St. Dyé–Blois (70/50 km, elevation up 140 m). From the huge park surrounding Chambord Castle today’s trip continues on to Cheverny Castle through the forest of Boulogne. One last ride to the castle of Beauregard across the forest before you arrive in Blois. 4. Blois–Amboise (45 km, elevation up 80 m). After the visit of the city of Blois and its impressive castle, you pedal

Chambord Cheverny

Che

Chinon

Beaugency

through forests up to the town of Onzain. Here it is possible to visit the castle of Chaumont built on the top of a hill overlooking the river. In Amboise you cannot miss the house where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. 5. Amboise–Tours (55 km, elevation up 200 m). After the forest of Amboise you arrive to Chenonceaux, known as the castle of the three ladies. You continue along the river Cher up to the city of Tours. You might also decide to stop for a visit at the castle of Nitray with its famous wine cellars. 6. Tours–Chinon (60 km, elevation up 140 m). Pedalling between the Loire and the Cher rivers you arrive at Villandry Castle, well known for its gardens. Following the Loire river, you’ll reach the city Langeais where you can stop for a break. Before arriving in Chinon you will visit Ussé, where there is the castle of Sleeping Beauty. 7. Chinon–Saumur (35 km, elevation up

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

160 m). The tour continues along country roads beyond the confluence of the rivers Loire and Vienne arriving in Savigny en Vèron and the sites of Candes St-Martin. A few Kilometres away there is the castle of Montsoreau from which you can enjoy the landscape over the Fontevraud Abbey. At the end of the stage you will visit Saumur, considered the “Pearl of Anjou”. 8. Saumur. After breakfast end of services. ROUTE PROFILE

- Total Length: 295 km - Total vertical up: 720 m - Terrain: 91% asphalt, 9% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. On this tour you cycle through the wonderful Loire Valley. This cycle trip is

not very demanding, though sometimes there are some hilly sections. The daily stages are not very long – always about 50 kms – mostly in the lowlands. The itinerary is mainly on cycle paths or paved roads with a low volume of traffic. PARKING

In Orléans: unguarded free parking inside the hotel property included in the price. BY PLANE

Orléans is well connected with the following airports (120-210 min.): Paris Charle de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), Paris Beauvais (BVA) and Nantes (NTE).

France

Château de Chambord King of all the Loire castles, famously welcomed Molière. Tours The town is a UNESCO Heritage Site, with its fabled cathedral, castle and wines. Forest of Blois Immerse yourself in nature as you cycle from Blois to Amboise.

PRICE PER PERSON

Tour code F03

SEASONS

TRANSFERS

DEPARTURES

Standard season: from April 26th to June 6th 2014 and from August 30th to September 27th 2014. High season: from June 7th to August 29th 2014.

To be confirmed when booking the tour Saumur–Orléans 65 € per person (bike included). Only on Saturday.

Every Saturday from April 26th to September 27th 2014. Additionally every Sunday from June 1st to September 7th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

SELF GUIDED TOUR

Cat. B: mainly 2* Hotels + one 3* Hotel 580 € DBL + 175 € SGL + 35 € High season Cat. A: mainly 3* Hotels + few 2* Hotels 670 € DBL + 200 € SGL + 45 € High season

Bicycle rent

70 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet HALF BOARD

150 € Cat. B 160 € Cat. A 6 dinners included (except the one in Tours), beverages not included and to be paid on site. Extra nights

In Orléans 55 € Cat. A / B - DBL 85 € Cat. A / B - SGL In Saumur 55 € Cat. B - DBL 85 € Cat. B - SGL 65 € Cat. A - DBL 100 € Cat. A - SGL

REDUCTIONS

3rd person in room: 60 € Cat. B 80 € Cat. A included in the price

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service, hotel taxes.

VARIANTE ORLÉANS–TOURS |

| 175 km | 6 Days

Tour code F04 DAY BY DAY

1. Orléans. 2. Orléans–Beaugency/St. Dyé. 3. Beaugency/St. Dyé–Blois. 4. Blois–Amboise. 5. Amboise–Tours. 6. Tours. PRICE PER PERSON

Cat. B: 445 € DBL + 125 € SGL + 20 € High season Cat. A: 510 € DBL + 140 € SGL + 30 € High season Bicycle rent

+ 50/125 € Girolibero bike/e-bike HALF BOARD

+ 110 € Half board* Cat. B + 120 € Half board* Cat. A *4 dinners (except the one in Tours), beverages not included INCLUDED 5 nights hotel accom-

modation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, Hotline service, hotel taxes. DEPARTURES Every Saturday from April 26th to September 27th. Additionally every Sunday from June 1st to September 7th 2014.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

France-Great Britain

| 340/320 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Paris–London & London–Paris Ladies and Gentlemen: the Avenue Verte! London

Coulsdon

Thames

Crawley Brighton Newhaven

East Grinstead

Polegate

ENGLISH CHANNEL

F Dieppe Forges-les-Eaux

Seine

Gisors Vernon

Paris–London

London–Paris

Paris–London Day by Day

1. Bienvenue à Paris! Those arriving in the early afternoon can make a first visit of the Ville Lumière. 2. Paris–Cergy (55 km, elevation up 100 m). Au revoir Paris! Starting from Notre Dame you can either choose to leave Paris from Canal St Denis or to follow the Axe Historique from the Louvre with the Champs Elysées through the Arc de Triomphe till the new Défense district. After Nanterre, you will come to the islands and parks so dear to the impressionists, once a choice for Sunday trips, somewhere to spend the afternoon en plen air on a boat between the Seine and the Marne. Welcome to the Promenade Bleue in Paris! 3. Cergy–Gisors (65 km, elevation up

Gournay-en-Bray Villarceaux Théméricourt Saint-Denis Cergy Nanterre Paris

350 m ). Your journey continues through the heart of the Vexin natural park, home to picturesque towns, castles and farmhouses. After Théméricourt and its spectacular Maison du Parc, you continue to Villarceaux and its eighteenthcentury castle of the same name. After the little town of Bray-et-Lû you will proceed along the river Epte to Gisors and the fortress marking the historical Franco-Norman border. 4. Gisors–Forges-les-Eaux (65 km, elevation up 515 m ). Departure from Gisors for Gournay-en-Bray and then on to Forges-les-Eaux, the renowned spa resort. Welcome to Normandy, or rather to Gourmandie, land of unique flavours! 5. Forges-les-Eaux–Newhaven (60 km by bike + ferry, elevation up 60 m). From Forges-les-Eaux you follow the

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

brand new cycle path that will take you directly to the sea, through the wonderful countryside dotted with farms that supply their excellent products to the Norman and Parisian markets. Along the second half of the route the landscape is tinged with blue as you pass through the Arques estuary, overlooked by the castle of the same name and ancient sand caves that have become a refuge for marsh birds. Here you are in Dieppe, France’s leading seaside resort and a favourite with a great many impressionist painters. Appointment on the quayside for the trip across the Channel. Overnight in Newhaven after the crossing. 6. Newhaven–East Grinstead (55 km, elevation up 560 m). From Newhaven take the train to Polegate where you start to pedal. Alternatively you can cycle till Brighton and take the train from there but in this case you will extend the mileage of 20 km. Along the Cuckoo Valley and the old railway line, you will come to Heathfield. From here it gets more difficult but once in Groombridge it will be flat again. Following the Forest Way you arrive to the historic local market town of East Grinstead. 7. East Grinstead-London (45 km, elevation up 90 m). From East Grinstead you take the Worth Way, a cycle path through a wonderful wood to Crawley: an ultramodern city, this will get you ready for The Old Smoke itself, London. From here you take the train to Couldson, where you start cycling through green parks and quite districts to the heart of London. Your finish line for the week will be Westminster. 8. London. After breakfast, goodbye and au revoir!

London–Paris Day by Day

1. Welcome to London. Individual arrival at the hotel. 2. London–Newhaven (55 km, elevation up 280 m). You leave London by bike starting from the magnificent Westminster and River Thames. Heading south through green parks and quite districts you arrive to Coulsdon where you take the train (not included in the package) to Brighton. You can visit the city, one of the best loved in Great Britain, and then pedal to Newhaven along the coast where you will stay overnight. 3. Newhaven–Dieppe (20 km by bike + ferry, elevation up 0 m). The Channel crossing brings you to Dieppe, France’s leading seaside resort. The crossing takes 4 hrs. In Dieppe stretch your legs with a ride along the coast or relax in the sun on its beaches. 4. Dieppe–Forges-les-Eaux (60 km, elevation up 220 m). You will leave behind the sea and the blue of the first part of this stage as you enter the green of the French countryside, dotted with the farms that supply the markets in the north of the country. Before you reach the spa town of Forges-Les-Eaux, we recommend you to stop in Neuchâtel to taste the famous local cheese. 5. Forges-les-Eaux–Gisors (65 km, elevation up 420 m). We are in the Pays de Bray in Normandy, which boasts a very high quality of local flavours and products: butter, cheese, apples, pears, honey, legumes and first class meat. This is why the French use a play on words and say: “Welcome to Gourmandie”! Then you will follow the valley of the river Epte to reach Gisors and its castle,

France-Great Britain

A Tale of Two Cities Two of Europe’s most alluring capitals await your discovery. Brand new cycle route Inaugurated for the 2012 Olympics, a cyclist’s dream. Normandy Enjoy the finest cuisine of the region also known as “Gourmandie”.

which marks the ancient Franco-Norman border. 6. Gisors–Cergy (65 km, elevation up 320 m). You follow the river Epte to Bray-et-Lû where you enter the Vexin Français region and the natural park of the same name, a chalky plain that includes many communes in the Oise valley. In Théméricourt we recommend a visit to the house at the park entrance, where you can also visit the museum dedicated to the natural park. 7. Cergy–Paris (55 km, elevation up 145 m). You leave behind the Oise river to finally meet up with the Seine and its park, so dear to the impressionists. This river will guide you to the Canal SaintDenis and the heart of Paris. If you prefer to spend more time visiting the capital, you can always get a train or the underground to reach the centre more quickly. 8. Paris. After breakfast, end of services and... au revoir! ROUTE PROFILE Paris–London

- Total Length: 340 km - Total vertical up: 1,675 m - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 3, 6 and 7 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 6 and 7

The route follows the Avenue Verte along dedicated cycle paths, road shoulder cycle lanes and quiet country roads. The route is on the level when it follows the main rivers, it then becomes slightly more difficult in the countryside areas, especially in England (for direction Paris to London). Direction London to Paris is the easier of the two options. BY PLANE

Both Paris and London are well served by many airports. Paris: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (PRY), Beauvais (BVA). London: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN). MAXI ASSISTANCE

For this tour, Girolibero offers you MAXI assistance for both group and individual packages. This means that in addition to a guide for the group tour, individual clients can count on the support of a vehicle travelling nearby. Thanks to this service, individual clients can enjoy a worry-free cycling holiday.

PRICE PER PERSON Paris-London Self guided tour code F01 - Guided tour code F01G London-Paris Self guided tour code F02 - Guided tour code F02G included in the price SELF GUIDED TOUR

2/3/4* Hotels (in London: 4* centrally located hotel!) 679 € DBL + 370 € SGL

GUIDED TOUR

2/3/4* Hotels (in London: 4* centrally located hotel!) 985 € DBL + 370 € SGL

In London you’ll stay in a 4* centrally located Hotel!

Extra services for guided tour: guide on bike, 5 dinners (beverages not included). NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

All the train transfers. DEPARTURES

Bicycle rent

80 € Girolibero bike 145 € Electro-bike 15 € Helmet EXTRA NIGHTS

In Paris/in London: on request REDUCTIONS

ONLY WITH GIROLIBERO

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route description and maps, ferry cruise Dieppe-Newhaven (or NewhavenDieppe), support van in the area, 7-days Hotline service.

3rd person in room: 140 €

Self guided tour From Paris: 17.05, 31.05, 14.06, 28.06, 12.07, 26.07, 9.08, 23.08, 6.09, 20.09.2014. From London: 24.05, 7.06, 21.06, 5.07, 19.07, 2.08, 16.08, 30.08, 13.09.2014. Guided tour From Paris: 12.07, 26.07, 9.08.2014 From London: 5.07, 19.07, 2.08, 16.08.2014.

London–Paris

- Total Length: 300/320 km - Total vertical up: 1,385/1,485 m - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 6 and 7 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 2, 6 and 7

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

ROADBIKE

6 Tours in this brochure

more on the website!

Racing bike tours in some of the most beautiful regions in Italy, where in addition to views and legendary ascents you can also enjoy unforgettable food and wine and visit innumerable cities of art along the way.

itALY bolzano–Venice

. . . . . p. 66 | 540 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 655 €

Dolomites and Stelvio pass . . . . . . . . . . .

Lake Garda . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 69 | 390 Km | 7 Days/6 Nights Self guided tour from 510 €

piedmont

p. 67 | 525 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 750 €

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 70 | 510 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 655 €

Veneto

Tuscany

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 68 | 620 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 655 €

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 71 | 735 Km | 8 Days/7 Nights Self guided tour from 718 €

Italy

2100 m

Ad ig

e av Pi

Treviso

Sil

Mestre Venezia

MARE ADRIATICO

Chioggia

DAy by DAy

1. Arrival in Bolzano. 2. Bolzano–Brunico–Dobbiaco (120 km, + 2,200 m, 6.30 h). Private transfer to Corvara, in the Sella Ronda park. Here 4 passes await you, ascents that have written the history of cycling. Variant (80 km) without Sella Ronda. * Ferri says: The colour of the rock and the scents in the air make this a mystical place. The last part includes a lot of downhill route, so don’t be put off by the kilometres. 3. Dobbiaco–Cortina (100 km, + 2,500 m, 6 h). You follow the cycle path along the Landro valley, at the foot of the three peaks of Lavaredo. A slightly uphill stretch, then down to Cortina d’Ampezzo and from here up again towards Passo Falzarego. The final ascent leads you to Majesty the Giau. Variant (70 km) without Passo Falzarego * Ferri says: Passo Giau, is the unquestioned queen of the Dolomites. You really need 34–29… trust me! 4. Cortina–Belluno (100 km, + 2,500 m, 5.30 h). Up again to Passo Giau: from here, an extremely fast downhill ride towards Selva di Cadore, then up to Forcella Staulanza pass and Passo Duran. Today’s stage finishes in Belluno with a 40 km downhill run. Variant (80 km) without Staulanza pass. * Ferri says: A stage included in the

Mestre

Belluno

Valdobbiadene

Ad ig

Venezia

700 m

Trento

Lago di Garda

Treviso

1400 m

BOLZANO/BOZEN

P. Gardena Corvara Cortina D’Ampezzo P. Pordoi Passo Giau P. Campolongo

Valdobbiadene

Dobbiaco

Belluno

Brunico

Corvara

Bolzano

Bolzano–Venice From legendary Dolomites to Adriatic Sea

Cortina

| 540 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Brunico

Sellaronda Pass

Sella Ronda and its 4 Passes: a 60 km climb that has written the history of cycling. Venice Forget your bike and directions: Venice is made for walking and losing yourself ! The Prosecco route Pedal through the vineyards to the gates of Treviso.

2012 Giro d’Italia, here ridden in the opposite direction… which does not make it any easier, in fact this slope of Passo Duran will have your lungs and legs screaming! 5. Belluno–Valdobbiadene (70 km, + 1,000 m, 4 h). You pedal over slightly hilly terrain that recalls the Tuscan landscape and then arrive in Valdobbiadene, surrounded by the famous

Prosecco vineyards. * Ferri says: Today’s stretch takes you up to Passo San Boldo and Pianezze, two historic ascents for the professionals who train in these hills. I recommend a 34–25 gear ratio for the Pianezze pass! Recharging your batteries with a good glass of wine is a must. 6. Valdobbiadene–Treviso (70 km, + 1,000 m, 3.30 h). Up Montello on one of the many roads that lead to the top. After the descent you come to Treviso. On the way you go through Maser, where you can admire Villa Barbaro, a jewel of architecture by Andrea Palladio. * Ferri says: We have over 33 different asphalted ascents to choose: the gradients often reach 10–12%, and even 18% at times. 7. Treviso–Mestre–Venice (50 km, + 300 m, 2.30 h). You leave Treviso and

follow the Sile River to Casale. In the end, Venice awaits you! You stay overnight in Mestre, but can book to stay in Venice, subject to a surcharge. * Ferri says: Enjoy your day in Venice, a city that is one of its kind in the world! But if you really must pedal, there are always the Asolo and Castelfranco hills and back. 8. Mestre. After breakfast, end of services. pARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). by pLANE

Bolzano is well connected (90–120 min.) with the following airports: Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I14R

SEASONS

TRANSFERS

Standard season: from May 4th to June 28th 2014 and from September 8th to September 28th 2014. High Season: from June 29th to July 20th 2014 and from August 24th to September 7th 2014.

To be confirmed when booking the tour Mestre/Venice–Bolzano 60 € per person (bike included). Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days only on request).

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 655 € DBL + 180 € SGL + 45 € High season

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

bIcycLE RENT

195 € High-end road bike 15 € Helmet ExTRA NIGhTS

In Bozen 65 €/ 85 € DBL/SGL In Mestre 65 €/ 85 € DBL/SGL In Venice From 90 € DBL From 150 € SGL Night in Venice instead of Mestre (luggage delivered to the Hotel) From 90/150 € DBL/SGL

INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, private transfer Bolzano-Corvara/ Brunico, GPS tracks for the stages, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €). DEpARTURES

Every Sunday from May 4th to July 20th 2014 and from August 24th to September 28th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

Italy

ge Adi

P. Gardena Val Badia P. Falzarego P. Campolongo P. Sella P. Pordoi Passo Giau Bolzano e Ad ig

P. Gavia P. Mortirolo a Add

DAy by DAy

1. Arrival in Bolzano. 2. Bolzano–Badia Valley (87 km, + 2,790 m, 5 h). You leave Bolzano and reach the Gardena Valley and the village of Ortisei, a renowned wood carving centre. You then start your climb to the passes of Selva, Pordoi and Campolongo. Then the fast downhill into the Badia Valley. * Ferri says: The fireworks start with a bang and in the space of a few hours you’re pedalling in the Sellaronda amphitheatre: colours, scents, a sense of elation and freedom. 3. In Badia Valley (82 km, + 2,460 m, 6 h). From the idyllic Badia Valley to the easy Campolongo Pass, before tackling “His Majesty” the Giau Pass. * Ferri says: Pace yourself as best as you can for the first part of the Giau Pass: it’s tough with some stretches at 12%, and the last 3 km will be long and hard. But once you reach the peak, you’re rewarded with one of the finest views anywhere on the planet. 4. Badia Valley–Merano (98 km, + 1,360 m, 5 h). You climb to the Valgardena Pass to complete your loop of the Sellaronda. The road carries on up towards the Alpe di Siusi and then dips down into Bolzano and Merano. * Ferri says: A relatively less challenging day to catch your breath. Just two climbs, both enjoyable, with half the

Bormio

P. Mortirolo

Bormio

P. Gavia

Merano

Bolzano

1600 m

Merano

Bormio

P. Pordoi

2300 m

P. Gardena

P. Sella

Bolzano

Dolomites and Stelvio Pass Passes and Peaks of the Alps

Campolongo

| 525 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

P. Giau

P. Falzarego

Legendary Passes of the Dolomites Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo, Giau, Fedaia: exhausting but exhilarating. Stelvio Area the celebrated Gavia and Mortirolo Passes – plus, legendary and commandingly beautiful: “His Majesty” Stelvio. Bolzano Italy’s northern outpost town immersed in the Dolomites.

elevation faced yesterday. 5. Merano–Bormio (97 km , + 2,937 m, 6 h). Our cycle path out of Merano rises gently to Prato dello Stelvio and is merely the overture of what lies ahead: the legendary 48 bends that punctuate the 25.4 km and 1,840 m of elevation demanded by the Stelvio Pass. Long and chilly descent into Bormio. * Ferri says: Take it easy out of Merano so as to arrive at Prato dello Stelvio in good shape. Stop to refuel and for a bite before the Big One.

900 m 200 m

6. Bormio–Gavia Pass–Bormio (80 km, + 1,930 m, 4 h). The day is dedicated to the ascent of the historic and fabulous Gavia, where over the years countless champions have challenged one another in the Giro d’Italia. Your day has come! * Ferri says: “We’ve got the Gavia today,” you keep telling yourself on the day, doing the Giro d’Italia: it’s a wonderful, long long climb, though not impossibly strenuous. 7. Bormio–Mortirolo–Bormio (80 km, + 1,800 m, 5 h). Ready to ascend the Mortirolo Pass? – A 12-km monumental challenge and 1,300 m of elevation. This is the historic climb that connects Valtellina with the Camonica Valley. * Ferri says: The first few km are scary: 42 mins is the record time set by Ivan Gotti in 1999, when he won the Giro d’Italia. What will yours be? 8. Bormio. Departure after breakfast.

pARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). by pLANE

Bolzano is very well connected to the following airports (90–120 min): Verona (VRN), Innsbruck (INN).

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I15R

SEASONS

ExTRA NIGhTS

Standard season: from June 1st to June 30th 2014 and from September 1st to September 29th 2014. High Season: from July 1st to August 30th 2014.

In Bolzano 65 € DBL 85 € SGL

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 750 € DBL + 150 € SGL + 40 € High season

INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

bIcycLE RENT

200 € High-end road bike 15 € Helmet

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, 7 dinners (beverages not included), luggage transportation, GPS-Tracks, wellness area and laundry service in Bormio, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €). DEpARTURES

Every Sunday from June 1st to September 29th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Padova Abano Terme

Mestre

Venezia

Laguna MAR ADRIATICO

i Ad

Arquà Petrarca

DAy by DAy

1. Arrival in Vicenza, a city of art and industry, it is where dozens of worldfamous companies are headquartered: Fizik, Selle Italia, Wilier, Campagnolo and many others. 2. Vicenza–Bassano del Grappa (120 km, + 1,500 m, 5 h). From Vicenza you cycle north towards Marostica: you pedal through the square where they play chess and up along the castle walls, heading for the high plain of Asiago. (15 km at 6% that leaves you breathless, but with splendid scenery). The Valsugana cycle path takes you to Bassano. * Ferri says: The worst part is the ascent up to Asiago. I have cycled it hundreds of times with Pozzato, Rebellin, Ballan… you are highly likely to meet them on these roads. 3. Bassano del Grappa–Treviso (120 km, + 2,500 m, 6 h). Ascent to Monte Grappa, where epic battles were fought in the World War I, but also in the Giro d’Italia and in the historic race that has been run here since 1930: 27 km, a difference of 1,500 metres in altitude, with a central apparently flat stretch of 3.5 km. Long descent down to Valdobbiadene in the province of Treviso, through the Prosecco wine hills. Variant (80 km). Without the Grappa ascent. * Ferri says: A wonderful route if the weather is good. In bad weather, come down from Monte Grappa via Camposolagna–Campo Croce–Crespano. 4. Treviso–Treviso (100 km, + 1,300 m,

Vicenza

Colli Berici

Colli Euganei

COLLI BERICI

Verona

Abano Terme

1000 m 500 m

Teolo

Peschiera

Treviso

VICENZA

1500 m

Lido di Venezia

Bassano del Grappa

Treviso

Conegliano

Asiago

Marostica

Lago di Garda

Vicenza

Adi g

Veneto Cycling in the road bike land

Montello

| 620 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Monte Grappa

Asiago

Mount Grappa Also featured in this year’s Giro d’Italia, with that historic 27 km climb to 1800 m. Prosecco Paradise By bike through the vineyards of the celebrated sparkling wine. Palladio’s architecture The Renaissance master’s finest designs, in and around Vicenza.

Chioggia

4 h). A tough circular route with continual uphill–downhill stretches through the Montello and Prosecco hills. A visit to Vittorio Veneto before heading back to Treviso. * Ferri says: Today the scenery is still breathtaking here, through vineyards and woods, along roads where many Treviso based professional cyclists train. 5. Treviso–Venice–Chioggia (80 km). A flat route along the canals of the Sile River that head seawards. You cycle through Jesolo, a renowned summer

tourist resort and come to Cavallino Treporti, where you take a ferry that stops in Venice, Lido island, Pellestrina and Chioggia. * Ferri says: An easy stage, on the flat, dominated by the scent of the sea. 6. Chioggia–Abano Terme (100 km, + 1,000 m, 4 h). The stage starts with 40 km of flat cycling along the rivers to Monselice. From here you come to the Euganei Hills regional park, where you find continual ascents and descents and delightful little towns such as Arquà Petrarca. This stage ends in Abano Terme, a renowned spa resort. * Ferri says: Be careful of the wind during the first part and pace your pedalling, as the last part is winding with some of the ascents arduous and up to 3–4 km long.

7. Abano Terme–Vicenza (100 km, + 1,300 m, 4 h). Cycle to Ponte di Barbarano, where the road starts to rise and fall a dozen times, through the Colli Berici. Down towards Costozza and after a few km on the level, as you come into Vicenza, you can admire the marvellous Villa La Rotonda by Palladio. * Ferri says: Not much traffic and a route through green countryside, short yet challenging ascents before the final descent… arms up towards the sky and dream of winning! 8. Vicenza. Departure. by pLANE

Vicenza/Mestre are well connected with the following airports: Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), Treviso (TPS), Bergamo (BGY-150 min).

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I03R

SEASONS

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3/4* Hotels 655 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 35 € Middle season + 55 € High season

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

bIcycLE RENT

195 € High-end road bike 15 € Helmet hALF bOARD

170 € 6 dinners included (3-course meals), beverages not included. ExTRA NIGhTS

In Vicenza/Treviso From 55 €/85 € DBL/SGL In Mestre 65 €/85 € DBL/SGL In Venice From 90/150 € DBL/SGL

Night in Venice instead of Mestre (luggage delivered to the Hotel) From 90/150 € DBL/SGL

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

REDUcTIONS

Every Saturday and Sunday from March 29th to October 25th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

3rd/4th person in room: 130 € INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages, 7-days Hotline service, 12-hoursticket for Venice public transport (bike not included, approx. 4 €).

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). DEpARTURES

Italy

Lago di Garda Sirmione

Bardolino

Adige

Mincio

DAy by DAy

1. Individual arrival in Peschiera del Garda, a treasure trove of art and architecture surrounded by water. 2. Round tour (70 km, + 320 m, 3 h). First day on the saddle through orchards and vineyards of Lugana, the still white local wine. You come to Solferino, site of the famous battle that marked the end of the Second War of Independence. * Ferri says: This stage in the hills surrounded by the scents of the countryside is easy and pleasant, on secondary roads with very little difference in altitude. Take it easy, today is just a warm-up stage! 3. Peschiera del Garda–Desenzano del Garda–Salò (90 km, + 680 m, 4 h). Today’s stretch takes you to Salò and continues with a round trip on gently rolling moraine hills. For those feeling under par, this town offers plenty of chances to relax on the lakeside. * Ferri says: There’s a fine ascent that takes you from Desenzano to Polpenazze del Garda: you can put your all into it because it’s followed by a long easy descent into Salò. 4. Peschiera del Garda–Torri del Benaco (70 km, + 600 m, 3 h). The road runs along the lakeside and rises northwards through the towns of Lazise, Bardolino and Garda. When you get to Torri del Benaco, you climb to Castion Veronese, with hills of olive trees

Verona

Negrar

Verona

PESCHIERA DEL GARDA

Bardolino

400 m

Garda

Desenzano

Solferino

800 m

Ad ige

Torri del Benaco

Cima Veleno

1200 m

Cima Veleno

Torri del Benaco

Solferino

Lago di Iseo

Salò

Peschiera

Lake Garda Peschiera roundtour

Sirmione

| 390 km | 7 Tage/6 Nächte

Salò

Desenzano

Cima Veleno (“Poison Peak”) – backbreaking but views to die for: Lake Garda, olive groves and the blue yonder above. Lake Garda Among the most elegant holiday destinations in northern Italy. Temperate climate Naturally beautiful, ideal for cycling and celebrated for its wines.

keeping you company the whole way. * Ferri says: A very pleasant route along the lakeside with lovely scenery and the climb up to Castion Veronese is really easy: enjoy the view! 5. Peschiera del Garda–Negrar (70 km, + 680 m, 4 h). The road follows the Valpolicella valley, famous for its good wine and numerous wineries. After having tackled the great ascent that leads to Negrar, you can stop at the Colà spa and recharge your batteries with a swim. * Ferri says: A very uphill–downhill route with five medium difficult ascents

of about 3–4 km each. An excellent route for the scenery and to work your legs. A stop to relax your muscles at the Colà spa is a must. 6. Peschiera del Garda–Cima Veleno (90 km, + 1,390 m, 5 h). We follow the lakeside to Assenza di Brenzone, where the new Italian cyclist’s mecca starts: Cima Veleno, an 8 km ascent with a gradient that reaches 20% at certain points. Down towards Garda, this beautiful town on the lake and then the same route back to Peschiera. If you don’t want to tackle such a difficult climb you can go to Caprino Veronese and pedal up from Ferrara di Monte Baldo: here the view over Lake Garda is magnificent. Another even easier alternative: cycle to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet and then enjoy a day’s retail therapy and culture. * Ferri says: The Cima Veleno ascent is pretty awesome, only for the really

expert (and lovers of very hard work). You’ll need a 34–29 gear ratio… otherwise you’ll have to get off and walk! The ascent up to Ferrara di Monte Baldo is also lovely, offering a panorama very reminiscent of the Swiss mountains, with cows and large expanses of green meadows. 7. Peschiera del Garda. After breakfast, end of services. by pLANE

Peschiera is very well connected to the following airports: Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE).

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I24R

SEASONS

ExTRA NIGhTS

Standard season: from April 12th to May 24th 2014 and from September 13th to September 27th 2014. High season: from May 25th to September 12th 2014.

In Peschiera 55 € DBL 85 € SGL In Verona 65 € DBL 85 € SGL

SELF GUIDED TOUR

3* Hotel (Hotel Puccini or equivalent if not available) 510 € DBL + 198 € SGL + 80 € High season

bIcycLE RENT

195 € High-end road bike 15 € Helmet

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Local taxes (approx 8 €). DEpARTURES

Every day from April 12th to September 27th 2014.

INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

6 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, GPS tracks for the stages, 7-day service hotline.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Italy

Torino

700 m

Casale Monferrato

ino

Asti

Tic

Casale Monferrato

Revigliasco

Alessandria

Piedmont The ascents of Fausto Coppi

Alba

| 510 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Acqui

Castellani

Fausto Coppi Castellania ist das Heimatdorf des großen Radprofis, der hier inmitten von Weinbergen und Hügeln trainierte. Die Trüffel des Piemont gehören zu den wertvollsten in der Welt und werden in vielen Gerichten der regionalen Küche benutzt. Langhe Eine für ihre Weine bekannte Region, wo exzellente Weine wie der Barolo, der Barbera und der Dolcetto angebaut werden.

400 m

Asti

naro

ida

ALESSANDRIA

100 m

Castellania

* Ferri says: The ascent up Superga is a

Alba Acqui Terme

DAy by DAy

1. Individual arrival in Alessandria, a city divided by the Tanaro River. Piazza della Libertà and Piazza Duomo, with its magnificent neoclassic cathedral, are truly worth a visit. 2. Alessandria–Castellania–Acqui Terme (90 km, + 660 m, 3.30 h). The tour starts in Alessandria and takes you to Castellania, Fausto Coppi’s birthplace. You then take the road that leads to Novi Ligure with easy ascents up and over the hills of vineyards that produce the renowned Barbera and Dolcetto d’Acqui wines. In the evening you can relax in the warm spa waters of Acqui Terme. * Ferri says: A visit to Fausto Coppi’s house and birthplace is very moving and, once back on the saddle, you will feel you are pedalling at his side. 3. Acqui Terme–Alba (100 km, + 2,100 m, 5 h). Three climbs await you on your journey through the Langhe, with gradients of up to 12%. One of these is the Gino Bartali ascent with its many holy sanctuaries surrounded by Dolcetto vineyards. * Ferri says: A demanding route with continuous medium-length ascents, 5–7 km. Save some of your energy for the last difficulty of the day, the Gino Bartali ascent… if you have dared too much and get here tired, you too will be forced to say: “l’è tutto sbagliato, è tutto da rifare” (it’s all wrong, do it again), Bartali’s historic motto.

4. Alba–Asti (90 km, + 1,400 m, 4,30 h). Quiet roads through vineyards and hazelnut groves in the heart of Monferrato. Today we cross the Tanaro natural park and the Sarmassa natural reserve. The stage ends in Asti with its monuments and splendid Gothic cathedral. * Ferri says: Like yesterday, the route winds through hills marked by the hard work of man: they truly spent all their energy in these vineyards and across the slopes of hazelnut trees. You have to do the same, using your legs, heart and willpower. 5. Asti round tour (90 km, + 1,000 m, 4 h). A cycle through the Monferrato vineyards to reach Turin. The end stretch is a climb up the famous Superga hill, 7 km at 8%, followed by a lovely descent down into Turin, a must-visit city! Back to Asti by train.

great classic, included every year in the Giro del Piemonte. 6. Asti–Casale Monferrato (90 km, + 1,500 m, 4.30 h). You pedal northwards up to Monferrato, along a winding route with continual variations in steepness and steep climbs that at times are very similar to the Mur de huy ascent in the classic Flèche Wallonne. * Ferri says: Take care on the steep climbs, a 34–25 gear ratio may often be useful. Stop every now and again to enjoy the view and the silence. 7. Casale Monferrato–Alessandria (50 km, + 500 m, 3 h). Our tour continues through green hills and farmed land, through small towns on the right-hand bank of the Po River and comes to an end in Alessandria. * Ferri says: A short final stage so that you can once again enjoy the peace and the marvellous scenery. Stop to lunch in one of the many wineries on the way and pop a good Italian spumante to toast yourselves and your holiday. 8. Alessandria. After breakfast, end of services.

pARKING

In Alessandria: private garage at a cost of approx 12 € per day close to the hotel (no reservation possible, to be paid on-site). by pLANE

Alessandria is well connected (60–180 min.) with the following airports: Torino (TRN), Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) and Milano Malpensa (MXP).

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I05R INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

SELF GUIDED TOUR

bIcycLE RENT

3/4* Hotels 655 € DBL + 175 € SGL

195 € High-end road bike 15 € Helmet

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

ExTRA NIGhTS

In Alessandria 55 € DBL 75 € SGL

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages, 7-days Hotline service. NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

Local taxes (approx 10 €).

Train transfer to Torino (approx. 45 min., 7 € per person + bike). DEpARTURES

Every Saturday from April 19th to October 4th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

Italy

PISA

Firenze

Vinci Arno

Pisa

Volterra

Siena

Montepulciano

1200 m

Lucca

Alpi Apuane

Lucca

Pisa

Tuscany The heroes’ hills

Montalcino

| 735 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Vinci

Firenze

Eroica race route, the classic unmade road that leads to Siena. Wine The Chianti hillsides produce some of Italy’s noblest wines. Siena Home of the historical, fast and furious Palio race in Piazza del Campo.

800 m 400 m 0m

Volterra

MAR TIRRENO

Siena

Lago Trasimeno Montalcino

DAy by DAy

1. Individual arrival in Pisa. 2. Pisa–Lucca (70 km, + 960 m, 4 h). You leave Pisa, heading for San Giuliano Terme, cycle around Monte Serra and tackle the ascent up the Buti side, the historic testing bench for professional cyclists such as Bartoli, Ulrich and Contador. The road climbs evenly and there is a unique view from the top: the Tyrrhenian Sea with the islands of Elba and Giglio. You then follow a slightly winding route towards Lake Massaciuccoli, ending this stage in wonderful Lucca. * Ferri says: The view from the top is amazing and while pedalling up the Buti side you come across a whole load of cyclists with one eye on their stopwatch. Enjoy this legendary ascent and challenge the great names, remembering however that today is only your first day. Make frequent use of gear ratio 34–26. 3. Lucca–Apuan Alps–Lucca (130 km, + 1,300 m, 6 h). You leave Lucca for Camaiore, climbing gently to reach Massa Carrara. An ascent takes you into the heart of the Apuan Alps, a new peak of white rock offering a spectacular view over the Tyrrhenian Sea. You then cycle down, crossing the valley which takes you back to Lucca. Variant (70 km) via Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. * Ferri says: The stage that goes up to the Apuan Alps is wonderful, with fabulous scenery as you rise; take care in the

Montepulciano

tunnels and in the rain, as the road becomes very slippery. The valley that takes you from Castelnuovo Garfagnana to Lucca is quick, but a bit busy towards the end. The short route, on the other hand, is very pleasant if you love the sea and... the good life! 4. Lucca–Florence (100 km, + 610 m, 4 h). From Lucca the road seesaws up and down until a long descent takes you down to Vinci, Leonardo’s birthplace, where you can visit the museum dedicated to this genius. Afterwards you tackle the Vittolini ascent that takes you to Florence. * Ferri says: This is a very pleasant route, the ascents are pretty easy and it’s worth forgetting times and enjoying a slice of history (must visit is Vinci and the home of Leonardo). This evening, Florentine steak for dinner with a glass of good Chianti: tomorrow you’ll need your legs!

5. Florence–Siena along the Eroica (90 km, + 1,700 m, 5 h). Today you’ll cycle on the “Eroica” roads that are at times not asphalted, through wonderful hilly countryside. Ascents are tough, due both to their gradient and the difficulty of cycling on unmade roads. Arrival is in Piazza del Campo in Siena. Variant (70 km). Without the Eroica road. * Ferri says: On unmade roads you need excellent cycling skills and above all spare tyres – punctures are par for the course here! Careful with descents on non-asphalt stretches too. Despite its difficulties, the Eroica roads are the ones I recommend: the silence, the absence of traffic, the feeling you get of pedalling in 1930 are emotions not to be missed. 6. Siena–Montalcino–Pienza–Siena (120 km, + 1,200 m, 5 h). A route that follows the Cassia road south to the wonderful town of Montalcino. After about 40 km, the ascent that takes you up to the town is intimidating, but it opens up into the most fabulous panorama and once at the top your reward is a glass of good wine, bread and salami. The rest will get you ready to tackle the next uphill–downhill stretch that takes you to Pienza and then back to Siena.

Variant (70 km).

* Ferri says: My favourite stage: here

we combine (pleasant) effort with unique views, great wines and local culinary specialities. Stopping to eat in Montalcino or Pienza is almost obligatory! 7. Siena–Pisa (113 km, + 770 m, 4.30 h). Along the provincial road you come to Colle Val d’Elsa and then head towards San Gimignano, the marvellous city dominated by its fourteen medieval towers. The stage continues along secondary roads, bringing you to back to Pisa, where the round trip and your holiday finally come to an end. * Ferri says: A demanding route, uphill to the 60 km mark, then much easier until Pisa. This is the last stage, very beautiful and peaceful, excellent for making memories of Tuscany. 8. Pisa. After breakfast, end of services. pARKING

In Pisa: free parking place at the first hotel, for the whole duration of the tour. by pLANE

You can fly to Pisa airport (PSA) with various low cost companies.

pRIcE PER PERSON

Tour code I17R

SELF GUIDED TOUR

bIcycLE RENT

2/3* Hotels, b&b, agriturismo 718 € DBL + 195 € SGL

195 € High-end road bike 15 € Helmet ExTRA NIGhTS

In Pisa 60 € DBL 90 € SGL

INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

NOT INcLUDED IN ThE pRIcE

7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages, 7-days Hotline service.

Local taxes (approx 10-15 €). DEpARTURES

Every Saturday from April 19th to September 27th 2014. Special departure dates for at least 6 persons!

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

General conditions 1. INTRODUCTION: NOTION OF TOURIST PACKAGE Considering that: a) the operator and vendor of tourist packages, to whom the consumer makes a request, must be in possession of the administrative authorisation in order to carry out their activity. b) the consumer has the right to receive a copy of the tourist package sale contract (under article 85 of the Consumer’s Code) an essential document to get access to the National Guarantee Fund. The definition of tourist package (article 84 Consumer’s Code) is as follows: tourist packages have as their subject matter travel, holidays and “all inclusive” tours, which result from the prearranged combination of at least two of the following components, which must be sold or offered for sale at an inclusive price and cover a period of more than twenty-four hours or include at least one overnight accommodation: (a) transport; (b) accommodation; (c) other tourist services not ancillary to transport or accommodation (redacted)... and accounting for a significant proportion of the “tourist package”. 2. LEGISLATIVE SOURCES The purchase of a tourist package, either with services offered on national territory or abroad will be governed by the Italian Law 27/12/1977 n°1084 in ratification and implementation of the International Convention on Travel Contracts (CCV) regarding travel contracts signed in Brussels on 23.04.1970 and also by Consumer’s Code. 3. OBLIGATORY INFORMATION: TECHNICAL BRIEF The operator is obliged to provide either within the catalogue or separately to it a technical brief. The details that must be included in the technical brief within the catalogue or separately to it are: - details regarding the operator’s administrative authorisation; - details regarding the operator’s civil responsibility insurance policy; - period of validity of the catalogue or programmes separate to the catalogue or tailor made to measure travel; - methods and conditions for transferral

(Art.89 of Consumer’s Code); - exchange rate used in the case of currency adjustments, days or value. 4. BOOKINGS Reservation requests must be made on the appropriate contractual form filled in entirely and signed by the client. Acceptance for the booking will be complete, with subsequent conclusion of the contract, only once the operator has sent confirmation, even by telematic means, to the client. Indications regarding the package that are not contained in the contractual documents, brochures or in other written means, will be provided in good time before the start of the journey by the operator in accordance with his obligations under art, 87 comma 2 of the Consumer’s Code. 5. PAYMENT A deposit of 25% of the price of the tourist package is to be paid at the moment of booking. The balance must be paid not later than 30 days preceding the intended departure date. In case of reservation after the above mentioned date the whole payment is due in the act of reserving the package. Failure to pay the sums indicated above by the established date constitutes an express termination clause such as to determine rightful termination by the operator. 6. PRICE The price of the tourist package is determined in the contract, and refers to the price indicated in the catalogue or in the separate programmes, which have been added subsequently. The contract provides that price revisions can be made up to 20 days before the established departure date and solely to allow for variations in: - transportation costs, including the cost of fuel; - taxes or fees due for certain tourist services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; - exchange rates applied to the package in question. For these variations reference will be made to the exchange rate and costs mentioned above in force on the date of publication of the

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

programme as printed in the catalogue technical brief or on the date printed in the above mentioned adjustments. 7. ALTERATIONS OR CANCELLATION OF A TOURIST PACKAGE BEFORE DEPARTURE Before the departure the operator or vendor who is forced to make significant alterations to one or more elements of the contract must give immediate notification in writing to the consumer indicating the type of alteration and the consequent variation in price. If the alteration proposal is not accepted, the consumer can reserve the right to reclaim the amount already paid or receive an alternative tourist package in accordance with commas 2 and 3 of article 8. The consumer maintains the above rights also when cancellation is due to an insufficient number of participants required as stated in the Catalogue or in the separate programme, or due to force majeure and accidental cause, regarding the tourist package purchased. For cancellations which are not caused by force majeure or accidental cause or by insufficient number of participants, or reasons which are different from those of the non acceptance by the consumer of the alternative tourist package offered, the operator who cancels (art. 33 letter e Consumer’s Code) will reimburse the consumer the double of what was paid to and received by the operator. The amount to be reimbursed can never be more than the double of the amount that the consumer would owe on that same date according to art. 8, comma 4 in the case the cancellation was done by the consumer himself. 8. WITHDRAWAL BY CONSUMER The consumer may withdraw from the contract, without penalty only in the following cases: - increase in the price as mentioned in art.6 greater than 10%; - significant changes of one or more of the elements of the contract, which are objectively considered fundamental to the fruition of the tourist package either proposed after conclusion of the contract but before departure and not

accepted by the consumer. In the above cases the consumer has the right to alternatively: - receive an alternative tourist package, without paying a supplement and with the reimbursement of excess cost, in the case that the second package has an inferior value to the first; - reimbursement of only the sums already paid. Such reimbursement must be carried out within seven working days from the receipt of the reimbursement request. The consumer must communicate his decision (of acceptance of the alteration or of withdrawal) within and not after two working days from the moment he receives notice of the increase or alteration. If no communication is made within these limits, the proposal formulated by the operator is to be considered as accepted. The consumer who withdraws from the contract before departure for reasons other than those listed in comma 1 above will be charged - independently from the payment of a deposit as in art.5 - with the individual cost of the organisation and the penalty in the amount indicated in art.9 “Cancellation Fees”. In the case of pre-formed groups these amounts will be agreed on a case by case basis at the moment of the signing of the contract. 9. CANCELLATION FEES If the customer withdraws from the contract he is anyway obliged to pay the registration fee which is Euro 30 per person in 2014. The calculation of the days does not include the day of withdrawal. A declaration of withdrawal must be made in writing within the deadline of one working day prior to the booked departure date: a) withdrawal until 30 days preceding the departure date: 20% of the total amount b) withdrawal from 29 until 22 days preceding the departure date: 25% of the total amount c) withdrawal from 21 until 15 days preceding the departure date: 50% of the total amount d) withdrawal from 14 until 8 days preceding the departure date: 70% of the total amount: e) withdrawal from 7 until 1 day

preceding the departure date: 95% of the total amount and no-show: 100%. For the Bike & boat tours the following cancellation fees apply: a) withdrawal until 90 days preceding the departure date: 10% of the total amount b) withdrawal from 89 until 60 days preceding the departure date: 40% of the total amount c) withdrawal from 59 until 30 days preceding the departure date: 60% of the total amount d) withdrawal from 29 until 7 days preceding the departure date: 85% of the total amount: e) withdrawal from 6 until 1 day preceding the departure date: 95% of the total amount and no-show: 100%. The same amounts apply to the customer, even if the missed departure is due to the lack or imprecision of the necessary personal documents. No refund is due to the customer who does not show up at the place of accommodation or in the case of cancellation during the the program stay. 10. ALTERATION OF THE BOOKING If the customer asks for any kind of alteration of the already booked tourist package, he is obliged to pay the registration fee which is Euro 30 per person. A reduction in participants will be considered a cancellation and therefore subject to the cancellation fees as mentioned above. The operator is not obliged to fulfil any customer's alteration request of an already booked tourist package if he is not able to meet the customer's requirements. 11. ALTERATIONS AFTER DEPARTURE After departure, should the operator find himself in a position of not being able to offer, for whatever reason, except for a personal reason of the consumer, an essential part of the services included in the contract, he must offer alternative solutions, without additional cost to the price paid by the consumer and, if the services offered are of a lower value than those foreseen, the customer must be reimbursed exactly for the difference. In the case that no alternative solution is possible, or rather the solution of the operator is refused by the consumer for justifiable serious reasons, the operator will at no extra cost, provide the consumer with equivalent transport back to the place of departure or to another pre-agreed place depending on availability of the means and places. In this case the operator will compensate the consumer for the difference between the services to be supplied under the contract and those supplied to the moment of the early return. 12. TRANSFER OF BOOKINGS The consumer who withdraws may transfer his booking to another person provided that: a) the operator has been informed in writing at least 4 working days before the established departure date and also at the same time receives communication regarding all the details of the transferee; b) the transferee satisfies all the conditions to benefit from the service (ex. Article 89 Consumer’s Code) and in particular with requisites regarding passports, visas and medical certificates;

c) the transferee must reimburse the operator any extra costs that he may incur in order to proceed with the transferral. The amount will be quantified prior to the transferral. The transferor and the transferee shall be jointly and severally liable for the payment of the price of the package and also to the amounts in point c) of the present article. 13. OBBLIGATIONS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS The participants must be in possession of a personal passport or some other document valid for travel in the countries to be visited, as well as any tourist and transit visas and health certification that might be required. They must also respect the normal rules of prudence and diligence, all information provided to them by the operator and also any regulations and administrative or legislative requirements regarding their travel and tourist package. The participants will be liable for all and any damages that may be incurred by the holiday operator that may be caused by their failure to respect the above conditions. Travellers must provide the operator with all documents, information and other elements in their possession required for the exercise of operator’s right of subrogation with regard to third parties responsible for damages. The traveller is liable towards the operator for any compromise to the right of subrogation. The consumer must also inform the operator in writing, at the moment of booking, of any special personal requests that may be the subject of specific agreements on details of the holiday, as long as the implementation of these requests is possible. 14. HOTEL CLASSIFICATION The official category of hotels is described in the catalogue or with alternative informative material only on the basis of explicit and formal indications by the competent authorities in the country where the service is provided. In the absence of official recognised classification of the competent Public Authorities of the countries, even if members of the EU, the operator reserves the right to their own description in the catalogue or brochure of the structure in order to permit an evaluation and subsequent acceptance of it by the consumer. 15. REGIME OF RESPONSIBILITY The operator is responsible for damage caused to the consumer by the total or partial breach of contractual services owed, whether they are offered by him or by third party suppliers of services, unless proof can be given that the event derived from the consumer (also including initiatives carried out independently by the consumer) or by external circumstances in supplying contractual services, accidental cause, force majeure, or from circumstances that the operator could not, professionally or realistically foresee or resolve. The vendor where the booking for the tourist package was made is not held responsible under any circumstances for obligations that arise from the organisation of the journey, but is responsible exclusively for the obligations that arise from the quality of mediation and therefore in

the limits for such responsibility in respect of the legal obligations in force. 16. LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION Compensation for damages to a person cannot in any event be superior to the limits regulated by international conventions to which Italy and the European Union take part regarding the breach of services. In any case the compensation limit cannot exceed 50.000 Germinal Gold Francs for damage to people, 2.000 Germinal Gold Francs for damage to things, 5.000 Germinal Gold Francs for any other damage (article 13 n°2 CCV) 17. obligation FOR ASSISTANCE The operator must give assistance to the consumer with professional diligence and exclusively with reference to the obligations cited both by law and by contract. The operator and the vendor are exonerated from their responsibilities (articles 13 and 14 of these General Conditions) when the contract cannot be carried out in part or completely due to the consumer or due to an unforeseeable or inevitable action by a third party, or rather fortuitous or by force majeure. 18. COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS Any failure in the enforcement of the contract must be contested by the consumer without delay during the tour so that the operator, his local representative or assistant can rectify the situation as quickly as possible. The consumer must - on penalty of loss of any right to claims – make a written complaint by registered letter, with receipt of delivery, to the operator or the vendor no later than 10 working days after the date of return to the original place of departure. 19. INSURANCE AGAINST CANCELLATION EXPENSES AND REPATRIATION It is advisable for the consumer to draw up an insurance policy against expenses deriving from the cancellation of the package tour, incidents, luggage (loss and damage) as well as an assistance contract, which covers the expenses of repatriation in case of accident or illness. Insurance policies are not included in our tour package prices offered by the operator. 20. NATIONAL GUARANTEE FUND The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has constituted a National Guarantee Fund to which consumers may apply (under the terms of Art. 100 of the Consumers’ Code) in the case of insolvency or bankruptcy of vendors or operators, for the protection of the following rights: - reimbursement of price paid; - repatriation in case of holidays abroad. The fund must also ensure immediate availability of economic assistance in the case of obligatory return of holiday makers from non-European Union countries due to emergencies ascribable or otherwise to the conduct of the operator. The details of the use of the fund are governed by Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers dated 23 July 1999. no. 349 G.U.n° 249 dated 12/10/1999.

21. ADDENDUM GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACTS SALE OF SINGLE TOURIST SERVICES A) LEGISLATION Contracts regarding the sale of single services (accommodation, transport, any separate tourist service) and those therefore that do not regard a tourist package, are governed by Travel Contracts CCV art. 1, 3 and 6, arts. 17 to 23 and arts. 24 to 31 with the exclusion of references regarding contracts for organised travel or from other specific stipulations referring to the sale of single services in the contract. B) CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT The following clauses of the general contractual conditions can be applied to these above mentioned contracts: art. 4 comma 1; art. 5; art. 7; arts.8 and 9; art 10 comma 1; art. 11; art. 15 and art. 17. The application of these clauses does not render these contracts in any way those of a tourist package. The terms used in said clauses regarding contract for tourist packages (operator, travel etc) must be considered in reference to the corresponding figures of the purchasing contract for the single tourist services (vendor, accommodation etc.). 22. COMPULSORY NOTE According to the Italian Law n.269 dated 3/10/98, article 16. The Italian Law punishes the crimes concerning prostitution and juvenile pornography by means of reclusion even if these crimes are committed abroad. 23. PRIVACY Information regarding ex art. 13 of the Legislative Decree 196/2003 (legal code regarding personal data). The processing of personal data is carried out both on paper and digitally, in compliance with the Legislative Decree 196/2003, in order to perform and conclude the contract and for the implementation of the services that constitute the tourist package. Personal data will not be diffused, but given solely to the suppliers of the services included in the tourist package purchased. The consumer may at any time exercise his/her rights under art. 7 of the Legislative Decree 196/03 by contacting GIROLIBERO operated by Bike Incoming Srl informally, by telephone, or at info@girolibero.com 24. TECHNICAL DATA Technical organisation: Bike Incoming srl Viale Margherita 95 36100 Vicenza Fiscal Code 03794470249 Aut. Amm. of the province of Vicenza n° 22507 of 26/03/2013 Insurance guarantee: Unipol Assicurazioni Spa N. 40173402 RC. All prices are in Euro. The printing ends in November 2013, changes might appear beyond our control. We apologize for any printing errors or omissions.

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

HOW TO BOOK 1

SAVING TIPs 2014*

Choose your tour on the website www.girolibero.com or on this brochure.

2 Contact us to check the availability (with all details) and to receive an exact quotation.

3 Receive an option If it is possible to book the desired tour, you will receive a non-binding option for few days.

4 Send us your booking Within this time send us the booking form (page 75) and a copy of the deposit (25% of the total amount of the tour price). You can pay per credit card or per bank transfer on our account.

Iban: ................... Bic: ..................... Banca: ................ Causale: .............

6 Send us the balance 30 days before the departure. (Please 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.

Group discount: from 6 people

Bike & Hotel tours**

- 3%

- 5%

Bike & Boat low–middle season***

- 8%

- 5%

Bike & Boat high season***

- 3%

- 5%

* Valid only on basic tour price and only for tours of min. 6 nights ** Discounts are cumulative *** Discounts are not cumulative

5 We will send you the booking confirmation after receiving the deposit.

Early booking discount: before 31.1.14

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Bank account: Bike Incoming srl Banca Popolare Friuladria-Crédit Agricole C/C: 40277489 ABI: 05336 CAB: 60165 CIN: b IBAN: IT54B0533660165000040277489 BIC: BPPNIT2P189 Reference: Name of the travel applicant + tour code

Booking form

Viale Margherita 95, 36100 Vicenza, Italy Telephone: 0039 0444 330724 Fax: 0039 0444 167930 info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

I book the following tour for myself and the the participants mentioned below: Tour .......................................................................................................... Departure ..................................................................................... o NÂ° of rooms:

Single room

Double room

Hotel category ........................................................................... Extra nights

self-guided tour Twin room

guided tour

Double room with third bed

Treatment ....................................................................................................

in .............................................

from .....................................

to ................................................................................

in ............................................

from ......................................

to ................................................................................

Bike & Boat Tours specify type and number of cabin(s) .....................................................................................................................................

Travel applicant Name .................................................................................................... Surname ............................................................................................. Date of birth .........................................................................................

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

Full address .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Mobile ....................................................................

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

Bikes Unisex bike Date of birth

Name, Surname

Notes ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................

Male bike

Own

7 gears*

27 gears**

E-bike***

7 gears*

27 gears**

Height

* 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

How did you know Girolibero? o Exhibition

o Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; suggestion

o Internet

Which one? .................................. Where? ..................................

o Press Where? .......................................

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

Date ...............................................

Signature ..............................................................................

girolibero - tel. 0039 0444 330724 - info@girolibero.com - www.girolibero.com

Girolibero operated by Bike Incoming Srl, Viale Margherita 95, 36100 Vicenza Italy. Vat number 03794470249

Participants

FERRARA feel free taste it

Awaken your senses

noemastudio.it

feel it

live it

breathe it

see it Milano

Venezia

FERRARA Bologna Firenze

parcodeldelta.com

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Ferrara, City of the Renaissance and its Po Delta

PROVINCIA DI FERRARA

ferrarabike.com COMUNE DI COMACCHIO