Girolibero brochure 2015

CYCLING AND BIKE&BOAT Self-Guided and Guided tours in Italy and France

Girolibero - Via Conforto da Costozza, 7 - I - 36100 Vicenza - tel. +39 0444 330724 - www.girolibero.com

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

2015

BROCHURE

OVER

2015

FURTHER TOURS AND DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:

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BIKE TOURS IN ITALY, FRANCE, REST OF EUROPE

www.girolibero.com

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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

COMPANY REGISTRATION BIKE INCOMING S.R.L. via Conforto da Costozza, 7 36100 Vicenza - Italy Fiscal Code 03794470249

INDEX Our family

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4

A… cycling holiday?! . . . . . . .

Which one’s for me?

p. 6

. . . . . . p. 8

Our bikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 10

BIKE & HOTEL IN ITALY

BIKE & FAMILY IN ITALY

Veneto

Lake Garda

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 66

Bolzano–Verona–Venice . .

p. 38

Adige Cycle Route . . . . . . . .

p. 40

Greens, our bike guides . . .p. 14

Innsbruck–Venice . . . . . . . . .

p. 42

BIKE & FAMILY IN FRANCE

Photo contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.16

Lake Garda–Venice . . . . . . .

p. 43

Loire valley

Our boats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 18

Bolzano–Bassano– Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 44

Bolzano–Cortina– Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 45

Venice–Porecˇ . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 46

Accompanying material and backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 12

Life on board doing Bike & Boat in style . . . . . . . .p. 24 Exclusive chartering your own rivercruise

. . . . . . p. 26

General conditions . . . . . . . . .p.80 How to book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.82 Booking form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.83

Lake Garda–Adriatic Lake Garda

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 50

Terme Euganee . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 51

South Tyrol Valleys . . . . . . . .

p. 52

Piedmont Umbria

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 55

Tuscany: Pisa–Florenz . . . .

BIKE & BOAT IN ITALY

Tuscany: Chianti

p. 56

. . . . . . . . . . p. 57

p. 28

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

p. 58

. . . . . . . . . . . p. 29

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

p. 59

Mantua–Venice. . . . . . . . . . . .

Venice–Mantua

. . . . . p. 49

Bolzano–Mantua– Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 30

BIKE & HOTEL IN FRANCE Loire valley

BIKE & BOAT IN FRANCE Aigues-Mortes–Avignon . .

p. 32

Avignon–Aigues-Mortes . .

p. 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 60

Paris–London . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 62

Provence–Camargue . . . . .

p. 64

Vicenza–Abano . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 68

ROADBIKE IN ITALY Bolzano–Venice

. . . . . . . . . . p. 70

Dolomites and Stelvio Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Venice Lands Lake Garda Piedmont Tuscany

p. 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 73

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 74

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 75

Bespoke tours

. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 76

All the elevation profiles on p. 77

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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

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

NO. OF STAFF

NO. OF BIKES

NO. OF TRAVELLERS

BY BIKE & BOAT

FOREIGN VISITORS IN ITALY WITH GIROLIBERO

ITALIANS ON HOLIDAY WITH GIROLIBERO

Year 2002

2

24

40

12

700

Year 2014

42

3,800 1,300

4

8,000 9,000

BROCHURE 2015

WHO WE ARE:

GIROLIBERO - OPERATED

BY BIKE INCOMING

We are the cycling holiday experts for Italy and France. We programme, organise, provide assistance and test all our tours, making sure that the routes are quiet, the food tasty and the beds comfy.

For us fulfilling our clients’ requests is a matter of pride - whether you’re occasional cyclists or accomplished riders. www.girolibero.com

GIROLIBERO - VACANZE FACILI IN BICICLETTA

ZEPPELIN

is the principal Italian tour operator specialising in cycling holidays and offering over 200 itineraries worldwide for thousands of Italians.

Since 1998 organizes outdoor travels worldwide for the italian market: Sailing and cruising; Trekking and walking; Bike and Bike & Boat tours; Discovery and Adventure tours.

The favourite tours: Danube cycle path, Bike & Boat in Netherlands, Avenue Verte Paris–London, Loire Valley www.girolibero.it

The favourite tours: sailing in Sardinia, Camino de Santiago walking tour, discovery tour in India, Australia, Russia… www.zeppelin.it

1,300 BIKES IN VICENZA

that during the summer season we bring throughout Italy

250 BIKES IN ORLÉANS

ready for the tours Loire Valley and Paris–London

150 BIKES IN ARLES

ready for the tours Provence and Camargue Bike & Hotel and Bike & Boat more about our bikes on p. 10

10 11 VANS

BIKE TRAILERS and hundreds of accessories go in and out of the workshops, supervised by OUR MECHANICS and logistics staff. .

In winter all bikes deployed on our tours come back into our workshop for a complete overhaul.

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Programming

NICOLA BOARIA at our offices since the beginning of time 2 km by Girolibero bike (+ child seat) to get to work ANTONIO FASOLATO My last family holiday?

Loire valley 30 km by car + folding bike to get to work

A...

CYCLING HOLIDAY ?!

IT’S THE EASIEST THING!

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.

LUGGAGE TRANSFER

Most of our tours are itinerary-based, and we personally take care of the luggage 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 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 p. 12).

We are also happy to supply up-to-date GPS-devices for anyone who prefers to navigate with a GPS.

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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:

1

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

2

staying in the Great Outdoors for 70% of the time

3

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 1,300 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 p. 10)

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.

4

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

5

refuelling body and soul, away from the madding crowd

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

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KATIA BRUSTOLON Born in the Dolomites, pure and clear like water!

2 km by Girolibero bike to get to work ANNA VALLE one semester at Amsterdam University and she’s in love with her bike 3 km by Girolibero bike (+ child seat) to get to work

Options

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

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

For the independent rider – whether solo or with friends and 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 its most beautiful regions?

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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. 56

BROCHURE 2015

GUIDED TOURS

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, p. 36

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 (p. 28), Provence–Camargue

by Bike and Boat (p. 32), Veneto (p. 36), Bolzano–Verona–Venice (p. 38), Paris–London (p. 62).

TAILORMADE TOURS

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. 28

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

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Bikes

NICOLA FABRIS Can’t stay away from his snowboards, vespas and... bikes!

10 km by mountain bike to get to work ALBERTO BRICHESE the Workbench Wizard 1 km by Girolibero bike to get to work

10 1

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 2015

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:

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).

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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.

SPECIAL BIKES (available on request)

4 ROAD 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

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7 8 FAMILY TANDEM

A versatile bike for cycling with more than one child (ages 3-10) onderwaterfiets.nl Also available the Followme tandem (ages 4-7): the child’s bike can be locked firmly onto the tail of the adult’s bike when necessary. followme-tandem.com

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9 CHILD TRAILER With one seat (ages 0-4). croozer.com

ACCESSORIES 9 HANDLEBAR BAG klickfix.de connection

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

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Infopacks

VALENTINA MACCÀ a passion for languages, a maniac for precision 20 km by bus + folding bike to get to work MADDALENA DAL PORTO travelled a lot throughout Europe.

The result? There is never a unique perspective!

2 km by Girolibero bike to get to work

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

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BROCHURE 2015

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. 14-15) 6. Girolibero Greens Maps (pp. 14-15) 7. Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide (pp. 14-15) or or a guide by a different publisher On request and adding an extra cost, we can give also GPS-Device 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. 14-15) 7. Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide (pp. 14-15) or a guide by a different publisher

FINDING THE WAY To help you follow your 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 DON’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.

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ELENA RIATTI roadbooks, brochures, etc.: right, that’s signed off – let’s print it!

3 km by Girolibero bike to get to work GIOVANNI BOTTAZZI bikes, trailers and tour leaders throughout Europe 5 km by bike to get to work

Greens 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.

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BROCHURE 2015

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* Greens travel guides are currently available for: Venice–Mantua/Mantua– Venice (by Bike and Boat); Bolzano–Verona–Venice, Venice–Poreč and Resiapass–Bolzano.

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 the route: in colour and at a commentary to the scenery and scale of 1:50,000/1:75,000, artistic heritage of each of the including elevation and maps of places encountered on the way, any town centres of historical but also provides important relevance. historical information and practical suggestions 3) Roadbook: describing the that will make the trip and any cycling route, stage by stage. stopovers more enjoyable and Great on its own or in safer. And, last but not least, the conjunction with the maps. guide also provides information on wining and dining, with N.B. Maps and Roadbooks are recommendations for anything available in Italian, English and from a gargantuan meal to a German for all our tours; extra li viale in e Circo available quick snack. Browse the Greens e languages arevialalso Fiu me rm l Ve a d . travel guides on our website. selected cases.

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A TRIO OF BOOKLETS Depending on the destination, you would receive:

CAMPEDELLO

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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)

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Your photos

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

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

Terms & Conditions on our website www.girolibero.com

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

A must for natives, newcomers and anyone planning a visit to these fascinating places!

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

Hermann Gummerer / Franziska Hack The Complete South Tyrol Infographics: no.parking Texts in German, Italian, English 128 pp., ISBN 978-3-85256-607-8

Sonja Franzke The Complete Austria Infographics: no.parking Texts in German, English 128 pp., ISBN 978-3-85256-630-6

www.folioverlag.com

BIKE & BOAT A bike by day for transport, a boat by night for meals and a good sleep. Your barge or river cruiser is your floating hotel and follows the cycling stages along the river. Fancy a lazy day in? – Well, there’s your home from home.

All boats are fully crewed: a skipper at the helm, and catering staff to prepare breakfast, a slap-up dinner and all you need for your packed lunch. Our Bike & Boat tours can be enjoyed either on a group tour accompanied by a tour leader, or Self-Guided.

BROCHURE 2015

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

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

2 CABINS

› 10 Standard Twin cabins (including one accommodating up to 3 guests) of 7/8 m2.

All cabins are equipped with comfortable low twin beds and en-suite facilities. They also offer the convenience of attractive, traditional portholes, which can be opened for fresh air.

The corridor is air-conditioned.

Bed size is 1.90/2 m x 0.75/0.80 m

3 THE LIVING AREA

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

4 EXTRA FEATURES

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

5 TOURS

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

Type of cabins C Twin/Triple cabin 2+1 B Twin cabin 2 Crew cabin

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

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BROCHURE 2015

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

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. Most of the cabins can be separated into two single beds.

3 THE LIVING AREA

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

4 EXTRA FEATURES

› 2 sundecks › 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

D

D

D

D

B

A

B

B

C

B

B

B

A

B

C

A

C

5 TOURS

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

Type of cabins D

C Twin/Double/ Triple/Family cabin 2+1+1

Twin/Double/ Triple cabin 2+1

Twin cabin 2

Double/ Triple cabin 2+1

Crew cabin

A

B Twin/Double cabin 2

Single/ Bunk bed cabin 1+1

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

21

BROCHURE 2015

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

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 into two areas: › the Restaurant (up to 22 seats) › the Salon area with an open bar A total of 10 windows give plenty of natural light.

4 EXTRA FEATURES

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

5 TOURS

Provence and Camargue Aigues-Mortes–Avignon/ Avignon–Aigues-Mortes (pp. 32-34) Type of cabins C Double cabin 2 B Twin cabin 2 A Single cabin 1

22

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

B

C

B

A

C

B

A

B

C

B

C

B

BROCHURE 2015

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

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

2 CABINS

› 10 Double cabins (one with a double bed and nine with twin beds) measuring 7-8 m2.

Each cabin has two portholes (one is in the bathroom), is air-conditioned and has en-suite facilities.

Bed sizes: 1.90/2 m x 0.75/0.80 m

3 THE LIVING AREA

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

4 EXTRA FEATURES

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

5 TOURS

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

Type of cabins C Double cabin 2 B Twin cabin 2 B

B

B

B

B

B

C

B

B

B

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

23

Bike & Boat

THE CREW captains, cooks and service personnel 2 weeks on board, 2 week on the ground, 6 months a year NICOLÒ MINATI A life on the road, delivering to our boats whatever they need 10 km by his old-fashioned bike to get to work

LIFE ON BOARD DOING “BIKE & BOAT” IN STYLE SERVICE AT ITS VERY BEST ABOARD OUR “FLOATING HOTELS” IN ITALY AND FRANCE: COMFORT, HOSPITALITY, QUALITY AND... BELLA VITA! THIS IS WHAT MAKES GIROLIBERO’S BIKE & BOAT HOLIDAYS UNIQUE.

24

BROCHURE 2015

OUR VERY OWN NOAH’S ARK

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

COMFORT: RELAX IN YOUR CABIN AND IN THE PUBLIC SPACES

Our boats are among the most comfortable for bike and boat tours in Italy and France: en-suite facilities, low beds available on all boats, and clean and welcoming public spaces. A great home-from-home to come back to every day.

0 Want to know more? Read all about our boats on pp. 20-23.

100% GIROLIBERO BIKES

Our unmistakeable two-wheelers in their orange livery hold pride of place on our boats, ensuring trouble-free riding, comfort and safety.

0 Want to know more? Read all about our bikes on pp. 10-11.

“BUON APPETITO”!

In Italy we know a thing or two about pots and pans, and our on-board catering is simple but subtle, with a good selection of local wines and excellent service.

The Ave Maria and Vita Pugna chefs boast plenty of experience and, in the words of our clients, their dishes alone are worth the trip.

0 Here are two sample menus: 1- Linguine with asparagus, rare roast beef with fresh rocket leaves and stuffed tomatoes, Venetian mixed salad, tiramisù (see recipe below). 2- Freshly caught seafood in wine and herbs, seabass meunière with baby potatoes, fennel and orange salad, chocolate and cherry mousse.

SEE EVEN MORE OF FRANCE

A Girolibero van and driver are on hand, should you want to have a day off your bike and explore Provence and Camargue at a more leisurely pace. Aboard the Estello and Soleo you will find all the info material you need to organise your day-trip.

0 A couple of ideas: visit the ancient Roman city of Nîmes; head into the Luberon lavender fields; sip some wines at Gallician; marvel at the Salins du Midi salt marshes; hike from Gallician to Aigues Mortes.

TIRAMISÙ FOREVER 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!”

25

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 ANTONIO GERMANI simply put: sorts it all out 10 km by mountain bike to get to work

EXCLUSIVE CHARTERING DOING “BIKE & BOAT” IN STYLE FOR GROUPS KEENER ON SIGHTSEEING THAN CYCLING WE CAN ARRANGE A ONE-WEEK RIVER CRUISE WITH MINIBUS EXCURSIONS TO CITIES OF ART, ARCHITECTURE AND... SHOPPING.

26

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

BROCHURE 2015

DISCOVER NORTHERN ITALY IN BRIEF: • Relax and overnight stays aboard the 4* barge Ave Maria (Vita Pugna barge also available on request) • Daily minibus excursions to Verona, Lake Garda, Padova, Vicenza, Bologna, Milan...

• You can modify the land excusions and visits and also request a bespoken board service (i.e. ask for a fully catered lunch; 4-meal dinners; daily cleaning of the cabin; extra crew member…)

Milan

» THE WEEKS NOT TO BE MISSED: 19th July 2015 Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Holy Redeemer), Venice; 26th August - 5 September 2015 The Venice Film Festival; 6th September 2015 Regata Storica (the main historical Regatta in Europe)

... ANOTHER IDEA OR TWO! » WINTER WEEKENDS During November and March, our boats in Italy are also available for weekends and longer breaks. How about celebrating Christmas, New Year‘s Eve or Carnival with us on board?

Treviso Vicenza Verona

Padova

Mincio

Venice Chioggia

Zelo Adria Canal Bianco Po S.Benedetto Revere Po

navigable river

Po Delta

Ferrara

navigable canal

ADRIATIC SEA

mooring place possible excursion by private bus

0 Have a look at the video from a recent team building exercise on board: www.avemariaboat.com

» COURSES AND ACTIVITY BREAKS Cooking, painting, yoga, history of art…

Lake Garda

Mantua

» TEAMBUILDING Ave Maria and Vita Pugna have proved popular with groups of colleagues who want a quiet environment in which to spend some time bonding.

Bologna

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

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Italy

|

|

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| 210 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bike & Boat in Italy Mantua–Venice

I

ta

Mestre

Padova

Venezia

Mincio

Laguna di Venezia

Ad ig

e

Mantova S.Benedetto

en

Vicenza Verona

Po

Treviso

Br

Lago di Garda

Chioggia

Zelo

Adria

Revere

Po

MARE ADRIATICO

Delta del Po

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). A 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). 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

28

its medieval 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). 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).

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

An exhilarating day of discovery alternating sailing and cycling 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). 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: Veneto (36), Venice–Porecˇ (46).

Italy

City of Mantua, jewel of the Italian Renaissance Po Delta Reserve, natural beauty and birdlife Fresh seafood, cooked aboard following traditional recipes Lugana, white wine

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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). 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). 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). 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, Veneto.

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). Cruising out of Venice at a gentle pace, we start our bike and boat adventure on the Lido, the first of the 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).

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 of flamingos. We overnight in Adria, an ancient Greek port once close to the shores of

G I

DAY BY DAY

Ma

Bike & Boat in Italy Venice–Mantua

Fro m

| 200 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

tua

|

ice to Man

|

From Ven

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

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Italy

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| 370 km | 11 Days/10 Nights | the first 4 days Self-Guided only

Bike & Hotel + Bike & Boat Bolzano–Mantua–Venice Bolzano/Bozen Trento

Rovereto

Lago di Garda

I

Treviso

S.Benedetto

Mestre

Padova

Venezia

Laguna di Venezia

Ad ig

e

Mantova Po

ta

Verona

Mincio

Desenzano Peschiera

en

Br

Vicenza

Zelo

Chioggia Adria

Revere Po

MARE ADRIATICO

Delta del Po

Ferrara

DAY BY DAY

1. Arrival in Bolzano.

2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km).

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–Desenzano/Peschiera (50 km by bike + ferry). 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. Desenzano/Peschiera–Mantua (70/45 km). Today you will cycle follow-

30

ing 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).

An entire day dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its sorroundings dominated by the family of Gonzaga.

6. Mantua–Governolo–Zelo (50 km by bike). 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). After breakfast you will start cycling towards Ferrara, a wonderful town with a historical centre, still surrounded by the old city walls. From

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

Bolzano, Italy’s northern outpost town Lake Garda, a natural heaven Tortelli di zucca, dumplings filled with pumpkin Gewürztraminer, white wine

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).

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). 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 to 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: Veneto (36), Venice–Porecˇ (46).

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) and Venice (VCE).

Italy PRICE PER PERSON

GENERAL INFORMATIONS VITA PUGNA

AVE MARIA

Webcode - from Mantua

I09

I10

Webcode - von Venedig

I11

I12

840 €

990 €

Standard season

150 €

200 €

High season

210 €

360 €

-

140 €

Standard cabin value season SUPPLEMENTS

Superior cabin Single cabin

300 €

REDUCTIONS

Bunk bed cabin

-

3rd adult in the cabin

100 € 250 €

CHILDREN REDUCTIONS*

0 - 2 years

-

-90%

3 - 5 years

-

-50%

6 - 8 years

-

-30%

BICYCLE RENT

Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

SURCHARGES FOR THE FIRST 4 DAYS FROM BOLZANO TO MANTUA (only Self-Guided)

3/4* Hotels, in DBL room

390 €

Single room supplement

90 €

High season supplement (July, August)

20 €

Girolibero bike

45 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

90 €

Reductions 3rd/4th adult in room

60 €

DEPARTURES VITA PUGNA from Mantua: 11.04, 25.04, 9.05, 23.05, 6.06, 20.06, 4.07, 18.07, 1.08, 15.08, 29.08, 12.09, 26.09, 10.10.2015 from Venice: 18.04, 2.05, 16.05, 30.05, 13.06, 27.06, 11.07, 25.07, 8.08, 22.08, 5.09, 19.09, 3.10, 17.10.2015 AVE MARIA from Mantua: 4.04, 18.04, 2.05, 16.05, 30.05, 13.06, 27.06, 11.07, 25.07, 8.08, 22.08, 5.09, 19.09, 3.10, 17.10.2015 from Venice: 11.04, 25.04, 9.05, 23.05, 6.06, 20.06, 4.07, 18.07, 1.08, 15.08, 29.08, 12.09, 26.09, 10.10.2015 SEASONS Value: 4.04 - 25.04 Standard: 2.05 - 22.08 and 10.10 - 17.10 High: 29.08 - 3.10 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”.

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 65/100 € 2/3* Hotels (Certosa Island) - DBL/SGL; from 90/150 € 3/4* Hotel - DBL/SGL

DEPARTURES FROM BOLZANO (Self-Guided tour) WE 22.04 - 30.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 3 nights hotel accommodation (in Bolzano, Trento, Peschiera/Desenzano), welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, detailed route description, 3-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Beverages, local hotel taxes (to be paid on spot), museums and extras in general, everything, which is not included in the section “included in the price”).

EXTRA NIGHTS IN BOLZANO 65/85 € 3/4* Hotel - DBL/SGL

Special offers for groups wishing to charter the boat * Discount only applying if child is occupying 3rd or 4th bed in the cabin. 4th bed only in the superior cabins available.

USEFUL INFORMATION NAVIGATION

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, to allow easier access onto cycling paths.

BICYCLES

Unisex bikes with 27-gears Shimano Deore, 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 Self-Guided). Because of high transportation costs of the bikes in Venice it is not advised to travel with own bikes.

GUIDED AND SELF-GUIDED TOUR

The detailed directions and maps supplied will let you cycle independently or in a group, following the Tour Leader. The section Bolzano–Mantua is only self-guided.

HOW TO REACH VENICE AND MANTUA:

By Railway and Car Mantua is situated on the A22 Highway Brennero–Modena, only 50 km south of Verona. By train it is connected 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. The journey Venice–Mantua (or opposite) is covered by train in approx. 2,5 h.

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)

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

31

France

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|

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| 260 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

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

Roquemaure

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon Pont du Gard Avignon Aramon Barbentane Vallabrègues

Boulbon

Tarascon

hône tR

Gallician

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Les-Baux-de-Provence

Pet i

Lunel

F

Arles

e ôn

St. Maries-de-la-Mer

Rh

Étang de Vaccarès

d

Aigues-Mortes Le Grau-du-Roi

an

Gr

Montpellier

Étang de Berre

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

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 port on the Mediterranean.

2. Aigues-Mortes, round tour (55 km).

Going through small country lanes of Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will reach in the afternoon the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.

3. Aigues Mortes–Arles (25 km). You will sail for a couple of 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

32

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.

4. Arles–Vallabreguès (60 km). This is a breathtaking stage, which brings you to the Alpilles, with the perched village of Les-Baux-de-Provence and then to Saint Rémy de Provence. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees will accompany the trip. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône.

5. Vallabrègues–Aramon (35 km).

Along country roads you will arrive to Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers.

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

You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet and afterwards down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the afternoon navigation to Aramon for the overnight with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.

6. Aramon–Avignon (40 km). The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Back to Aramon in the afternoon you will sail to Avignon, the city of the Popes. Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet.

7. Avignon, round tour (45 km). You cycle in the direction of Châteauneuf-duPape, following low-traffic roads surrounded by vineyards. In Châteauneufdu-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 back through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon following the course of the river.

8. Avignon. After breakfast, end of services. Possibility to book extra nights.

France

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

From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes DAY BY DAY

1. Avignon. Individual arrival and boarding after 6 p.m. in Avignon. Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet.

2. Avignon, round tour (45 km). You cycle in the direction of Châteauneufdu-Pape, following low-traffic 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 cycle back through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon following the course of the river.

3. Avignon–Aramon (40 km). In the morning navigation till the town of

Aramon, where you will start pedaling.

The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Overnight in Aramon with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.

4. Aramon-Vallabrègues (35 km). You start your day sailing to Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. Along country roads you will arrive to Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet and afterwards down to the medieval village of Boulbon. Overnight in Vallabrègues.

5. Vallabreguès–Arles (60 km).

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. In the end you move onto the Alpilles, with Les-Baux-deProvence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees accompanies your journey.

6. Arles–Aigues Mortes (25 km).

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 Aigues Mortes for the overnight stay.

7. Aigues-Mortes, round tour (55 km).

Going through small country lanes of

Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will reach in the afternoon the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.

8. Aigues-Mortes. After breakfast, end of services. Possibility to book extra nights.

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

33

France PRICES PER PERSON

GENERAL INFORMATIONS L’ESTELLO

SOLEO

Webcode - from Avignon

F24

Webcode - from Aigues-Mortes

F30

Standard cabin value season

980 €

SUPPLEMENTS

Standard season

100 €

High season

150 €

Single cabin

300 €

BICYCLE RENT

Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

DEPARTURES FROM AVIGNON 18.04, 2.05, 16.05, 30.05, 13.06, 27.06, 11.07, 25.07, 8.08, 22.08, 5.09, 19.09, 3.10, 17.10.2015 FROM AIGUES-MORTES 25.04, 9.05, 23.05, 6.06, 20.06, 4.07, 18.07, 1.08, 15.08, 29.08, 12.09, 26.09, 10.10.2015 SEASONS Value: from April 18th to May 9th, from August 1st to August 22nd and from October 10th to October 17th 2015 Standard: from May 16th to July 25th 2015 High: from August 29th to October 3rd 2015 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights accommodation, full board (breakfast, dinner and a selfmade 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.

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

Special offers for groups wishing to charter the boat

USEFUL INFORMATION

NAVIGATION ON RIVERS AND CANALS

BICYCLE

EMERGENCY VAN & TRANSFERS

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.

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 Self-Guided). Due to a limited space on board only a few own bikes will be accepted upon request.

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 unavoidable busy roads.

34

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

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).

BIKE & HOTEL The cycling holiday accommodated at carefully selected hotels: just enjoy your day in the Great Outdoors, in the knowledge that your accommodation is all arranged and that a welcoming room awaits at the other end.

Your luggage is transferred for you every morning to your next hotel, and you can cycle as light as air and carefree.

Maps and detailed directions will lead you to your destination (if you’re self-guided); otherwise, if you’re travelling in a group tour, simply follow your tour leader.

Italy

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|

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| 280 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Veneto Venice Lands ROUTE PROFILE

Bassano del Grappa Asolo

Marostica

Treviso

Pi

Br

av

ion

Padova I Ad ig

e

Po

DAY BY DAY

Stra Laguna di Venezia

Venezia

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.

MARE ADRIATICO

Chioggia

BY PLANE

R

I B E O L O

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

villas. Just before entering Vicenza you see the Villa Valmarana ai Nani with its marvellous frescoes by Tiepolo.

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. 28-29).

R

5. Mestre/Venice–Chioggia (1st cycling day for those starting in Mestre) (35 km). 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). 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). 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

· · · · ·

1. Vicenza. Individual arrival. A nice and Ferrara cosy historical city centre characterized by the buildings of the famous architect Andrea Palladio (16th century).

2. Vicenza–Bassano del Grappa (40 km). 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). 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).

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 in Mestre; a supplement applies for lodging in Venice.

36

Mestre

e

G

· · · · ·

igl

G I

cch

Peschiera

e

le

Ba

Verona

Si

ta

en

Lago di Garda

Vicenza

- 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.

Montebelluna

GIROLIBERO GREENS

R E E N S

ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL

For this tour you will receive the complete set of Greens guides: - Cycling Guide - Maps - Roadbook

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

Italy

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

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFORMATIONS Cat. A

Cat. B

Cat. A+

Season 1

655 €

498 €

1290 €

Season 2

700 €

563 €

1290 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

145 €

280 €

Half Board ¹

170 €

140 €

-

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA, SU from Vicenza (Cat. A, B, A+) TU, WE from Mestre (Cat. A, B) 28.03 - 24.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 28.03 - 29.05 and 14.09 - 24.10 Season 2: 30.05 - 13.09

Webcode

I03

GUIDED TOUR Webcode

I03G

Basic price

955 €

-

-

Supplement SGL

198 €

-

-

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Cat. B

Cat. A+

DBL/SGL

from 55/85 €

from 40/65 €

on request

Mestre

DBL/SGL

from 65/85 €

from 55/65 €

Venice ²

DBL/SGL

Vicenza/Treviso

from 90/150 €

on request

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

Adults

130 €

100 €

-

Children 0 - 2 years

90%

90%

-

3 - 5 years

50%

50%

-

6 - 8 years

30%

30%

-

Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* Hotels. Cat. B mainly 3* Hotels, with some 2* Hotels and one 4* Hotel. Cat. A+ only 4* and luxury hotels (night in Venice - 3* Hotel -instead of Mestre Venice is included). ¹ 6 dinners included, beverages not included (3-course meal); ² on request night in Venice instead of Mestre (for departure from Mestre only possible as last night of the tour with delivery of the bikes in Mestre).

GUIDED TOUR 23.05, 30.05, 04.07. 29.08, 26.09.

Minimum of participants: 8 persons 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, ticket for ferry transfer (bike not included, approx.

4 €) on day 5 valid only Cat. A/ A+, 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 €).

Only for cat. B ferry-boat transfers on day 5 (altogether about 25 € per person + bike).

SHORT BREAK |

| 135 km | 5 Days |

Webcode

I16

DAY BY DAY 1. Mestre. Arrival.

2. Mestre/Venice–Chioggia.

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. You will reach the majestic Villa Pisani in Strà. On arrival in Padova, don’t miss the historical centre.

4. Padova–Mestre. You will cycle along the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the villas of the ancient Venetian nobility.

5. Mestre. Departure.

PRICE PER PERSON 415 € DBL 110 € SGL supplement 20 € season 2 supplement (30.05 - 13.09) BICYCLE RENT 45 € Girolibero bike 105 € Electro-bike INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 4 nights in Cat. A, 4 breakfast buffets, welcome briefing, luggage transportation, route description and maps, Hotline service.

DEPARTURES 2015 TU, WE 5.05 - 23.09

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

37

Italy

|

|

|

| 280 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Verona–Venice Across Lake Garda and through Verona

I Riva del Garda

Rovereto

Mestre

Soave San Bonifacio Adig e

DAY BY DAY

Abano

Padova

Venezia

MARE ADRIATICO

Chioggia

R

I B E O L O

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

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 depending on the hotel (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) and Venice (VCE).

R

4. Desenzano/Peschiera–Verona (60/35 km). 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). 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). 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 Pa-

· · · · ·

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).

Today you will ride mostly along the Adige River, through orchards and 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). 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.

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ta

Vicenza Verona

en

Peschiera

Br

Desenzano

Bassano Treviso

Lago di Garda

G

· · · · ·

Ad ig

Salorno/Salurn Trento

dova with its famous Giotto’s Chapel and one of the biggest squares of Europe “Prato della Valle”.

7. Padova–Mestre/Venice (40 km).

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 (pp. 28-29), Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46).

G I

Bolzano/Bozen

e

Lago di Caldaro

GIROLIBERO GREENS

R E E N S

ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL

For this tour you will receive the complete set of Greens guides: - Cycling Guide - Maps - Roadbook

Italy

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

PRICE PER PERSON

GENERAL INFORMATIONS

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A

Cat. B

Webcode

I01

Season 1

690 €

590 €

Season 2

728 €

628 €

Season 3

768 €

658 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

145 €

Half Board ¹

170 €

-

GUIDED TOUR Webcode

I01G

Basic price

995 €

-

Supplement SGL

198 €

-

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Bolzano

DBL/SGL

Mestre

DBL/SGL

Venice ²

DBL/SGL

Cat. B 65/85 €

65/85 €

55/65 €

from 90/150 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

Adults

130 €

100 €

Children 0 - 2 years

90%

3 - 5 years

50%

6 - 8 years

30%

Cat.A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels. Cat. B mainly 3* hotels, with some 2* hotels. ¹ 6 dinners included, beverages not included (3-course meal); ² on request night in Venice instead of Mestre with delivery of the bikes in Mestre.

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA, SU 28.03 - 17.10 TU, WE 19.05 - 9.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 28.03 - 19.04 and 28.09 - 17.10 Season 2: 20.04 - 26.06 and 7.09 - 27.09 Season 3: 27.06 - 6.09 GUIDED TOUR 25.04, 9.05, 20.06, 11.07, 19.09.

Minimum of participants: 8 persons.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, Girolibero Greens Cycling Guide, route descriptions & maps, 4-hours 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.

TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour 60 € Mestre–Bolzano (bike included).

Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days on request). Also possible on Tuesday and Wednesday from 26.05 to 16.09.15.

SHORT BREAK |

| 150 km | 5 Days |

Webcode

I18

DAY BY DAY 1. Bolzano. Arrival.

2. Bolzano–Trento. Today you will ride through vineyards and tiny beautiful villages. The dam pathways lead then to Trento.

3. Trento–Peschiera/Desenzano. Pedalling along the Adige you reach Lake Garda. A ferry cruise takes you to the southern part of the lake.

4. Peschiera/Desenzano– Verona. 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 25 € season 2 supplement (27.06 - 6.09) BICYCLE RENT 45 € Girolibero bike 105 € Electro-bike INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 4 nights in Cat. A, 4 breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route description and maps, 4-hours ferry cruise through Lake Garda, Hotline service DEPARTURES 2015 SA, SU, TU 16.05 - 8.09

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

39

Italy

|

|

| 275 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Adige Cycle Route From Resiapass to Verona/Mantua ETSCHRADWEG VARIATION 2

I B E O L

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week depending on the hotel (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) and Venice (VCE).

GIROLIBERO GREENS

R E E N S

ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL

GUIDE

ROAD

From Passo Resia to Bolzano From Pa to Bo sso Resia lzan o

sso Resia From Pa no to Bolza

Street map of

O L I B E

I

G

How eve nearer ry meter brin your destina gs you tion

R E N S E

· · ·

G · · · · ·

RO

G

E

O L I B IR

R

E E N S ·

·

G

· · · ·

L I B E R

G R E E N

R

· · · · ·

· · · · ·

tips,

O

O

Bolzano, Silandro , Merano and cycle maps

R

and dining y, wining Sights, histor l information usefu

O

For the short break tour from Resiapass to Bolzano you will receive the complete set of Greens guides: - Cycling Guide - Maps - Roadbook

MAPS CYCLING

·

G

PARKING

G I R

R

O

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

- Total length: 275/315 km - Total vertical up: 830/1,040 m - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: every day - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: every day except day 7.

R

through the villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. Along the river banks you ride towards Trento.

Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way.

6. Trento–Desenzano/Peschiera (50 km by bike + ferry). 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. Desenzano/Peschiera–Verona (60/35 km). Today you head to Verona, one of the most important and beautiful cities of Italy.

8. Verona. Departure after breakfast.

ROUTE PROFILE

· · · · ·

1. Bolzano. Arrival.

2. Resiapass–Silandro (50 km). 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 near Silandro.

3. Silandro–Merano (40 km). 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). 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). Cycling along the lane you follow the Adige beside apple orchards, vineyards and

Po

Venezia MAR ADRIATICO Chioggia

· · · · ·

Padova

Mincio

DAY BY DAY VARIATION 1

ta

Verona

Mantova

40

Treviso

Vicenza

en

Peschiera del Garda

Rovereto

Br

Lago di Garda Desenzano

Trento

G I

Riva del Garda

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.

Towards Lake Garda there is a bit more challenging climb to face.

· · · · ·

Bolzano/Bozen

Ad ig

Silandro/Schlanders Lago di Caldaro I

7. Desenzano/Peschiera–Mantua (70/45 km). 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. 28-29), Veneto (p. 36).

S

Merano/Meran

e

A

Passo Resia/Reschenpass

BOOK

Italy

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

PRICE PER PERSON

GENERAL INFORMATIONS

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A

Variation

1

2

Webcode

I15

I02

Season 1

682 €

Season 2

722 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Bolzano

DBL/SGL

65/85 €

Verona

DBL/SGL

65/85 €

Mantua

DBL/SGL

45/75 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room) Adults

130 €

Children 0 - 2 years

90%

3 - 5 years

50%

6 - 8 years

30%

Cat. A 3/4* hotels with a cozy and typical guesthouse in Silandro.

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 9.05 - 19.09 SU 28.06 - 23.08 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 9.05 - 26.06 and 05.09 - 19.09 Season 2: 27.06 - 4.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, transfer from Bolzano to Resiapass, 4-hours ferry cruise through Lake Garda, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €) TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour 60 € Mantua/Verona–Bolzano (bike included, min. 4 persons). Available on Saturday (other days only on request).

SHORT BREAK |

| 115 km | 5 Days

Webcode

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 30 € season 2 supplement (27.06 - 4.09) BICYCLE RENT 45 € Girolibero bike 105 € Electro-bike INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 4 nights in Cat. A, 4 breakfast buffets, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route description and maps, Hotline service.

DEPARTURES 2015 SA 9.05 - 19.09 SU 28.06 - 23.08

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

41

Italy

|

|

Innsbruck city centre and the “Golden Roof ” Tyrol mountains and meadows Sarde in saor, fresh sardines and onions from Adriatic Sea Silvaner, white wine

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

Innsbruck–Verona/Venice From the mountains to the sea DAY BY DAY VARIATION 1

Innsbruck Brennero/Brenner Vipiteno/Sterzing

Isa

A

rc

CH

o

Bressanone/Brixen Bolzano/Bozen

Ad ig

e

Lago di Caldaro

I

Salorno/Salurn Trento

Riva del Garda Rovereto e Ad ig Mincio

Verona

Soave

Mestre Padova

San Bonifacio Abano

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A 1

2

Webcode

I32

I27

Season 1

635 €

930 €

Season 2

675 €

995 €

Supplement SGL

170 €

245 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

95 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

135 €

215 €

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Innsbruck

DBL/SGL

65/85 €

Verona

DBL/SGL

65/85 €

Mestre

DBL/SGL

65/85 €

Venice ¹

DBL/SGL

from 90/150 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

110 €

170 €

Cat. A 3/4* hotels. ¹ on request night in Venice instead of Mestre with delivery of the bikes in Mestre.

42

Venezia

MARE ADRIATICO

GENERAL INFO

Variation

Helmet

Treviso

ta

Vicenza

en

Desenzano Peschiera

Bassano Br

Lago di Garda

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR TH, FR 7.05 - 25.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 7.05 - 26.06 and 5.09 - 25.09 Season 2: 27.06 - 4.09 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-hours ferry cruise through Lake Garda, 7/10days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx 10-15 €).

Train transfers.

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

1. Innsbruck. Arrival.

2. Innsbruck–Bressanone (55 km by bike + 40 km transfer). A private transfer will take you to Brennero, where you’ll start cycling into the green Isarco valley.

Your cycling day continues without 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).

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).

You will ride along the Adige River, through orchards and vineyards, passing the villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno.

The dam pathways lead then to Trento.

5. Trento–Desenzano/Peschiera (50 km by bike + ferry). Always pedalling along the Adige you reach Rovereto and Mori. 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.

6. Desenzano/Peschiera–Verona (60/35 km). Today you head to Verona.

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

7. Verona. Departure.

VARIATION 2

7. Verona–Vicenza (75/40 km). 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).

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).

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.

10. Mestre/Venice. Departure.

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).

Italy

|

|

The countryside villas of the ancient venetian nobility Vineyards of Verona and Soave Risotto, a creamy rice dish Gambellara, white wine

| 205 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Lake Garda–Venice Highlights of Veneto

I Treviso

Peschiera

Illasi

Mestre

Soave

Padova

San Bonifacio Adig e

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A

Cat. B I33

Season 1

625 €

525 €

Season 2

655 €

555 €

Supplement SGL

170 €

125 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 € Cat. A

Peschiera/ Desenzano

DBL SGL

Mestre

DBL SGL

Venice 1

DBL SGL

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

Venezia

MARE ADRIATICO

GENERAL INFO

Webcode

EXTRA NIGHTS

ta

Vicenza Verona

en

Desenzano

Br

Lago di Garda

Cat. B

from 55 € from 80 € 65 € 85 €

55 € 65 €

from 90 € from 150 € 130 €

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR MO, TU 20.04 - 22.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 20.04 - 28.06 and 9.09 - 22.09 Season 2: 29.06 - 8.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route description & maps, 7-day service hotline.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €).

DAY BY DAY

ROUTE PROFILE

1. Peschiera/Desenzano. Arrival.

2. Peschiera/Desenzano–Verona (35/60 km). 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.

3. Verona-Ilasi/Soave (30/40 km).

The stage is flat and relaxing, crossing beautiful vineyards and the countryside.

Your cycle route will join the “Strada del Vino” (wine road) that leads to Illasi/ Soave, a very famous area full of vineyards and nice medieval sights.

4. Illasi/Soave–Vicenza (50/40 km).

At first, the route starts out flat and then heads through the Colli 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.

5. Vicenza–Padova (50 km).

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”.

6. Padova–Mestre/Venice (40 km).

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.

7. Mestre/Venice. Departure after breakfast.

- Total length: 205/ 230 km - Total vertical up: 650/800 m - Terrain: 95 % asphalt, 5 % unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2, 5, 6 - Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train: day 4 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.

BY PLANE

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

100 €

Cat. A mainly 3* hotels with some 4* hotels; Cat. B mainly 3* hotels, with some 2* hotels.

1 on request night in Venice instead of Mestre with delivery of the bikes in Mestre.

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

43

Italy

|

|

Bassano and the famous wooden bridge The Venetian lagoon and its birdlife Sopressa, typical salami of Veneto region Grappa, the King of Italian spirits

| 310 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Bassano–Venice Across the beautiful Brenta Valley DAY BY DAY

Bolzano/Bozen

e

Lago di Caldaro

Ad ig

Salorno/Salurn

I

Borgo Valsugana

Trento Laghi Levico di Caldonazzo e Levico

Bassano del Grappa

Lago di Garda

Treviso

cc

Adi g

hi

e

gli

le

ta

Ba

Padova

Si

en

Br

Vicenza Verona

Mestre Venezia

on

e

MARE ADRIATICO

Chioggia

PRICE PER PERSON

GENERAL INFO

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 9.05 - 12.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

Cat. A Cat. B

Webcode

I13

Season 1

710 €

628 €

Season 2

750 €

668 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

145 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Bolzano

DBL SGL

Mestre

DBL SGL

Venice

DBL SGL

Cat. A Cat. B

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels; Cat. B mainly 3* hotels, with some 2* hotels.

44

65 € 85 € 65 € 85 €

55 € 65 €

from 90 € from 150 € 130 €

100 €

SEASONS Season 1: 9.05 - 26.06 and 5.09 - 12.09 Season 2: 27.06 - 4.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage trans­ portation, 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, 6 € per person) on day 3. Ferry-boat transfers on day 7 (altogehter about 25 € per person).

Train journey from Venice to Mestre on day 7 (approx. 15 minutes, 2,5 € per person) TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour: 60 € Mestre-Bolzano (bike included). Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days only on request).

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

1. Bolzano. Arrival. The bi­lingual capital city of South Tyrol is a renowned commercial and tourist centre which has a rich history. Today Italian and German cultures and ways of life join together.

The historical centre of Bolzano is enchantingly beautiful.

2. Bolzano–Trento (65/70 km).

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 (20/35 km by train + 75/60 km by bike).

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 the lakes 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. Possibility to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way.

4. Bassano–Vicenza (40 km). After a few kilometres from Bassano you reach the little fortified 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). 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).

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). 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 reach Mestre by train.

8. Mestre. Departure after breakfast.

Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with the following tours: Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29), Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46).

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total length: 310/350 km - Total vertical up: 410/1,010 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 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 depending on the hotel (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) and Venice (VCE).

Italy

|

|

Cortina, the famous elegant mountain resort Dolomites and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo Cheeses of the mountains Prosecco, white wine

| 275 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Cortina–Venice From the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea DAY BY DAY Brunico/Bruneck

Dobbiaco/Toblach

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Bolzano/Bozen

Calalzo I

ve

Belluno

a

Pi Ad ig

e

Valdobbiadene Asolo

Sile

Treviso

ta

en

Br

Lago di Garda

Verona

Mestre Venezia

Ad ig

MARE ADRIATICO

e

PRICE PER PERSON

GENERAL INFO

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SU 3.05 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 27.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

Cat. A

Webcode

I14

Season 1

655 €

Season 2

700 €

Supplement SGL

180 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Bolzano

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Mestre

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Venice ¹

DBL SGL

from 90 € from 150 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

90 €

Cat. A 3/4* hotels. ¹ on request night in Venice instead of Mestre with delivery of the bikes in Mestre.

SEASONS Season 1: 3.05 - 27.06 and 7.09 -27.09 Season 2: 28.06 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 6.09 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. 50 min, 8 € per person).

TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour 60 € Mestre-Bolzano (bike included).

Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days only on request).

1. Bolzano. Arrival.

2. Bolzano–Brunico–Dobbiaco (30 km). 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). 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). Today you pedal slightly downhill along the old railway route until you reach San Vito and then Calalzo. The landscape is very relaxing here: you cycle through the Cadore woods, then stop in the small village of Pieve, where you can see the birth house of the painter Titian. Train transfer from Calalzo to Belluno (not included in price).

5. Belluno–Valdobbiadene (60 km).

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 vineyards. If you like to go for a wine tasting, today is your day!

6. Valdobbiadene–Treviso (65 km).

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).

Leaving Treviso behind you, follow the course of the river Sile up to Casale.

Here you’ll be surprised by the “Cimitero dei Burci”, a “graveyard” of old cargo boats, abandoned along the river since 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 in Mestre; a supplement applies for lodging in Venice.

8. Mestre/Venice. Departure after breakfast. Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with following tours: Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29), Venice–Porecˇ (p. 46).

ROUTE PROFILE

- 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.

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 depending on the hotel (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) and Venice (VCE).

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

45

Italy-Slovenia-Croatia

|

|

| 320 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Venice–Porecˇ The lands of the ancient Republic of Venice

DAY BY DAY

MAPS CYCLING

ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL

nice From Ve cˇ to Pore

From Venice to Porecˇ From V to Po enice recˇ

Street maps of Caorle, Portogru Mestre, Venice, Lido di Jesolo, aro, Palmano Trieste, Piran, va, Portorož, Porec Aquileia, Grado, ˇ and cycle maps dining tips,

and y, wining Sights, histor l information usefu L I B E R

O L I B E

How eve nearer ry meter brin your destina gs you tion

R E N S E

O L I B IR G · · · · ·

R

RO

G R E E N

G

E

·

R

· · · · ·

O

O

For this tour you will receive the complete set of Greens guides: - Cycling Guide - Maps - Roadbook

GUIDE

R

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

GIROLIBERO GREENS

· · · ·

46

where extensive fish farming is practised) and “casoni” (constructions used by fishermen in the past during the fishing season). Afterwards 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 (60/70 km). The trip can be shortened of 20 km by taking a train from Portogruaro 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 Aquileia, with its Roman excavations, or Palmanova, named “the starry city” because from above the town resembles a 9-pointed star.

5. Palmanova/Aquileia–Trieste (70/50 km). The trip can be shortened of 30 km

O

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 (40/65 km). After a few kilometres by bike, you take the ferry and then the vaporetto, passing in front of Piazza San Marco. Then you will reach Punta Sabbioni, the furthest south area of the Adriatic coast, which is 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 (65/40 km). 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

HR

G

Poreč

· · ·

Buje

E E N S ·

·

MAR ADRIATICO

Portorož

I

Venezia

Piran

Jesolo

G

Mestre

Caorle

· · · ·

ve

Laguna di Venezia

Golfo Trieste di Trieste

·

Pia

7. Portorož–Porecˇ (55 km). 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 was declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1997.

8. Porecˇ. After breakfast, end of services. Return to Venice by boat (option).

Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with following tours: Venice– Mantua Bike&Boat (pp. 28-29) or Bolzano–Verona–Venice (p. 38).

G I R

Aquileia Marano Lagunare Grado

Monfalcone

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 white castle built according to the wishes of Maximilan of Augsburg, 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 as regards attractions and history.

6. Trieste–Portorož (45 km). 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.

· · · · ·

Latisana

Treviso

SLO

S

Portogruaro

I

zo

o

ent

Ison

am

li Tag Palmanova

ROAD

BOOK

Italy-Slovenia-Croatia

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

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total length: 320/340 km - Total vertical up: 1,390 m - 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 stages along flat roads, across the Veneto and Friuli plain, and the last three on slightly hillier sections.

PARKING

In Mestre: Information on request The railway parking place is always a good alternative (about 60 € per week, reservation not possible).

BY PLANE

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

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I04

Season 1

639 €

Saison 2

699 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Mestre

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Porecˇ

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Venice

DBL SGL

from 90 € from 150 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

100 €

Cat. A 3* Hotels (sometimes a few 4* Hotels).

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 11.04 - 18.07 and 22.08 - 3.10 FR 29.05 - 10.07 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Saison 1: 11.04 - 5.06 and 13.09 - 3.10 Saison 2: 6.06 - 18.07 and 22.08 - 12.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service, ferry transfer on day 2 (bike not included, approx.

4 €). Except departure of 18.07, when the ferry boat transfer will be replaced by a private transfer.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €).

Train transfers: Portogruaro–Latisana (approx. 10 min, 6 € per person); Monfalcone–Trieste (approx. 25 min, 7 € per person).

FERRY BOAT TRANSFER To be confirmed when booking the tour: Istria-Venice by boat (boarding time between 6 am and 7 am and departure of the boat around 8 am, duration approx. 150 min).

Price 60-65 € per person (+ 10 € for own bikes), depending on the season.

Dates and prices will be communicated at the beginning of 2015.

If the ferry boat is not available the service will be replaced by a private transfer.

The booking (complete with full names, passport number, nationality, date of birth) is compulsory when sending the reservation.

Transfer from Venice Terminal San Basilio (arrival point from Porecˇ / Piran) to hotel/railway station in Mestre, price 80 € 1-2 persons, 160 € 3-4 persons, bike included. The transfer is only available (and also strongly recommended) for clients with own bikes.

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

47

Adriabike The Northern Adriatic cycle route

photo M. Danesin

Kranjska Gora, Koper, Trieste, Venezia, Ravenna

A 1000 km long cycle path connecting the Alps and Northwestern Slovenia’s lakes with the Adriatic beaches and lagoons.

A journey to be enjoyed through three different one-week holiday proposals offering sun, sea, nature and culture.

Discover the emotions of a path combining Mitteleuropean culture and Mediterranean lifestyle.

www.adriabike.eu

Kranjska Gora

AT !

SI

IT

Consult the online catalogue Discover the stops of the journey Download the tracks and the app Info about the project Interbike

Venezia !

Trieste ! !

Koper Capodistria

HR Progetto INTERBIKE finanziato nell΄ambito del Programma per la Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia-Slovenia 2007-2013, dal Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale e dai fondi nazionali.

INTERBIKE project funded under Program for Cross-Border Cooperation Italy-Slovenia 2007-2013, by the European Regional Development Fund and national funds.

Projekt INTERBIKE sofinanciran v okviru Programa čezmejnega sodelovanja Slovenija-Italija 2007-2013 iz sredstev Evropskega sklada za regionalni razvoj in nacionalnih sredstev.

Projekt INTERBIKE wurde im Zusammenhang des Programms zur grenzüberschreitenden Zusammenarbeit SlowenienItalien 2007-2013 durch Finanzmittel des Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung sowie nationale Mittel finanziert.

Mare Adriatico !

Ravenna

Italy

|

|

Comacchio, founded on 13 islets linked by bridges and canals Po Delta and the pink flamingos Parmigiano Reggiano cheese Lugana, white wine

| 340 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

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

Lago di Garda Desenzano

Treviso

I Verona

Venezia

nci

o

Peschiera

Mi

Ad ig

Mantova Po

S.Benedetto

MARE ADRIATICO

e

Governolo Ostiglia

Sermide Stellata

Po Pomposa

Ferrara

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A I22

Season 1

628 €

Supplement SGL

180 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 € Cat. A

Peschiera

DBL SGL

65 € 90 €

Po Delta area

DBL SGL

50 € 65 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

Cat. A 3/4* hotels.

Mesola Comacchio

GENERAL INFO

Webcode

EXTRA NIGHTS

Ostellato

Delta del Po

100 €

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SU 12.04 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 4.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 12.04 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 4.10 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route description & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €).

TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour Po Delta–Peschiera del Garda 290 € (1-4 persons) 350 € (5-8 persons)

1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda.

2. Peschiera del Garda–Mantua (45 km). 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). Leaving Mantua along its lakes and the river 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. Carrying on along the Po cycleway, you arrive to the overnight stay in Ostiglia or Sermide.

4. Ostiglia/Sermide–Ferrara (65/45 km). You resume along the Po and arrive at Stellata, a settlement with the star-shaped Rocca Possente, an 11th century fortress, once controlling the river’s shipping from the floodplain. At Bondeno you veer off to catch the scenic cycling path of the Burana Canal. 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 round tour (50 km). This day is dedicated to a nice round tour in the quiet countryside around Ferrara, considered the ‘bike capital’ of Italy, due to the large use of bicycles in the everyday life. Ferrara is a key City State of ancient Italy, which attracted influential architects and artists for centuries. You will visit the historic little touched centre of this thriving university town, still surrounded by the original city walls.

6. Ferrara–Ostellato/Pomposa (40/70 km). 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, they 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 unique fusion of Renaissance vision and natural landscape.

Overnight will be either in Ostellato or Pomposa, with its 9th century Abbey, a major centre of learning in the Dark Ages.

7. Po Delta round tour (65/70 km) For the last cycling stage you will complete a round tour. If the overnight is in Ostellato you will follow the cycleway to Comacchio, a small town in the heart of the lagoon, considered the Delta’s capital. Founded on 13 islets linked by bridges and canals, Comacchio 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 and salt marshes. If your overnight is in Pomposa you will head towards the coast through the Mesola Forest Nature reserve, emerging at the tiny fisherman’s harbor of Goro with its picturesque waterfront.

This is the core of Po Delta, its fishing “valleys” and brackish lagoon, home to over 300 species of birds.

8. Po Delta. Breakfast and end of tour.

ROUTE PROFILE

- 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).

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

49

Italy

|

|

| 165 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Lake Garda Roundtour from Peschiera del Garda

Sirmione, ancient lakeside settlement Regional Nature Park of river Mincio Tortelli of Valeggio, hand-made fresh pasta filled with meat Bardolino, red wine

Sirmione

Adi ge

DAY BY DAY Lago di Garda

Bussolengo Peschiera

Desenzano

Verona Ad ig

e

Valeggio sul Mincio

Solferino

I

o ci

in

M

Laghi di Mantova

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I24

Season 1

510 €

Season 2

590 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Mantova

Cat. A

Peschiera

DBL SGL

55 € 85 €

Verona

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR every day 11.04 - 26.09 SEASONS Season 1: 11.04 - 23.05 and 12.09 - 26.09 Season 2: 24.05 - 11.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, route description & maps, train tickets for Desenzano–Peschiera, Verona–Peschiera and Mantua–Peschiera as in the itinerary, 7-day service hotline.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 8 €).

Cat. A 3* hotel (hotel Puccini or equivalent if not available).

50

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

1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda, a veritable fortress-city completely surrounded by water, an architectural jewel of art and culture.

2. Peschiera round tour (40 km).

First day on bike among fruit plantations and vineyards of the eminent still white wine Lugana, characteristic of this region. You arrive in Solferino, the site of the famous battle that ended the Italian Second War of Independence, providing the basis for a united Italy.

3. Peschiera del Garda–Desenzano del Garda (45 km). In search of 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 spend 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. Alternatively excursion to Sirmione by public transportation.

5. Peschiera del Garda–Verona (45 km). Pedal towards Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, with the river Adige passing through it; this is one of the most 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). 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. 28-29).

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.

BY PLANE

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

Italy

|

|

Padova city of art, home of Giotto’s frescoes Euganean Hills Regional Park Prosciutto di Montagnana, local ham aged at least 12 months Moscato, dessert white wine

| 160 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Terme Euganee Abano and Montegrotto

DAY BY DAY Sile I

Bre

Bac

nta

chi

glio

ne

Mira

Padova

Mestre Venezia

Brenta

Stra

Abano Praglia Terme Luvigliano

LAGUNA DI VENEZIA

Montegrotto terme Arquà Petrarca

Chioggia

Monselice

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I25

Season 1

435 €

Season 2

475 €

Supplement SGL

200 €

Half Board ¹

80 €

Half Board ²

140 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

Cat. A 3* hotel (hotel Aqua or equivalent if not available) ¹ 6 dinners included (3-course meal), beverages not included; ² 3 dinners included (3-course meal), beverages not included.

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR every day 18.04 - 3.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 18.04 - 21.06 and 5.09 - 3.10 Season 2: 22.06 - 4.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, route description and maps, swimming pool entrance, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (about 9 €).

Special treatments at the hotel Spa. Train transfer: Mestre–Terme Euganee (approx. 30 min, 9 € per person)

1. Abano/Montegrotto.

Arrival at the hotel.

2. Euganei Hills (45 km). 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). 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.

For those who prefer cycling, the new 60-km cycle path around the Euganei hills is the ideal choice.

5. Brenta Canal (50 km + train).

From Abano you join the Brenta canal, which was built by the Venetians to link Padua to 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 eighteenthcentury 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).

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 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 the following tours: Mantua–Venice/Venice–Mantua Bike&Boat (pp. 26-27), Veneto (p. 34).

ROUTE PROFILE

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

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

51

Italy

|

|

Merano, sophisticated spa town Lake Caldaro and the vineyard landscape Apricot dumplings, typical dessert of Venosta Valley Schiava, red wine

| 160 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

South Tyrol Valleys Bike & relax around Bolzano DAY BY DAY Vipiteno/Sterzing

A

Isa

rc

I

Fortezza/Franzenfeste

o

Bressanone/Brixen Merano/Meran Adige

Renon/Ritten Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck

Appiano/Eppan

Bolzano/Bozen

Lago di Caldaro Ora/Auer

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I23

Season 1

495 €

Season 2

530 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Bolzano

Cat. A DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Cat. A 4* hotel (hotel Scala oder gleichwertiges wenn nicht verfügbar).

52

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR every day 11.04 - 26.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 11.4 - 27.06 and 5.09 - 26.09.

Season 2: 28.06 - 4.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, route description and maps, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE South Tyrol Mobilcard for railway and cable car (incl. transportation of the bike), about 40 € as per programme; Local taxes (about 10 €).

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

1. Bolzano. Arrival at the hotel.

2. Renon roundtour (35 km). 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).

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 to visit 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 crossroad 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).

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-year-old 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). 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.

ROUTE PROFILE

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

PARKING

In Bolzano: from 60 € per week depending on the hotel (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) and Venice (VCE).

South Tyrol ...

Italy with a twist

South Tyrol is Italy at its best – with a dash of Alpine influence.

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

Italy

|

|

| 240 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Piedmont Wine and food lovers’ paradise!

Po

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY Casale Monferrato

Torino

I Po

Alessandria ro Tana

Bo

rm

id

a

Asti

Neive Canelli

Alba

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR Webcode

I05

Season 1

615 €

Season 2

655 €

Supplement SGL

175 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Alessandria

Cat. A DBL SGL

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

55 € 75 € 100 €

Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels.

54

Acqui Terme

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Savoy Residences in Turin and surroundings The vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato Truffles, often served in traditional dishes Barolo, red wine

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 18.04 - 3.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 18.04 - 1.05 and 26.09 - 3.10 Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 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 transfer to Torino (approx.

40 min., 9 € per person).

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

1. Arrival in Alessandria, a city divided by the river Tanaro. Piazza della Libertà and Piazza Duomo with its wonderful neoclassical cathedral are worth a visit.

2. Alessandria–Acqui Terme (50 km).

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).

You come across the famous Langhe hills, 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). 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). Today you can choose 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).

Take advantage of the hospitality of the wine cellars and restaurants along the way, which offer an excellent enogastronomical choice. In Monferrato you will eventually meet the river Po, the longest river in Italy.

7. Casale Monferrato–Alessandria (45 km). 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.

ROUTE PROFILE

- 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 2 and 7.

Tour of an average difficulty mainly running on paved roads with low traffic.

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.

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

Italy

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Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi A landscape of rolling hills and olive groves Pecorino cheese, often flavoured by local black truffle Sagrantino, red wine

| 265 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Umbria The green and spiritual heart of Italy DAY BY DAY

Arezzo I

re

Magione Castiglione del Lago

ve Te

Lago Trasimeno

Perugia

Chiusi

Assisi Spello

Città della Pieve

Bevagna

Foligno

Fabro Todi

Spoleto

Orvieto Lago di Bolsena

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I19

Season 1

685 €

Supplement SGL

175 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Orvieto

Cat. A DBL SGL

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

60 € 80 € 100 €

Cat. A 3* hotels with one 2* hotel in Castiglione del Lago.

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 2.05 - 19.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 2.05 - 19.09 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., 6 € per person); Magione–Perugia (approx. 30 min., 6 € per person).

1. Individual arrival in Orvieto. This breathtaking city was built on the summit of a butte of white tuff and therefore it looks like a fortress standing on the impressive cliffs. 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).Short train transfer to Fabro, with its beautiful castle overlooking the Chiana Valley.

You start cycling over the rolling hills with two choices: either going a bit uphill through Città della Pieve (a medieval village still surrounded by fourteenthcentury city walls) or through an easier but longer stretch through Chiusi. The 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). Following the northern shores of the lake and crossing hills you finally reach Magione and its castle. From here you have a short transfer by train to 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). 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 reach Assisi, which will astonish you with its art, monuments and the great atmosphere.

The 13th century Basilica is the mother church of the Franciscan Order and burial place of St. Francis.

5. Assisi–Spoleto (45/50 km). This is the most exciting trip 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 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). Today you cycle on towards the village of Castel Ritardi and from here you leave the Umbrian valley to enter beautiful hills covered with oak and olive trees till you reach 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). Today’s stage leads you through small villages in the middle of the nature. 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.

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 by 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. In 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.).

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

55

Italy

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Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli and the iconic Tower Massaciuccoli Lake, a oasis for the birdlife Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a large grilled beef T-bone Vin Santo, dessert white wine

| 225 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Tuscany Between Pisa and Florence DAY BY DAY

I Montecatini Terme

Lago di Massaciuccoli Lucca MAR TIRRENO

Collodi

Poggio a Caiano Vinci

MONTI PISANI

Pisa

Firenze

Arno

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A I06

Season 1

638 €

Season 2

698 €

Supplement SGL

195 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Helmet

15 €

Pisa

Cat. A DBL SGL

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

60 € 90 € 100 €

Cat. A 3/4* hotels (sometimes a cosy 2* hotel in Lucca).

56

Empoli

GENERAL INFO

Webcode

EXTRA NIGHTS

Pistoia

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 11.04 - 10.10 MO 29.06 - 27.07 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 11.04 - 1.05 and 26.09 - 10.10 Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 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. 20 min., 6 € per person); Florence–Empoli (approx.

30 min., 8 € per person); Empoli–Pisa (approx.

30 min., 9 € per person).

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

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 the friendly and lively atmosphere of a university city.

2. Pisa–Lucca (30/45 km). 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).

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 can visit the famous Pinocchio’s Park (created in 1962) and the aristocratic Villa Garzoni. In Pescia you can enjoy a quiet stroll among churches, palaces, Renaissance mansions and the local flower street market.

4. Montecatini–Montecatini (60 km).

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 picturesque 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).

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 onto 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). Today you can choose if either starting pedalling directly from 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 the tour: Umbria (p. 55).

ROUTE PROFILE

- 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, 5 and 7.

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 outside the first hotel, for the whole duration of the tour (in the hotel garage the price is about 10 € per day, no reservation possible, to be paid on-site).

BY PLANE

Pisa is well connected with the following airports: Pisa (PSA), Florence (FLR).

Italy

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| 195 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Tuscany Florence, Siena and the Chianti

Piazza del Campo in Siena, home of the historical Palio race The Chianti hillsides offering an unique landscape Cantucci and Ricciarelli, typical biscuits of Siena Brunello di Montalcino, red wine

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY VARIATION 1 Firenze

Pisa Empoli

Arno

Greve in Chianti

Tavarnelle

Livorno

I

Certaldo S. Gimignano

MAR TIRRENO

Radda in Chianti

Colle Val d’Elsa

Siena

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Variation

1

2

Webcode

I17

I31

Season 1

638 €

588 €

Season 2

698 € 648 €

Supplement SGL

195 €

Half Board ¹

170 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Florence

DBL SGL

75 € 130 €

Siena

DBL SGL

60 € 90 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

100 €

Cat. A 3* hotels (in Colle val d’Elsa sometimes a cosy BB). ¹ 6 dinners included (3-course meal, beverages not included).

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 11.04 - 10.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 11.04 - 1.05 and 26.09 - 10.10 Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 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., 10 € per person).

1. Siena. Arrival.

2. Siena–Radda in Chianti (45 km).

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).

The route brings you to Greve over the rounded hills with beautiful views.

4. Greve–Florence (40 km). Florence, capital of Tuscany, spreads on the banks of the Arno, between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. In Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, worked the world famous artists Leonardo and Michelangelo.

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). 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). 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 the following tours: Pisa–Florence (p. 56) or Umbria (p. 55).

VARIATION 2

6. Tavarnelle–Colle Val d’Elsa (45 km).

From Tavarnelle you cycle to Colle 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 the Val d’Elsa with its towers.

7. Colle Val d’Elsa–Siena (40 km). See variation 1.

8. Siena. Departure after breakfast.

ROUTE PROFILE

- 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 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).

5. Florence–Tavarnelle (40 km). 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.

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

57

Italy

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Alberobello and Trulli, ancient dry-stone “huts” Adriatic and Ionian Sea: clean waters, crags and fine sands Orecchiette, traditional handmade pasta-dish Negroamaro, red wine

| 320 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Apulia Olive groves and crystal seas

Bari

Matera

MAR ADRIATICO

Alberobello

I

Ostuni

Gioia del Colle

Brindisi

Locorotondo

Lecce

Taranto

Otranto Gallipoli MAR IONIO S. Maria di Leuca

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I08

Season 1

615 €

Season 2

655 €

Supplement SGL

180 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Matera

DBL SGL

60 € 90 €

Lecce

DBL SGL

60 € 90 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

100 €

Cat. A 3/4* hotels (in Alberobello in some cases a typical “widespread hotel”, called “trullo”).

58

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 28.03 -13.06 and 29.08 - 24.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 28.03 - 17.04 and 10.10 - 24.10 Season 2: 18.04 - 13.06 and 29.08 - 9.10 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., 9 € per person).

TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour 45 € p.p. Bari-Matera (min. 2 persons) Brindisi–Matera: on request Lecce–Bari: on request Lecce–Brindisi: on request

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

DAY BY DAY

ROUTE PROFILE

1. Matera. Arrival. Over millennia, inhabitants of the region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-colored soft stone. These houses are called “Sassi”, today a World Heritage site.

2. Matera–Alberobello (70 km). You cycle to the famous trulli which were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. Alberobello is situated upon two hills. On the eastern hill is the new town. On the western hill, the trulli are lined up in an urban conglomeration, subdivided into two districts: Monti and Aia Piccola, both World Heritage sites.

3. Alberobello–Ostuni (45 km). 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). After a short train transfer and a few kilometers through the town of Lecce, you go deep into the “salentinian countryside”, before approaching the Ionian coast and your daily destination, Gallipoli.

5. Gallipoli–Santa Maria di Leuca (50 km). Cycling further along the coast you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca.

Its name 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. The town is today a famous seaside resort.

6. Santa Maria di Leuca–Otranto (50 km). 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). 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.

8. Lecce. Departure after breakfast.

Possibility to book extra nights.

- 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.

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.

SHORT BREAK |

| 205 km | 6 Days |

Webcode

I35

DAY BY DAY 1. Lecce 2. Lecce–Gallipoli 3. Gallipoli–Santa Maria di Leuca 4. S. M. di Leuca–Otranto 5. Otranto–Lecce 6. Lecce PRICE PER PERSON 495 € DBL 130 € SGL supplement 40 € season 2 supplement (18.04 - 13.06 and 28.09 - 9.10) BICYCLE RENT 70 € Girolibero bike INCLUDED 5 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

DEPARTURES 2015 TU 31.03 - 16.06 and 1.09 - 27.10

Italy

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

Sicily The land of lemons and oranges

DAY BY DAY VARIATION 1 (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)

Parco dell'Etna

Catania

Piazza Armerina

MAR IONIO

I

Caltagirone

Siracusa

Ragusa

Vittoria

Noto, Caltagirone and Siracusa, jewels of the baroque age Vendicari Nature Reserve, a mix of lagoons, sand dunes, and rocky coastlines Fresh fish, from the coastline fishing communities Nero d’Avola, red wine

Noto

Modica Pozzallo

MAR MEDITERRANEO

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Variation

1

2

Webcode

I28

I29

Season 1

645 € 605 €

Supplement SGL

180 €

150 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Caltagirone

DBL SGL

45 € 65 €

Siracusa

DBL SGL

50 € 75 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

Marzamemi

100 €

Cat. A 3* Hotels, B&B and agriturismo.

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 28.03 - 13.06 and 29.08 - 24.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 28.03 - 13.06 and 29.08 - 24.10 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7/6 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, transfer from Caltagirone to Piazza Armerina (only for Variation 1) and from Vittoria to Modica, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 10 €).

TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour (min. 2 pax) 50 € Catania-Caltagirone; 60 € Siracusa-Catania

1. Caltagirone. Arrival.

2. Caltagirone–Piazza Armerina– Caltagirone (35 km). In the morning there is a transfer to Piazza Armerina with its Villa Romana del Casale, 5 km southwest of the town. First excavated in 1950, it was probably a hunting lodge and summer residence and is decorated with multicoloured mosaic floors that are unique throughout the Roman world in their quality and extension. After the visit cycle back to Caltagirone.

VARIATON 2 (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS WITH ARRIVAL ON SUNDAY IN CALTAGIRONE)

3. Caltagirone–Modica (45 km by bike + 40 km transfer). 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). Before leaving Modica taste the famous spicy chocolate. From Modica you will gradually descend alongside the characteristic caves 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). This day of cycling on an almost completely flat course will bring you to Portopalo di Capo Passero, continental Europe’s southernmost point. Before arriving to Marzamemi, the beautiful island of Correnti marks the meeting point of the Ionian and Mediterranean seas.

6. Marzamemi–Noto (25 km). 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 in 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). Heading north, the route continues towards Siracusa, the capital of Ancient Greece and home to Archimedes. With the Island of Ortigia in the background, the centre of Siracusa is a wonderful example of ancient city.

8. Siracusa. Departure after breakfast.

Possibility to book extra nights.

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total length: 230/195 km - Total vertical up: 1,670/1,170 m - Terrain: 100% asphalt - Train connection among the overnight stays: NO - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: NO The itinerary develops on low traffic side roads except for the short part entering Siracusa. Most stretches are on lowlands with some slightly hilly passages.

This tour is however suggested to people with a minimum of bike practice.

BY PLANE

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

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

59

France

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| 295 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Loire valley From Orléans to Saumur

Orléans Loir

e

F

Angers

St.Dye Blois

Loire Saumur

RignyUssé

Tours

Amboise

Chambord Cheverny

Chaumont Villandry

Chenonceaux

Che

r

Indre

ne

en

Vi

Chinon

Beaugency

7. Chinon–Saumur (35 km). 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. Departure after breakfast.

Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with the following tour: Paris–London (p. 62).

ROUTE PROFILE

DAY BY DAY

1. Orléans. Independent arrival in Orléans, homeland of Joan of Arc. 2. Orléans–Beaugency/St. Dyé (30/50 km). 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). 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). After the visit of the city of Blois and its impressive castle, you pedal through forests up

60

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). After the forest of Amboise you arrive in 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). 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 you can admire the castle of the Sleeping Beauty.

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

- 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 In 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 little 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

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

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFORMATIONS Cat. A

Webcode

Cat. B F03

Season 1

685 €

599 €

Season 2

730 €

635 €

Supplement SGL

200 €

175 €

Half Board ¹

160 €

150 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Orléans

DBL/SGL

Saumur

DBL/SGL

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

Cat. B 55/85 €

65/100 €

55/85 €

80 €

60 €

Cat. A mainly 3* hotels with a few 2* hotels.

Cat. B mainly 2* hotels with a few 3* hotels. ¹ 6 dinners included (except the one in Tours), beverages not included.

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 25.04 - 26.09 SU 31.05 - 6.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 25.04 - 5.06 and 7.09 - 26.09 Season 2: 6.06 - 6.09 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.

TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour 65 € p.p. Saumur–Orléans (bike included) min. 2 persons, every day; 65 € p.p. Tours–Orléans (bike included) min. 2 persons, every day.

VARIATION ORLÉANS–TOURS |

| 175 km | 6 days

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. A: 520 € DBL 140 € SGL supplement 30 € Season 2 supplement Cat. B: 455 € DBL 125 € SGL supplement 20 € Season 2 supplement BICYCLE RENT 50 € Girolibero bike 140 € Electro-bike INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 5 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, Hotline service, hotel taxes.

DEPARTURES 2015 SA 25.04 - 26.09 SO 31.05 - 06.09

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

61

France-Great Britain

|

|

|

| 340 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

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

NL

GB

Crawley

East Grinstead

Brighton Newhaven

BE

Polegate

ENGLISH CHANNEL

F Dieppe Forges-les-Eaux

Seine

Vernon

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). Au revoir Paris!

Starting from Notre Dame you can 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 destination for Sunday trips, somewhere to spend the afternoon “en plein air” on a boat between the Seine and the Marne. Welcome to the Promenade Bleue in Paris!

3. Cergy–Gisors/surroundings (65 km).

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 eighteenth-century

62

Gournay-en-Bray

Gisors

Villarceaux Théméricourt Saint-Denis Cergy Nanterre Paris

castle bearing the same name. After the small 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/surroundings–Forges-lesEaux (65 km). Departure from Gisors for Gournay-en-Bray and then on to Forgesles-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). From Forges-les-Eaux you follow the 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

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

refuge for marsh birds. Here you are in Dieppe, France’s leading seaside resort and a favourite place for many impressionist painters. Appointment on the quayside for the trip across the Channel.

Overnight in New­haven after the crossing.

6. Newhaven–East Grinstead (55/75 km). 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).

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 quiet districts to the heart of London. Your finish line for the week will be Westminster.

8. London. After breakfast, goodbye and au revoir! Possibility either to book extra nights or to combine with the following tour: Loire Valley (p. 60).

France-Great Britain

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

ROUTE PROFILE

- 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 in the lowlands when it follows the main rivers, it then becomes slightly more difficult in the countryside areas, especially in England.

BY PLANE

Both Paris and London are well connected to 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 Guided 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

GENERAL INFO

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Cat. A

Webcode

F01

Season 1

689 €

Season 2

719 €

Supplement SGL

450 €

SEASONS Season 1: 16.05 - 20.06 and 5.09 - 19.09 Season 2: 27.06 - 29.08 GUIDED TOUR 4.07, 11.07, 1.08, 8.08, 15.08.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, welcome briefing in English, luggage transportation, route description and maps, ferry cruise Dieppe-Newhaven, support van in the area, 7-days Hotline service.

GUIDED TOUR Webcode

F01B

Basic price

998 €

Supplement SGL

450 €

Extra services for Guided tour: guide on bike, 5 dinners (beverages not included).

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE All the train transfers.

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

80 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Paris

DBL/SGL

on request

London

DBL/SGL

on request

REDUCTIONS (3rd person in room)

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 16.05 - 19.09

140 €

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

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

63

France

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| 305 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Provence and Camargue Roman sites and Van Gogh landscapes

Avignon, the splendid city of exiled Popes Camargue Nature Park Petit farcis, Provençal stuffed vegetables Châteauneuf-du-Pape, red wine

DAY BY DAY Uzès Avignon

Pont du Gard

Nîmes Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Rh

ôn

e

F Pe t

it

Les-Baux-de-Provence Arles

e

ôn

Rh

Montpellier Aigues-Mortes

Parc naturel régional de Camargue

St. Maries-de-la-Mer

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

F13

Season 1

715 €

Season 2

760 €

Supplement SGL

225 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Electro-bike Kalkhoff

160 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Arles

Cat. A DBL SGL

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 11.04 - 17.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 11.04 - 5.06 and 27.09 - 17.10 Season 2: 6.06 - 26.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, welcome briefing in English, route descriptions & maps, entrance to Pont du Gard, 7-days Hotline service, hotel taxes.

75 € 105 €

Cat. A 3/4* hotels, with some 2* hotels.

64

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

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).

Leave the city and go into the delta of the Rhône, better known as “Camargue”, where nature still prevails over civilization.

You will cycle among cane fields, salt lakes, flamingos, horses and bulls.

You will stop in Saintes-Maries-de-laMer, and then continue towards the medieval fortress of Aigues-Mortes.

3. Aigues-Mortes–Nîmes (40 km).

Back to civilization. Following streets with low traffic you 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). 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. Refresh yourself with a bath on the banks of the river Gard before reaching Uzès.

5. Uzès–Avignon (50 km). Riding through gentle hills, today you will reach the capital of Provence, a real open air museum. Avignon was a papal city for nearly a century and here seven popes decided, in 1300, the destiny of the Christian Church. Before the arrival, stop at the beautiful ancient village of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

6. Avignon–Châteauneuf-du-Pape– Avignon (45 km). You will cycle towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape, following lowtraffic roads and surrounded by vineyards. You cross the river Rhône at the

height of Roquemaure and come back in Villeneuve along the Rhône banks.

7. Avignon–Arles (60 km).

After leaving the Palace of the Popes, you will cycle again to close the tour returning to Arles. Along the way, you cannot miss a stop at the famous SaintRémi-de-Provence and Les-Baux-deProvence, well-known places throughout the world thanks to Van Gogh.

8. Arles.

After breakfast, end of services.

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total length: 305 km - Total vertical up: 980 m - Terrain: 91% asphalt, 9% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 3 and 7 - Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: day 3 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 sections with the only relevant ascent to Les-Baux-deProvence (4 km of gentle ascent).

BY PLANE

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

BIKE & FAMILY Designed with the younger ones in mind: simple itineraries, shorter stages and following cycling tracks or the quietest roads.

Bikes, trailers and accessories for hire, catering for kids of all ages. All luggage transfer is arranged and accommodation options include triple and quad rooms wherever possible, helping you to contain costs.

Italy

|

|

Peschiera del Garda, one of Italian best-loved lake resort Parco Sigurtà, a vast and diverse botanical park Tortelli of Valeggio, hand-made fresh pasta filled with meat Bardolino, red wine

| 110 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Lake Garda Easy cycling and bags of fun Adi ge

DAY BY DAY Lago di Garda

Sirmione

Pastrengo Peschiera

Desenzano

Park Natura Viva

Verona Ad ig

Pozzolengo

e

Borghetto

Valeggio sul Mincio I

i

M

o

i nc

Laghi di Mantova

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Mantova

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I37

Season 1

490 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Child seat

free

Child trailer

80 €

FollowMe-tandem

70 €

Family tandem

140 €

Helmet

15 €

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR MO 2.05 - 26.09.

SEASONS Season 1: 2.05 - 26.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route description & maps, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €), entrance fees to the theme parks mentioned in the programme (to be checked on their websites).

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

Children 0-2 years

100%

3-6 years

50%

7-12 years

30%

Cat. A 3* hotels (with swimming pool in Peschiera).

66

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1. Desenzano. Individual arrival.

2. Desenzano–Peschiera del Garda (25 km). Crossing the regional border from Lombardy into the Venice Lands, our first stage takes us to Peschiera, one of the best loved resorts on Lake Garda.

Still completely shielded by its original Venetian walls and surrounded by water, Peschiera will soon make you feel well and truly on holiday with its gorgeous beach offering all manner of water sports, and its range of shops, restaurants and gelaterias.

3. Peschiera–Borghetto–Parco Sigurtà–Peschiera (35 km).

Leaving Peschiera, today we head for the Sigurtà Garden Park, skirting the River Mincio along the famous cycleway that leads to Mantua. Our first port of call is the riverside hamlet of Borghetto, listed among “Italy’s most beautiful villages” and renowned, along with neighbouring Valeggio, for its tortellini.

Sigurtà covers a surface area of 600,000 sq. meters, with paths linking 18 ponds, meadows, a labyrinthine maze, a medicinal plants garden and large sundial, as well as an educational play farm. Then cycle back to Peschiera for the night.

4. Peschiera. Today’s menu is strictly for kids only (of all ages!): Gardaland, one of Europe’s top theme parks, offering dozens of rides and attractions.

The park can be reached by free shuttle service from Peschiera station. Alternatively, why not enjoy the Sealife Aquarium or the Canevaworld Aquapark (also served by free shuttle).

5. Peschiera–Zoo Parco Natura Viva–Peschiera (40 km). The Parco Natura Viva has been described as a zoological park where “the animals actually look contented”, and today’s excursion takes us into the heart of a conservation project with a difference, which includes a number of endangered species. There is an added bonus for cyclists: a reduced ticket price. Cycle back to Peschiera.

6. Peschiera. A day for some lakeside relaxation and an opportunity to enjoy some of the week’s attractions once again.

7. Peschiera. After breakfast, end of tour.

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total length: 110 km - Total vertical up: 310 m - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved Routes are devised with the younger traveller in mind and are predominantly on cycleways and quiet roads. Flat with no significant climbs. The itinerary is designed in loops and can thus be modified at will.

PARKING

Depending on the hotel, about 10 € per day. No reservation possible.

BY PLANE

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

Italy

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Villa Valmarana ai Nani, with its frescoes, gardens and eccentric statues of dwarfs Euganean Hills Regional Park Polenta e baccalà (polenta and stockfish) Bianco di Custoza, white wine

| 120 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

From Vicenza to Abano Terme Nature, art and relaxation

DAY BY DAY

I

Vicenza

Treviso

Sile Mestre

Bac

chi

Lago di Fimon

Bre

nta

glio

ne

Venezia

Padova Abano Terme LAGUNA DI VENEZIA

Montegrotto Battaglia Terme

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I38

Season 1

460 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Child seat

free

Child trailer

80 €

FollowMe-tandem

70 €

Family tandem

140 €

Helmet

15 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

Children 0-2 years

100%

3-6 years

50%

7-12 years

30%

Cat. A 2/3* hotels (with swimming pool in Abano).

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR MO 4.05 - 28.09 SEASONS Season 1: 4.05 - 28.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route description & maps, 7-days Hotline service, entrance into Villa Valmarana ai Nani, ice-cream in the best ice cream parlour in Vicenza (Brustolon).

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local taxes (approx. 10-15 €).

1. Vicenza. Individual arrival.

2. Vicenza round tour (20 km). Our cycling holiday kicks off with a forage into the green countryside outside the city gates. A cycleway leads to the old hamlet of Maddalene and its karst springs – always a great way to cool down (save the ice cream for later!). At Polegge, another hamlet, you can discover the remains of a Roman aqueduct, before heading back into town. Elegant Vicenza was home to the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, and the pedestrianised historic centre offers many of his celebrated designs. It is also a great place for a spot of shopping and – better still – a richly deserved gelato at the historic Gelateria Brustolon!

3. Vicenza–Lake Fimon–Vicenza (30 km). A short ride out of town two of Vicenza’s most famous villas await your visit: Palladio’s perfectly symmetrical La Rotonda and the 18th Century Villa Valmarana ai Nani, adorned by statues of dwarfs and playful frescoes by Tiepolo.

The cycleway then takes us to Lake Fimon, which you can explore on foot, by bike or by boat. Then back along the same track to Vicenza, skirting the Berici Hills.

4. Vicenza–Abano (40 km). Today we take our familiar Riviera Berica cycleway, this time carrying on to the hillside village of Costozza, its picturesque stone houses surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Here we also find Villa da Schio, rich in history and renowned for its botanical gardens.

Resuming our ride southwards, we come to the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia, before reaching our destination: the thermal resort of Abano.

5. Abano–Battaglia Terme–Abano (30 km). Leaving Abano, a brief ride takes us to Montegrotto Terme where we find the Butterfly House, one of the top butterfly conservation centres in Italy.

Pedalling through the Regional Park of

the Euganian Hills (a volcanic outcrop often mistaken for Alpine foothills – hence the abundance of thermal waters), we reach another spa resort: Battaglia Terme. A canal flows through the tiny attractive village, and you can be excused for thinking that you are in a backwater of Venice. Back to Abano for the night.

6. Abano. Relax and enjoy the hotel pool, or pile into a local bus to discover the treasures of Padova: the choice is yours. Alternatively, why not hop in a cab to Le Fiorine Adventure Park: the treetop ropes, suspension bridges and zip-lines, deep in the Euganian Hills woodland, will soon release your inner Tarzan!

7. Abano. After breakfast, end of tour.

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total length: 120 km - Total vertical up: 160 m - Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved Routes are devised with the younger traveller in mind and are predominantly on cycleways and quiet roads. Flat, except for a couple of short climbs. The itinerary is designed in loops and can thus be modified at will.

PARKING

In Vicenza: 40 € per week Unguarded parking inside the hotel property. No reservation possible.

BY PLANE

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

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

67

France

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

| 210 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Castles of the Loire A fairy tale freewheel DAY BY DAY

Orléans

Blois

Loire

Lo

ire

F Chambord

Amboise

Saumur

Tours Ussé

ne

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Chitenay Indre

Azay le Rideau

en

Vi

Chinon

Cheverny

Villandry

Chenonceaux

Ch

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

F20

Season 1

490 €

BICYCLE RENT Girolibero bike

70 €

Child seat

free

Child trailer

80 €

FollowMe-tandem

70 €

Family tandem

140 €

Helmet

15 €

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 2.05 - 25.07 and 15.08 - 26.09 SEASONS Season 1: 2.05 - 25.07 and 15.08 - 26.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route description & maps, 7-daysHotline service, hotel taxes.

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

Children 0-4 years

100%

5-12 years

50%

13-15 years

30%

Cat. A 3* Hotels (with swimming pool in Amboise and Chitenay).

68

er

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

1. Blois. Individual arrival.

2. Blois–Amboise (45 km).

We saddle up for the start of a magical ride that today takes us along the River Loire as far as Amboise. Steeped in history, the atmospheric market town is celebrated for its château and the Clos-Lucé manor, where Leonardo lived for three years (and died) and where some of his remarkable inventions are on display. The 19th-century turtle fountain (topped by a teddy bear figure), the Clock Tower and the 7-level Chinese Pagoda all add to the town’s interest.

3. Amboise–Chenoncheaux (35 km).

We start the day cycling through the magnificent Forest of Amboise and into fields of wheat and barley. Our destination is the Château de Chenonceau, its gardens fabulously landscaped against the meandering River Cher. What better way to enjoy today’s exploration through verdant landscapes than astride our two-wheeled steeds. Expect some ups and downs shortly before Chenoncheaux (it is always possible to return by train).

4. Amboise–Chitenay (45 km).

Fields of wheat and poppy meadows scattered with centennial oaks: welcome to the fertile farmlands of Touraine. The scenery is dotted with delightful hamlets such as Fougères and Vallières-lesGrandes, and towered by majestic castles – among them Fougères-surBiévre – all awaiting your discovery. The picturesque route takes us largely along quiet roads and the only challenging climb is a 1km stretch right at the start.

5. Chitenay–Blois (40 km).

An easy ride takes you from Chitenay to charming Cellettes, a commune bathed by the placid River Beuvron, for a visit to the Renaissance Château de Beauregard. After traversing the enchanting Forest of Roussy, we come to the Loire and the town of Blois, which welcomes you with its elegant bridge, monuments,

works of art and narrow alleyways tangled around its castle.

6. Blois–Chambord (45 km).

Today’s étappe leads us to one of the most famous and majestic of all Loire castles: Chambord. Leaving the hotel, we head for Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, an ancient hamlet perched on the river.

From here we continue southwards into the heart of the countryside until we reach the castle’s surrounding forest.

7. Blois. After breakfast, end of tour.

ROUTE PROFILE

- Total length: 210 km - Total vertical up: 520 m - Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved - Train connection among the overnight stays: day 2 Routes are devised with the younger traveller in mind and are predominantly on cycleways and quiet roads. They are designed in loops and can thus be modified at will.

PARKING

Free unguarded parking place in the property of the hotel. No reservation possible.

BY PLANE

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

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

More on the website www.roadbike.girolibero.it

Italy

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Venice, a city made for walking and… losing yourself !

Dolomites, the Sella Ronda and the 4 Passes Speck, smoked pork from South Tyrol Kerner, white wine

| 540 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Bolzano–Venice From the legendary Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea DAY BY DAY

Brunico/Bruneck Dobbiaco/Toblach

Ad ig

e

Bolzano/Bozen

Corvara/Kurfar P. Gardena Cortina D’Ampezzo P. Pordoi P. Giau P. Campolongo

Belluno Pi

av

e

Trento

Valdobbiadene Treviso

Br

Ad ig

e

e

ta

Sil

en

Lago di Garda

Mestre Venezia

MARE ADRIATICO

Chioggia

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I14R

Season 1

655 €

Season 2

700 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT High-end road bike

200 €

Standard road bike with carbon fork

120 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Bolzano

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Mestre

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Venice ¹

DBL SGL

from 90 € from 150 €

Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels. ¹ on request night in Venice instead of Mestre.

70

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SU 3.05 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 27.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 3.05 - 27.06 and 7.09 - 27.09 Season 2: 28.06 - 19.07 and 23.08 - 6.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, private transfer BolzanoCorvara/Brunico, GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided), 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €), GPS device.

TRANSFERS To be confirmed when booking the tour 60 € Mestre–Bolzano (bike included). Available on Sunday (other days on request).

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

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 Falzarego Pass. The final ascent leads you to “His Majesty” the Giau.

Variant (70 km) without Falzarego Pass. * Ferri says: Giau Pass 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 Giau Pass: from here, an extremely fast downhill ride towards Selva di Cadore, then up to Staulanza Pass and Duran Pass. 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 2012 Giro d’Italia, here ridden in the opposite direction… which does not make it any easier, in fact this slope of Duran Pass 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 San Boldo Pass 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 depending on the hotel (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) and Venice (VCE).

Italy

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Bolzano, Italy’s northern outpost town immersed in the Dolomites Stelvio Area, with the Gavia, Mortirolo and Stelvio Passes Beef goulash Gewürztraminer, white wine

| 525 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Dolomites and Stelvio Pass Passes and Peaks of the Alps

DAY BY DAY A I

CH ge Adi

Bormio

Merano/Meran

Bolzano/Bozen

P. Pordoi

Passo Giau

Ad ig

e

P. Gavia

P. Gardena Val Badia/Gadertal P. Falzarego P. Campolongo P. Sella

P. Mortirolo

a Add

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I15R

Season 1

770 €

Season 2

810 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT High-end road bike

200 €

Standard road bike with carbon fork

120 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Bolzano

Cat. A DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels.

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SU 31.05 - 27.09 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 31.05 - 30.06 and 1.09 - 27.09 Season 2: 1.07 - 30.08 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, 7 dinners (beverages not included), luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided), wellness area and laundry service in Bormio, 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €), GPS device.

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 challeging day to catch your breath. Just two climbs, both enjoyable, with half the elevation faced yesterday.

5. Merano–Bormio (97 km , + 2,937 m, 6 h). Our cycle path out of Merano rises gently to Prato allo 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 allo Stelvio in good shape. Stop to refuel and for a bite before the Big One. 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 depending on the hotel (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) and Venice (VCE).

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

71

Italy

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Vicenza and Palladio’s architecture Mount Grappa and its historic 27 km climb Asiago cheese, typical from Vicenza’s mountains Prosecco, white wine

| 620 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Venice Lands Cycling in the road bike land

e

DAY BY DAY Conegliano

Adi g

Asiago Bassano del Grappa Marostica

Lago di Garda

Br

en

Treviso

ta

en

Br

Vicenza

ta

COLLI BERICI

Verona

Padova Abano Terme

Venezia

Mestre Laguna

MAR ADRIATICO

Teolo ge

i Ad

Arquà Petrarca

Chioggia

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I03R

Season 1

655 €

Season 2

700 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT High-end road bike

200 €

Standard road bike with carbon fork

120 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Cat. A

Vicenza/Treviso

DBL SGL

55 € 85 €

Mestre

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Venice ¹

DBL SGL

from 90 € from 150 €

REDUCTIONS (3rd/4th person in room)

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA, SU 28.03 - 24.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 28.03 - 29.05 and 14.09 - 24.10 Season 2: 30.05 - 13.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided), 7-days Hotline service, ticket for ferry transfer (bike not included, approx. 4 €) on day 5.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €), GPS device.

130 €

Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels. ¹ on request night in Venice instead of Mestre.

72

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

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, 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 arduous ascents 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 after breakfast.

BY PLANE

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

Italy

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Verona, the city of art and… shopping Cima Veleno, backbreaking climb with views to die for Olive oil from Garda Lake Valpolicella Classico, red wine

| 390 km | 7 Days/6 Nights

Lake Garda Peschiera roundtour DAY BY DAY

Lago di Iseo Cima Veleno

Ad ig

Salò

e

Torri del Benaco Lago di Garda

Garda Negrar Bardolino

Sirmione Desenzano

Verona

Solferino

Mincio

Peschiera del Garda

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I24R

Season 1

510 €

Season 2

590 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT High-end road bike

200 €

Standard road bike with carbon fork

120 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS

Adige

Cat. A

Peschiera

DBL SGL

55 € 85 €

Verona

DBL SGL

65 € 85 €

Cat. A 3* hotel (hotel Puccini or equivalent if not available).

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR Every day 11.04 - 26.09 SEASONS Season 1: 11.04 - 23.05 and 12.09 - 26.09 Season 2: 24.05 - 11.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 6 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided), 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local hotel taxes (approx. 8 €), GPS device.

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 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).

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

73

Italy

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Turin, the old italian Capital, a must-visit city The vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato Truffles, often served in traditional dishes Barbera, red wine

| 510 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Piedmont The ascents of Fausto Coppi DAY BY DAY Po

Tic

ino

Casale Monferrato

Torino

Po

ro

a Tan

Asti

ida

Alessandria

orm

B

Castellania Alba Acqui Terme

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I05R

Season 1

615 €

Season 2

655 €

Supplement SGL

175 €

BICYCLE RENT High-end road bike

200 €

Standard road bike with carbon fork

120 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Alessandria

Cat. A DBL SGL

55 € 75 €

Cat. A mainly 4* hotels, with some 3* hotels.

74

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 18.04 - 3.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 18.04 - 1.05 and 26.09 - 3.10 Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided), 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local hotel taxes (approx. 10 €), GPS device, train transfer Torino– Asti on day 5 (approx. 40 min., 9 € per person + bike).

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

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. * Ferri says: The ascent up Superga is a 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).

Italy

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Florence, cradle of the Italian Renaissance The Chianti hillsides and the unmade roads of Eroica Stewed wild boar Morellino di Scansano, red wine

| 735 km | 8 Days/7 Nights

Tuscany The heroes’ hills DAY BY DAY Alpi Apuane

Lucca Firenze Pisa

Vinci Arno

Volterra

MAR TIRRENO

Siena

Lago Trasimeno Montalcino

PRICE PER PERSON SELF-GUIDED TOUR

GENERAL INFO Cat. A

Webcode

I17R

Season 1

750 €

Season 2

810 €

Supplement SGL

198 €

BICYCLE RENT High-end road bike

200 €

Standard road bike with carbon fork

120 €

Helmet

15 €

EXTRA NIGHTS Pisa

Cat. A DBL SGL

Montepulciano

60 € 90 €

Cat. A 3/4* hotels (sometimes a cosy 2* hotel in Lucca).

DEPARTURES 2015 SELF-GUIDED TOUR SA 11.04 - 10.10 Special departure dates for at least 5 persons.

SEASONS Season 1: 11.04 - 1.05 and 26.09 - 10.10 Season 2: 2.05 - 25.09 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, GPS tracks for the stages (device not provided), 7-days Hotline service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Local hotel taxes (approx. 10-15 €), GPS device.

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: Enjoy the Buti 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. 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. 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, + 1000 m, 4 h). Leaving Florence along the River Arno, pedal towards Greve and Radda in Chianti among the iconic hills and vineyards of Chianti.

The climbs are gentle (5% at most) and culminate with the spectacular white gravel roads of “Eroica” path. Arrival in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. * Ferri says: Enjoy the roads of the Eroica: tranquillity, absence of traffic and the illusion that you are pedalling in the 1930s are all emotions you will cherish for a long time.

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. 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 medieval towers.

The stage brings you 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 outside of the first hotel.

BY PLANE

Pisa is well connected with the following airports: Pisa (PSA), Florence (FLR).

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

75

BROCHURE 2015

BESPOKE TOURS Clients choose the destination and decide when to leave, we will organize the trip with Andrea Ferrigato as tour leader.

Some examples: Andalusia and Sierra Nevada; Nizza–Mont Ventoux; Tunisia and the desert oasis; Tenerife training week...

We can even organize special weeks connected to the main biking events of the world:

1

GIRO D’ITALIA 8 days/7 nights Guided tour, from 1,800 €

2

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

3

RONDE OF FLANDERS 4 days/3 nights Guided tour, from 480 € more on roadbike.girolibero.it

76

BROCHURE 2015

ELEVATION PROFILES 600 m

p. 30 Venice

Chioggia

Ferrara

Zelo

Mantova

Peschiera

Trento

...........

300 m 0m 0 km

Avignon

Avignon Loop

Avignon

Aramon

Vallabrègues

280

280

320

360

Vicenza

Padova

Chioggia

Mestre

Treviso

Bassano

85 km

120 km

180 km

Bolzano–Verona–Venice

400 m

200 m

45 km

205 km

260 km

...................

Padova

0 km

Vicenza

260 km

San Bonifacio

215 km

Verona

175 km

Peschiera

140 km

Veneto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 36 Vicenza

230

0m

80 km

Desenzano

55 km

200 m

Riva Del Garda

0 km

180

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

Trento

0m

Arles

Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes Loop

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

70 120 120 145

Aigues-Mortes Loop

200

p. 38 Mestre

170

Aigues-Mortes

140

Arles

140

Vallabrègues

90

Aramon

40

Bolzano/Bozen

0 km

Avignon Loop

0m

200 m

Riva del Garda

900 m

100 m

Desenzano

Bolzano–Mantua–Venice

Adria

p. 28 Venice

Chioggia

Adria

Ferrara

Zelo

...........

Bolzano/Bozen

200 m

Mantova Loop

Mantova

Mantua–Venice, Venice–Mantua

NEW!

200 m 0m

0m

310

0m 0 km

200m

600 m

100m

300 m

0m 0 km

170

220

220

245

280

355

405

.................

345

p. 42 Mestre

Padova

Vicenza

Verona

Peschiera

Desenzano

Trento

100

...........................

Bolzano–Bassano–Venice

Mestre

Padova

Vicenza

Soave

Illasi

Verona

Peschiera

Desenzano

Lake Garda–Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 43

55

305

445

p. 44 Mestre

300

255

Chioggia

240 265

215

Padova

240

Bolzano/Bozen

800 m

Bressanone/Brixen

1200 m

180

Vicenza

190

120 145

Bassano del Grappa

120

120

Innsbruck–Venice

400 m 85

70

Riva del Garda

p. 40

Brennero/Brenner

Verona

Peschiera

Trento

0 km

Lago di Levico

50

295

Trento

0m 0 km

245

Bolzano/Bozen

500 m

185

..........................

Bolzano/Bozen

1000 m

Merano

Passo Resia

1500 m

Silandro/Schlanders

Adige Cycle Route

150

Mantova

105

Desenzano

40

Riva Del Garda

0 km

0m 35

60

90 100

140

190

230

0 km

70

70

150

190

240

300

335

77

Porec

Portorož

Trieste

Aquileia

Palmanova

Portogruaro

Caorle

Mestre 0m

105

105

165

230

275

0 km

65

110

Lake Garda Peschiera

Po Delta Loop

Pomposa

Ostellato

Ferrara loop

Ferrara

Sermide

Mantova

Peschiera 0m

40

170

200 m

185

235

280

.................................

330

p. 50 Verona Loop

65

Mantova Loop

30

100 m

0m 0 km

85

230

275

300 m 100 m 0m 0 km

50

110

Tuscany: Chianti Siena

Pisa

Empoli

Firenze

Montecatini Loop

Montecatini

Lucca

Pisa 200 m

Caldaro Loop Orvieto

Perugia

500 m

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

400 m

p. 55

600 m 300 m

145

195

255

............................

305

p. 57 Siena

175

......................................

Colle Val d’Elsa

105

700 m

45

Certaldo

105

Umbria

125

Tavarnelle V.P.

50

80

Greve in Chianti

100 m 0m 0 km

p. 54

35

Radda in Chianti

Casale Monferrato

Asti Loop

Asti

Alba

300 m

0 km

Castiglione

160

Fabro

110

...................................

Acqui Terme

Alessandria

Piedmont

80

Alessandria

45

Todi

1000 m

Merano Loop

1400 m

200 m

0 km

165

South Tyrol Valleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 52

600 m

0m

120

Spoleto

p. 51

40

Assisi

340

Firenze

275

Bressanone/Brixen Loop

245

Renon Loop

Padua Loop

Abano Terme

100 m

205

.............................

Euganei Hills Loop

Terme Euganee

155

Bolzano/Bozen

110

Brenta Canal

45

Praglia Loop

0 km

0m 165

185

210

245

Siracusa

Noto

300 m

0m 0 km

125

Sicily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 59

600 m

200 m

85

Marzamemi

p. 58

45

Pozzallo

Otranto

Gallipoli

Lecce

.......................................

0 km

Modica

305

Vittoria

245

Caltagirone

215

S.M. di Leuca

400 m

150

Ostuni

Matera

Apulia

90

Lecce

45

Alberobello

0 km

Piazza Armerina

0m

78

p. 46

100 m

200 m

500 m

..............................

200 m

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

200 m

Jesolo

Venice–Porecˇ

Mestre

Treviso

Valdobbiadene

Belluno

Calalzo

p. 45

Desenzano Loop

0m 0 km

...................

Peschiera Loop

500 m

Cortina d’Ampezzo

1000 m

Dobbiaco/Toblach

1500 m

Brunico/Bruneck

Bolzano–Cortina–Venice

0m 70

115

115

165

215

265

320

0 km

35

80

80

115

170

205

240

100 m

0m

Lake Garda

200 m

245 km

London

East Grinstead

245 km

300 km 345 km

p. 66

.................................

100 m

0m

0m

Loire valley

200 m

200 m

100 m

100 m

60

100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 68 Chambord

p. 67

25

Blois

0 km

Chitenay

305

Chenoncheaux

245

Amboise

200

.............................

Fimon

Polegge

Vicenza

Vicenza–Abano

150

Blois

105

Battaglia

65

Abano

0 km

0m 125

165

P. Gavia

................

Bormio

Merano

Giau Pass

Venezia

2300 m

1600 m

Bolzano

Dolomites and Stelvio Pass

210

p. 71 Bormio

80

P. Mortirolo

45

Campolongo Pass Gardena Pass

1400 m

p. 70

Mestre

Brunico

............................

0 km

Falzarego Pass

120

Valdobbiadene Treviso

2100 m

Sellaronda

Bolzano

Corvara

Bolzano–Venice

90

Bolzano

50

Belluno

20

Cortina

0 km

Sella Pass Pordoi Pass

0m

900 m 200 m

800 m

Negrar

Cima Veleno

1200 m

.................................

p. 73

Verona

Lake Garda

Salò Desenzano Sirmione

Colli Berici Vicenza

Colli Euganei

Abano Terme

Treviso

Montello

p. 72

Bardolino Torri del Benaco

1000 m

Lido di Venezia

1500 m

...............................

Monte Grappa

Asiago

Vicenza

Venice Lands

Peschiera Solferino

700 m 0m

400 m

500 m 0m

0m

p. 75

Pisa

Volterra

Siena

Firenze

Montalcino Montepulciano

800 m

.....................................

Alpi Apuane

1200 m

Lucca

Tuscany

Vinci

p. 74

Pisa

Casale Monferrato

Asti

Revigliasco

...................................

Alba

Acqui

Castellani

Alessandria

Piedmont

100 m

185 km

Zoo Parco Natura Viva

p. 64

120 km

Valeggio Sul Mincio

295

Peschiera

260

.......................

Uzès

Nîmes

Aigues Mortes

Arles 200 m

200

Desenzano

145

Arles

100

Avignon Loop

50

Avignon

30

Provence–Camargue

400 m

Newhaven

0m

0 km

700 m

Dieppe

55 km

200 m

200 m

p. 62

...............................

Forges Les Eaux

Cergy

0 km

Gisors

Paris

Paris–London

Saumur

Chinon

Tours

Blois

St. Dyé

Beaugency

Orléans

Amboise

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 60

Loire valley

400 m

0m

79

GENERAL CONDITIONS 1. INTRODUCTION: NOTION OF TOURIST PACKAGE Considering that: a) the operator and vendor of tourist packages, to whom the tourist makes a request, must be in possession of the administrative authorisation in order to carry out their activity. b) the tourist has the right to receive a copy of the tourist package sale contract (under art. 35 D.Lgs. 79/2011 of the Tourist’s Code) an essential document to get access to the National Guarantee Fund (art. 18 of these General Conditions).

The definition of tourist package (article 34 Tourist’s Code) is as follows: tourist packages have as their subject matter travel, holidays and “all inclusive” tours, which result from the pre-arranged 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 24 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 - up to its abrogation under art. 3 D.Lgs no.

79 dd. May 23rd, 2011 (Tourist’s Code) - 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 Tourist’s Code (art(s). 32-51) and its subsequent modifications.

3. OBLIGATORY INFORMATION: TECHNICAL BRIEF The operator is obliged to provide either within the brochure or separately to it a technical brief. The details that must be included in the technical brief within the brochure 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 brochure or programmes separate to the brochure or tailor made tour; - methods and conditions for transferral (Art. 39 of Tourist’s Code); - exchange rate used in the case of currency adjustments, days or value (Art. 40 Tourist’s Code).

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

80

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. 37 comma 2 of the Tourist’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 brochure 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 programme as printed in the brochure 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 tourist indicating the type of alteration and the consequent variation in price.

If the alteration proposal is not accepted, the tourist 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 10. The tourist maintains the above rights also when cancellation is due to an insufficient number of participants required as stated in the brochure or in the separate programme, or due to force majeure and accidental cause, regarding the tourist package pur-

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

chased. 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 tourist of the alternative tourist package offered, the operator who cancels (art. 33 letter e Consumer’s Code) will reimburse the tourist 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 tourist would owe on that same date according to art. 10, comma 4 in the case the cancellation was done by the tourist himself.

8. WITHDRAWAL BY TOURIST The tourist may withdraw in writing 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 tourist.

In the above cases the tourist 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 tourist 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 tourist who withdraws from the contract before departure for reasons other than those listed in comma 1 or in the case considered under art. 7, comma 2, 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 the brochure technical brief or programme or tailor made tours. 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.

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 2015. 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 f) on departure day and 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 f) on departure day 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.

ALTERATION OF THE BOOKING For each and any kind of alteration of the already booked tourist package the customer is obliged to pay an administrative fee of 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.

9. 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 tourist, an essential part of the services included in the contract, he must offer alternative solutions, without additional cost to the price paid by the tourist and, if the ser-

vices 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 tourist for justifiable serious reasons, the operator will at no extra cost, provide the tourist with equivalent transport back to the place of departure or to another preagreed place depending on availability of the means and places. In this case the operator will compensate the tourist for the difference between the services to be supplied under the contract and those supplied to the moment of the early return.

10. TRANSFER OF BOOKINGS The tourist 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 39 Tourist’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.

11. OBBLIGATIONS FOR THE TOURISTS Foreign citizens will find the information concerning health requirements and documentation necessary for expatriation through their diplomatic representatives present in Italy and/or through official government information channels. In any case, before departure the tourists must check any updates with the relevant authorities and come into line with the information received before the tour starts. In the absence of such verification the operator cannot in any way be held responsible if one or more tourists do no depart. The tourists 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.

Tourists 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

tourists is liable towards the operator for any compromise to the right of subrogation. The tourist 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 (pregnancy, food intolerances, disabilities, etc.), as long as the implementation of these requests is possible.

12. HOTEL CLASSIFICATION The official category of hotels is described in the brochure 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 tourist.

13. REGIME OF RESPONSIBILITY The operator is responsible for damage caused to the tourist 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 tourist (also including initiatives carried out independently by the tourist) 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, except for the exemption under art. 46 Tourist’s Code.

14. LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION Compensations under art(s). 44, 45 and 47 of the Tourist’s Code and relevant limitation periods are regulated by what is considered in this document and in any case within the limits established, by the C.C.V., by the International Conventions, which regulate the services of the tourist package as well as by art.(s) 1783 and 1784 of the Civil Code.

15. OBLIGATION FOR ASSISTANCE The operator must give assistance to the tourist 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 tourist or due to an unforeseeable or inevitable action by a third party, or rather fortuitous or by force majeure.

16. COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS Any failure in the enforcement of the contract must be contested by the tourist without delay during the tour so that the operator, his local representative or assistant can rectify the situation as quickly as possible. Otherwise the compensation will be reduced or excluded under art. 1227 C.C. The tourist 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.

17. INSURANCE AGAINST CANCELLATION EXPENSES AND REPATRIATION It is advisable for the tourist 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 offered by the operator.

18. NATIONAL GUARANTEE FUND (art. 51 Tourist’s Code) The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has constituted a National Guarantee Fund to which tourists may apply (under the terms of Art. 100 of the Consumer’s) 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 and the reimbursement requests to the fund are not subject to any time limits. The operator concurs in nurturing this fund in so far as established by the comma 2 of the mentioned art. 51 Tourist’s Code by paying the premium of the insurance, which the operator is obliged to take out. Part of this premium is paid into the fund, the payment method is indicated by art. 6 of the DM 349/99.

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. The

vendor, who provides for a third party, even in a telematic way, a separated tourist service, has to issue to the tourist the documents for the provided service, showing the amount paid for it, and cannot in any way be considered a tour operator.

B) CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT The following clauses of the general contractual conditions can be applied to these above mentioned contracts: art. 6 comma 1; art. 7, comma 2; art.

13 and art. 18. 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.).

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.

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 be given solely to the suppliers of the services included in the tourist package purchased.

The tourist may at any time exercise his/her rights under art. 7 of the Legislative Decree 196/03 by contacting Bike Incoming informally, by telephone, or at info@girolibero.com TECHNICAL DATA Brochure valid from October 2014 to December 2015.

Technical organisation: BIKE INCOMING S.R.L. exerts the activity as travel agency and tour operator in Via Conforto da Costozza, 7 - Vicenza, Italy Fiscal Code 03794470249 Registred with no. VI-354659 at the companies registration list in Vicenza.

Aut. Amm. of the province of Vicenza n° 22507 of 26/03/2013 Insurance guarantee: UnipolSai Assicurazioni no. 1/72935/319/40173402.

All prices are in Euro.

The printing ends in October 2014, 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

81

HOW TO BOOK 1

SAVING TIPS 2015*

CHOOSE YOUR TOUR on the website www.girolibero.com or on this brochure.

1

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.

2

3

4 SEND US YOUR BOOKING Within this time send us the booking form (p. 83) 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.

4

5

Iban: ...................

Bic: .....................

Banca: ................

Causale: .............

SEND US THE BALANCE 30 days before the departure. (Please note the date in your agenda – Girolibero will NOT remind you to do it).

6

7

82

Early booking discount (by 28th Feb. 15)

-3%

Group discount (from 6 people)

-3%

Group discount (from 8 people)

-5%

Returning customer discount (from your 3rd tour) **

-5%

* Valid only on basic tour price and only for tours of min. 6 nights.

Discounts are not cumulative if you book a Bike&Boat tour in high season. ** extra 1% discount for any additional tour

CONTACT US: Telephone: +39 0444 330724 Fax: +39 0444 167930 info@girolibero.com BANK ACCOUNT: Bike Incoming S.R.L. Banca Popolare Friuladria-Crédit Agricole IBAN: IT54B0533660165000040277489 BIC/SWIFT: BPPNIT2P189 Reference: Name of the travel applicant + tour or webcode.

6

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.

-5%

Read all details on: www.girolibero.com

5 WE WILL SEND YOU THE BOOKING CONFIRMATION after receiving the deposit.

Early booking discount (by 31st Jan. 15)

7

BOOKING FORM

Via Conforto da Costozza 7 36100 Vicenza, Italy Tel: 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 and category .............................................................................................................................................. Webcode ..........................

Departure ................................................................................................................ o Treatment:

o Bed&Breakfast

o Half Board

self-guided tour

o

guided tour

o Full Board

N째 of rooms/cabins

......

Single

......

Double

......

Twin

......

Triple

......

4 places

other type of cabin (Ave Maria only)

......

Bunk beds

......

Double superior

......

Twin superior

......

Triple superior

......

4 places superior

Extra nights:

Transfer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

on .......................................................................................

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

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

Travel applicant Name .................................................................................................... Surname .......................................................................................

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

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

Full address ....................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

Participants

Bikes Unisex bike Date of birth

Name, Surname

Height

Male bike

Own

7 gears*

27 gears**

Ebike***

7 gears*

27 gears**

Helmet

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

!

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

Payment I pay through:

o Bank transfer

o Credit card

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

Place ................................................. Date ..................................................

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

Girolibero operated by Bike Incoming S.R.L., Via Conforto da Costozza 7, 36100 Vicenza Italy. Vat number 03794470249

Mobile ....................................................................

Ferrara f l noemastudio.it | ph. Luca Beretta

Awaken your senses Milan

Venice

FERRARA Bologna Florence

f l it

breathe it

live it

taste it

s it

parcodeldelta.com / ferrarabike.com United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Ferrara, City of the Renaissance and its Po Delta

PROVINCIA DI FERRARA

COMUNE DI COMACCHIO