Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
18.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
The journey from the Dolomites to Venice covers the regions of South Tyrol and Veneto. Boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, South Tyrol is a timeless bilingual region at the crossroads of Italy and Austria where the jagged rock walls of the UNESCO Dolomites overlook deep green meadows; Veneto is a region rich in art cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vineyards.
Pedalling on the old Dolomites narrow-gauge railway track from your starting point in the mountain range, you'll pass below the Tre Cime to the Olympic city of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The route continues through the valley of the ice cream makers in the Dolomite town of Belluno. From Bassano del Grappa you'll leave the mountains and enter the plains to discover some of the works of architect Andrea Palladio. Next stop is the fashion city of Treviso before finishing the tour in mainland Venice from where you can visit the 'Floating City'.
The first two days, you will predominantly follow the old Dolomites railway track. The remaining routes are gently undulating with 95% being paved. The paths generally keep to quieter, secondary roads although you should expect more traffic in the towns.
Arrive at your hotel in the Val Pusteria of the Dolomites.
You stay at Selected hotels.
Hotels, Dolomites to Venice
You will stay in a selection of 3 and 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites as well as their welcoming hospitality. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Your cycle journey starts on the old Dolomites narrow-gauge railway track past Dobbiaco lake and the war cemetery. Enjoy fabulous mountain views, including to the Tre Cime before crossing from the region of South Tyrol to Veneto and arriving in the Olympic village of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Continue on the old railway track with views of the Sorapis range to one side and the Cinque Torri (Five Towers) to the other. Stop for lunch in Pieve di Cadore, birthplace of Titian, before continuing through the valley of the ice-cream makers to Belluno.
Today you leave Belluno, capital of the province, and cycle across the foothills through a series of small villages on tree-lined avenues to Feltre. This historic hilltop town was completely rebuilt in the 16th Century having been destroyed in 1510 due to its allegiance with Venice.
Descend to the Brenta Valley and the plains to Bassano del Grappa, named from nearby Monte Grappa. Here you can visit the Poli Grappa museum, the Museo Civico and cross the famous wooden Ponte Vecchio, dedicated to the Alpini troops.
Cycle past villas designed by the renowned architect Palladio before stopping for a rest in Asolo, an elegant hilltop town with a charming historic centre. Continue along the plains to Treviso which is circled by a town wall and by waterways. In the centre you'll find a rambling maze of arcaded walkways and canals.
Finish your cycle route with a gentle ride along the River Sile to Venice mainland from where you can visit the 'Floating City'. Visit St Marks Square, the Doges Palace and the Rialto Bridge.
Leave Venice or ask us about booking extra nights to allow more time to visit.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Giulietta e Romeo, Verona; Hotel Kette, Venice.
The Giulietta e Romeo hotel, named after the town's most famous lovers, lies in a quiet side street just yards from the Arena. The hotel is fairly modern in style and very comfortable. There is a large lobby area, which leads onto the breakfast room, which is decorated in white with subtle lighting and art deco friezes on the windows.
The rooms are all carpeted and traditionally decorated in blue and red decor with cherry wood furniture. They are all en-suite and have double-glazing so there is little noise from the street. A couple of rooms even have the famous Juliet style balcony if you fancy a re-inaction!
Parents of under 10 year olds should be aware that some rooms at the Hotel Giulietta e Romeo have a balcony with a step up.
The Hotel Kette is set in the heart of Venice, a short distance from Teatro La Fenice, from via XXII marzo, the elegant shopping street, 2 minutes from piazza San Marco and only 10 minutes from Ponte di Rialto. So this is an excellent base for exploring the many delights Venice has in store.
The 63 en suite rooms are immaculately furnished and are fully worthy of the four-star rating.
It is possible to reserve a non-smoking room (please contact us and we will request this for you).
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £186.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £186.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
Out: British Airways Heathrow to Venice and transfer to hotel 2hrs 40mins
Return: British Airways Venice to Heathrow
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open from 9am today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
18.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire