Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

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enquire now 8 Days From NZD $1,750 pp twinshare
Small group
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Explore three countries by bike in one week, cycling between Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The history of the Republic of Venice provides the background to the entire trip. From the canal city of Venice, pass beaches, simple fishing villages and grand palaces as you make your way along the coastline and to the plain of Friuli. Ancient Roman towns and numerous castles are dotted on the route to the lively harbour city of Trieste. With two border crossings to cycle through, the journey ends on the beautiful Croatian coastline in the town of Porec. Staying in specially chosen hotels in the historic centres or along the coastline, this cycle journey offers a perfect combination of historic towns and seaside landscapes.

Highlights

Exploring the magical city of Venice
Cycling along the Adriatic coast and across two European borders
Discovering the history of the Venetian Republic
Enjoying the culinary specialties such as marinated sardines and spicy meatballs

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Mestre/Venice
Make your own way to Mestre on the mainland of Venice. On arrival at your hotel you will be given your hotel vouchers, route information and maps. From here it is easy to venture into the famous canal city for your own personal exploration – note that bikes (like cars) are not allowed on the island. The city of Venice will captivate you with its splendour and history. In the early evening you will meet with a local representative who will describe the tour, deliver your bikes and answer any of your questions.

Day 2 Ferry to Punta Sabbioni, cycle to Caorle or surrounds (40 or 65km)
Today you take the ferry to the island of Lido, passing in front of Piazza San Marco, and a smaller boat to Punta Sabbioni (tickets included – bike extra, allow €4). From here you cycle towards Jesolo or Caorle along the Venetian Adriatic coast, with numerous opportunities for a refreshing swim in the sea, weather permitting. (B)

Day 3 Head north towards the Julian Alps to Portogruaro (60 or 40km)
Today you will leave the sea behind and head north towards the Julian Alps. The route follows quiet country roads, traversing a land that is rich in water. You will be passing through an area with a multitude of ‘Valli da pesca’ (stretches of lagoon enclosed by earthen dikes where extensive fish farming is practised) and ‘casoni’ (constructions used by fisherman in the past during fishing season). There is a small section (1.8km) along a dirt road near the village of Torre di Mosto. Continue to the town of Portogruaro, one of the main centres during the ‘Serenissima Republic of Venice’ period and still impressive today with its glorious ‘palazzi’ or palaces. (B)

Day 4 Cycle by ancient roman towns to Aquileia/Palmanova (60 or 70km)
Spend the day cycling in the midst of the plain on the eastern border 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 for the day will be Aquileia, with its Roman excavations, or Palmanova, named “the starry city” because from above it resembles a 9-pointed star. You can shorten the stage by about 20km/12.5mi by catching the train from Portogruaro to Latisana. (B)

Day 5 Cross the river Isonzo and cycle towards the Gulf of Trieste (70 or 50km)
This morning you cross the Isonzo river, the scene of important battles during the First World War, before heading towards the sea: the Gulf of Trieste awaits you with many possible stops along the way. Visit Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its characteristic bay, and Miramare with its white castle built according to the wishes of Maximilian I of Augsburg, situated in a beautiful park of more than 20 hectares. A few kilometres further is Trieste, once the only sea port of the Hapsburg Empire. Trieste has a lot to offer in the way of attractions. It is possible to shorten the cycle by about 30km/18.5mi with a train transfer at the end of the stage, from Monfalcone to Trieste. This also avoids the quite busy ‘Strada Statale 14’. (B)

Day 6 Cycle across the Slovenian border to the spa town of Portorož (45km)
Today is a more demanding stage than the preceding days, with some short ascents and some stretches of moderate traffic. After a few kilometres you will cross over the border into Slovenia. Continue cycling through famous holiday resorts such as Koper, originally a Venetian town and then Austrian, and Piran, another important town which was ruled for a long time by the Venetians. You will finally arrive in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa and bathing facilities. (B)

Day 7 Continue to the salt mines of Secovlje, cross the Croatian border to Porec (55km)
Today’s cycle takes you through the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town where a unique habitat has formed for halophytic plants and animals and migrating birds. Cross the Croatian border along Istria, the Adriatic Sea’s largest peninsula. Here the terrain becomes hilly, with small villages and vast forests. Your destination is Porec, the tourism capital of Croatia. You should take the time to see its Eufrasian Basilica, which was declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1997. (B)

Day 8 Trip concludes
After breakfast the trip concludes. (B)

Inclusions

7 breakfasts
7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
27 speed touring bike rental with pannier, puncture resistant tyres, gel saddle and helmet (premium and electric bike available on request – supplement applies)
Bike insurance for theft and damage
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
Luggage transfers
Ferry and vaporetto transfers on day 2 from Venice to Punta Sabbioni
Emergency hotline
Welcome briefing

UTX-AVE

Images courtesy of Utracks

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Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

Highlights

Itinerary

Inclusions

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