To Venice con Gusto

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To Venice con Gusto

In Italy’s northern province of Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto the cuisine is a journey in itself.

Highlights

Unparalleled cycling along Venetian lagoons and along the Po river
Tranquil riding on level terrain of the Po River Delta nature reserve
Mantova, Ferrara and Venice, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spectacular fish dinners in Venezia and Chioggia
Explore the unspoiled wilds of Parco del Mincio and dei Colli
Euguganei
Walking tour of Venezia and Ferrara with a local guide
Strolls through lively fruit and vegetable markets

Description

Hearty ossobuco. Golden risotto alla Milanese. The light and fluffy bread panettone, sweet with a hint of lemon. The soft, ever-present taleggio cheese. The peoci, clams from the Venetian lagoon. The piadina, the flat bread made with simple ingredients like flower and water, perfect for a panino. You’ll feel like every turn is leading you to an exciting new flavor on this new Ciclismo tour. Best of all, you’ll taste the region from the perspective of our most knowledgeable guide —your trip specialist Andrea Marchesini, who always knows where to find food at its best!

This bicycling adventure travels along a delicious route and crossing three regions, ending in the romantic and famous Venice. Appetites will be treated to irresistible dishes from the breadbasket of Italy as we cycle from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the untouristy Mantova along the Po river in Lombardy. We continue in the Emilia Romagna region visiting the cyclist-friendly and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ferrara, famous for its fortress and its medieval atmosphere. The fertile alluvial plain of Emilia-Romagna with its rich agricultural countryside full of fruit orchards and grazing plains is the region where pasta has achieved the status of an art form, where syrupy-rich aceto balsamico (balsamic vinegar) is measured in drops, and where Parmigiano Reggiano cheese makers still follow a 700-year-old tradition.

The tour will end in the Veneto region, famous for its villas and seldom-touristed fishing villages like Chioggia, called also “the mini Venice” given its canals and narrow streets. Our last destination, Venice, is the perfect place for a final celebration after a full immersion in the northern Italian culture, history and culinary experience through some undiscovered areas of the bella Italia: andiamo! Forza, forza!

Price

$4,495
Single Supplement

$800
Ability Level

Easy
Terrain

Flat
Distance

241 miles Daily average: 33 miles
Departing

Venice
Arriving

Mantova
Bike Rental

Included!
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Dates
- April 18, 2012
- May 25, 2012
- June 16, 2012
- August 31, 2012
- September 14, 2012
- September 28, 2012

Day 1: Venice

After a warm-up spin along the Lido, we'll wind through Venice's famous waterways. Following dinner, enjoy a late night stroll on the Piazza San Marco.

Day 2: Chioggia

Bike and ferry through the Veneto region to Chioggia, known as "the little Venice" with its canals, small bridges and colorful market.

Day 3–4: Ferrara

Trace the Po along a new bike path to Ferrara, a well-preserved Renaissance town. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transport here, as its streets are closed to car traffic! Day 4, enjoy a tranquil morning loop around the surrounding fields and canals, a walking tour of Ferrara’s historic center and a tasting at the world’s oldest winery!

Day 5–6: Ravenna

Roll through a pastoral countryside of orchards and fruit trees to Ravenna—a prominent political center during the Dark Ages. We'll stop along the way for a tasty Ciclismo Classico picnic! On Day 6’s walking tour of the city, admire the famous mosaics in the Church of San Vitale, the covered market, the leaning towers, and Dante’s tomb. We’ll also view the sparkling mosaics at Sant’Apollinare in Classe.

Day 7–8: Castrocaro Terme

Spin through endless fruit orchards of the Emilia-Romagna region to Castrocaro Terme, a charming spa village. Day 8, enjoy a ride through rolling hills to Faenza, a town noted for its fine ceramics. Here, we'll visit a ceramic laboratory and artisans will show us how they decorate the finest potteries in the world. After we ride back to Castrocaro, take the afternoon to relax.

Day 9: Arrivederci!

Shuttle to Bologna for an educational walking tour before saying arrivederci! If you would like to continue traveling through Italy or beyond, we are happy to assist you with plans!