Italy: Climb, Wine, and Dine – September 4 – 15
The perfect “continuation tour” for guests who’ve ridden Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. We begin in Bolzano and ride the Wine Road toward the Brenta Dolomites, finishing south of the Alps in Italy’s Lake District.
Day 1, Bolzano
Arrive our hotel at your leisure . We’re on Walterplatz, the very center of old town, perfect for exploring on your own. If you haven’t already met the Otzi the Ice Man, now would be the perfect time. Then meet your fellow adventurers in the pub tonightbefore enjoying our first dinner together.
Day 2, Bolzano Shake down ride
After breakfast we break out the bikes for a ride to Castle Runkelstein. Once home to the Holy Roman Emperor,
Maxmillian 1, now restored it features Europe’s largest
cycle of secular frescoes. Returning to town, you
may do some shopping or relax
in the spa at our hotel.
Day 3, Tramin Ride 1, 18 miles, 1,600 v’
South along the Adige River on dedicated bike path. We climb through repurposed railroad tunnels and the old rail line to
the wine market in Kaltern. An optional climb up Mendola
Pass after lunch adds 2,700 feet to your total– or ride
the funicular up and down. Either way, enjoy the view
before continuing along tiny back roads into Tramin,
the village that lends its name to Gewurtztraminer wine.
Day 4, Lago Molveno Ride 2, 29 miles, 3,000 v’
Sixteen miles through vineyards brings us to coffee and pastry in Mezzocorona.
A sneaky backroad brings us to the bottom of today’s climb, and scenic switchbacks take us past Belfort Castle to the ski town of Andalo. Dolomite peaks frame our descent as frequent parasailers swoop down toward Lago Molveno.
Day 5, Breguzzo Ride 3, 24 miles, 2,600 v’
A memorable day through the foothills of the Brenta Dolomites: we skirt Lake Molveno, venture onto side
roads open only to bicycles, pass abandoned tunnels
and monuments, venture to Castle Stenico, pass
waterfalls and tiny hamlets before reaching the
village of Breguzzo. Relax, maybe hit the spa,
before meeting for dinner in our hotel.
Day 6, Riva del Garda Ride 4, 26 miles, 2,400 v’
A one lane road through the woods drops us half way up Passo Durone. Your reward is the first descent of the day and possible lunch at Fiave’; take a hour to walk the ancient Lake Dweller
habitat at the archeological museum. A gentle climb to Passo Bol
ino then delivers an epic descent, swooping through villages as the expanse of Lago Garda opens before us. Celebrate at our hotel tonight, a five minute walk from the lakeside.
Day 7, Riva del Garda
Relax, stroll the shoreline paths, take in the sheer granite walls along Italy’s largest lake whose waters disappear beyond the southern horizon. Maybe venture up a via ferrota, or kayak on
Lago Garda itself. Possibilities include wine tasting
or a cooking class this evening.
Day 8, Sirmione, Ride 5 from Salo, 21 miles, 950 v’
Rolling our bikes aboard a morning ferry we relax for a sounthward cruise, 3 hours later we step off at Salo in in time for lunch. Rambling through the hills at first we descend to skirt the southern shore of Garda. A beach town atmosphere pervades. Turning north we ride toward the Roman fortress at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula.
Day 9, Brescia, Ride 6, 25 miles, 1,200 v’
Leaving vineyards behind we roll through varied croplands, small farms connected by single lane roads. Our distination: Brescia [Bureesha] with the best preserved Roman ruins in Northern Italy and a strong Lombard legacy. But en route you might revel in more modern history at auto racing’s Mille
Miglia (Thousand Roman Miles) museum with
classic grand touring cars dating from 1927.
Day 10, Lovere, Lago d’Iseo, Ride 7, 33 miles, 1,700 v’
Northwestward, we skirt the foothills to Lago Iseo. Seldom visited by Americans, its lakeside is dotted with colorful villages. Enjoy a memorable lunch at a Trattoria with a view. We circle to the
more remote western shore where our spa hotel awaits.
Day 11, Burgamo, Ride 8, 31miles, 2,100 v’
Etched into the waterside granite this morning’s road confirms the glacial origin of Italy’s Lake District. Climbing out of Iseo’s basin we begin our descent past tiny Lago di’ Endine. Then entering town Bergamo Alta rises on the hilltop above the new city. Time to
reflect on the adventures you’ve just enjoyed.
Day 12, Arrivaderci
After breakfast we bid farewell to fellow adventurers. Milan’s Malpensa airport is only 2 hours by train, and the city of Milan itself, certainly worth a visit, only one hour.
Wandervogel Tours Terms and Conditions, Reservations and Deposits
Reservations can be made via our website with a $200 per person deposit. Payments using a credit card are processed by PayPal
We prefer payments made with a check made payable to Wandervogel BTA and mailed to 2400 Calle Monte Carlo, San Clemente, CA 92672
Deposits are fully refundable through February 28. Thereafter refunds are subject to our cancellation policy below.
Trip prices are per person based on double occupancy. There is a single supplement fee for individuals in a single room.
Once you book your trip, the price is guaranteed
Price covers land costs only; they do not cover air fare or other transportation to and from the trip.
ElliptiGo and Bike Rental fees are not included in the trip price.
Price includes hotels, breakfasts and luggage transfers. Consult the specific trip itinerary for additional items included in the trip price.
Your reservation for our tour is an acknowledgement and full acceptance of our Terms of Service.
Cancellation Policy
Wandervogel’s acceptance of your registration for this tour is subsequent to your agreement to pay the remaining balance in full.
If you must cancel your tour reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the terms outlined in the chart below.
Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including but not limited to weather, terrorism, civil unrest, epidemics or the threat thereof, personal, family or medical emergencies or force majeure. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
Cancellation of tour because of travel restrictions for Americans in our tour destination
We will be reviewing the feasibility of operating tours If the borders are not open for travel 60 days prior to the tour start. If the trip must be postponed, you will be given a 100% refund of your trip deposit paid less any PayPal fees incurred (3% per transaction).
Cancellation Fees (per person)
Days Prior to Tour Scheduled Start Date
90+ days prior to tour start – 25%
15 to 44 days prior to tour start – 50%
0 to 14 days – 90%
Trip Insurance
We encourage tour participants to consider purchasing Travel Protection plans for your trip.
Trip insurance policies can cover: Airline Tickets, medical emergencies, etc.
Please read: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/travel-insurance
Invoice Payments
Deposits and Reservations can be made via PayPal using a credit card.
All subsequent invoice payments are payable by check, please.
If you prefer to pay your invoice via PayPal using a credit card, a 3% processing fee will be added to your invoice.
Invoice payments are due by the dates listed on your invoice.
Liability Release
Participants are required to sign the Liability Release Form with which they are provided for any event they attend.
Due to the fluid situation with Covid-19, we reserve the right to update these policies at any time and without prior notice.
Tour Price: approx. $3,399 per person, double occupancy.
Price is subject to currency fluctuations and amenity adjustments before departure.
Included in the price per person are:
* 11 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels
* 11 breakfasts
* 5 dinners select hotels or restaurants
* Our own van large enough for 10 ElliptiGos plus bikes
* Luggage transfers between hotels
* SOS support en route
* Route finding and leadership on the road
* 10 ElliptiGo 8C’s available as of this posting
first come, first served $249 for the duration of the tour
* Hybrid, road, and E-bikes available prices vary
At the time of this posting we’d like to discourage E-bike use as there is ample time to prepare for the moderate riding required.
Looks like something you’d like to do? Then bang the
PayPal button below. Questions? Please contact
Pete directly: petevannuys@cox.net
or call anytime: 949 492 5737