Neuhausen to Venice (Private Group) – 2017

Itinerary :

Day 1 – Neuhausen to Bregenz – 70 miles

From Swiss Neuhausen we follow the river before returning to Germany in Konstanz where we take a short ferry ride across Lake Constance.  On the far side we follow the cycle route down the side of the lake using minor roads into Austria and Bregenz.

Day 2 – Bregenz to Davos – 75 Miles

Our day starts with some easy miles as we pick up the flood dyke path south.  On the way we briefly pop into Lichtenstein….just because we can!  Before reaching Chur we leave the Rhine and turn east to begin our crossing of the alps.  Nothing to worry about initially but the rate of climb increases as the day progresses, passing through the expensive ski resort of Klosters and in to Davos. 

Day 3 – Davos to Poschiavo – 55 Miles

Today we must climb through the Fluela pass; at 7818 feet this is the highest point in the trip.  To enter Italy we mercifully pass UNDER the mountain, through the single lane Munt la Schera Tunnel using the bus shuttle provided for this purpose, then follow the side of Lago di Livigno through several miles of galleried road.  After lunch in Livigno (this is such an inaccessible part of Italy that it has been granted special ‘duty free’ status to boost tourism) some more climbing over the Livigno Pass, to the small Swiss village of Poschiavo.

Day 4 – Poschiavo to Breno – 48 Miles

A short and much easier day; always in the mountains but little climbing to worry about.  We end our day back in Italy.

Day 5 – Breno to Torbole 56 miles

The big day!  The hardest of the trip with almost 8,500 feet of climb.  Our day starts with a substantial climb to the Croce Domini Pass (6207 feet) after which the going becomes easier but still with some climbs along the way.  Our destination is Torbole at the head of Lake Garda and another welcome bus shuttle will sneak us under the hills that dominate the lake from the west.

Day 6 – Torbole to Vicenza – 56 miles

Before reaching Vicenza and the coastal plain we have one last big hill.  In comparison to the previous 3 days it is an easy climb with a long gradual approach and peaking at a mere 4000 feet.  After that it is downhill all the way!

Day 7 – Vicenza to Venice – 42 miles

An incredibly easy last day with low mileage and even the hint of a descent.  Hotels on Venice island itself are prohibitively expensive and typically will not accept single-night bookings.  Furthermore, bicycles are forbidden from the island.  For these reason we will return to nearby Mestra where we will spend the night.  You should be in your hotel with plenty of time to return for some sight-seeing.

Day 8 – Depart

We will provide a transfer to the nearby Marco Polo Airport. 

Tour Price includes:

Hotel accommodation
Breakfast
Vehicle support
Services of leader/mechanic
Local transfers
Route information
Local transfers to/from airport/railway station

Tour Price does not include:

Lunches or evening meals
Snacks or drinks required during the day
Travel to Bordeaux/from Barcelona
Cost of any optional excursions, entrance fees etc