Italy Lake Garda. Peschiera, Verona and Mincio river

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1 INDEX p. 2 ITINERARY p. 2 ROUTE PROFILE p. 3 ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS p. 4 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE p. 4 BIKES AND ACCESSORIES p. 6 BY YOUR SIDE p. 6 ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL p. 6 LUGGAGE Italy Lake Garda Peschiera, Verona and Mincio river Sirmione, ancient lakeside settlement Regional Nature Park of river Mincio Tortelli of Valeggio, hand-made fresh pasta filled with meat Bardolino, red wine p. 7 DOCUMENTS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION p. 9 CURIOSITIES Tour code IT024 Activity Bike and Hotel Tour type Self-guided Level Route Centre-based tour 165 km GOOD TO KNOW 1. Please read carefully these Tour Notes before leaving and bring them with you on holiday. Tip: you can also save this file in your phone or tablet. 2. Prior to your departure you will receive the Final Tour Details containing the last indications for your bike tour (emergency phone number, hotel list etc ) 3. Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 1 / 10

2 Tips and extras on site People no longer expect to be tipped as a matter of course, but hardworking and courteous staff are pleased if you round up the bill. On the menu of most restaurants the cover bill is listed at the bottom: it can be 10-15% of the bill, whereas in pizzerias it amounts to a couple of Euros. No tip is then expected. Local taxes Some cities charge a tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. It is usually between 1 and 4 per person per night. At the beginning of 2017 the following local taxes (per person per night) are valid, but during the season some variations may occur: Peschiera del Garda: hotel 3* 1 ; hotel 4* 1,50 ; Verona: hotel 3* 1,50 ; hotel 4* 2. Prices may be subject to varitions during the season. ITINERARY Introduction Formed as a stunning result of the last glaciation, the enchanting attractiveness of Lake Garda has enraptured all its visitors even beginning in 1786 with Wolfgang Goethe, its first illustrious tourist and promoter. Exceptional place between the hilly and mountainous dolomitic landscape and the Lake Garda seascape is what you will find here. Alpine atmosphere as well as colours and flavours unique of the Mediterranean will follow you on your tour through medieval villages and castles. Day by day 1. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda, a veritable fortress-city completely surrounded by water, an architectural jewel of art and culture. 2. Peschiera round tour (40 km) First day on bike among fruit plantations and vineyards of the eminent still white wine Lugana, characteristic of this region. You arrive in Solferino, the site of the famous battle that ended the Italian Second War of Independence, providing the basis for a united Italy. 3. Desenzano round tour (45 km) In search of another highly-valued place on the west bank of the lake, you will ride on to Desenzano for a round tour on the sweet morainic hills. For the less athletic, the town offers various possibilities to spend several hours relaxing peacefully on the banks of the lake. Transfer by train from Desenzano to Peschiera for the overnight. 4. Garda round tour (ferry + 30 km by bike) Today you ll cycle among hills and hamlets surrounding the lake, thanks to a short ferry transfer to Garda, the small town which gave its name to the lake. Once in Garda, you ll start cycling towards Bardolino, famous for the red wine, and from there you ll go back to Peschiera, crossing the sweet lake landscape. 5. Verona round tour (45 km) Pedal towards Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, with the river Adige passing through it; this is one of the most beautiful cities in Veneto. Don t miss the Roman Arena, the stunning Church of San Zeno and, naturally, Juliet s House. Transfer by train from Verona to Peschiera del Garda for the overnight. 6. Borghetto/Custoza round tour (45 km) Following the river Mincio you ll cycle along the most famous Italian cycle path, until you reach lovely Borghetto, one of the most beautiful hamlets of Italy. On the nearby hill you can visit Valeggio, famous for the typical tortellini and the park Sigurtà. Then you ll go on among the hills until Custoza, battle field during the Italian Risorgimento and today well-known for its DOC wine, the Bianco di Custoza. Finally you ll go back to Peschiera along quiet country roads. 7. Peschiera del Garda Departure after breakfast. Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 2 / 10

3 Tour programme variations Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each rider can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches. ROUTE PROFILE Route profile Total length: 190/170 km Total vertical up: 1500/1200 m Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved You will ride along routes which are on rural/secondary roads or cycle paths in the area of Garda Lake. The entrance to Verona has slightly more traffic but only for a short stretch. Day 2: Peschiera round tour (40 km, vertical up 300 m) Today s cycle tour is a loop that will lead you to discover lovely rural villages rich in history and oeno-gastronomic tradition. This itinerary has a few slopes uphill it is a hilly territory and follows quiet roads. You only have to pay attention to the traffic before your arrival in Pozzolengo. The return to Peschiera will be on a cycle track parallel with the main road. Day 3: Desenzano round tour (25/45 km, vertical up 200/500 m) The route takes you through vineyards and orchards, visiting small villages that witnessed the Independence War. When you arrive in Desenzano you can choose to continue the cycle trip making a loop and visit the wonderful castle of Padenghe sul Garda and the abbey of Maguzzano or else stay in Desenzano and relax. In both cases you need to take a train from Desenzano del Garda to go back to Peschiera. Today s stage is easy, there are few easy and short slopes uphill, and there is not much traffic on the roads. Transfer: about 15 minutes by train from Desenzano to Peschiera. Day 4: Garda round tour (ferry + 25 km, vertical up 200 m) Today you ll cycle among hills and hamlets sorrounding the lake, thanks to a short ferry transfer to Garda, the small town which gave the name to the lake. Once in Garda, you ll start cycling towards Bardolino, famous for the red wine, and from there you ll go back to Peschiera, crossing the sweet lake landscape. Day 5: Peschiera - Verona (35 km, vertical up 200 m) Lovely and easy bike tour to Verona, one of the most wonderful and famous cities of Italy. During the first 4 km of today s stage you will come across some stretches of dirt road near the lake. There are some short slopes uphill between Sandrà and Bussolengo. Transfer: about 15 minutes by train from Verona to Peschiera. Day 6: Peschiera del Garda - Borghetto - Custoza (45 km, vertical up 300 m) Following the river Mincio you ll cycle along the most famous Italian cycle path, until you reach lovely Borghetto, one of the most beautiful hamlets of Italy. On the nearby hill you can visit Valeggio, famous for the typical tortellini and the Park Sigurtà. Then you ll go on among the hills until Custoza, battle field during the Italian Risorgimento and today well-known for its DOC wine, the Bianco di Custoza. Finally you ll go back to Peschiera along quiet country roads. Activity level Easy cycling in mostly flat areas, with only few short climbs and descents. Little effort required, suitable for most people. ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS Accommodation We have personally chosen this 3* hotel mindful of your comfort as well as the proximity to cycling paths and any relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities and are equipped with air conditioning. Hotel Puccini 3* (or equivalent if not available): About 500 meters from the old town centre on the Lake Garda side promenade. Gardaland amusement park is located just 2.5 Kms from the hotel. All rooms are very big, bright, well Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 3 / 10

4 furnished with the most modern comforts. Free parking and big pool garden. When you book the tour please specify the type of room requested: - double room is a room with one double bed - twin room is a room with two single beds - triple room is usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or a rollaway. Meals Breakfast: international breakfast with a varied buffet is usually served. Lunch: it is never included. You may find some indications for the lunch break in your roadbook. Dinner: you may find some useful hints in the touristic information or you can ask the hotel reception for some advice. Diets and allergies If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest you to bring some own snacks as a small supply. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Upon arrival The first tour day is the day of arrival at the first hotel and is included in the package tour. You start cycling the following day. Please be aware that usually hotel rooms are not ready before 3:00 p.m. At the hotel reception you will find also the Information Pack if you haven t received it by mail. Parking: if you arrive by car, you can park it for free in Peschiera for the whole duration of the tour in the unguarded public parking. You ll receive all information in the Final Tour Details. How to get there Peschiera is connected with the following airports: Verona: 25 km, Bergamo: 95 km, Venice: 150 km. VERONA VILLAFRANCA CATULLO (VRN) - Connection shuttle bus + train: - from airport to Verona train station: every day the Aerobus shuttle service leaves for the station of Verona Porta Nuova every 20 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 11:35 p.m. (transfer: approx. 20 min; ticket: 6 ); - from Verona train station to Peschiera: direct train connections (transfer: approx. 15 min; ticket: 3-14 depending on the type of train). BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO (BGY) - Connection shuttle bus + train from Bergamo: - from airport to Bergamo railway station: the Airport Bus ATB leaves every 20 minutes (transfer: 15 min; ticket: about 3 ); - from Bergamo train station to Peschiera: there are train connections with change in Brescia or Treviglio (transfer: approx. 2 hours; ticket: about ). Connection shuttle bus + train from Brescia: - from airport to Brescia railway station: the shuttle service Autostradale leaves every 90 minutes (transfer: 50 min; ticket: 12 ; - from Brescia train station to Peschiera: direct train connections (transfer: approx. 30 min; ticket: about 5-13 depending on the type of train). Connection shuttle bus + bus from Brescia: - from airport to Brescia railway station: the shuttle service Autostradale leaves every 90 minutes (transfer: 50 min; ticket: 12 ; - from Brescia train station to Peschiera: there is a bus LN026 direction Verona, stop in Piazza Carducci, Peschiera (transfer: approx. 90 min; ticket: about 12 ). Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 4 / 10

5 VENEZIA MARCO POLO (VCE) - Connection shuttle bus + train: - from airport to Venezia Mestre station: the Fly Bus ATVO shuttle service and also the bus ACTV line 15 leave every 30 minutes (transfer: about 20 min; ticket: 6 ); - from the train station Venezia Mestre to Peschiera: train connections approx. every hour, direct or with change in Verona Porta Nuova (transfer: approx. 80 min; ticket: depending on the type of train). TRAINS For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the following website: www. trenitalia.com. End of the tour Our services end the last day of the tour after breakfast. We remind you that luggage transportation is never included in case of extra nights before or after the tour. BIKES AND ACCESSORIES Rental bikes Girolibero s City bikes are available in various sizes in unisex/women s or men s models. At the moment of booking, you can choose among the following bikes: - City bike 27-gear Shimano Deore - City bike 7-gear Shimano Nexus with back-pedal brake - Racing bike 27-gear Shimano Tiagra - Electro-bike 8-gear Shimano Nexus - Tandem Features: - aluminium frame - mudguard - rear rack - comfort gel saddle - anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres - ergonomic bicycle grips - Speed Lifter system (only for City bikes) Own bike If you want to do the tour with your own bike, before your departure we suggest you to check that all parts of the bike are functioning properly. A cycle computer is necessary to follow the road book. We also highly recommend you to bring a repair kit because the emergency number in case of breakdown cannot be used if you are using your own bike. Don t forget to bring a padlock and always lock your bike. Accessories All rented adult bikes are equipped with: 1 cycle computer Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 5 / 10

6 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag 1 front bar bag or 1 map holder 1 water bottle (0.75 l) 1 repair kit per room: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers 1 combination bike lock At the moment of booking you can also rent helmets suitable for head circumferences from 54 to 61. All our helmets have a certification mark according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European norm. Mechanical problems As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting off on your bike. For this reason we provide you with a repair kit per room. We remind you that in case of flat tyre no assistance is foreseen. In case of mechanical problems you have to: 1. Call the emergency phone number 2. Communicate your name and which tour you are doing 3. Tell your position (total distance of the stage) based on the description of the roadbook 4. Give your mobile phone number Based on the damage and on the location, the assistance can suggest you the nearest mechanic shop to repair the bike. The mechanic will make an estimate which has to be approved by the assistance on the phone. You have to pay the bill which will be refunded within the end of the tour (if possible) or by your travel agency once at home upon presentation of receipt. In case of more complex mechanical problems which do not allow you to continue cycling, the assistance will inform you about the time needed to reach your position and replace the bike or take you to the mechanic shop in order to repair the bike. In case of small problems that allow you to continue cycling until the end of the stage and reach the next hotel, the assistance can organize a bike replacement at the hotel (if necessary) or indicate you a mechanic shop nearby the hotel. Bicycle delivery and return At your arrival you will find the bikes parked in the garage of the hotel. You will find a label with your name fixed on the bike. At the end of the last cycling day you have to leave the bikes locked with all accessories inside the rear pannier at the same hotel. Please ask the hotel personnel where to place the bikes. We remind you that bike rental is not included in case of extra nights. How to lock the bike We remind you that you are responsible for the rental bikes and its accessories during the whole tour. Bicycles must be always locked and possibly secured to a pole, even for short periods. When you reach your daily destination we suggest you to leave the bikes at the hotel and to visit the town centre on foot/by public transportation. Local law on cycling Here below are some points to be observed on Italian legislation concerning the movement of bicycles: - it is recommended to wear helmets, which is not compulsory but advisable for your own safety - always proceed on a single line, in particular when you are out of the towns - have free use of arms and a clear view to promptly perform manoeuvres - bring the bike in hand when they are a hindrance or danger to pedestrians - travel on the tracks reserved for cyclists - wear a reflective vest out of the towns from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise and in tunnels - have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) less than 0.5 g / l. ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL Accompanying material The Information Pack (one per room) includes: - roadbook describing the cycling route stage by stage Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 6 / 10

7 - bike maps - information on the cities, towns and villages of the tour - final hotel list - hotel voucher, to be given to the reception of the hotel upon arrival - train tickets Desenzano-Peschiera and Verona-Peschiera - ferry ticket Peschiera-Garda. LUGGAGE Equipment and clothing The following personal equipment is recommended: - basic first aid kit which includes adhesive bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant - sun glasses for eye protection - protective suntan cream - repellent spray for insects The following recommended clothes are advisable: - padded cycling shorts - comfortable shoes with stiff soles - light weight waterproof/windproof top - leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings - small close-fitting daysack to carry certain items during the day while cycling - swimsuit During the tour you will have the chance to visit various religious institutions, such as churches and convents, where you must be appropriately dressed (covered shoulders, shoes or sandals, etc...). Useful hints and tips We recommend to keep always with you: - passport/identity card - any medicines you could need during the day - personal belongings (for example car keys). DOCUMENTS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION Documents European Citizens whose country is under the authority of the Schengen Treaty may enter Italy with nothing more than a valid identity card or passport. Citizens from all other countries must show their passport on the border. Prior to your departure, we recommend that you check the entry and travel requirements for your destination country/countries by contacting the proper embassies or consulates. You must have all required documents with you during travel. It is your responsibility to check the expiration dates of these documents and renew them if necessary. For further information please visit Visa Where a visa is required, this must also be presented to the border authorities and must indicate the length of the holder's stay and his or her destination. Visa applications - specifying the reason for the trip - must be made to the Italian Consulate in the applicant's country of residence, and are generally issued 90 days after the application has been made. For further information please visit Health rules EU and non-eu citizens (if entitled to assisted health care in EU countries) travelling in Italy with the required certificate (European Health Insurance Card or a provisional replacement certificate) may obtain services required directly, free of charge except for the payment of an eventual charge called ticket at a public hospital or facility covered in private agreement with the National Health Service. Non-EU citizens coming from countries not covered by the agreement are provided with health services that must be paid in accordance with the relative scale of charges. For further information, consult the health authorities of your country. You can also visit the website www. italia.it Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 7 / 10

8 Climate and weather In Veneto temperatures are cool/mild in spring and autumn and hot/humid in the months of July and August, with possible cooling summer storms. You can find further information on the weather in Veneto on Currency The euro is Italy s currency. The seven euro notes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. The eight euro coins are in denominations of 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, five, two and one cents. You can pay nearly everywhere with credit cards or cashpoint (instant teller) cards. Most credit cards also allow for cash advances as long as you know your personal identification number (PIN). ATMs dispensing Euros can be found in all towns of the trip. You can change money in banks or in a cambio (exchange office). Banks in Italy are open from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., although opening and closing hours vary slightly from bank to bank. ATMs tend to be accessible 24 hours a day. Electricity The Italian electrical net is 220V - 50Hz. Electrical sockets comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs. Language The official language is Italian. Telephone and useful numbers Currently almost all tourist destinations of the country have coverage for mobile phones. The mobile phone coverage in Italy is based on GSM technology, which is different from that of some countries such as USA and Japan. Before coming to Italy, we recommend you to check with your service provider all the conditions for the international phone calls. To call an Italian phone number from abroad, you have to dial the international code of Italy which is 0039 (+39). Italian phone numbers consist of two parts: area code and phone number. The area code is composed by two to four digits and begins with a zero, unless it is a cell phone, then it begins with 3. To call another country from Italy: - first dial the Europe long distance code 00 - then the country code (for example 1 for the US, 44 for the UK, 49 for Germany) - then the area code and number. You can also buy an Italian SIM phone card if you want to avoid high roaming fees. The main providers are Vodafone, Tim, Wind and 3, who have their own stores in all the larger towns. You can also purchase an International Phone Card at any tabacchi (tobacconists), most newsstands and some bars. These cards are one of the cheapest solution for calling long distance from Europe and can be used from public phones or from the hotel phone. In many hotels there is a possibility of direct internet connection in the common areas and sometimes also in the room. This service can be free or hotels may charge a fee. There are also many points of Wi-Fi access in airports, hotels, train stations and other public places. Below are the emergency telephone numbers in Italy. Simply dial these numbers from anywhere in the country Emergency Police Help Number: This is the single national number for all kinds of emergencies: to report theft, robbery or assault, or accidents and health emergencies. This number corresponds to the switchboard network of the State police, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Fire Department: In the event of fire, smoke or gas leaks, you can call the Fire Services directly Medical Emergencies: You can call this number from anywhere in Italy (including the islands) to alert the healthcare network and request ambulance transport to the nearest hospital or healthcare facility. Embassies/Consulates - AUSTRALIA: Milan - Via Borgogna, 2 (third floor) - Phone: Fax: Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 8 / 10

9 - CANADA: Rome - Via Zara 30 - Phone: Fax: romevisa@international.gc.ca, consul.rome@international.gc.ca - UNITED KINGDOM: Milan - via S. Paolo 7 - Phone: Fax: Milan.Consular@fco.gov.uk - UNITED STATES: Milan - Via Principe Amedeo 2/10 - Phone: Fax: uscitizensmilan@state.gov Venice - Venice Marco Polo Airport - General Aviation Terminal - Viale Galileo Galilei 30, Tessera (Venice) - Phone: Fax: uscitizensvenice@state. gov Time zone Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time: at the beginning of spring the clocks go forward an hour in order to take advantage of an extra hour of sunlight in the late afternoon/evening. At the beginning of autumn the clocks are shifted back to standard Central European Time. Public transportation In Italy there is a good train service offering bicycle transport. This low-cost option will allow you to reach the next city in case of rain or bad weather, or if you prefer to visit a city at your own pace instead of cycling. Trains with bicycle compartments are normally regional trains and are indicated with a bicycle symbol on the carriage and also on the timetables on display in the station. The cost of the ticket for a passenger varies according to the distance covered, whereas for the bike it is always 3.50 (valid for 24 hours on the entire Italian network). Tickets can be bought directly at the railway station or at a Tabacchi shop, asking for a fascia chilometrica (per kilometre) ticket, plus a ticket for the bike. We remind you that in Italy it is compulsory to validate the ticket before getting on the train. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult The following transfers are foreseen in the itinerary (included in the package tour): - Day 3: train from Desenzano to Peschiera: frequent train connections, transfer: about 15 minutes. - Day 4: ferry transfer from Peschiera to Garda, transfer about: 60 minutes. - Day 5: train from Verona to Peschiera: frequent train connections, transfer: about 15 minutes. CURIOSITIES Food In Veneto you will find traditional, simple cuisine. Below, we list some dishes that we recommend you to try during your stay in this region. Starters (primi piatti): soups, risotto dishes (made with fish or seafood in Venice and Chioggia, with radicchio in Treviso, "risi e bisi" - rice with peas - in Vicenza) and "bigoli" (home-made thick spaghetti served with meat sauces, like the typical duck sauce). Main courses: fishbased in the Venice area, game in the whole region, served with polenta, a country dish made of maize flour. Side dishes: a lot of vegetables such as radicchio from Treviso and Chioggia, Savoy cabbage, cabbage, beans, in addition to the ever-present cheeses and cold-cuts often served with pan biscotto (rusks) in trattorias. Desserts: from Verona s famous "Pandoro" to oven-baked cakes and biscuits that are still made according to traditional methods, such as zaleti. Wine: Prosecco from Valdobbiadene, Tocai from the Berici Hills, Amarone from Valpollicella and Soave. Shops and restaurants Shops are generally open from Monday to Saturday in the morning from 8:30/9:00 to 12:30/13:00, in the afternoon from 15:30/16:00 to 19:30. Some supermarkets and department stores often stay open all day from 9:00 to 20:00. Midweek closing: the shops are normally closed on Monday morning. In the small towns and villages, shops can be closed for the entire day on Monday and the grocery stores are closed on Wednesday afternoon. In some towns the bakeries can be open also on Sunday morning. Approximate restaurants kitchen opening hours: from 12:00 to 14:30 for lunch and from 19:00 to 22:30 for dinner. Pharmacies have the same opening hours as shops, from 9.30 a.m. to and from 3.30 p. Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 9 / 10

10 m. to 7.30 p.m.; in the larger cities, some pharmacies are open 24 hours. For emergencies during the night, or when the pharmacies are normally closed, a number of them remain open, on a rotational basis. A calendar listing the nearest one open can be found on the doors of all local pharmacies. Post offices are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Please note that in Italy you can purchase stamps not only in post offices, but also at tobacconists shops ( Tabacchi ). August is traditionally the vacation month also for shops and some restaurants. Last updated on 22/03/2017 _ valid until October 2017 page 10 / 10