Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike | AVE
tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike | AVE tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike | AVE

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8 Days From

$1350

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

8 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Porec, Croatia

Visiting: Venice, Caorle, Portogruaro, Aquileia, Trieste, Portorož, Porec

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

AVE

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1350

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike, exploring the enchanting city of Venice and cycling along the stunning Adriatic coast. This self-guided tour takes you across Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Discover the rich heritage of the Venetian Republic, savor local culinary delights like marinated sardines and spicy meatballs, and enjoy the comfort of 3-star accommodations. With daily routes ranging from 25 to 43.5 miles, this adventure is perfect for those with a reasonable level of cycling fitness. Your luggage is transported between hotels, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking scenery and historic sites.

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

  • Visiting Duino with its two castles and Sistiana with its characteristic bay

  • Crossing the river Isonzo and cycling towards the Gulf of Trieste

  • Cycling across the Slovenian border to the spa town of Portorož

  • Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage listed Euphrasian Basilica complex in Porec

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike | AVE | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Mestre/Venice

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Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make your own way to Mestre on the mainland of Venice. On arrival at your hotel you will find your luggage labels and ferry ticket. From here it is easy to venture into the famous canal city. On the morning of day 2 you will collect your rental bike - note that bikes (like cars) are not allowed on the island (in Venice the transit with bicycles is forbidden even when pushed by hand. By bike it is only possible to reach Piazzale Roma or the train station Santa Lucia). The city of Venice will captivate you with its splendour and history.

Day 2 : Ferry To Punta Sabbioni, Cycle To Caorle Or Surrounds (40 Or 65Km/25 Or 40Mi)

Location: Caorle

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you collect your bike, then after a short ride you take the ferry and then the vaporetto, passing in front of Piazza San Marco. The first part of the day will guide you from Mestre to Tronchetto island, where you will take a ferry to reach the island of Lido. From Lido a motorboat will take you to Punta Sabbioni, the southern-most area of the Adriatic coast, which is north of Venice. From here you cycle along the stunning seacoast, with various opportunities for a refreshing swim in the sea. Stay overnight in a town along this famous coastline, eg Jesolo or Caorle.
By boat (included): about 35 minutes Tronchetto to Lido S.Niccolò, about 25 minutes S.Maria Elisabetta to Punta Sabbioni (this is a smaller boat (motonave) and it is the captain’s decision re the number of bikes accepted on board. It may happen that you have to wait for the next ferry.)
Elevation +0m/0ft

Day 3 : Head North Towards The Julian Alps To Portogruaro (60 Or 35Km/37 Or 21.8Mi)

Location: Portogruaro

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving the sea behind you 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'.
Elevation +0m/0ft

Day 4 : Cycle By Ancient Roman Towns To Aquileia (70Km/43.5Mi)

Location: Aquileia

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

You will continue eastward, traversing the countryside and small villages as far as the city San Michele and the Tagliamento river: its peaceful course marks the border between the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. Take a break in the beautiful ancient village of Precenicco then will cross the pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Stella river and continue towards the coast of the Adriatic Sea. You will find a short section of unpaved road at the Palmanova exit and need to pay attention to the traffic in crossing Cervignano del Friuli. Overnight Aquileia.
You can shorten the stage by about 20km/12.5mi by catching the train from Portogruaro to Latisana.
Elevation +30m/98ft

Day 5 : Cross The River Isonzo And Cycle Towards The Gulf Of Trieste (55Km/34Mi)

Location: Trieste

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning you cross the Isonzo (Soca) 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 from Monfalcone to Trieste. This also avoids the quite busy 'Strada Statale 14'. Or you can cycle a longer version (extra 24km) and discover Grado in the Marano lagoon, an ancient fishing village with an historic centre.
Elevation +420m/1378ft

Day 6 : Cycle Across The Slovenian Border To The Spa Town Of Portorož (45Km/28Mi)

Location: Portorož

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a more demanding stage than the preceding days. Leaving Trieste, you will face some short but demanding ascents and ride through some stretches of moderate traffic. After a few kilometres the Porec cycle path starts in Rabuiese right before the Italian-Slovene border. The remaining part of the route is often on cycling paths through famous holiday resorts such as Koper, first for a long time a Venetian and then an Austrian town, and Piran, another important centre which was ruled for a long time by Venice. The terrain is a little hilly and there's a 2km ascent to reach Piran. You will finally arrive in Portorož, renowned for its spa and bathing facilities.
Elevation +470/1542ft

Day 7 : Continue To Secovlje, Cross The Croatian Border To Porec (55Km/34Mi)

Location: Porec

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's cycle takes you south through the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town with a humid environment and a key area for ornithology. To reach the lagoon of Secovlje you have a steep downhill on a dirt road. Cross the Croatian border at Istria, the Adriatic Sea's largest peninsula, where the terrain becomes hilly, with small villages and vast forests. Your destination is Porec, the tourism capital of Croatia. We recommend visiting the UNESCO World Heritage listed Euphrasian Basilica complex, dating from the 6th-century and famous for its Byzantine mosaics.
Elevation +470m/1542ft

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Location: Porec

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast the trip concludes in Porec.
It's possible to return to Venice by ferry or by van - please ask for our rates (vary by service and season) - must be requested at time of booking.
Ferry transfer details: Porec-Venice (San Basilio). Only for passengers, no bikes. Boarding is at 6-7 am, departs at around 7-8 am, travel time is approx. 4 hours. (If the ferry boat is not available the service will be replaced by a land transfer.)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in 3 star hotel

  • 7 breakfasts

    Varied buffet breakfasts are served.

  • 7 nights accommodation

    Accommodation in 3-star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Upgrade to Category A hotels (mainly 4-star) available for a supplement.

  • Digital information pack

    Includes route notes, maps, and a navigational app (can be used offline) with GPS tracks. A smartphone is required.

  • Luggage transfers

    One piece of luggage per person, maximum 20kg. Supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Rental touring bike

    Includes helmet, pannier, puncture-resistant tyres, and gel saddle. Electric and hybrid bikes available on request for a supplement. Tandem bike available on request.

  • Bike insurance

    Insurance against theft and damage.

  • Day 2 ferry and vaporetto transfers

    Transfers from Tronchetto to Lido to Punta Sabbioni. Note: bike not included, allow EUR 4.

  • Emergency hotline

    24/7 emergency hotline available.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Mestre/Venice and from Porec

    Transport to the starting point in Mestre/Venice and from the endpoint in Porec is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no guide is provided.

  • Single room supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are booking a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.

  • Venice Access Fee

    Effective from Spring 2024 (approx.

    5 EUR/day, if applicable) to be paid on site.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes (allow EUR 13-18 per person, payable locally) are not included.

  • Optional transfer from Porec to Venice

    Available by ferry or coach (early and late in the season).

    Must be requested at the time of booking.

    Please ask for rates.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Accommodation

7 nights in 3 star hotels, mainly in the historic centre except for Caorle where we offer various options along the coast. All rooms have en suite facilities. All category A hotels have air conditioning while in category B (standard trip) some accommodations are without air conditioning. All accommodations have been chosen for their comfort as well as their proximity to cycling paths and local sites.

Grading

The cycling is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily cycles of around 40 to 70km/25 to 43.5mi. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The first three days are mainly on flat roads, across the Veneto and Friuli plain, while the last three stages are slightly hillier. This is a popular area so we have a range of hotels - on some days this may alter the distances cycled and the towns you sleep in. Where a route may be longer or shorter on one day, the distance will be adjusted the following day so you will still cover the same route. You need only carry your camera and water bottle as your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Mode of Transport

Transport includes ferry and vaporetto transfers from Tronchetto to Lido and Punta Sabbioni, with cycling along the Adriatic coast. Optional transfer from Porec to Venice by ferry or coach is available at the end of the tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 3-star hotels, mainly in the historic centers except for Caorle where various options along the coast are available. All rooms have en suite facilities. Category A hotels have air conditioning, while some accommodations in Category B (standard trip) may not have air conditioning.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 varied buffet breakfasts. Other meals such as lunches and dinners are not included.

  • Is bike rental included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes the rental of a touring bike with a helmet, pannier, puncture-resistant tires, and a gel saddle. Electric and hybrid bikes are available on request for an additional supplement, and a tandem bike is also available on request.

  • Are there any additional costs for luggage transfers?

    Luggage transfers are included for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg per person. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Is there any support available in case of emergencies during the tour?

    Yes, an emergency hotline is available during the tour.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days?

    During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The cycling is graded as introductory to moderate (2) with daily cycles of around 40 to 70km/25 to 43.5mi. The first three days are mainly on flat roads, while the last three stages are slightly hillier. A reasonable level of cycling fitness is required to participate fully in this adventure.

  • Is there an option to return to Venice at the end of the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional transfer from Porec to Venice available by ferry or coach, depending on the season. This must be requested at the time of booking, and rates vary by service and season.

  • Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

    Yes, there are several additional fees including the Venice Access Fee (approx. €5/day, effective from Spring 2024), local hotel taxes (allow €13-18 per person, payable locally), and a supplement for single room bookings. Entrance fees not listed as included and transfers not listed as included are also additional costs.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

F. Hulme-Moir(Greenhithe, New Zealand)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

16 Oct 2022

Well organized great way to see the country up close. Easy riding on good bikes. Accommodation was overall excellent. The side trips and detours are well worth doing.

S. Trillia(Richmond, United States)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

11 Jul 2023

Great trip very well organized.

D. Hickman(Australia)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

25 Sep 2024

Well organised, professional, easy to follow, and certainly the way to do and/or organise a cycling holiday.

N. Robinson(Richmond, New Zealand)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

31 Oct 2022

Great history, easy cycling and interesting places.

C. Schott(Arizona, USA)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

12 Oct 2022

My husband and I rode on a self-guided bicycle trip on a tandem bike. We have done a lot of touring by bicycle on our own but this trip was very special for us. The route was very beautiful and easy. The app for the route worked well. The accommodations were very nice, even with rain it felt safe on mostly cycle paths that had good surfaces. The food at all the breakfasts was scrumptious, varied and plenty to fuel your day's ride! We had very good and professional communications from the staff, especially Ed who helped us solve a small problem. I would recommend this to anyone. Thanks for the great ride!

T. Hickman(Australia)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

24 Sep 2024

We enjoyed the experience, the bikes worked well, the accommodation was good, the routes were pretty and in spite of some bad weather we had lots of fun.

G. Jefferies(Calgary, Canada)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

12 Jun 2023

Lovely route, the e-bikes were great. We had fantastic weather and the hotels were comfortable, food options were excellent. Had a small hiccup with baggage transfers on the last 2 nights.

T. Green(Victoria, Canada)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

24 Oct 2024

Loved Italy and Slovenia, lots of bike paths! Beautiful scenery, there was only one patch of really rough gravel for quite awhile! The other off road paths were fine. Croatia was the last day and it was very hilly, unfortunately it was also on main roads for most of the day, and the roads did not have shoulders. Traffic was really fast and it was a bit scary. Accommodations were awesome except one that was only okay. The GPS worked like a charm and the bikes were really good. The luggage transfer was great, even when we were late one morning, they came back which we really appreciated! The staff was very helpful and kept in touch when we needed them to!!

G. Stoward(Swansea, Australia)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

3 Aug 2024

Although the 35-degree temperatures experienced in early July, this self-guided ride still had many highlights. Each day's ride was pretty close to UTracks description. Mainly very good accommodation provided every day. The bikes supplied were exceptionally good. Although there was more riding on main/busy roads than expected, the provided GPS app was pretty accurate and very helpful (locating the hotel in the bigger towns let the app down somewhat as the app seldom finished at the actual hotel!) Luggage transfer was faultless every day. Easy pickup and drop off of bikes. Found that the transfers to/from the start and finish (in particular) was quite difficult and expensive. Overall - a well-organized self-guided bike ride.

Angela Lanyon(Kamloops, Canada)  

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

9 Oct 2024

The orientation when we received our bikes was too quick. The man doing the orientation seemed like he just wanted to drop off the bikes and go. While he did answer our questions, it seemed to be bothersome for him. It would have been nice to have a meet and greet with the other participants on the tour prior to the tour beginning whether the night before or the morning of. There were some glitches with the app. On the leg to Porec, the blue line for our route disappeared. Thankfully the voice prompts continued to guide us to our hotel. We really appreciated being provided with dinner on our last night. We opted for the higher standard of accommodation and were pleased with most of our rooms especially the Hotel Victoria in Trieste. Loved biking through small towns and rural areas. Was nervous on some of the busy roads.

Read all 12 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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