Cycling the Prosecco Hills Trip Notes - Breakaway Adventures
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Current as of: December 18, 2019 - 12:23 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 Cycling the Prosecco Hills Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Italy Min age: 16 MEP Moderate Programmes: Cycling Trip Overview Treviso, located just a short drive north of Venice in the foothills of the Dolomites, is thought to be the most cycled province in Italy thanks to the great variety of scenic roads and picturesque rolling hills. Many professional cyclists train on these routes and there are countless events, including the famous Giro d’Italia, taking place here each year. Added to this, this hilly land also happens to be the home of Italy’s most prized sparkling wine: Prosecco! For this exciting trip we have designed and hand-picked ve circular and point-to-point routes to showcase the very best this wine-growing region has to offer. You will be pedalling on back country roads and through breathtaking vine-covered hills, extending as far as the eye can see, and passing through several fascinating historic towns along the way, including elegant Treviso, Bassano and mediaeval Asolo. At the end of each day your efforts will be rewarded by tasting the best of local gastronomy, obviously along with a crisp glass of delicious Prosecco! At a Glance 5 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats) 90% tarmac roads, 10% gravel or tracks Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs 7 nights 3 and 4-star hotels, all en suite Trip Highlights
Quiet routes through rural country lanes and picturesque hills Visit a local producer and sample the original Prosecco Charming historic towns including Treviso, Asolo and Bassano Optional day trip to enchanting Venice Is This Trip for You? This trip is classi ed Road Average daily distance: 44km (27 miles) with 5 days cycling Terrain and route: 90% tarmac roads, 10% gravel/unpaved roads This region is famous for its rolling hills, so be prepared for some climbing in places. This trip will require a moderate to good level of tness as all the rides are on undulating roads with occasional steep but short ascents in places varying from 1 to 4km on some days. If you are not comfortable on hills we strongly recommend requesting an electric bike prior departure (available for a supplement) which will give an extra push and requires less legwork than a standard bike. The distance covered on each day is relatively short with an average of 44km cycled. This means the pace will be leisurely with plenty of breaks and time to enjoy the surroundings and villages en route. We aim to use mainly quiet roads where possible, but at times we need to cross busy road sections in order to reach the quieter routes on the other side. A support vehicle (with limited seats) is available throughout the trip. It will not be able to follow the group at all times but it will meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give route directions and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike. Cycling in the province of Treviso Those joining this trip will realise how much the area is suited to cycling. This sport is part of the daily life of many locals, professional and cycling enthusiasts. The Treviso province regularly hosts major cycling events and races such as the Giro d'Italia, the Cycling World Cup and many others. During the week you are likely to see professional cyclists, juniors, youth and under-12s training on the routes. On Sunday mornings, especially, going out for a bike ride is something of a ritual. Whilst the area is a mecca for training professionals, it is also perfect for more leisurely riding and for those who want to take in also the scenery and culture along the way! Group Normally 4 to 16 plus leader. There is a cycling leader riding with the group at all times and a support vehicle and assistant leader is available for most of the rides. Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 6 Max group size: 16 Itinerary
Land Only Start City: Treviso End City: Pieve di Soligo Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start in charming Treviso. This trip starts in the charming capital province Treviso, a real hidden gem often overlooked and perhaps overshadowed by the neighbouring Venice. Rebuilt and restored after Second World War bombing, the town centre is a rambling maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. The town is circled by a pretty wall and by waterways, which add to its very picturesque and elegant style. Those of us who have arranged our own ights should rendezvous at the central start hotel, although the more convenient option is to meet the group at the airport for the transfer. Land only clients can join at any time, but we do recommend arriving in the afternoon to meet the rest of the group and enjoy an orientation tour and rst dinner together.
Day 2 Cycle past cultivated elds and along the historic Montello hill, to the mediaeval town of Asolo, known as “the pearl of the province of Treviso". After breakfast we cycle directly from our hotel, through the old town centre of Treviso and out of the city walls following a northwesterly route. For the rst 20km we warm up by pedalling on some at and easy back roads, past scenic cultivated elds, until reaching the town of Nervesa della Battaglia. From here we take a short climb to the Montello hill, one of the most popular cycling spots of the whole province and a place of great historic importance for being a key battle eld during the First World War. The landscape changes from here onwards becoming more verdant and picturesque. Most of the Montello is still covered by the luxuriant wood and oak forest, which was once the exclusive reserve for replenishing the wood supplies of the Venetian Republic’s Arsenal. After a deserved lunch break we continue cycling west along a gentle undulating route called the ‘Panoramica’ offering magni cent views of the valley of the River Piave and a rst glimpse of the Prosecco Hills in the distance. Upon reaching Asolo, one of Italy's most beautiful hilltop mediaeval towns, we check in at our welcoming hotel located at the foothills of the town. A free shuttle is included to visit the village in the evening for dinner. Dominated by the Rocca, the symbol and pride of the town, we will walk through the historic centre, anked by 15th century frescoed palaces and elegant archways. Meals included: Breakfast Altitude gain (m): 460 Altitude loss (m): 380 Day 3 Ride along quiet roads and picture-perfect hills to Bassano, famous for its excellent grappa and 13th century bridge. This morning we set off on our bikes to explore the picturesque hilly area surrounding Asolo. Cycling from our hotel, we follow a picturesque northeasterly route which crosses pleasant rolling hills, with a constant view of the Prealps. This is one of the key local certi ed production areas of Prosecco and along the route we will get a view of some of the nest vineyard sites. They are interspersed with orchards, vegetable crops and wooded areas which we pedal through, with a constant alternating of ups and downs and a couple of short more demanding climbs, until reaching Possagno, birthplace of the sculptor Antonio Canova. The town is home to the temple he designed, which was completed in 1830. From this point onwards the route becomes easier as we descend towards the valley and cycle all the way to Bassano del Grappa, in the neighbouring province of Vicenza, across the plains, on quiet back roads passing through small villages and cultivated elds. Bassano takes its name from the nearby Monte Grappa, scene of epic battles during World War I. The historic centre is very pretty and compact therefore perfect to explore on foot. After leaving out bikes we will enjoy some free time to walk on the 13th century wooden covered bridge over the Brenta River, sample the famous local grappa liqueur, learn of the town's military history in the Museo degli Alpini or perhaps purchase some of the locally-produced ceramics. We return to Asolo in the afternoon by public bus (approx. 30 mins journey). Meals included: Breakfast Altitude gain (m): 780 Altitude loss (m): 780
Day 4 Ride though vine-covered hills along the panoramic Prosecco wine route, to Pieve di Soligo; visit local producer for wine tasting. After breakfast we leave Asolo to cycle one of the most beautiful routes of the trip and of the whole region. This rst 15km are mostly at and therefore perfect for warming up. When we get to Vidor we cross the River Piave via a scenic bridge and pedal towards the much quieter roads that wind around the heart of the Prosecco hills. The route gradually rises from here onwards, taking us through magni cent vineyards, the grapes of which produce Prosecco and Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze wines which have made this area famous throughout the world. Most of the winemakers are based right here, amongst the picture-perfect terraced steep hills which are arguably the prettiest of the whole Veneto region. A short but tough climb that takes us to Santo Stefano, a village standing at 305m above sea level and the highest point of the route. Here we stop for a pic-nic lunch in one of the most scenic spots surrounded by vineyards. We continue cycling through the breathtaking panorama and rolling hills for approx. 15km until we reach PIeve di Soligo, our base for the next three nights. Later in the day, we will visit a local Prosecco producer where we will have the opportunity to sample different varieties of Prosecco during a guided wine-tasting (included). Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Altitude gain (m): 630 Altitude loss (m): 500 Day 5 Circular ride along the picturesque shores of Revine Lakes; visit pretty villages en route. Leaving the hotel on our bikes, we cycle on quiet back roads to Molinetto della Croda. Situated in a delightful spot, this old mill is a lovely example of 16th-century rustic architecture, partially built out of the rock. From here start a steady 4km climb to the enchanting village of Rolle, perched on a hill situated along the historic Prosecco wine route. The ascent is steep in places but we tackle it at our own pace with a the needed rest stops along the way. It was actually along these roads in the past few years that the Gran Fondo Pinarello took place, one of the most important and popular races of Italian amateur cycling. Continuing up for another 3km, we pedal surrounded by lush hills that, in some places, open up to offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards. From the village of Resera starts a rewarding descent all the way to the romantic shores of the Revine Lakes, where we stop for a picnic. The rest of ride is leisurely, as we cycle on at cycle paths and roads back to Soligo, stopping en route for a visit to the charming villages of Cison di Valmarino and Follina, famous for its ancient Cistercian abbey. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Altitude gain (m): 690 Altitude loss (m): 690 Day 6 Optional day trip to Venice and free time for sightseeing. Free day to take a day-trip to the one and only Venice (only a short train ride away). Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Circular ride to Conegliano through lush vineyards, peaceful country lanes and historic castles. Our nal ride starts with an undulating route all the way to Conegliano, where we pedal along the historic Prosecco wine route surrounded by an explosion of natural colours, especially dramatic during the autumn season, and vast expanses of vine rows. The initial part of the route is full of ups and downs but also includes a spectacular 2km descent on a scenic hairpinned road, soon followed by a steep 1.3 km long ascent with an average gradient of 15% with peaks of 19%. Those not keen to face this challenge may opt to get off their bikes and walk it! We reach Conegliano in time for lunch and we take a well-deserved break to explore the town on foot. Overlooked by a castle, Conegliano’s historic centre is intact, boasting wonderful 16th-century architecture with frescoed facades. This afternoon we continue cycling along a panoramic castle route west of Conegliano. After a short but steep climb we reach the forti ed castle of San Salvatore, which was built in the 13th century but is still well preserved and inhabited to this day. Continuing up and then through a shaded forest trail we reach the castle of Collalto, built in the 1100s and badly damaged during the First World War. We take a nal descent to Pieve di Soligo and get back to our hotel. This evening we celebrate this week's achievements with a group dinner in one of the best local restaurants in the area! Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Altitude gain (m): 710 Altitude loss (m): 715 Day 8 End Pieve di Soligo This trip ends in the morning of day 8. Meals included: Breakfast All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Accommodation 3 and 4-star hotels
You will spend 7 nights in comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels. All accommodation have been carefully selected for their convenient location, elegant style and welcoming atmosphere. All rooms have en suite facilities and they all offer free WiFi. We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip (subject to availability). Please check with your sales consultant for availability and prices. List of hotels normally used: Treviso: Hotel Continental Asolo: Hotel Asolo Pieve di Soligo: Hotel Conta' Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room. Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively. Single supplement from $248.00 USD Food & Transport Eating & Drinking The trip includes all breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 1 dinner and 1 wine tasting. The local food of the Prosecco has strong links to ancient traditions and uses mainly seasonal products grown in the area. It is typical country cooking, with plenty of delicious, genuine avours, and makes great use of garden vegetables, herbs, wild berries, wild mushrooms, asparagus, game and cheeses.
For breakfast, the hotels usually offer a large selection of cereals, fruit, homemade cakes, cheese, cold meats, pastries and eggs along with tea and coffee of course. The two packed lunches usually consist of sandwiches with a fruit and snack. When meals are not included, the leader will recommend some local cafes or traditional restaurants serving some authentic dishes from the area such as 'spiedo' (spit roasted meat), wild mushroom risotto, gnocchi, mouth-watering cured meats and cheeses, all washed down with prime quality Prosecco! Transportation Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). There is a support vehicle following the group most of the time which will also carry your baggage between hotels and be available on request for assistance or if you choose to stop cycling for the day however please be aware it has limited seats. A guide cycles with the group at all times. All the rides are point to point or circular and one short transfer by public bus is included in the itinerary on Day 3. Weather & Seasonality When to go During March, April and May, the province of Treviso and the area around the Prosecco hills warms up quickly after the normally cold winter. Temperatures rise from a chilly 8°C in March to 18-22°C on average by the end of May, although nights are always cooler. Spring is a little rainy at times, with between 5-8 days of rain a month. Summer warms up with temperatures reaching 30- 33 degrees between July and September. The best time for cycling is between April and October, when our departures are scheduled. Take layered clothing to adjust to the changing temperatures, and something warm for the cooler evenings in the shoulder season. Weather Charts Joining Instructions
Traveling land only: 8 days starting in Treviso and ending in Venice (Mestre) Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Treviso in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our of ce or your travel agent. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. The usual, standard check-in baggage weight allowance is 20kg. Transfers Details Airport transfers are not included in the tour price. If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged at designated times, subject to change - please check the timing details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. Location start: Treviso Location end: Pieve di Soligo What to Take Essential Equipment We recommend packing the following items: Normal daily clothes
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this tour) Padded cycling shorts and gloves Breathable top or cycling jersey Sunglasses/eye protection Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling Waterproofs and long cycling trousers Warmer layers for the April and October departures Sun cream Water bottle Insect repellent Optional Equipment You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to t to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind. If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount off the price of the holiday, as speci ed above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to our Sales team for individual airline fees. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Breakaway is con dent that we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under your own insurance policy. Equipment Hire Local Bike Details: Ridgeback Element hybrid unisex bikes with disc brakes Internal Flights Weight Limit At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. A quality local hire bike is now included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insuf cient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to nd suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available. Conditions 1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire. 3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment 4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the in uence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss. Bringing Your Own Bike If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount off the price of the holiday, as speci ed above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to our Sales team for individual airline fees. You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools speci c to it. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire eet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Breakaway is con dent that we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under your own insurance policy. Extra Bike Bits You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to t to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind. Breakaway Policy on Cycling Helmets Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Breakaway cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Breakaway. For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries we travel to wearing a helmet is already a legal requirement. Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake. Recommended Cycling Clothing Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close- tting daysack. E-Bikes Available Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference - power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 25mph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are just perfect if you want to try a trip with companions of differing tness level - or a trip at a slightly harder grade - and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.
Practical Information Passport Italy All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of cials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Visa US passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. There are no specific health risks on this trip. Vaccination No vaccinations are obligatory. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay t and healthy while abroad. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to- date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary. For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy. If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is speci cally designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. Local Time Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CET (GMT +01:00) Electricity Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC, standard European adapter required. Money Italy's Currency The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. ATM Availability Cash points are widely available throughout trip and almost all places visited accept major credit cards. Extra Expenses & Spending Money You will need sufficient funds to buy the lunches and dinners that are not included. We suggest allowing €15-20 for lunch and €25 for dinner (excluding drinks). You may also wish to purchase the travel pass in Venice for which you need to budget approx. €20 All accommodation is included in the price of the trip but the hotel taxes in Italy have to be paid for locally when checking out from the hotel. Please allow between €10-15 for the week to cover for this. Tipping This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we suggest you allow approx. €15-20 for each leader for the week. It is also customary to tip private bus drivers (please allow approx. €10-15 per person for the week).
Responsible Tourism At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. Important Information On all guided trips Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. On all trips In booking this trip you should be con dent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway of ce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041. Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our of ce or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/ Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Advice can change so check regularly for updates. For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page. How to Book Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com Version 2
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