Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Pisa

Depart from the U.S. for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Pisa/Begin your Trip Extension

You arrive at the airport in Pisa, Italy, where a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer (approximately 1 hour) to your centrally located hotel in Portovenere. The transfer company – depending on the time and number of guests - may offer an optional detour to Pisa, at your expenses, to see the famous leaning tower. The cost of the extra ride into Pisa city centre is 25€ to 35€ per vehicle, to be shared among participants. At the hotel, our local expert will answer your questions, facilitate the exploration of Cinque Terre and offer optional guided walks. The rest of the day is free to discover and dine on your own using your VBT City Information included in your Final Travel Booklet as a guide.

Please note: If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you fly in earlier than the scheduled program dates, transportation from the airport will be at your own expense.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Pisa

Depart from the U.S. for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Portovenere - Cinque Terre

Today, explore the ancient village of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Cinque Terre. Discover the colorful fishermen's houses on the harbor, and walk though the stone arch of the main street to St. Peter and San Lorenzo Church.

Later, ferry across the short stretch of sea to Palmaria Island, to walk the trails or find a beach for a swim in the blue waters. You might also venture inland to discover the Tuscan walled city of Lucca. The options are many!

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Portovenere - Cinque Terre

You arrive at the airport in Pisa, Italy, where a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer (approximately 1 hour) to your centrally located hotel in Portovenere. The transfer company – depending on the time and number of guests – may offer an optional detour to Pisa, at your expenses, to see the famous leaning tower. The rest of the day is free to discover and dine on your own using your VBT City Information included in your Final Travel Booklet as a guide.

Please note: If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you fly in earlier than the scheduled program dates, transportation from the airport will be at your own expense.

You have the rest of the day free to discover picturesque Portovenere, stroll along the main cobblestone street to the ancient castle and church of Saint Peter, and dine on your own at one of the cozy restaurants on the harbor.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Portovenere/Join VBT Air Package Guests

Continue your exploration of the region. A 20-minute ride takes you to Riomaggiore, the first of the Cinque Terre (or five towns), where you can walk the popular, scenic and easy Via dell'Amore path that is cut into the cliffs. In Manarola, continue sightseeing at your own pace and as you wish -- by train, by ferry or on foot on the steep trails. You can cover more area and continue further east by train to Portofino to discover the beauty of its coast and bays.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Meet Trip Leaders/Warm-up ride/Welcome reception

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet your fellow travelers and Trip Leaders at 2 p.m. at our hotel in Mantua for a safety clinic and warm-up ride (the hotel address will be listed within your final documents).

If your arrival at the hotel is scheduled later than 2 p.m., or if you are delayed, please contact the hotel and the staff will alert your VBT Trip Leaders. In the event of delays or other problems with your arrival, please see page 3 of “For Travel-Related Emergencies.” VBT highly recommends flying to Italy at least one day before the tour begins. This allows you to rest and recover from jet lag before you begin sightseeing and cycling.

VBT No-Air Package guests - PLEASE NOTE: Alternate Itinerary on some early September dates: you will meet your fellow travelers and Trip Leaders at 2 PM at our hotel in Soragna for a safety clinic and warm-up ride (the hotel address will be listed within your final documents). To get to the hotel, take a train to Parma or Fidenza, then a taxi to Soragna. A taxi is about 40 – 50 Euros/$60 - $75 USD.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Extension guests: Board your VBT coach at 9 a.m.; our local Representative will be in the lobby holding a VBT sign.

Our transfer to Mantua will last about 2 and 1/2 hours and we will make a short stop on the way, where we meet our VBT Trip Leaders.

We arrive in Mantua in time for lunch on your own. The options in town are many and you will be delighted by this small historical town, so well preserved and little known. Early this afternoon, we settle into our modern inn, the Hotel Casa Poli, managed by four sisters. The hotel is a former ancient palace, and the original house of one of the oldest families of Mantua, the Polis. Today it is a boutique hotel, the best in town, very comfortable and conveniently located.

Later, our VBT Trip Leaders will hold a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride along the lakes of Mantua.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception in the hotel courtyard, where we sample local Parmesan cheese wedges, salame mantovano and Prosecco wine. We dine this evening at a trattoria a few steps from the hotel. Weather permitting, we take our meal under a pergola of thick vine, savoring homemade specialties like hand-made maccheroni with stracotto and agnoli – and wine produced nearby.
VBT Air Package and Pre-Extension guests - PLEASE NOTE: Alternate Itinerary on some early September dates: you will board your VBT coach at 9 AM; our local Representative will be in the lobby holding a VBT sign. You will transfer to Soragna in time for a stroll in town and lunch on own. Early this afternoon, we settle into our historic inn Locanda del Lupo in Soragna. This inn was built in the 18th century by the Princes Meli Lupi, whose descendant still lives in the nearby palace. The inn is decorated with antique furniture and paintings from the 17th-century Italian School, stone fireplaces, a pendulum clock and old copperware. You will be captivated by the hospitality of this hotel, run by the family Dioni. Welcome reception and Dinner with local specialties will be at our fine hotel restaurant tonight.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle in the Po Valley

After breakfast, we ride to Bagnolo San Vito and Governolo. Our route takes us out of town and soon we will be cycling along a canal where birdwatching is popular. From our bike path we will be able to see many local birds, particularly grey herons. Farming is the main local activity of this area and we will encounter farmers at work in their corn fields and fruit orchards. The typical farms are quite large, as families once counted up to 10 children and agriculture was the most prevalent living. Most have at least a small vineyard and organic vegetable garden.

On the Po River we stop for an included home lunch at a local farm, where a family gives us a warm welcome. During WWII the farm was occupied by the German Army and later became one of the headquarters of the allied forces. Photos and a movie recall that time.

In the afternoon we return to Mantua by bike on a different route. If you prefer, and wish to have later more time on own in Mantua, you can shuttle back to the hotel. Later this evening we meet our local guide, who leads us on a guided walk of the city center of Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and city of Romeo's exile in Shakespeare's timeless play.

Dinner tonight is on our own with many great options in town.

PLEASE NOTE: Alternate Itinerary on some early September dates. After breakfast, we ride to Roncole and Busseto, where composer Giuseppe Verdi was born and lived.
In Roncole you can stop to visit his birthplace (now a museum, closed on Mondays). In Busseto you may see what was his home, now also a museum, and see the organ in the Church of San Michele where he trained himself as a young boy. We stop at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi, where we are introduced to Verdi, and get a sense of his significance in the history of opera and in Italy.
Later on the Po River we stop at an ancient farm to learn all about Culatello, the king of Prosciutto, where Price Charles has his own culatelli cured and aged here. At today's included lunch we'll taste some of the region's bounty. Our leaders prepare our picnic along the banks of the Po. Back in Soragna, we may have time to explore and relax. Our hosts at Locanda del Lupo will offer a cooking class. Or you may opt for a visit to the Rocca Meli Lupi di Soragna, highly recommended by our guests. The simple exterior defies the grandness found inside. Perhaps you will spot the present Prince Diofebo returning from a bike ride. Dinner tonight is on our own with some nice options within an easy stroll of the inn.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Borghetto, Monzambano, Castellaro Lagusello

Today a beautifully scenic bike path leads us north toward Lake Garda. We stop at the picturesque village of Borghetto, called one of the 100 quaintest villages of Italy by the Italian Club and Guide “I Borghi più Belli d'Italia.” After a picnic lunch prepared by our Trip Leaders, we continue pedaling north to Monzambano, where we leave our bike path to ride to our final destination, the medieval village of Castellaro Lagusello, recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our last stretch is over gently rolling hills that approach the Natural Reserve of Castellaro and its heart-shaped lake. Here, our host Monica greets us at our luxurious accommodations. Monica has personally decorated each apartment in a different style that reflects her personality. Her resort consists of only 13 suite apartments, all overlooking an ancient courtyard, once the center of life of a farm.

There'll be time to explore the village after sunset. The secret, private lake is only visible through an iron gate. Perhaps you'll pause a while to meet and speak with the few locals so proud to live here. Later, join the group for dinner in a local trattoria.

PLEASE NOTE: Alternate Itinerary on some early September dates. This morning we shuttle to Mantua. We meet our local guide, who leads us on a guided walk of the city center of Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and city of Romeo's exile in Shakespeare's timeless play. We then set on our bikes and start riding a beautiful scenic bike path towards Lake Garda. Lunch is included on our way. In the afternoon we continue our regular tour itinerary leading to Borghetto, Monzambano and Castellaro Lagusello.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR - DISCOVERY DAY! Cycle to Desenzano and Lake Garda

After breakfast, we set out on quiet shaded country roads meandering over the low hills of southern Garda. Before noon we arrive in the bustling town of Desenzano on Lake Garda. Here we have time to explore and stroll through the historic center that dates back to 1500, built by architect Giulio Todeschini. The Piazza overlooks the Old Port, the quaintest part of the city hosting a small harbor, cafes, and bars. You can have lunch on your own here and do some shopping.

In the afternoon we bike along the shores to Rivoltella. You can take some time to visit St.Biagio Church, scenically situated on the lake. Later, take some time to swim in Garda's refreshing waters, and bike back to our hotel this afternoon.

Dinner tonight is at another local trattoria in Castellaro Lagusello, where we can savor more local specialties like bigoli (hand made large spaghetti) and ravioli di zucca(pumpkin ravioli).

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR San Martino della Battaglia, Sirmione, Lazise on Lake Garda

Today, we follow lovely back roads past San Martino della Battaglia, where a crenellated tower and charnel house commemorate the bloody battle fought here on June 24th 1859 between the French-Piedmontese and Austrian armies. Our routes take us to Sirmione, another pearl of Lake Garda. The Romans had already discovered the natural beauty and mild climate of the area and from the first century BC started building their villas on the Sirmione peninsula. Among them, the most important is the villa of poet Catullo, which you might visit during our stay. We leave our bikes to explore the ancient streets of the oldest part of town by foot, entering via the ancient bridge and gate of the medieval castle. You'll have time to find a lunch spot on your own.

Early this afternoon, we leave Sirmione perhaps stopping for a swim in the lake on our way out. Our bike path and country roads take us to Peschiera. It's possible to shuttle from either Sirmione or Peschiera to our inn, or continue riding north along the eastern side of the lake. Our route leaves the shore and rises through scenic vineyards and fields, with views of the lake and mountains beyond.

Later we reach our hotel in Lazise. You might indulge in the outdoor swimming pool, explore the gardens, or take a stroll in town. .

Dinner tonight is on your own. Lazise offers some memorable restaurants along the lakefront.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Verona/Lake Garda

After breakfast, we cycle the country roads and bike paths along the Adige River and into the delightful city of Verona. Be awed by the Roman Arena, site of the annual opera festival from mid-June to the end of August.

The entire city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a favorite for history buffs and shoppers alike. We've created some options today and offer a mid-afternoon shuttle back to the hotel for those who would prefer to use their time to explore Verona. You may also cycle back to the hotel.

You may want to go for a swim on your return to Lazise. In the early evening we share a wine tasting and an introduction to some of the local favorites. Then we celebrate our week with a farewell dinner featuring local specialties.

If you are visiting from mid-June to the end of August, and an opera lover, don't miss the opera shows in the Roman Arena of Verona. From Lazise you can take a taxi to Verona tonight for 45€ each way. A little tip: local opera lovers say the best seats (particularly for acoustics) are the very affordable “Unreserved Stone Steps in Sectors D or E (Gradinata D or E).” You can buy these at the last minute at the ticket office or – best - in advance on the website, http://www.arena.it/en-US/HOMEen.html. An open-air opera in the Arena is an unforgettable experience.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Explore Lake Garda/Free time/VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: your tour ends at the last hotel, after breakfast. You can take a taxi on your own to the Verona train station or airport to continue on to many Italian or European cities. A taxi to Verona train station or Verona airport costs approx. 45 euro/$60 USD and the ride is about 30 minutes.

VBT Air Package guests: You stay one more day and night at your hotel in Lazise. You have time to explore some of the small pearls of the lake, like the cute villages of Bardolino nearby, or Riva del Garda on farthest northern shore. Another option is to indulge in the thermal waters of the many spas that you can find around Lazise. Frequent ferry service will allow you to discover the lake's wonders quite conveniently.

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

Early this morning, transfer to Verona Airport for your flight back to the U.S. VBT recommends that you check the transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder” the night before your flight. The transfer is prearranged and prepaid by VBT.

Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Transfer to Bellagio on Lake Como

After breakfast, transfer by private motorcoach to our hotel in Bellagio on Lake Como. The transfer will last approximately 3 hours and we will make a short stop on the way. You have the rest of the day to explore with our VBT City Information included in your Final Travel Booklet as your guide, designed by a local expert. You can also book private guided walks following the recommendations included in our City Information. We will call this hotel home for two nights.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Bellagio and Como Lake

Continue the exploration of Bellagio and Como Lake. If you like, you may cross Lake Como to the Italian gardens and museums of Villa Carlotta, and the magnificent, ivy-covered Villa del Balbianello. Or venture farther afield to the Madonna del Ghisallo church and the cycling museum, dedicated to the history of the sport.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for the U.S.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” The transfer is prearranged with the reception desk and is prepaid by VBT.

Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Italy: Po River Valley and Lake Garda 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Portovenere & Cinque Terre – 2012 - 2 nights for only $245

Our hotel is located in the coastal village of Portovenere on the Ligurian Sea. Portovenere is a picturesque fishing village set on the promontory of the “Bay of Poets” opposite the green Palmaria Island. Since the 12th century it has been a perfect blend of nature and architecture, with colorful fishermen’s houses lined along the little harbor and promenade, and terraces carved out upon the steep side of the mountain. San Peter’s Church, on the far end of the small peninsula, dominates the rocks with its black and white stripes, close to a stately castle.

Portovenere is linked by a scenic 20-minute ferry ride to one of the most popular corners of the Ligurian Riviera, Cinque Terre. This is a paradise of five small cliffside villages between two promontories. Riomaggiore is the easternmost village, where the famous Via dell’Amore (an easy 20-minute walk) starts. Carved into a cliff overlooking the sea, this magnificent path takes you to Manarola. From there, a scenic hike continues high up on the cliffs to the next villages, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. This unique landscape of sea, rugged coastline, stairs of stone, Roman-style Churches, little harbors and the warm colors of small houses is a National Park and a Protected Marine Area, and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $95.

Post-Trip Extension

Bellagio 2012 - 2 nights for only $345

Bellagio is the gem of Como Lake, famous for its position on the extreme point of the promontory, with the dramatic Alps as a backdrop.

The beauty of nature is breathtaking here, and this delightful village welcomes guests with its perfectly preserved architectural treasures, surrounded by the blue water of the lake. Villas and manicured gardens still decorate the lower slopes of the green mountains, just as they did when famous guests (Presidents Kennedy and Roosevelt, Al Pacino, Clark Gable) came here to relax. Our hotel is in the heart of this charming “Pearl of the Lake,” the perfect spot to enjoy a stroll or a gelato, a few steps from the ferry connecting Bellagio with the other small towns of the lake.

One of most popular sightseeing activities in Bellagio is visiting gardens -- Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni are just a stroll from our hotel, and Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello are across the lake. Scenic, accessible walks connect the most beautiful places of Lake Como. Another popular visit not far from Bellagio is the Madonna del Ghisallo Church and a cycling museum dedicated to the champions of cycling and the history of bicycle.

Only available with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $95.

Accommodations

Hotel Royal Sporting

Recommended by international and national guidebooks for its distinctive hospitality and services, this property belongs to the renowned Hotel Chain called "Charme and Relax." It offers a swimming pool with purified sea water and a large solarium (sun beds and one towel included). The hotel is located right on the sea, a pleasant half-mile walk from the harbor and the ferry to Cinque Terre.

Hotel Casa Poli

The Hotel Casa Poli offers elegant atmosphere, minimalist design and quality service. It provides its guests with a unique, exclusive environment where precious furnishings harmonize with the high-tech amenities. It all adds up to a luxury stay in the heart of Mantua. Please note that the twin bedded rooms consist of 1 queen size bed and 1 twin size bed.

Corte Uccellanda

Corte Uccellanda is an old renovated farm located in a courtyard of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Castellaro Lagusello, in the hills of Lake Garda. Corte Uccellanda has 13 suites and a medieval tower. Each suite is large, and features furnishings, paintings and colors hand-selected by its owner Monica. Amenities include telephone, Wi-fi, hairdryer, air conditioning and satellite TV.

Hotel Corte Valier

Hotel Corte Valier opened, right on magnificent Lake Garda, in March 2010. Its elegant grounds and innovative building design stand boldly on the lake’s eastern shore. A romantic pathway leads from the property to the nearby Old Town. During your stay, indulge in a Turkish bath at the Laguna Spa, relax in its indoor or outdoor pool, watch the sun set over the lake from its terrace bar, and enjoy fine Mediterranean cuisine at the Dome restaurant. Each of its rooms provides expansive views of the lake, and features climate-control, a television, safe, telephone, and private bath with shower.

Hotel Du Lac

Hotel du Lac is the ideal place to discover the charming atmosphere of Lake Como. The Hotel is located in the town center, overlooking the picturesque boat landing, with bar tables under an old portico, a rooftop terrace with one of the best views of the lake and the mountains. The swimming pool of its sister property Hotel Sporting is available for VBT guests; it can be reached with a complementary short shuttle provided by the hotel.

Rating Level

Easy

This tour offers easy terrain throughout and is ideal for beginning cyclists. Two exciting afternoon rides on easy/moderate terrain offer fun to more avid bikers. Our VBT support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with hills.