EUROVELO 8 MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

Transcription

1 Provincia di Mantova Risorse culturali e turistiche, lavoro, sviluppo della persona e delle comunità Ufficio Turismo EUROVELO 8 MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE THE EUROPEAN PROJECT The project EuroVelo8, Mediterranean Route - Promoting Europe's longest thematic tourism route is co-funded by the European Commission s CIP for Transnational tourism products in order to foster European tourism competitiveness and sustainability. The enhancement and promotion of bicycle tourism as well as the cooperation among the companies of European countries reliant on the tourism industry are the main goals to this project. The Mediterranean Route EuroVelo 8 (EV8) runs for nearly 6,000 km through 11 countries. In Italy the route follows the course of river Po, from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, crossing very suggestive landscapes. The Province of Mantua is the lead partner of this project that bring together stakeholders from 7 countries along the route (Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Albania, Greece, Cyprus) and 2 countries representing the potential target markets (Denmark, Belgium).

2 Provincia di Mantova Risorse culturali e turistiche, lavoro, sviluppo della persona e delle comunità Ufficio Turismo EUROVELO 8 MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE : IL PROGETTO EUROPEO Il progetto EuroVelo8, Mediterranean Route - Promoting Europe's longest thematic tourism route, è cofinanziato dal programma CIP della Commissione Europea Prodotti turistici transnazionali per favorire la competitività e la sostenibilità del turismo europeo. Il potenziamento e la promozione del cicloturismo, nonché la cooperazione tra le imprese dei diversi paesi europei operanti nel turismo sono gli obiettivi del progetto. Il percorso cicloturistico europeo EuroVelo8 Percorso Mediterraneo si sviluppa per circa Km, attraverso 11 paesi, partendo da Cadice in Spagna, per raggiungere Atene in Grecia, e spingersi quindi fino a Cipro. In Italia segue il corso del Fiume Po, dalle Alpi sino al mare Adriatico, attraversando suggestivi paesaggi. La Provincia di Mantova è capofila della rete progettuale che mette insieme stakeholders di 7 diversi paesi che si trovano lungo la ciclovia ( Spagna, Francia, Italia, Slovenia, Albania, Grecia, Cipro ) e due soggetti che rappesentano il potenziale target di mercato ( Danimarca e Balgio). Tra le azioni di progetto previste la Provincia di Mantova concorre a: sviluppare offerte e pacchetti turistici per i territori adiacenti la ciclovia creare pagine web dedicate al progetto all interno del sito web provinciale mettere a sistema azioni per agevolare i partenariati pubblico-privati, per un più efficace coinvolgimento delle imprese turistiche stampare materiale informativo e promozionale di piste, itinerari e proposte di percorsi che si sviluppano lungo la ciclovia EuroVelo 8 aggiornare la mappatura GPS dei percorsi e piste ciclabili e sviluppare nuove tecnologie dedicate alla fruizione e diffusione della rete di ciclabili connesse a EuroVelo 8 realizzare uno study tour per Tour Operator stranieri dedicato alla promozione degli itinerari di cicloturismo inseriti nel progetto stesso partecipare alla fiera ITB di Berlino Nel suo percorso progettuale la Provincia di Mantova ha trovato una forte collaborazione da parte di alcune agenzie di viaggio locali e da parte della Consulta Provinciale del Cicloturismo, un insieme di soggetti pubblici e privati che insieme promuovono lo sviluppo del cicloturismo nel nostro territorio, arrivando così a realizzare 9 nuovi pacchetti turistici che arricchiranno la gamma di proposte di cicloturismo a livello europeo e saranno pubblicati sul sito ufficiale di Eurovelo web Le nuove proposte riguardano percorsi di cicloturismo che si snodano almeno in parte lungo la ciclovia EuroVelo 8 e in connessione con altre importanti ciclovie come EuroVelo 7 o Bicitalia 1, Bicitalia 16 ( Ciclovia Tirrenica) e la Via Claudia Augusta.

3 FROM LAKE GARDA TO THE SEA Peschiera del Garda Mantova - San Benedetto Po Sermide Stellata- Ferrara - Mesola Veneto, Lombardia, Emilia Romagna 8 days/7 nights Easy itinerary entirely on plain, that connects the Garda Lake to the Adriatic sea, following the course of the river Mincio and the river Po up to the Parco del Delta. You can discover the oriental part of the Po valley through the environmental beauties of Parco del Mincio and Parco del Delta del Po and the artistic beauties of Mantua and Ferrara, wonderful examples of Italian Renaissance. The itinerary is entirely by bicycle, on embankment roads, on bike path and on low traffic roads, total lenght of about 244,5 km. The return to Peschiera is by bus pax + bicycle. It is possible to add baggage transportation by minibus. Total length: Km 244,5. km 100 on Eurovelo8 route In 2, 3 and 4*hotels, hostels, holiday farms, - guided tour- without portage

4 Day 1 Peschiera - Mantova Length: 43.5 Km Travel time: about 4.00 h (stops and tours not included) Technical notes: route entirely on bike path Meeting in the morning with the guide in Peschiera del Garda (arrival with your own vehicles. On request, we can book the hotel with supplement). Departure from Peschiera del Garda. Riding along the moat of the fortress, crossing the bridge in Salionze and going through Monzambano, we arrive at Borghetto, a charming medieval village with water mills, put in place for a ford of the river Mincio. We then come to Volta Mantovana where we can stop to visit Palazzo Gonzaga Guerrieri Cavriani. Free time for lunch in Volta Mantovana. We return to the path and continue in the direction of Soave, whose countryside offers in certain seasons Van Goghlike landscapes, and then to the Nature Reserve of Bosco Fontana, beautiful remains of an ancient lowland forest and Oriented Nature Reserve of European value. Passing by the old mill of Corte San Girolamo and continuing on the path along the lakes, we arrive at Porta Mulina, where Mantua s old city gate was standing. Dinner and overnight in Mantua. Day 2 Mantua - Governolo Length: 25 km Travel time: about 2 hours and a half (stops and tours included) Technical notes: route partly on embankment road and on bike path After breakfast, we meet our guide in Piazza Sordello, in the core of Mantua. While walking down the old town we can admire the museum complex of Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe, the Basilica of Sant Andrea, the Rotonda church of San Lorenzo, and finally Palazzo Te (exteriors). Free time for lunch in Mantova Taking the path that leads to Governolo, we cross the Regional Reserve of La Vallazza, the ancient French-Habsburg Fort of Pietole and the Archaeological Park Forcello, where we can stop for a visit. Once in Governolo we can see the hydraulic works conceived by the engineer Gabriele Bertazzolo in the 17th century. Dinner and overnight in Governolo.

5 Day 3 Governolo - San Benedetto Po - Sermide Length: 42 Km Travel time: about 4 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: route partly on embankment road and on bike path Time for Breakfast. From Governolo we head to San Benedetto Po. Here we visit the Basilica and Monastery Complex of San Benedetto in Polirone. We continue then in the direction of the Park of Foce Secchia (Secchia s Delta) and reach Quistello. Wine tasting in a Quistello s cellar. We continue our journey once again along the river Secchia until we reach the bike path EuroVelo8that runs along the Po. Crossing the town of Pieve di Coriano, renowned for the church of Santa Maria Assunta founded in the 11th century by countess Matilda of Canossa, and Borgofranco, typical production area of white truffle, we arrive at Sermide. Dinner and overnight in Sermide. Day 4 Sermide - Felonica - Stellata - Ferrara Length: 40 Km Time travel: 4 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: route on embankment roads and on country roads with low traffic After breakfast, we continue on the path that runs along the right bank of the river Po. On our journey we ride through the towns of Felonica and Quatrelle. Once arrived in Stellata of Bondeno, it begins the territory of the province of Ferrara and the bike lane on the right embankment is called Destra Po. This is one of the longest tours of Italy (included in the Euroveloproject), which starts from the beautiful star shaped Rocca Possente. Free time for lunch in Stellata or in the neighbourhoods. Once crossed the river Panaro, we get to the center of Bondeno where we take the pleasant cycle-walk path of the Burana which takes to Ferrara; this Renaissance city is famous for its charming historical center. Dinner and overnight in Ferrara

6 Day 5 Ferrara - Ro Length: 22 Km Time travel: about 2 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: Route partly on embankment roads, low traffic roads and bike path After breakfast, we meet our guide and visit the city center, where we can admire, among many artistic treasures, the Castello Estense and the Palazzo dei Diamanti. Free time for lunch in Ferrara. From Ferrara we head towards the sea, riding for a long route that leads to Francolino first, then joins the Destra Po along various points of interest. In the vicinity of Ro we can admire the Mill on the Po, which inspired Riccardo Bacchelli s famous novel Il mulino del Po with its grain grindstone. Dinner and overnight in Ro. Day 6 Ro - Mesola Length: 42 Km Time travel: about 4 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: Route partly on embankment roads and low traffic roads. Time for breakfast. From Ro we take the path along the Po. The river here runs wide up to the point where, in the town of Serravalle, forks for the first time: a branch bends north to Venice and the other one runs to the south, the Po di Goro. Dinner and overnight in Mesola. Free time for lunch. From this bifurcation, called Porta del Delta (Delta s Gateway), we continue on the embankment bordering the Po di Goro in the direction of Mesola, recognizable for its elegant castle, Castello Estense

7 Day 7 Mesola - Gorino- Mesola Length: 35 Km Time travel: 3.30 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: route partly on embankment roads and low traffic roads Time for breakfast. Back on the bike path, we follow the river which branches off to the south for over 10 km along one of the most significant natural areas of the Park of the Po Delta. We continue to Goro and Gorino, typical fishing villages interesting also for their nature trails, leaving on our left the curious pontoon bridge that leads to the Venetian shore. Free time for lunch in Gorino. Afternoon at the seaside. Return to Mesola, dinner and overnight. Day 8 Gorino - Peschiera del Garda After breakfast, we get ready for our return trip back to Peschiera del Garda, by bus an bike transportation. End of services. This program is subject to change if necessary

8 What you need to know Period: from April to October. Dates subject to availability of accommodation at the time of booking. Difficulty: Easy. Cycling tourists of all ages, families of adults and/or with children and animals. Where the holiday begins: 1st day in Peschiera del Garda between am and am Where the holiday ends: 8TH day in Peschiera del Garda before pm. The rental bikes must be restituted during opening hours. Access: Our territory is easy to reach from the nearest north Italian airports (Milan, Verona, Bergamo, Bologna, Venice, Treviso, Parma) with connections by trains and/or bus. That is why itineraries could be accessible by tourists from all over the world. Accommodation: in 2, 3 and 4 stars hotels/hostels/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with private bathroom Meals: the stay is in half board. On request it is possible to have only B&B. Bike rental: the rental is not included. You can either bring your own bike or rent bicycles there. This service is to book in advance, when you register. Formal documents: identity card or valid passport. PRICES: - Min. 15 pax. 660,00 - Min. 10 pax. 780,00 - Min. 8 pax. 860,00 Rates include: - Cycling touring guide for the whole period - Touristic guide for park and historical centre visits - Accommodation in hotels/hostel/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with half board - Wine tasting in Quistello - Bus and bike transportation on return - Insurance Rates not include: - Bike and helmet rent - Luggages transport - Lunches and beverages - Vistor s stay tax to pay by accommodations - Optional cancellation insurance-repatriation - Tips, personal extras and all not indicated in rates include Supplements: - Bike rent. 115,00 for 8 days Bikes 7 speed, 28 inches, resistant rubbers, luggage rack or basket Technical support services on request and with supplement: - bicycle and helmet rental

9 - children and/or animal trailer - baggage transportation - means of transport for participants assistance - transfers from airports roundtrip by car, minibus and bus depending on the number of participants - passages by boat or ferries persons + bicycles - booking of airplane tickets, train tickets, bus, etc. for departure/arrival of the tourists assistance also in foreign language c/o airports, stations etc. Self guided tour rates on request starting from 320,00 per person Prices are indicatives and may change according to accommodation availability, number of people and seasonality. Packages could be bought on the websites: requests could be reached via e mail at the following addresses: info@ontheroadtravel.it; antonella@ontheroadtravel.it; All packages can be personalized according the specific needs of the costumer.

10 ON THE ROAD OF THE ANCIENT ROMANS: THE VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA Mantova Ostiglia Vigasio Veronaa Veneto, Lombardia 5 days/4 nights Easy itinerary (mix bicycle + bus) entirely on plain along the Via Claudia Augusta from Mantua to Verona, passing through the Ostiglia area. It is dedicated to the first part of the ancient consular romanic street, discovering local typical plates: in particular the famous risotto alla pilota. Total length: 107 km. 20 km on Eurovelo8 route In 3 and 4*hotels - guided tour- without portage Self- guided tour on request

11 Day 1 Mantova Arrival in the afternoon in Mantova with your own vehicles. Dinner in hotel and presentation of the program. Overnight. Day 2 Mantova - Ostiglia Length: 33 Km Travel time: about 4 hours (stops and tours not included) Technical notes: route partly on embankment roads and partly on paved bike path with streches on dirt roads In the morning, meet the guide in Piazza Sordello and visit the Museum Complex of Palazzo Ducale, the former residence of the Gonzaga family. Free time for lunch in town. After collecting the bikes, we take the path that runs along the lakes and we head to the Regional Nature Reserve Vallazza ; on our way we pass by the French-Habsburg Fort of Pietole and the Archaeological Park of Forcello, where an Etruscan settlement was found. We reach then Governolo where we can admire the hydraulic works conceived by Gabriele Bertazzolo (17th century). We proceed to the bike lane EuroVelo 8 that runs along the Po in the direction of Sustinente and Serravalle Po to get to Ostiglia. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Day 3 Ostiglia - Castel d Ario - Erbè - Vigasio Length: 37 Km Travel time: 4 hours (stops and tours not included) Technical notes: route mostly on low traffic roads

12 Time for breakfast. We start from Ostiglia, where we can visit the Park of the Paludi di Ostiglia (Ostiglia Marshes), the island Isola Boschina and the Shrine of Our Lady of La Comuna, and heading towards the river Tione, we get to Villimpenta, a small town dominated by the Scaligeri castle and surrounded by vast expanses of rice fields. Then we reach Castel d Ario, which is also a typical production area of Mantuan rice. Typical lunch in Castel d Ario. We continue to pedal on the road Claudia Augusta and, passing through the towns of Terre di Masino and Sorgà, we get first to Erbè, where we can stop to visit the Park of the Due Tioni, and then to Vigasio. Dinner and overnight in Vigasio. Day 4 Vigasio - Villafranca - Sommacampagna - Verona Length: 37 Km Travel time: 4 hours (stops and tours not included) Technical notes: route mostly on low traffic roads After breakfast, we leave from Vigasio and take the bike path to reach Villafranca, an ancient fortress owned in medieval time by the Scaligeri family, where we can admire the medieval castle and the Serraglio. We then continue to Povegliano Veronese and Custoza of Sommacampagna, especially known for the Risorgimento battles fought in this town. Free time for lunch in Custoza. The route takes the direction of Sommacampagna, a small town of medieval origin where the Romanesque Church (Pieve) di Sant Andrea still stands. Last stop is the magnificent UNESCO heritage city of Verona, first an important Roman settlement and then a relevant medieval center. Do not miss the Roman amphitheater Arena or the Romanesque Basilica of San Zeno, Piazza delle Erbe and the balcony of Romeo and Juliet, which owes its fame to Shakespeare s play. Dinner and overnight in Verona. Day 5 Verona - Mantova Return to the starting point according to schedule by bus with bicycles transportation. This program is subject to change if necessary

13 What you need to know Period: from April to October. Dates subject to availability of accommodation at the time of booking. Difficulty: Easy. Cycling tourists of all ages, families of adults and/or with children and animals. Where the holiday begins: 1st day in Mantova. Where the holiday ends: 4TH day in Verona before pm. The rental bikes must be restituted during opening hours. Access: Our territory is easy to reach from the nearest north Italian airports (Milan, Verona, Bergamo, Bologna, Venice, Treviso, Parma) with connections by trains and/or bus. That is why itineraries could be accessible by tourists from all over the world. Accommodation: in 3 and 4 stars hotels in double or multiple rooms with private bathroom Meals: the stay is in half board. On request it is possible to have only B&B. Bike rental: the rental is not included. You can either bring your own bike or rent bicycles there. This service is to book in advance, when you register. Formal documents: identity card or valid passport PRICES: - Min. 15 pax. 455,00 - Min. 10 pax. 515,00 - Min. 8 pax. 560,00 Rates include: - Cycling touring guide for the whole period - Touristic guide for park and historical centre visits - Accommodation in hotels/hostel/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with half board - Typical lunch in Casteldario - Insurance Rates not include: - Bike and helmet rent - Luggages transport - Lunches and beverages - Vistor s stay tax to pay by accommodations - Tips, personal extras and all not indicated in rates include Supplements: - Bike rent. 75,00 for 5 days Bikes 7 speed, 28 inches, resistant rubbers, luggage rack or basket

14 Technical support services on request and with supplement: - bicycle and helmet rental - children and/or animal trailer - baggage transportation - means of transport for participants assistance - transfers from airports roundtrip by car, minibus and bus depending on the number of participants - passages by boat or ferries persons + bicycles - booking of airplane tickets, train tickets, bus, etc. for departure/arrival of the tourists assistance also in foreign language c/o airports, stations etc. Self guided tour rates on request starting from 290,00 per person in B&B Prices are indicatives and may change according to accommodation availability, number of people and seasonality. Packages could be bought on the websites: requests could be reached via e mail at the following addresses: info@ontheroadtravel.it; antonella@ontheroadtravel.it; All packages can be personalized according the specific needs of the costumer.

15 FROM THE GONZAGA TO THE ESTE FAMILY THROUGH THE RIVER PO Mantova Ostiglia Stellata Ferrara Lombardia, Emilia Romagna 5 days/4 nights Easy itinerary (mix bike + bus) that leads to the discovery of Mantua and Ferrara, two of the most important art cities of the North Italian Renaissance. It is entirely on plain, along the streets that in the past permitted at the two most powerful Lordships of the respective regions to connect, by the figure of Isabella d Este, and to rule together these territories, enriching the cities and the towns with magnificent palaces and monuments. Overall length: 142 Km. 82 km on Eurovelo8 route. In 3 and 4*hotels, hostels, holiday farms, - guided tour- without portage Self- guided tour on request

16 Day 1 Excursion to Mantua + Bosco Fontana and Parco Bertone Length: 35 Km Travel time: 3.30 h (stops and visits not included) Technical Notes: route mostly on bike path and partly on low traffic roads Meet the guide in Piazza Sordello, Mantua at 11:00 am. While walking down the old town, we can admire the museum complex of Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe, the Basilica of Sant Andrea, the Rotonda church of San Lorenzo (exteriors). Free time for lunch. After collecting the bikes, we take the path that runs along the lakes until we reach Gambarara where we continue on the Mantova-Peschiera bike path until we come to the Nature Reserve of Bosco Fontana, one of the most important natural areas in the province and ancient hunting reserve of the Gonzaga family. Not to miss is the 16th century mansion built by duke Vincenzo I Gonzaga. After the tour, we head towards the Bertone Park and pass by the villages of Soave and Maglio before we reach our destination. The Parco delle Bertone is a protected area and a green jewel that stands out among the Mantuan countryside and it is home to a center for the reintroduction of the white stork. In the late afternoon, after the visit, we pedal back to town for dinner and overnight. Day 2 Mantua - Governolo - Ostiglia Length: 38 Km Travel time: about 4 h (stops and visits not included) Technical Notes: route partly on bike path and partly on embankment roads with low traffic. After breakfast, we start from the lakefront of Mantua and continue towards Bagnolo San Vito, home to an important Archaeological Park, the so called Forcello. From here we continue to ride up the left embankment of the Mincio towards Governolo, well known from the so called conca (navigation lock). Free time for lunch in Governolo or Sustinente. The route continues along the left bank of the Po until Ostiglia. Dinner and overnight in Ostiglia.

17 Day 3 Ostiglia - Felonica - Stellata Length: 37 Km Travel time: about 4 h (stops and visits not included) Trechnical Notes: route on embankment roads and low traffic roads. After breakfast, we return to the bike path until we reach Revere; after crossing the bridge, we continue on the right bank of the Po until Borgofranco sul Po. Not far, is the characteristic small town of Bonizzo, where we can visit the Truffle Museum. From Borgofranco we continue on the path that runs along the right bank of the Po. In the course of the journey we pass through the towns of Sermide, Felonica and Quatrelle. Free time for lunch. Once arrived in Stellata of Bondeno, it begins the territory of the province of Ferrara and the bike lane on the right embankment is called Destra Po ; it is one of the longest routes in Italy (included in the Eurovelo project) which starts from the beautiful star-shaped Rocca Possente. Dinner in the neighbourhood and return for the overnight in Stellata. Day 4 Stellata - Ferrara Length: 27 Km Travel time: about 3 h (stops and visits not included) Technical Notes: route on embankment roads and low traffic roads We start after breakfast and, once crossed the river Panaro, we get to the center of Bondeno where we take the pleasant cycle-walk path of the Burana which takes to Ferrara; this Renaissance city is famous for its charming historical center. Free time for lunch in Ferrara. In the afternoon, meeting with the guide and visit the old town where we can admire, among many artistic treasures, the Castello Estense and the Palazzo dei Diamanti. Dinner and overnight stay in Ferrara.

18 Day 5 Ferrara - Mantova After breakfast, time at leisure to wander Ferrara on your own before we travel back to Mantua by bus with bicycles transportation. End of services. What you need to know Period: from April to October. Dates subject to availability of accommodation at the time of booking. Difficulty: Easy. Cycling tourists of all ages, families of adults and/or with children and animals. Where the holiday begins: 1st day in Mantova between am and am Where the holiday ends: 5TH day in Ferrara before pm. The rental bikes must be restituted during opening hours. Access: Our territory is easy to reach from the nearest north Italian airports (Milan, Verona, Bergamo, Bologna, Venice, Treviso, Parma) with connections by trains and/or bus. That is why itineraries could be accessible by tourists from all over the world. Accommodation: in 3 and 4 stars hotels/hostels/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with private bathroom Meals: the stay is in half board. On request it is possible to have only B&B. Bike rental: the rental is not included. You can either bring your own bike or rent bicycles there. This service is to book in advance, when you register. Formal documents: identity card or valid passport. PRICES: - Min. 15 pax. 395,00 - Min. 10 pax. 460,00 - Min. 8 pax. 515,00

19 Rates include: - Cycling touring guide for the whole period - Touristic guide for park and historical centre visits - Accommodation in hotels/hostel/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with half board - Bus and bike transportation on return - Insurance Rates not include: - Bike and helmet rent - Luggages transport - Lunches and beverages - Vistor s stay tax to pay by accommodations - Tips, personal extras and all not indicated in rates include Supplements: - Bike rent. 75,00 for 5 days Bikes 7 speed, 28 inches, resistant rubbers, luggage rack or basket Technical support services on request and with supplement: - bicycle and helmet rental - children and/or animal trailer - baggage transportation - means of transport for participants assistance - transfers from airports roundtrip by car, minibus and bus depending on the number of participants - passages by boat or ferries persons + bicycles - booking of airplane tickets, train tickets, bus, etc. for departure/arrival of the tourists assistance also in foreign language c/o airports, stations etc. Self guided tour rates on request starting from 200,00 per person Prices are indicatives and may change according to accommodation availability, number of people and seasonality. Packages could be bought on the websites: requests could be reached via e mail at the following addresses: info@ontheroadtravel.it; antonella@ontheroadtravel.it; All packages can be personalized according the specific needs of the costumer.

20 FROM RIVER PO TO GARDA LAKE THROUGH THE MINCIO VALLEYS Mantova San Benedetto Po Grazie di Curtatone Valli del Mincio Peschiera del Garda Veneto, Lombardia 4 days/3 nights Easy itinerary (mix bicycle + bus) that leads to the discovery of two of The most beautiful villages in Italy - San Benedetto Po and Grazie di Curtatone -, and of the wild and untouched beauty of one of the most important naturalistic parks in Lombardy. It is entirely on plain and it passes through the Mincio valleys to reach Garda Lake, with one hour navigation from Grazie to Rivalta with bicycle transportation Total length: 115 km. 30 km on Eurovelo8 route. In 4*hotels, hostels, holiday farms, - guided tour- without portage Self- guided tour on request

21 Day 1 Mantova San Benedetto Po Length: 32,5 km Travel time: about 4.15 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: route partly on embankment dirt road and partly on bike path. State highway crossing. Meeting with the guide in the early afternoon in Mantova and departure to San Benedetto Po. We will pass through part of the Parco Regionale delle Vallazze, Pietole, San Biagio and Correggio Micheli. Arrival in San Benedetto Po, dinner and overnight. Day 2: San Benedetto Po - Borgoforte - Mantova Length: 37 Km Travel time: about 3.30 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: route on embankment roads and low traffic roads. We meet our guide in the early morning in San Benedetto Po. After a brief visit to the Basilica and the Monastery Complex of San Benedetto in Polirone, we head towards Governolo where are important hydraulic works conceived by the engineer Gabriele Bertazzolo (17th century) and take the path that runs along the left bank of the Po. Along the path we cross the towns of San Giacomo Po and San Nicolò Po, the birthplace of the great cycling champion Learco Guerra. After a brief stop, we reach Borgoforte. Free time for lunch in Borgoforte. From Borgoforte we proceed in the direction of Mantova passing through the towns of San Cataldo, Cappelletta and Virgilio. In Virgilio is possible to stop in order to visit the French-Habsburg Fort of Pietole. Once in Mantova we can take a walking tour in the oldest part of town. Dinner and overnight in Mantua.

22 Day 3 The Mincio Valleys Length: 12 Km Travel time: 1 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: route entirely on bike path Time for breakfast. We meet our guide in Piazza Sordello. While walking down the old town we can admire the Museum Complex of Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe, the Basilica of Sant Andrea, the Rotonda of San Lorenzo and finally, Palazzo Te (exteriors). Free time for lunch in town. After the break, we head to the entrance of the path that leads up to Grazie, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, where we can visit the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built at the behest of Captain Francesco Gonzaga (15th century) We continue on motor ship to reach Rivalta sul Mincio, by a short cruise of about 1 hour ( motor ship and bike transport) to visit the Ethnographic Museum of the River Mincio, which aims to collect and preserve the old river people s traditions. Dinner and overnight in Rivalta. Day 4 Rivalta - Peschiera del Garda. Length: 37 Km Travel time: about 4 h (stops and visits not included) Technical notes: after a short strech on dirt road, the route is on bike path. Return by bus with bicycle transport Time for breakfast. From Rivalta we take the path that runs along the Mincio Valleys until Pozzolo. Once in Pozzolo, we get on the Mantova - Peschiera bike path to reach Borghetto di Valeggio sul Mincio, with its charming medieval water mills, put in place for a ford of the river Mincio. The village marks today the border between the territory of Mantua and the territory of Verona. Outside of the village stands the fortified dam or Visconti Bridge, built in 1393 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti and once connected to the castle of Valeggio, built by the Scaligeri family in the thirteenth century. Free time for lunch in Borghetto sul Mincio. We continue on the path until the deviation of the Mincio near Monzambano. The path continues gently up to the bridge of Salionze, crossing Ponti sul Mincio, and from there along the moat of the fortress, we arrive to Peschiera del Garda. In the evening, return trip to Mantua by bus with bicycles transportation.

23 What you need to know Period: from April to October. Dates subject to availability of accommodation at the time of booking. Difficulty: Easy. Cycling tourists of all ages, families of adults and/or with children and animals. Where the holiday begins: 1st day in Mantova in the early afternoon Where the holiday ends: 8TH day in Peschiera del Garda before pm. The rental bikes must be restituted during opening hours. Access: Our territory is easy to reach from the nearest north Italian airports (Milan, Verona, Bergamo, Bologna, Venice, Treviso, Parma) with connections by trains and/or bus. That is why itineraries could be accessible by tourists from all over the world. Accommodation: in 4 stars hotels/hostels/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with private bathroom Meals: the stay is in half board. On request it is possible to have only B&B. Bike rental: the rental is not included. You can either bring your own bike or rent bicycles there. This service is to book in advance, when you register. Formal documents: identity card or valid passport. PRICES: - Min. 15 pax. 340,00 - Min. 10 pax. 390,00 - Min. 8 pax. 410,00 Rates include: - Cycling touring guide for the whole period - Touristic guide for park and historical centre visits - Accommodation in hotels/hostel/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with half board - Short river cruise ( people and bike transportation) - Bus and bike transportation on return - Insurance Rates not include: - Bike and helmet rent - Luggages transport - Lunches and beverages - Vistor s stay tax to pay by accommodations - Tips, personal extras and all not indicated in rates include Supplements: - Bike rent. 62,00 for 4 days Bikes 7 speed, 28 inches, resistant rubbers, luggage rack or basket Technical support services on request and with supplement:

24 - bicycle and helmet rental - children and/or animal trailer - baggage transportation - means of transport for participants assistance - transfers from airports roundtrip by car, minibus and bus depending on the number of participants - passages by boat or ferries persons + bicycles - booking of airplane tickets, train tickets, bus, etc. for departure/arrival of the tourists assistance also in foreign language c/o airports, stations etc. Self guided tour rates on request starting from 180,00 per person Prices are indicatives and may change according to accommodation availability, number of people and seasonality. Packages could be bought on the websites: requests could be reached via e mail at the following addresses: info@ontheroadtravel.it; antonella@ontheroadtravel.it; All packages can be personalized according the specific needs of the costumer.

25 THE MUSIC WAY Mantova Sabbioneta Casalmaggiore Busseto Gualtieri - San Benedetto Po Lombardia, Emilia Romagna 5 days/4 nights Easy itinerary (mix bicycle + bus) entirely on plain that leads to the discovery of the places where Giuseppe Verdi was born and took inspiration, of the landscapes that inpired the naïf artist Antonio Ligabue, of the gastronomic tradition of Parmigiano Reggiano and the butchery. It connects Mantua, where the famous opera Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi is located, to the provinces of Parma and Cremona, with an incursion in painting and architecture. Overall length: 238 km. 176 Km on Eurovelo8 route In 3 and 4*hotels, hostels, holiday farms, - guided tour- without portage Self- guided tour on request

26 Day 1 Mantova - Sabbioneta - Casalmaggiore Length: 54 km Duration: 5 hours and 30 (excluding stops) Technical notes: route on low-traffic roads, easy and flat, mostly paved, with short stretches on dirt roads. Meeting with the cycling guide in Mantova and departure in direction of Sabbioneta. Once arrived, we can have a brief guided tour of the ideal city of Vespasiano Gonzaga, also known as the little Athens, which has remained intact over the centuries. We continue then to Casalmaggiore, the town on the border between the provinces of Mantova, Cremona and Parma, famous for the International Music Festival, which takes place in July every year. Hotel accommodation in Casalmaggiore, dinner and overnight. Day 2 Casalmaggiore - Roccabianca - Zibello - Busseto - Roncole Verdi Length: 45 km Duration: 4 hours and 30 (excluding stops) Technical note: route low-traffic roads, easy and flat, entirely on paved paths along riverside water meadows. After breakfast, departure for Roccabianca. We carry our bikes on the boat at Motta Baluffi and navigate the river Po until Stagno Roccabianca. After disembark, short visit of the fortress of Roccabianca and departure for Zibello. In Zibello, famous for the production of the culatello, we can have a tasting of the typical cold cuts of the area. After a short break, we pedal to Busseto, the city that evokes the places of Giuseppe Verdi and which houses the museum dedicated to the great Maestro. We continue to Roncole Verdi, his birthplace, where we have dinner and spend the night. Hotel accommodation.

27 Day 3 Roncole Verdi - Soragna - Colorno - Brescello - Gualtieri - Guastalla Length: 58 km Duration: about 6 hours (excluding stops) Technical notes: route on low-traffic roads mostly paved. After breakfast, short visit to the home of Giuseppe Verdi and departure for Soragna, an ancient village in the territory of Parma, dominated by the beautiful Rocca; we will be conducted on a guided tour by the Prince who still lives there. We then proceed to Colorno, where we can admire the Farnese palace built on the ruins of the ancient fortress, with gardens that recall the famous gardens of Versailles. We continue and get to Brescello where, along with a short ride through the village, we can see the places described by the pen of Guareschi in the famous saga dedicated to Don Camillo and Peppone. Next stop is Gualtieri, where we visit the museum dedicated to the naïve painter Antonio Ligabue and, finally, transfer to Guastalla for dinner and overnight. Hotel accommodation. Day 4 Guastalla San Benedetto Po - Governolo Length: 56 km Duration: 5 hours and 30 (excluding stops) Technical notes: route partly on riverside paths, for the most part paved with short stretches on dirt roads. After breakfast, departure for San Benedetto Po; we pedal along the river Po and visit then the complex of the former benectine monastery of San Benedetto, the Polirone that dominates the town s main square. After the visit, we depart for Governolo. Hostel accommodation, dinner and overnight.

28 Day 5 Governolo - Mantova Length: 25 km Duration: 2 hours and 30 (excluding stops) Technical notes: route mostly on bike path with short stretches on dirt roads along the river banks. After breakfast, leave for Mantova. Once arrived, guided tour of the historic center of the beautiful town long ruled by the Gonzaga family, nestled between the three lakes formed by the river Mincio and where Giuseppe Verdi set, the story of his masterpiece, the famous opera Rigoletto. End of services. What you need to know Period: from April to October. Dates subject to availability of accommodation at the time of booking. Difficulty: Easy. Cycling tourists of all ages, families of adults and/or with children and animals. Where the holiday begins: 1st day in Mantova between am and am Where the holiday ends: 5TH day in Mantova before pm. The rental bikes must be restituted during opening hours. Access: Our territory is easy to reach from the nearest north Italian airports (Milan, Verona, Bergamo, Bologna, Venice, Treviso, Parma) with connections by trains and/or bus. That is why itineraries could be accessible by tourists from all over the world. Accommodation: in 3 and 4 stars hotels/hostels/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with private bathroom Meals: the stay is in half board. On request it is possible to have only B&B. Bike rental: the rental is not included. You can either bring your own bike or rent bicycles there. This service is to book in advance, when you register. Formal documents: identity card or valid passport. PRICES: - Min. 15 pax. 440,00 - Min. 10 pax. 515,00 - Min. 8 pax. 570,00

29 Rates include: - Cycling touring guide for the whole period - Touristic guide for park and historical centre visits - Accommodation in hotels/hostel/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with half board - Entrance tickets to Casa Verdi, Castello Soragna, Museo Ligabue - Boat passage pax and bikes from Motta Baluffi to Stagno Roccabianca - Typical cold cuts tasting in Zibello - Insurance Rates not include: - Bike and helmet rent - Luggages transport - Lunches and beverages if not specified - Vistor s stay tax to pay by accommodations - Tips, entrance tickets if not specified, personal extras and all not indicated in rates include Supplements: Bike rent. 75,00 for 5 days Bikes 7 speed, 28 inches, resistant rubbers, luggage rack or basket Technical support services on request and with supplement: - bicycle and helmet rental - children and/or animal trailer - baggage transportation - means of transport for participants assistance - transfers from airports roundtrip by car, minibus and bus depending on the number of participants - passages by boat or ferries persons + bicycles - booking of airplane tickets, train tickets, bus, etc. for departure/arrival of the tourists assistance also in foreign language c/o airports, stations etc. Self guided tour rates on request starting from 330,00 per person Prices are indicatives and may change according to accommodation availability, number of people and seasonality. Packages could be bought on the websites: requests could be reached via e mail at the following addresses: info@ontheroadtravel.it; antonella@ontheroadtravel.it; All packages can be personalized according the specific needs of the costumer.

30 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n The UNESCO HERITAGE Mantua Sabbioneta Brescello Suzzara Lombardia, Emilia Romagna 5 days/4 nights The UNESCO heritage of Mantua and Sabbioneta, the set of Peppone and Don Camillo movies places that became famous all over the world, enjoing the history of river Po In hotels*** or B&B or holiday farm, self guided, without portage

31 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n Day 1 Welcome in Mantua. Settle down in the accommodation you booked, time to discover Mantua amenities that make it a Unesco heritage town; in the old town you can appreciate Piazza Sordello and its palaces, Palazzo Ducale, the Basilica of S. Andrea, S. Lorenzo church. You can ride along the urban ring and enjoy the lakes encircling Mantua. Day 2 Mantua Grazie - Cesole (about Km km if you get Grazie by boat). You can choose to get Grazie by bike or on boat from Mantua, along the upper Lake. The Sanctuary of Beata Vergine Maria delle Grazie welcomes you in this small village; you go on to Cesole, riding on cycle paths, both mixed use with local vehicle traffic. You see Torre d Oglio pontoon bridge, Foce Oglio, the poplar groves, San Matteo delle Chiaviche and its pumping works Day 3 Cesole Commessaggio - Sabbioneta (about Km. 26) Cycling through the landscapes, you can see Commessaggio and its Torrazzo erected by Vespasiano Gonzaga, Villa Pasquali and its church, and get Sabbioneta, a model of Renaissance urban planning, an example of the ideal city, still enclosed within the old ring of walls. Even Sabbioneta is a Unesco heritage town. Time to discover the village and its fine embankments.

32 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n Day 4 Sabbioneta Casalmaggiore Viadana -Brescello (about 26 km) You leave from Sabbioneta to get Peppone and Don Camillo lands, getting through Casalmaggiore, that have no floodplain between the Po River and the town, and Viadana. You arrive to Brescello and visit the places where the set were set and the three museums. Day 5 Brescello/Guastalla/Riva di Suzzara/Suzzara/Mantova (about 31 km) Following the Po River embankments, along Eurovelo 8, you come back to the province of Mantova; you can enjoy Parco San Colombano at Riva di Suzzara. You come back to Mantova by local train (bike transportation always permitted) End of the stay in the afternoon This program is subject to change if necessary

33 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n What you need to know Proposal availability: from the 01st march 2015 to the 31st December 2015 all services subject to availability of accommodation at booking time Difficulty 1: Low. Average distance of 25 km per day; cycle paths - both mixed use with local vehicle traffic paved road and gravel path This route is accessible with an electric bike Target: Tour for occasional cyclotourists or regular leisure riders; small groups or family.the offer is addressed to: people coming from other Italian towns; English and German market Signposts: the route is signposted Where the holiday begins: Day 1 in Mantova Where the holiday ends: Day 5 in Mantova Access: Plane: A lot of flights on regular and low cost airline land at International Airports near Mantua: Verona (20 km), Bologna (100 km), Milano (Linate 170/Malpensa 230 km), Bergamo (100 km), Venezia (180 km), Parma (60 km). From the airport you can get Mantova by train or taxi Train: Main Railway stations of Bologna, Verona, Milano e Parma, Reggio Emilia, then local train to Mantova Car: A22 motorway Brennero/Modena exit Mantova Nord or Mantova Sud A4 motorway Milano/Venezia: exit Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda, Verona Sud (connection with A22 motorway see above) A1: exit Parma, Reggio Emilia or connection with A22 at Campogalliano ( see above) Accomodation: 3 stars hotels or B&B or holiday farm, ideally located along the route. Your accommodation is in a double room with private facilities Meals: The stay is on Bed and Breakfast basis you can have lunch and dinner in restaurant nearby or in the holiday farm Transfers: not included in this proposal. If you need one, you can arrange it for you prices on demand Bike Rental: not included in this proposal, but you can rent it in Mantua price on demand Guide service: This is a self guided tour Reservation and payment: website sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Payment by bank transfer Optional costs: 4 dinners: starting from 95,00 per person Boat ticket from Mantova to Grazie: starting from 11,00 per person Bike rental: optional cost on demand Local guide: optional cost on demand Transfer from/to airport or railway stations

34 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n Any other request can be arrange on demand Price: Starting from 238,00 per person ( min.4 pax). The price includes: Accommodation in: double room in B&B or 3 stars hotels or holiday farms bed and breakfast basis one tasting of typical products personal meet and greet luggage transfers, train ticket from Suzzara to Mantua on return 2nd class service- bike transport always permitted medical insurance policy The price doesn t include: transport to get and return from Mantua transfer during the stay bike rental picnic/lunch and dinner drinks tryp cancellation insurance policy any extra personal expenses

35 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n MANTUA AND THE OGLIO RIVER CYCLE ROUTE Mantua Canneto s/o Piadena - Mantua Lombardia 4 days/3 nights The UNESCO Heritage of Mantua combine to the River Po and its tributary Oglio, an almost unknown landscape of our province, remarkable for its wildlife. In hotels*** or B&B or holiday farm, self guided, without portage

36 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n Day 1 Welcome in Mantua. Settle down in the accommodation you booked, time to discover Mantua amenities that make it a Unesco heritage town; in the old town you can appreciate Piazza Sordello and its palaces, Palazzo Ducale, the Basilica of S. Andrea, S. Lorenzo church. You can ride along the urban ring and enjoy the lakes encircling Mantua. Day 2 Mantua Cesole (about Km km 10 optional to see the environment on Oglio river bank) Transfer from Mantua to Romanore by train bike on board permitted. You ride along a bicycle path from Romanore to Borgoforte and then you continue along EV8 riding on cycle paths, both mixed use with local vehicle traffic to get Cesole. You see Torre d Oglio pontoon bridge, Foce Oglio, the poplar groves, San Matteo delle Chiaviche and its pumping works Day 3 Cesole Marcaria - Canneto sull Oglio (about Km. 47) Today you ride through the Parco Naturale Oglio Sud that occupies an overall area of hectares. Don t miss the Riserva Naturale Le Bine (a vast wetland zone rich in canebrakes, willow, poplar and alder trees), the Riserva Naturale Torbiere di Marcaria. Your tour ends in Canneto sull Oglio, once a military bastion to the west duchy of Mantua, now an agricultural town specialized in floricultural.

37 SHERPA VIAGGI di A Tutto Tondo srl Piazza Matteotti n Pegognaga (MN) Tel Fax sherpa@sherpaviaggi.it Autorizzazione Prov. Mantova prot. N /03 Polizza Assicurativa AGA INTERNATIONAL S.A n Day 4 Canneto sull Oglio Piadena Mantua (about 20 km) You leave Canneto s/o still riding through the Parco Oglio Sud till get Piadena. Coming back to Mantua by local train, bike on board always permitted. Your tour ends in Mantua in the afternoon. This program is subject to change if necessary What you need to know Proposal availability: from the 01st march 2015 to the 31st December 2015 all services subject to availability of accommodation at booking time Difficulty 1: Low. Average distance of 20 km per day, except day 3; cycle paths - both mixed use with local vehicle traffic paved road and gravel path This route is accessible with an electric bike Target: Tour for occasional cyclotourists or regular leisure riders; small groups or family.the offer is addressed to: people coming from other Italian towns; English and German market Signposts: the route is signposted Where the holiday begins: Day 1 in Mantova Where the holiday ends: Day 4 in Mantova Access: Plane: A lot of flights on regular and low cost airline land at International Airports near Mantua: Verona (20 km), Bologna (100 km), Milano (Linate 170/Malpensa 230 km), Bergamo (100 km), Venezia (180 km), Parma (60 km). From the airport you can get Mantova by train or taxi Train: Main Railway stations of Bologna, Verona, Milano e Parma, Reggio Emilia, then local train to Mantova Car: A22 motorway Brennero/Modena exit Mantova Nord or Mantova Sud A4 motorway Milano/Venezia: exit Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda, Verona Sud (connection with A22 motorway see above) A1: exit Parma, Reggio Emilia or connection with A22 at Campogalliano ( see above) Accomodation: 3 stars hotels or B&B or holiday farm, ideally located along the route. Your accommodation is in a double room with private facilities