Trip Notes

prosecco wine cycle
A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and
cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known
as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set
your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits
of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our
sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours
across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active
holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers
or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory
to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning
postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare
the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive,
giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether
you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea –
UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
R
TH
R
VE
A NNI
Y
explore europe your way
S
A
TRIP COST
TRIP NAME:PROSECCO WINE CYCLE
Joining Ponzano low
TRIP CODE:PRO
season, standard
room:$1090
TRIP DURATION:7 DAYS
Trip Concludes: Treviso
GRADE:MODERATE ‑ 3
All prices are per person
Italy
Valdobbiadene
Castelfranco
Veneto
Ponzano
Treviso
Venice
OPTIONS & ACTIVITY:SELF GUIDED CYCLE
SUPPLEMENTS
ACCOMMODATION:6 NIGHTS IN A 4 STAR COUNTRY
M - mid season
HOTEL IN COMFORT ROOMS
surcharge:$47
(OR UPGRADE TO JUNIOR SUITE
‑ SUPPLEMENT APPLIES)
upgrade supplement
- junior suite:$80
H - high season
surcharge:$100
Electric Bike
Supplement:$130
single supplement comfort room:$230
single supplement junior suite:$410
As the trip price is based on twinshare,
a single supplement is payable if a
single room is required ‑ or a single
traveller supplement if you are travelling
solo*. Please refer to the price options
for costs or ask our office for details.
Note regarding single rooms ‑ The
single supplement guarantees the
privacy of your own room, however,
rooms can at times be small and in
some places may not enjoy the same
facilities as double/twin rooms.
*The single traveller surcharge is only
available on trips deemed suitable
for solo travellers. It is usually more
DATE DETAILS:
THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS FROM 1 APR TO 14 OCT
highlights
Cycling in the heart of the Prosecco region
Visiting historic Treviso, Castelfranco & Palladio’s Villa Emo
Enjoying Prosecco at its source
Enjoying the culinary specialties of the Veneto region
Delighting in the comfort and hospitality of a high quality hotel
the trip
The landscape between the Piave and Sile Rivers in northern Italy’s Veneto region were made for
cycle touring. Outside the hilly vineyards of the Prosecco region, where famous Prosecchi sparkling
wines originate, the terrain is mainly flat ‑ and always beautiful. From your historic hotel located in
a picturesque setting just outside the provincial capital of Treviso, this self‑guided tour will transport
you to the heart of the Veneto region following five relatively gentle routes. As you encounter
panoramas that few travellers to this romantic region ever experience, you will also be fascinated
by the architectural highlights of Treviso, Castelfranco Veneto and the Villa Emo. Your taste buds
will also be treated to perfectly pressed wines such as Prosecco and Pinot Grigio, as well as the
asparagus and radicchio that are served up in many magical ways.­
© World Expeditions Travel Group - Erin Williams 1/25/2017 4:02:34 PM
Page 1
prosecco wine cycle
expensive than the single supplement
due to the extra cost for luggage
transfers and organisation.
IMPORTANT NOTES
M - Mid Season
H - High Season
DN1 - High season is from 27 May
to 01 Sep, mid season is from
29 Apr to 26 May and 2 Sep to
29 Sep - supplement applies.
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive at the hotel in Ponzano
Day 2
Cycle to Treviso (25km / 15.5mi)
Day 3
The Piave River and Wine Route (65km / 40.5mi)
Day 4
Castelfranco and the Villa Emo (65km / 40.5mi)
Day 5
Transfer to Valdobbiadene and cycle through the Prosecco hills (55km / 34mi)
Day 6
Explore the Sile River Natural Park (55km / 34mi)
Day 7
Trip concludes
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive at the hotel in Ponzano
Make your own way to the hotel. On arrival you will receive your documents and bikes.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink on the terrace.
meals: NIL
DAY 2Cycle to Treviso (25km / 15.5mi)
Today’s cycle leads you to the beautiful provincial capital, Treviso, a city still relatively
unknown amongst tourists. The path will guide you along the city’s former fortifications
before leading to the heart of the ‘Citta delle Aque’, the City of Waters, because of the
numerous waterways that cross its centre. With Renaissance piazze, palaces, richly
frescoed churches and ancient waterways, the centre has a beguiling charm. Many well
known clothing and sports wear labels have their head offices here, including Benetton
and Lotto. Cycle past the Duomo, several palazzi and patrician homes decorated with
frescoes and into the open countryside, before soon arriving back at your hotel.
meals: B
DAY 3The Piave River and Wine Route (65km / 40.5mi)
A leisurely cycle through the agricultural back country starts today’s stage, where quiet
paths lead to stately villas and ‘barchesse’, porticoed farm buildings. After traversing
the Piave River, follow the ‘Strada dei Vini del Piave’, the Wine Road, where the varietal
Pinot Grigio features. Cycling amid the grapevines for around 15km / 9mi, why not stop
and taste one or two...
meals: B
DAY 4Castelfranco and the Villa Emo (65km / 40.5mi)
The focus of today’s stage is the charming town of Castelfranco Veneto, whose origins
date from Ancient Rome. The Romans erected the ‘Castrum’ at the intersection of
the ancient roads to Vicenza, Padua and Asolo. A fortress was built centuries later,
and today is well preserved. Castelfranco was also the birthplace of the Italian High
Renaissance painter Giorgione. On the way back to your hotel, visit ‘Villa Emo’ at
Fanzolo, a masterpiece by the medieval architect Andrea Palladio - entrance is included.
meals: B
DAY 5Transfer to Valdobbiadene and cycle through the Prosecco hills (55km / 34mi)
A morning transfer will take you to Valdobbiadene, capital of the Prosecco region. Its
small piazza with its many coffee bars is very inviting! A short climb will be rewarded
with a gorgeous view of the almost never-ending grapevines. The lovely cycle route
will lead you through several wine villages, one of which will host your tasting of this
delicious sparkling wine (included), then it’s only a few more kilometres before you reach
your hotel.
meals: B
© World Expeditions Travel Group - Erin Williams 1/25/2017 4:02:34 PM
Page 2
prosecco wine cycle
DAY 6Explore the Sile River Natural Park (55km / 34mi)
Today you again head towards Treviso. A former railway track has been adapted to a
cycle path and will lead you to the Sile River Natural Park. Enjoy cycling along the small
but famous river which was one of the settings in Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy’.
meals: B
DAY 7Trip concludes
Arrangements conclude after breakfast.
meals: B
inclusions
6 breakfasts – buffet style, and 3 dinners with 4 courses each (you can choose which nights
you’d like these)
6 nights accommodation in a comfort room at a 4 star hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite
facilities (upgrade to junior suite ‑ supplement applies)
Bicycle, 21 or 7 speed with pannier (electric bike available ‑ supplement applies)
Welcome drink and Prosecco tasting
Entrance to Villa Emo
Transfer to Valdobbiadene
Information pack including route notes and maps (one set per room)
Signposting of route ‑ GPS Tracks available on request
Use of the hotel’s wellness area
Emergency hotline
items not included
Travel to and from Ponzano Veneto
3 dinners, lunches daily and all drinks
Items of a personal nature
Helmet
Visitor’s taxes (payable locally)
Tour guide – this is a self guided trip
Travel insurance
Parking
getting there
BY CARDriving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin.
com
PARKING & TRANSFERSFree parking is available at the hotel.
BY TRAINThere are frequent services from Venice to Treviso Centrale. To view timetables
go to www.trenitalia.com. You can then take a taxi to the hotel (10‑15minutes).
We are happy to assist with your train ticket reservations or rail passes.
BY AIRThe nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo and Treviso’s Sant’Angelo Canova,
the latter served by Ryanair. Then take a taxi or rent a car to the hotel.
trip grading - moderate
MODERATE ‑ 3
The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of around 25 to 65km / 15.5 to 34mi. The accent is on
keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need
a reasonable level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The route is predominantly flat
mixed with gentle hills, with three longer ascents between approximately 1‑2km on Day 5. The cycle
is mainly on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. The vast majority of the route is on
paved surfaces. At the river crossing and near Treviso you can expect more traffic. You need only carry
your camera and water bottle.
© World Expeditions Travel Group - Erin Williams 1/25/2017 4:02:34 PM
Page 3
prosecco wine cycle
*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
These can be purchased locally, ask your agent or UTracks consultant for details.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and
can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we
can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely
to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may
be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to
guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility
of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of
self‑administering these medications.
a note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a
keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make
minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be
able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that
you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding,
losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never
been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of
our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding
is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions
and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to
finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with
a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something
that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
joining instructions
Approximately 3 weeks before departure you will receive details of your hotel. You will receive your
information package with maps and route notes on arrival at the hotel.
accommodation
DURING TOUR
Your 4 star hotel is located in the countryside, just outside Treviso. Originally built as a private villa in the
1800s, today the hotel is a haven of peace and relaxation, nestled between the hotel’s own grapevines
and a park. Facilities include a swimming pool and a small wellness area with sauna and whirlpool. The
junior suites are within the main building, and the comfort rooms located in the newer wings of the hotel.
3 dinners are included and you can choose which nights you’d like them. When the weather is fine, these
can be enjoyed on the terrace.
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDItaly
© World Expeditions Travel Group - Erin Williams 1/25/2017 4:02:34 PM
Page 4
prosecco wine cycle
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATEThe trip runs between April and October during the European spring, summer
& autumn. The months of July to August are busy times with temperatures
ranging between 20 ‑ 25 degrees Celsius / 68 ‑ 77 degrees Celsius and
sometimes higher.
MIN GROUP SIZE1
SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIREDWet weather gear, sunscreen, bike helmet and sun hat. A comprehensive gear
list is included in the pre departure information provided on booking.
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own
convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on
our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks
or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note:
surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive
airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including
flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
follow us
https://www.facebook.com/UTracks
https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/
https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel
There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover
slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are
designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure
travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows
can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks.
com or contact our office.
© World Expeditions Travel Group - Erin Williams 1/25/2017 4:02:34 PM
Page 5
prosecco wine cycle
IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest
UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
© World Expeditions Travel Group - Erin Williams 1/25/2017 4:02:34 PM
Page 6
prosecco wine cycle
AUSTRALIA
UTracks
Level 5, 71 York St
Sydney NSW 2000
T: (02) 8270 8488
F: (02) 8270 8489
Toll free: 1300 303 368
[email protected]
Feel free to visit our World Expeditions
offices in:• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide (Thor Travel)
For address and office phone numbers visit
www.worldexpeditions.com
NEW ZEALAND
UTracks
Level 1, 59-67 High St
Auckland CBD
PO Box 106-275
Auckland City 1143
T: (09) 368 4161
F: (09) 368 4162
Toll Free: 0800 350 354
[email protected]
CANADA - OTTAWA
UTracks
47 William St
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1N 6Z9
T: 613 241 2700
F: 613 2414189
Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216
[email protected]
UNITED KINGDOM
UTracks
1B Osiers Road
Wandsworth
London SW18 1NL
T: 0845 241 7599
F: 020 8870 7014
T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland)
[email protected]
UTracks is a division of the
World Expeditions Travel Group
© World Expeditions Travel Group - Erin Williams 1/25/2017 4:02:34 PM
Page 7