Venitian Altopiano
"From the Dolomites to the Serenissima"

pictures
dates 2010
day to day program

Conception et encadrement :
Les 4 chemins

Option en ligne (formulaire)
pré-paiement en ligne (100€)
inscription par courrier (PDF)

Who                              adults in goog Physic condition
Price                      10 days : 875 €
                       
Included       Les transferts en minibus, l'encadrement par un moniteur diplômé, les visites de sites qui figurent au programme, l'hébergement et les repas.
not included  Le voyage jusqu'à Vicenza, les repas pris à Venise (soir de J9 et midi de J10), les entrées sur sites payants, les boissons hors repas.

Difficulty               ** : distance moy. de 35 kms par jour, déniv. de 600 m environ, pistes et chemins
Pour VTTistes entraînés (pratique régulière : au moins 1 à 2 sorties par mois) et modérés (respect de la solidarité, de la convivialité, et du plaisir de la découverte).
Type de voyage     séjour en étoile de J1 à J7
                                   Sans portage (sacs à dos légers pour la journée)
Hébergement        hôtels sur le plateau d’Asiago (7 nuits)
et auberge de jeunesse à Bassano et Venise (2 nuits)

Meeting point                 VICENZA - J1 à 10h –gare (RDV point infos)
                                   Train direct Paris – Venise via Vicenza toutes les nuits
                                    Départ Paris-Bercy à 20h28 / Arrivée Vicenza à 08h26 (horaires 2010)
End                VENISE – J10 à 19h : train direct Venise - Paris toutes les nuits
                                   Départ Venise-Mestre à 20h16 / Arrivée Paris-Bercy à 08h23 (horaires 2010)

     Vicenza

At the heart of the Italian summer the cyclists already in rapture with Italy should be delighted by this new destination. the Venitian Altopiano is a 1000m-high plateau two hours drive from Venice. With its 700 marked paths it has become the cyclists'paradise in   the north of Italy.It is a rare opportunity to cycle in a genuine mountain environment between flowered chalets, high pasrures and conifer forests... and reopen a decisive page in the history of the Italian Kingdom and the Kingdom of Austria-Hungary in the early 20th century.
The close distance between art towns in Venitia will give this journey a cultural and artistic colour with visits to Vicenza, Bassano and of course Venice its final destination.
Those who wish it will be able to extend their stay and see Padova and Trevise.

     The southern terraces of Altopiano

This is an easy cycle to start the adventure : nice forest tracks in the shade of fir trees and amidst strangely shaped boulders covered with moss.Clearings open up to nice colourful alpine huts and cows go about freely on those large pastures.
In the distance the plain of Vicenza spreads out to the Adriatic sea in the bluish light. The plateau seems to be hanging onto the  clear blue sky, an unreal place between sea and mountains.
Cycling tour from Asiago (alt : 1000m)
Distance : 35 kms, climb : 500m, 4hours, level of difficulty : medium

    The Serenissima marble quarries

Leaving Asiago the route journeys through the marble quarires which used to supply the Republic of Venice when it was booming. It will also cross picturesque villages in the far-end of the plateau, overlooking the plain of Vicenza in green sceneries where the chalet is king.
Distance : 42 kms, climb : 700m, level of difficulty : medium

    Assa gorges

This is a shorter but higher route. It disappears into the Assa valley gorges hanging over dazzling drops where the the first world war resistants used to hide. This high route offers grand views and adrenalin rushes. Iy is optional and some people might prefer to have a break in mid-week.
Free afternoon : swimming, shopping museum visits or farniente.
Distance : 14 kms, climb : 700m, difficult level

    Around Monte Verena 

The north-west end of the Altopiano is bordered by Assa Vale, an ice-age valley dating back to 10.000 years B.C. It used to be a major trade road in the plain until 1906 when the bridge which spans the fault was built. To the south stands out the impressive Monte Verena which rises up to 2015m with a military fort at the top. The route goes around the mountain in a steady climb over Assa valley and reach the high pastures where the marmots sunbathe. Paradise for cross-country skiing in winter, these huge meadows are covered with flowers in summer and offer astounding high open space to cyclists.
Distance : 33 kms, climb : 850m, 5h50, level of difficulty : medium

     Across the northern Altopiano

This is the climax of the week. The route is longer and deeper into a real mountain scenery and breathtaking views. Here again we have to climb a long valley before coming out onto a high plateau inhabited by cows and wild horses. Farms and huts are spread out along the way and offer to taste the local cheese, the “Asiago”, on a thick slice of home-made bread.
Just a few hours away from Bavaria beer is much appreciated and replaces the wines of Emilie Romagne. The accent is guttural and the blood the Cimbra still flows into the mountains people's veins as they are attached to their traditions and songs.
Distance : 52 kms, climb : 980m, 6h30, level of difficulty : medium

     Les 3 peaks of the « rock town »

The only way to reach the peaks and enjoy the overall view of the Altopiano from the plains of Venetia in the south to the Dolomites and the Alps in the north is by walking. From the hotel the route will first go through a thick forest and come out onto the moors of the high plateaux where terrible fights took place from  June 1916 until autumn 1917.
Eventhough those dates are still part of the collective memory, the place is now a peaceful haven hanging between the plains and the Alps, a perfect location for the marmots. A strange rock construction stands out against the blue sky like a forgotten world or a tribute of nature to the men who fell there.
Distance : 33 kms, climb : 850m, 5h30, level of difficulty : medium

     Brenta River and  its terraces to Bassano

Leaving Foza a long descent leads to the valley we will have to cross in oder to reach the far south-west side of the Altopiano above the Brenta. This is a mountain torrent which rushes down from the Dolomites and camls down as it approaches Bassano, tamed by a few dams designed to irrigate the Padovan and Venitian plains. After the morning cycle we will go down 4444 rock-carved seps to get to the banks of the Brenta 700m lower down. Those historical stairs were used to carry wood from the Altopiano forests down to the river the barges followed to Venice.
High route along the Brenta to Bassano
Overnight stay in Bassano
Distance : 22kms, climb : 320m, 2h30, level of difficulty : medium

     Bassano and Venice

Morning visit to Bassano, a fortified town on the banks of the Brenta crossed by a historical bridge listed in the UNESCO world heritage.
Train journey to Venice in early afternoon to Venice and visit to the city.
Overnight stay in Venice.

    Venice

Free time. If you have time it is worth devoting three or four extra days to Venice and the close art towns : Verona, Trevise and particularly Padova.