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| Type of tour: | Self-guided/Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 30 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Every Sat, Sun, Tues and Wed: Mar 30- Oct 26, 2013 Guided: Apr 27; June 8, 22, Sep 14, 28, 2013. |
| Tour price: | €498 (self-guided) €955 (guided) |
| Start city: | Vicenza, Italy |
| End city: | Vicenza, Italy |




A tour among European classics, perfect to start discovering Italy by bike. Laid between the Alps and the Adriatic sea, the itinerary is completely flat and develops itself on cycle paths or level roads with low traffic volume.
Not sure whether to book a guided or self-guided tour? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.
A tour among European classics, perfect to start discovering Italy by bike. Laid between the Alps and the Adriatic sea, the itinerary is completely flat and develops itself on cycle paths or level roads with low traffic volume.
Not sure whether to book a guided or self-guided tour? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.
Day 1: Vicenza
Individual arrival. A nice and cosy historical city centre characterized by the buildings of the famous architect Andrea Palladio (16th century).
Day 2: Vicenza – Bassano del Grappa (25 miles/40 km)
From Vicenza you cycle towards Marostica, famous for its castle and the chessboard in the main square. The last stop is Bassano del Grappa with its covered wooden bridge and the “grappa.”
Overnight in Bassano del Grappa.
Day 3: Bassano del Grappa – Treviso (38 miles/62 km)
You enter Asolo, which presents us with the only real uphill section of our ride. The downhill run takes you to the land of Prosecco vineyards and on to Maser.
Overnight in Treviso.
Day 4: Treviso – Mestre/Venice (24 miles/38 km)
Leaving Treviso behind you follow the course of the River Sile up to Casale. At the end of the trip Venice awaits for evening among canals and narrow streets; accommodations are in Mestre. Overnight stay in Mestre or Venice. A supplement applies for lodging in Venice.
Day 5: Mestre/Venice – Chioggia (20 miles/33km)
Leaving Mestre this morning you head into Venice pedalling on the 2.5 mile (4 km) bridge “della Libertà”, then to Tronchetto harbor. From here you take a ferry along the canal Giudecca to Lido. It is the most exciting day, pedalling on two narrow islands that divide the sea from the lagoon: Malamocco and the island of Pellestrina.
Overnight in Chioggia.
Day 6: Chioggia – Padua (37 miles/60 km)
You pedal along the two rivers that carried trade in and out of Venice in this area centuries ago: Bacchiglione and Brenta. You continue on to Strà, famous for the majestic Villa Pisani. On arrival in Padova, you will find the great basilica dedicated to St. Anthony, the historic Caffè Pedrocchi and Prato della Valle.
Overnight in Padua.
Day 7: Padua – Vicenza (30 miles/48 km)
The Bacchiglione River points the way out of the the city and you reach Costozza, a little town at the foot of the Berici hills. The bike path passes in front of Villa Rotonda, the most famous of the Palladian villas. Just before entering Vicenza you see the Villa Valmarana ai Nani with its marvellous frescoes by Tiepolo.
Overnight in Vicenza.
Day 8: Vicenza
Departure from Vicenza.
Please note tours on these dates will start in Treviso: May 11, 12, 18, 19; Aug 31; Sep 1, 7 and 8, 2013. Your program would start with your arrival in Treviso on Day 3. The tour loops around to end in Treviso. There is a surcharge of 20 euros per person.
Day 1: Vicenza
Individual arrival. A nice and cosy historical city centre characterized by the buildings of the famous architect Andrea Palladio (16th century).
Day 2: Vicenza – Bassano del Grappa (25 miles/40 km)
From Vicenza you cycle towards Marostica, famous for its castle and the chessboard in the main square. The last stop is Bassano del Grappa with its covered wooden bridge and the “grappa”.
Overnight in Bassano del Grappa.
Day 3: Bassano del Grappa – Treviso (38 miles/62 km)
You enter Asolo, which presents us with the only real uphill section of our ride. The downhill run takes you to the land of Prosecco vineyards and on to Maser. The trip ends in Treviso.
Overnight in Treviso.
Day 4: Treviso – Mestre/Venice 24 miles/38 km)
Leaving Treviso behind you follow the course of the River Sile up to Casale. At the end of the trip Venice awaits for evening among canals and narrow streets; accommodations are in Mestre.
Overnight in Mestre or Venice. A supplement applies for lodging in Venice.
Day 5: Mestre/Venice – Chioggia (20 miles/33km)
Leaving Mestre this morning you head into Venice pedalling on the 2.5-mile (4 km) bridge “della Libertà”, then to Tronchetto harbour. From here you take a ferry (payable locally) along the canal Giudecca to Lido. It is the most exciting day, pedalling on two narrow islands that divide the sea from the lagoon: Malamocco and the island of Pellestrina.
Overnight in Chioggia.
Day 6: Chioggia – Padua (37 miles/60 km)
You pedal along the two rivers that carried trade in and out of Venice in this area centuries ago: Bacchiglione and Brenta. You continue on to Strà, famous for the majestic Villa Pisani. On arrival in Padua, you will find the great basilica dedicated to St. Anthony, the historic Caffè Pedrocchi and Prato della Valle.
Overnight in Padova.
Day 7: Padua – Vicenza (30 miles/48 km)
The Bacchiglione River points the way out of the the city and you reach Costozza, a little town at the foot of the Berici hills. The bike path passes in front of Villa Rotonda, the most famous of the Palladian villas. Just before entering Vicenza you see the Villa Valmarana ai Nani with its marvellous frescoes by Tiepolo.
Overnight in Vicenza.
Day 8: Vicenza
Departure from Vicenza.


Apr 27; Jun 8, 22; Sep 14, 28, 2013.
Every Sat, Sun, Tues and Wed: Mar 30 - Oct 26, 2013
- Saturday and Sunday departures are from Vicenza.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are from Mestre.
- Tours starting in Treviso: May 11, 12, 18, 19; Aug 31; Sep 1, 7 and 8, 2013. Your program would start with your arrival in Treviso on Day 3. The tour loops around to end in Treviso. There is a surcharge of 20 euros per person.
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| 2- and 3-star hotels that are small and cozy with ensuite facilities. Mostly located in city centers or in the country side. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The ferry-boat transfers in Venice are not included in the tour price (3 ferry-boat transfers cost in total approx. €20 per person + bike).
Local hotel taxes are not included and must be paid on the spot.
The ferry-boat transfers in Venice are not included in the tour price (3 ferry-boat transfers cost in total approx. €20 per person + bike).
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A and guided tour: 3- and 4- star hotels– very comfortable with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Mostly in city centers.
Day 1: Hotel De La Ville, Vincenza
www.b4hotels.com
Enjoy viewing the architectural masterpieces of Andrea Palladio and relive the renaissance spirit of the city with the antique furniture and marble spread amongst the modern hotel building.
Day 2: Hotel Bonotto, Bassano del Grappa
www.bonotto.it
Located on a tree lined avenue you are just a short walk away from the central square and the Old Bridge. Stay in one the rooms that is up to date with modern comfort and amenities.
Day 3: Hotel Carlton, Treviso
www.hotelcarlton.it
In the center of the city on the ancient ramparts is Carlton Hotel. The hotel offers vibrant rooms with a view of the city or with a terrace.
Day 4: Hotel Ai Pini, Mestre
www.hotelaipini.it
Stay in the historic residence of The Baldo family, Hotel Ai Pini is surrounded by a relaxing park. The rooms are decorated cheerfully, including light fixtures with Murano glass.
--OR--
Hotel Boscolo Bellini, Venice
www.b4hotels.com
Located in a 18th century palazzo in Cannareggio, the hotel combines 18th and 19th century marble and Murano glass chandeliers, while the rooms are decorated in true Venetian style.
Day 5: Hotel Grande Italia, Chioggia
www.hotelgrandeitalia.com
The hotel offers balconies with views of Piazzetta Vigo or the south end of the lagoon, and is located in the city center.
Day 6: Hotel Grand'Italia, Padua
www.hotelgranditalia.it
Designed in the Art Nouveau style the Hotel Grand'Italia was formally Palazzo Folchi, enjoy the modern sleek rooms along with the wrought iron decorations on balconies.
Category B: 2- and 3-star hotels – small and cosy with en-suite facilities; mostly in city centres or sometimes also in the countryside.
Day 1: Hotel San Raffaele, Vincenza
www.albergosanraffaele.it
Situated at the portico of Mount Berico is the Hotel San Raffaele, offering pleasantly quiet rooms.
Day 2: Hotel Brennero, Bassano del Grappa
www.hotelbrennero.com
A short walk away from the city center, Hotel Brennero has one the Quality Hotel Veneto Region certificate for service.
Day 3: Hotel Maggior Consiglio, Treviso
www.b4hotels.com
The hotel offers rooms with a more classic Italian design or modern designs, offers 112 rooms and a spa/wellness center.
Day 4: B4 Mestre, Mestre
www.b4hotels.com
Located near a shopping center, the B4 Mestre has terrace and swimming pool overlooking the city center.
--OR---
Hotel Al Sole, Venice
www.alsolehotels.com
Near Piazzale Roma, Hotel Al Sole offers a venetian atmosphere with modern comforts. Some rooms offer a view of the canal or of the garden.
Day 5: Hotel Le Tegnue, Chioggia
www.hotelletegnue.it
Hotel Le Tegnue has modern rooms that offer views of the beach. There is a private sand beach, pools, as well as the Tegnue Marine Reserve.
Day 6: Casa del Pellegrino, Padua
www.casadelpellegrino.com
From the hotel you have a view of the tranquil gardens and the Holy Basilica. the hotel offers peaceful rooms with modern amenities.a
Extra nights before and after your tour: www.biketoursdirect.com/hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A and guided tour: 3- and 4- star hotels– very comfortable with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Mostly in city centers.
Day 1: Hotel De La Ville, Vincenza
www.b4hotels.com
Enjoy viewing the architectural masterpieces of Andrea Palladio and relive the renaissance spirit of the city with the antique furniture and marble spread amongst the modern hotel building.
Day 2: Hotel Bonotto, Bassano del Grappa
www.bonotto.it
Located on a tree lined avenue you are just a short walk away from the central square and the Old Bridge. Stay in one the rooms that is up to date with modern comfort and amenities.
Day 3: Hotel Carlton, Treviso
www.hotelcarlton.it
In the center of the city on the ancient ramparts is Carlton Hotel. The hotel offers vibrant rooms with a view of the city or with a terrace.
Day 4: Hotel Ai Pini, Mestre
www.hotelaipini.it
Stay in the historic residence of The Baldo family, Hotel Ai Pini is surrounded by a relaxing park. The rooms are decorated cheerfully, including light fixtures with Murano glass.
--OR--
Hotel Boscolo Bellini, Venice
www.b4hotels.com
Located in a 18th century palazzo in Cannareggio, the hotel combines 18th and 19th century marble and Murano glass chandeliers, while the rooms are decorated in true Venetian style.
Day 5: Hotel Grande Italia, Chioggia
www.hotelgrandeitalia.com
The hotel offers balconies with views of Piazzetta Vigo or the south end of the lagoon, and is located in the city center.
Day 6: Hotel Grand'Italia, Padua
www.hotelgranditalia.it
Designed in the Art Nouveau style the Hotel Grand'Italia was formally Palazzo Folchi, enjoy the modern sleek rooms along with the wrought iron decorations on balconies.
Category B: 2- and 3-star hotels – small and cosy with en-suite facilities; mostly in city centres or sometimes also in the countryside.
Day 1: Hotel San Raffaele, Vincenza
www.albergosanraffaele.it
Situated at the portico of Mount Berico is the Hotel San Raffaele, offering pleasantly quiet rooms.
Day 2: Hotel Brennero, Bassano del Grappa
www.hotelbrennero.com
A short walk away from the city center, Hotel Brennero has one the Quality Hotel Veneto Region certificate for service.
Day 3: Hotel Maggior Consiglio, Treviso
www.b4hotels.com
The hotel offers rooms with a more classic Italian design or modern designs, offers 112 rooms and a spa/wellness center.
Day 4: B4 Mestre, Mestre
www.b4hotels.com
Located near a shopping center, the B4 Mestre has terrace and swimming pool overlooking the city center.
--OR---
Hotel Al Sole, Venice
www.alsolehotels.com
Near Piazzale Roma, Hotel Al Sole offers a venetian atmosphere with modern comforts. Some rooms offer a view of the canal or of the garden.
Day 5: Hotel Le Tegnue, Chioggia
www.hotelletegnue.it
Hotel Le Tegnue has modern rooms that offer views of the beach. There is a private sand beach, pools, as well as the Tegnue Marine Reserve.
Day 6: Casa del Pellegrino, Padua
www.casadelpellegrino.com
From the hotel you have a view of the tranquil gardens and the Holy Basilica. the hotel offers peaceful rooms with modern amenities.a
Extra nights before and after your tour: www.biketoursdirect.com/hotels
The bikes available for this tour are Girolibero Unisex bikes, with 27-gears.
The Unisex bikes are also available with 7-gears and back-pedal brakes.
Alternate bike options include (upon request):
- Electrically assisted bike
- Girolibero Men's bikes, with 27-gears; or 7-gears with back-pedal brakes
- Road bike, with 27-gears
- Tandem bikes
Children's bikes, seats, trailers and follow me tandems are also available.
Bikes are equipped with a cycle computer, side saddle bag, water bottle, front saddlebag/map holder, combination lock, repair kits (inner tube, glue, patch and pump).
Helmets are available to rent for 15 Euros.
GPX files for the tour are available from the tour operator for no extra fee and GPS systems are available to rent from tour operator for a cost of €50 (paid to tour operator upon rental).
The bikes available for this tour are Girolibero Unisex bikes, with 27-gears.
The Unisex bikes are also available with 7-gears and back-pedal brakes.
Alternate bike options include (upon request):
- Electrically assisted bike
- Girolibero Men's bikes, with 27-gears; or 7-gears with back-pedal brakes
- Road bike, with 27-gears
- Tandem bikes
Children's bikes, seats, trailers and follow me tandems are also available.
Bikes are equipped with a cycle computer, side saddle bag, water bottle, front saddlebag/map holder, combination lock, repair kits (inner tube, glue, patch and pump).
Helmets are available to rent for 15 Euros.
GPX files for the tour are available from the tour operator for no extra fee and GPS systems are available to rent from tour operator for a cost of €50 (paid to tour operator upon rental).
The itinerary is completely in the lowlands except for the 1 km slope in Asolo. You ride on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths.
Trains with bike transportation connect the main cities of the tour, so in case of bad weather, or if you need a day of rest, you can reach your destination by train.
This tour is rated leisurely. It includes relaxed cycling with occasional hills and distances of up to 31 miles/50km per day. Average physical condition required.
The itinerary is completely in the lowlands except for the 1 km slope in Asolo. You ride on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths.
Trains with bike transportation connect the main cities of the tour, so in case of bad weather, or if you need a day of rest, you can reach your destination by train.
This tour is rated leisurely. It includes relaxed cycling with occasional hills and distances of up to 31 miles/50km per day. Average physical condition required.
Tour start and end:
Starting and ending tour from Vicenza
Nearest airports:
Nearest train station:
From airport: Venice (VCE)
The Fly Bus shuttle service leaves every 25-30 minutes from 6:06am to 11:40pm for the station Venezia Mestre (transfer: 17 min; ticket: 3 euro; www.atvo.it). From Venezia Mestre you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: about 45 min; ticket: from 5 to 13 euro depending on the type of train).
From airport: Verona (VRN)
Take the Aerobus shuttle service to the station of Verona Porta Nuova leaves every 20 minutes from 6:30 to 11:35pm daily (transfer: about 30 min; ticket: 5 euro). From Verona Porta Nuova you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: about 40 min; ticket: from 4 to 13 euro depending on the type of train).
From airport: Treviso (TSF)
The service ATVO offers a daily connection between the airport and Venezia Mestre based on the arrivals and departures of the low-cost flights (transfer: 55 min; ticket: 5 euro; www.atvo.it).From Venezia Mestre you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: 45-70 min; ticket: from 5 to 11 euro depending on the type of train).
--OR--
Take an ACTT bus line 6 passing about every 40 min near the airport to go the station of Treviso (transfer: 20 min; ticket: 1 euro). From Treviso you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: about 60 min; ticket: 4 euro).
From airport: Bergamo (BGY)
The shuttle service Autostradale connects with 9 transfers a day (4:10am, 6:15am, 7:50am, 9:45am, 11:20am, 2:00pm, 2:40pm, 4:30pm, 7:30pm) the airport to the station of Brescia (transfer: 20 min; ticket: 10 euro; www.autostradale.it). From Brescia you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: 70-100 min; ticket: from 8 to 16 euro depending on the type of train).
Starting and ending tour in Mestre
Nearest airports:
Nearest train station:
From airport: Venezia Marco Polo (VCE)
Every day the Fly Bus shuttle service leaves every 25-30 minutes from 6:06am to 11:40pm for Venezia Mestre (transfer: 17 min; ticket: 3 euro; www.atvo.it).
From airport: Treviso Canova (TSF)
The service ATVO offers a daily connection between the airport and Piazzale Roma in Venezia-Mestre, based on the arrivals and departures of the low-cost flights (transfer: 55 min; ticket: 5 euro; www.atvo.it).
Note: Transportation times listed above reflect 2012 information. Please consult websites for 2013 shuttle and transfer information.
Tips for getting to and from your tour
Tour start and end:
Starting and ending tour from Vicenza
Nearest airports:
Nearest train station:
From airport: Venice (VCE)
The Fly Bus shuttle service leaves every 25-30 minutes from 6:06am to 11:40pm for the station Venezia Mestre (transfer: 17 min; ticket: 3 euro; www.atvo.it). From Venezia Mestre you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: about 45 min; ticket: from 5 to 13 euro depending on the type of train).
From airport: Verona (VRN)
Take the Aerobus shuttle service to the station of Verona Porta Nuova leaves every 20 minutes from 6:30 to 11:35pm daily (transfer: about 30 min; ticket: 5 euro). From Verona Porta Nuova you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: about 40 min; ticket: from 4 to 13 euro depending on the type of train).
From airport: Treviso (TSF)
The service ATVO offers a daily connection between the airport and Venezia Mestre based on the arrivals and departures of the low-cost flights (transfer: 55 min; ticket: 5 euro; www.atvo.it).From Venezia Mestre you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: 45-70 min; ticket: from 5 to 11 euro depending on the type of train).
--OR--
Take an ACTT bus line 6 passing about every 40 min near the airport to go the station of Treviso (transfer: 20 min; ticket: 1 euro). From Treviso you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: about 60 min; ticket: 4 euro).
From airport: Bergamo (BGY)
The shuttle service Autostradale connects with 9 transfers a day (4:10am, 6:15am, 7:50am, 9:45am, 11:20am, 2:00pm, 2:40pm, 4:30pm, 7:30pm) the airport to the station of Brescia (transfer: 20 min; ticket: 10 euro; www.autostradale.it). From Brescia you take a train to Vicenza (transfer: 70-100 min; ticket: from 8 to 16 euro depending on the type of train).
Starting and ending tour in Mestre
Nearest airports:
Nearest train station:
From airport: Venezia Marco Polo (VCE)
Every day the Fly Bus shuttle service leaves every 25-30 minutes from 6:06am to 11:40pm for Venezia Mestre (transfer: 17 min; ticket: 3 euro; www.atvo.it).
From airport: Treviso Canova (TSF)
The service ATVO offers a daily connection between the airport and Piazzale Roma in Venezia-Mestre, based on the arrivals and departures of the low-cost flights (transfer: 55 min; ticket: 5 euro; www.atvo.it).
Note: Transportation times listed above reflect 2012 information. Please consult websites for 2013 shuttle and transfer information.
Tips for getting to and from your tour
Of all European countries, none draws visitors over and over again like Italy. A peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy consists of 21 diverse regions of rolling hills, vineyards, mountains, lakes, cliffs and islands. Each region has its unique charm, but all share the ‘Italian’ view that life should be taken at a slow pace with time to enjoy conversation, food and drink. Together, Italy’s regions boast the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Pisa are a few of the country's renowned cities along with Italy’s 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites. Whether you ride a gondola through Venice’s Grand Canal, stroll along Lake Como or visit the Coliseum in Rome, the opportunities are endless when visiting Italy.
Of all European countries, none draws visitors over and over again like Italy. A peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy consists of 21 diverse regions of rolling hills, vineyards, mountains, lakes, cliffs and islands. Each region has its unique charm, but all share the ‘Italian’ view that life should be taken at a slow pace with time to enjoy conversation, food and drink. Together, Italy’s regions boast the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Pisa are a few of the country's renowned cities along with Italy’s 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites. Whether you ride a gondola through Venice’s Grand Canal, stroll along Lake Como or visit the Coliseum in Rome, the opportunities are endless when visiting Italy.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
We are an Italian tour operator specialized in cycling tours and active journeys. Our headquarters are in Vicenza, a small and fascinating city between Venice and Verona. There are about 25 of us and 3 mechanics working together to make the best bike holiday possible for you.
Our fleet consists of 10 vehicles and 10 trailers which can carry from 30 to 50 bikes each. We have a fleet of about 900 bicycles.
Besides Vicenza our bases in Italy are in South Tyrol, Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, Apulia and Sicily. We own the two boats Vita Pugna and Ave Maria which sail between Venice and Mantua.
After many years’ experience in France we have developed a base in Orléans where our bikes and our staff are present. We manage all our tours in the Loire Valley from Orléans. Our second base in France is Provence where we offer the only bike & boat tour in the area.
We are an Italian tour operator specialized in cycling tours and active journeys. Our headquarters are in Vicenza, a small and fascinating city between Venice and Verona. There are about 25 of us and 3 mechanics working together to make the best bike holiday possible for you.
Our fleet consists of 10 vehicles and 10 trailers which can carry from 30 to 50 bikes each. We have a fleet of about 900 bicycles.
Besides Vicenza our bases in Italy are in South Tyrol, Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, Apulia and Sicily. We own the two boats Vita Pugna and Ave Maria which sail between Venice and Mantua.
After many years’ experience in France we have developed a base in Orléans where our bikes and our staff are present. We manage all our tours in the Loire Valley from Orléans. Our second base in France is Provence where we offer the only bike & boat tour in the area.
Cancellation Fees
If the customer withdraws from the contract he is anyway obliged to pay the registration fee which is € 30 per person in 2010.
A declaration of withdrawal must be made in writing within the deadline of one working day prior to the booked departure date:
For the Bike & boat tours the following cancellation fees apply:
The same amounts apply to the customer, even if the missed departure is due to the lack or imprecision of the necessary personal documents. No refund is due to whom does not show up at the place of accommodation or in the case of cancellation during the the program stay.
ALTERATION OF THE BOOKING
In case in which the customer asks for any kind of alteration of the already booked tourist package, he is obliged to pay the registration fee which is € 30 per person. A reduction in participants will be considered a cancellation and therefore subject to the cancellation fees as mentioned above. The operator is not obliged to fulfill any customer's alteration request of an already booked tourist package if he is not able to meet the customer's requirements.
ALTERATIONS AFTER DEPARTURE
After departure, should the operator find himself in a position of not being able to offer, for whatever reason, except for a personal reason of the consumer, an essential part of the services included in the contract, he must offer alternative solutions, without additional cost to the price paid by the consumer and in the case that the services offered are of a lower value than those foreseen, must be reimbursed exactly for the difference. In the case that no alternative solution is possible, or rather the solution of the operator is refused by the consumer for justifiable serious reasons, the operator will at no extra cost, provide the consumer with equivalent transport back to the place of departure or to another pre-agreed place. Depending on availability of the means and places available and will compensate the consumer for the difference between the services to be supplied under the contract and those supplied to the moment of the early return.
The consumer who withdraws may transfer his booking to another person upon condition that: a) the operator has been informed in writing at least 4 working days before the established departure date and also at the same time receives communication regarding all the details of the transferee; b) the transferee satisfies all the conditions to benefit from the service (ex. Article 89 Consumer’s Code) and in particular with requisites regarding passports, visas and medical certificates; c) the transferee must reimburse the operator any extra costs that he may incur in order to proceed with the transferral. The amount will be quantified prior to the transferral. The transferor and the transferee shall be jointly and severally liable for the payment of the price of the package and also to the amounts in point c) of the present article
ALTERATIONS OR CANCELLATION OF A TOURIST PACKAGE BEFORE DEPARTURE
Before the departure the operator or vendor who is forced to make significant alterations to one or more elements of the contract must give immediate notification in writing to the consumer indicating the type of alteration and the consequent variation in price. If the alteration proposal is not accepted under comma 1, the consumer can reserve the right to reclaim the amount already paid or receive an alternative tourist package in accordance with commas 2 and 3 of article 8. The consumer maintains the above rights also when cancellation is due to insufficient number of participants required as stated in the Catalogue or in the separate program, or due to force major and accidental cause, regarding the tourist package purchased. For cancellations which are not caused by force major or accidental cause or by insufficient number of participants, or reasons which are different from those of the non acceptance by the consumer of the alternative tourist package offered, the operator who cancels (art. 33 letter e Consumer’s Code) will reimburse the consumer double what was paid to and received by the operator, via the travel agent. The amount to be reimbursed can never be more than double the amount of which the consumer at that same date owes according to art. 8, comma 4 in the case it is he who cancels.
INTRODUCTION. NOTION OF TOURIST PACKAGE____
Considering that:
a) the operator and vendor of tourist packages, to whom the consumer makes a request, must be in possession of the administrative authorization in order to carry out their activity.
b) the consumer has the right to receive a copy of the sales of tourist package contract (under article 85 of the Consumer’s Code) an indispensable document to receive National Guarantee Fund.
The definition of tourist package (article 84 Consumer’s Code) is as follows: tourist packages mean travel, holidays and “all inclusive” with the pre-arranged combination of at least two of the following components when sold or offered for sale at an inclusive price and when the service covers a period of more than twenty-four hours or includes at least one overnight accommodation:
(a) transport;
(b) accommodation;
(c) other tourist services not ancillary to transport or accommodation (omissions) ... and accounting for a significant proportion of the “tourist package”.
LEGISLATIVE SOURCES
The purchase of a tourist package, either with services offered on national territory or abroad will be governed by the Italian Law 27/12/1977 n°1084 in ratification and implementation of the International Convention on Travel Contracts (CCV) regarding travel contracts signed in Brussels on 23.04.1970 and also by Consumer’s Code.
OBLIGATORY INFORMATION – TECHNICAL BRIEF
The operator is obliged to provide either within the catalogue or separately to it a technical brief. The details that must be included in the technical brief within the catalogue or separately to it are: - details regarding the operator’s administrative authorization; - details regarding the operator’s civil responsibility insurance policy; - period of validity of the catalogue or programs separate to the catalogue or made to measure travel; - methods and conditions for transferral (Art.89 of Consumer’s Code); - exchange rate used in the case of currency adjustments, days or value.
BOOKINGS
Reservation requests must be made on the appropriate contractual form, if electronic, filled in entirely and signed by the client, who will receive a copy. Acceptance for the booking will be complete, with subsequent conclusion of the contract, only once the operator has sent confirmation, even by telematic means, to the client via the travel agency. Indications regarding the package that are not contained in the contractual documents, brochures or in other written means, will be provided in good time before the start of the journey by the operator in accordance with his obligations under art, 87 comma 2 of the Consumer’s Code.
PAYMENT
A deposit of 25% of the price of the tourist package is to be paid at the moment of booking. The deposit must be done no less than 30 days preceding the intended departure date. In case of reservation after the above mentioned date the payment will be in its total in the act of reserving the package. Failure to pay the sums indicated above by the established date constitutes an express termination clause such as to determine rightful termination by the intermediary agency and/or the operator.
PRICE
The price of the tourist package is determined in the contract, and refers to the price indicated in the catalogue or in the separate programs which have been added subsequently. The contract provides that price revisions can be made up to 20 days before the established departure date and solely to allow for variations in: - transportation costs, including the cost of fuel; - dues, taxes or fees chargeable for certain tourist services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; - the exchange rates applied to the package in question. For these variations reference will be made to the exchange rate and costs mentioned above in effect on the date of publication of the program as printed in the technical brief of the catalogue or on the date mentioned in the above mentioned adjustments.
OBLIGATIONS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS
The participants must be in possession of a personal passport or some other document valid for travel in the countries to be visited, as well as any tourist and transit visas and health certification that might be required. They must also respect the normal rules of prudence and diligence, all information provided to them by the operator and also any regulations and administrative or legislative requirements regarding their travel and tourist package. The participants will be liable for all and any damages that may be incurred by the holiday operator that may be caused by their failure to respect the above conditions. Travelers must provide the operator with all documents, information and other elements in their possession required for the exercise of operator’s right of subrogation with regard to third parties responsible for damages. The traveller is liable towards the operator for any compromise to the right of subrogation. The consumer must also inform the operator in writing, at the moment of booking, of any special personal requests that may be the subject of specific agreements on details of the holiday, as long as these requests are possible to implement
HOTEL CLASSIFICATION
The official category of hotels is described in the catalogue or with alternative informative material only on the basis of explicit and formal indications by the competent authorities in the country where the service is provided. In the absence of official recognized classification of the competent Public Authorities of the countries, even if members of the EU, the operator reserves the right to their own description in the catalogue or brochure of the structure in order to permit an evaluation and subsequent acceptance of it from the consumer.
REGIME OF RESPONSIBILITY
The operator is responsible for damage caused to the consumer by the total or partial breach of contractual services owed, whether they are offered by him or by third party suppliers of services, unless proof can be given that the event derived from the consumer (also including initiatives carried out by him in the course of duty in offering tourist services) or by external circumstances in supplying contractual services, accidental cause, force major, or from circumstances that the operator could not, professionally or realistically foresee or resolve. The vendor where the booking for the tourist package was made is not held responsible under any circumstances for obligations that arise from the organization of the journey, but is responsible exclusively for the obligations that arise from the quality of mediation and therefore in the limits for such responsibility in respect of the legal obligations in force.
LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION
Compensation for damages to a person cannot in any event be superior to the limits regulated by international conventions to which Italy and European Union take part regarding the breach of services. In any case the compensation limit cannot exceed 50.0000 Germinal Gold Francs for damage to people, 2.000 Germinal Gold Francs for damage to things, 5.000 Germinal Gold Francs for any other damage (article 13 n°2 CCV)
OBLIGATION FOR ASSISTANCE
The operator must give assistance to the consumer with professional diligence and exclusively with reference to the obligations cited both by law and by contract. The operator and the vendor are exonerated from each others responsibility (articles 13 and 14 of these General Conditions) when the contract cannot be carried out in part or completely due to the consumer or is due to an unforeseeable or inevitable action by a third party, or rather fortuitous or by force major.
COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS
Any failure in the enforcement of the contract must be contested by the consumer without delay so that the operator, his local representative or assistant can rectify the situation as quickly as possible. The consumer must - on penalty of loss of any right to claims – make a written complaint by registered letter, with receipt of delivery, to the operator or the vendor no later than 10 working days after the date of return to the original place of departure.
NATIONAL GUARANTEE FUND
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has constituted a National Guarantee Fund to which consumers may apply (under the terms of Art. 100 of the Consumers’ Code) in the case of insolvency or bankruptcy of vendors or operators, for the protection of the following rights: a) reimbursement of price paid; b) repatriation in case of holidays abroad. The fund must also ensure immediate availability of economic assistance in the case of obligatory return of holiday makers from non-European Union countries due to emergencies ascribable or otherwise to the conduct of the operator. The details of the use of the fund are governed by Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers dated 23 July 1999. no. 349 G.U.n° 249 dated 12/10/1999.
ADDENDUM GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACTS - SALE OF SINGLE TOURIST SERVICES
A) LEGISLATION Contracts regarding the sale of single services (accommodation, transport, any separate tourist service) and those therefore that do not regard a tourist package, are governed by Travel Contracts CCV art. 1, 3 and 6, arts. 17 to 23 and arts. 24 to 31 with the exclusion of references regarding contracts for organized travel or from other specific stipulations referring to the sale of single services in the contract.
B) CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT The following clauses or conditions of the general contractual conditions can be applied to these above mentioned contracts art. 4 comma 1; art. 5; art. 7; arts.8 and 9; art 10 comma 1; art. 11; art. 15 and art. 17. The application of these clauses renders these contracts absolutely and without question those of a tourist package. The terms used in said clauses regarding contract for tourist packages (operator, travel etc) must be considered in reference to corresponding figures in single tourist service contracts (vendor, accommodation etc.)
COMPULSORY NOTE
According to the Italian Law n.269 dated 3/10/98, article 16. The Italian Law punishes the crimes concerning prostitution and juvenile pornography by means of reclusion. PRIVACY Information regarding ex art. 13 of the Legislative Decree 193/03 (legal code regarding personal data) The processing of personal data is carried out both on paper and digitally, in compliance with the Legislative Decree 196/2003 for use exclusively to conclude the contract and for the implementation of the services that constitute the tourist package. It is necessary to communicate this personal data. Personal data will not be diffused, but given solely to the suppliers of the services included in the tourist package purchased. The consumer may at any time exert their rights under art. 7 of the Legislative Decree 196/03 by contacting GIROLIBERO, info@girolibero.com, titolare del trattamento.
TECHNICAL DATA
Technical organisation: Girolibero of Zeppelin Società Cooperativa, TRAVEL AGENCY & TOUR OPERATOR in Vicenza, Contrà Manin 14, fiscal code 02941250249, registered to n° 286165/01 Register of Companies of Vicenza, in conformity with Aut. Amm, of the province of Vicenza Decree n° 618 dated 26.03.2002.
Insurance guarantee: Navale Insurance SpA, n° 4151001/A Insurance Policy with the company MONDIAL ASSISTANCE ITALIA SpA The printing ends in December 2009, changes might appear beyond our control. We apologize for any printing errors or omissions.
Cancellation Fees
If the customer withdraws from the contract he is anyway obliged to pay the registration fee which is € 30 per person in 2010.
A declaration of withdrawal must be made in writing within the deadline of one working day prior to the booked departure date:
For the Bike & boat tours the following cancellation fees apply:
The same amounts apply to the customer, even if the missed departure is due to the lack or imprecision of the necessary personal documents. No refund is due to whom does not show up at the place of accommodation or in the case of cancellation during the the program stay.
ALTERATION OF THE BOOKING
In case in which the customer asks for any kind of alteration of the already booked tourist package, he is obliged to pay the registration fee which is € 30 per person. A reduction in participants will be considered a cancellation and therefore subject to the cancellation fees as mentioned above. The operator is not obliged to fulfill any customer's alteration request of an already booked tourist package if he is not able to meet the customer's requirements.
ALTERATIONS AFTER DEPARTURE
After departure, should the operator find himself in a position of not being able to offer, for whatever reason, except for a personal reason of the consumer, an essential part of the services included in the contract, he must offer alternative solutions, without additional cost to the price paid by the consumer and in the case that the services offered are of a lower value than those foreseen, must be reimbursed exactly for the difference. In the case that no alternative solution is possible, or rather the solution of the operator is refused by the consumer for justifiable serious reasons, the operator will at no extra cost, provide the consumer with equivalent transport back to the place of departure or to another pre-agreed place. Depending on availability of the means and places available and will compensate the consumer for the difference between the services to be supplied under the contract and those supplied to the moment of the early return.
The consumer who withdraws may transfer his booking to another person upon condition that: a) the operator has been informed in writing at least 4 working days before the established departure date and also at the same time receives communication regarding all the details of the transferee; b) the transferee satisfies all the conditions to benefit from the service (ex. Article 89 Consumer’s Code) and in particular with requisites regarding passports, visas and medical certificates; c) the transferee must reimburse the operator any extra costs that he may incur in order to proceed with the transferral. The amount will be quantified prior to the transferral. The transferor and the transferee shall be jointly and severally liable for the payment of the price of the package and also to the amounts in point c) of the present article
ALTERATIONS OR CANCELLATION OF A TOURIST PACKAGE BEFORE DEPARTURE
Before the departure the operator or vendor who is forced to make significant alterations to one or more elements of the contract must give immediate notification in writing to the consumer indicating the type of alteration and the consequent variation in price. If the alteration proposal is not accepted under comma 1, the consumer can reserve the right to reclaim the amount already paid or receive an alternative tourist package in accordance with commas 2 and 3 of article 8. The consumer maintains the above rights also when cancellation is due to insufficient number of participants required as stated in the Catalogue or in the separate program, or due to force major and accidental cause, regarding the tourist package purchased. For cancellations which are not caused by force major or accidental cause or by insufficient number of participants, or reasons which are different from those of the non acceptance by the consumer of the alternative tourist package offered, the operator who cancels (art. 33 letter e Consumer’s Code) will reimburse the consumer double what was paid to and received by the operator, via the travel agent. The amount to be reimbursed can never be more than double the amount of which the consumer at that same date owes according to art. 8, comma 4 in the case it is he who cancels.
INTRODUCTION. NOTION OF TOURIST PACKAGE____
Considering that:
a) the operator and vendor of tourist packages, to whom the consumer makes a request, must be in possession of the administrative authorization in order to carry out their activity.
b) the consumer has the right to receive a copy of the sales of tourist package contract (under article 85 of the Consumer’s Code) an indispensable document to receive National Guarantee Fund.
The definition of tourist package (article 84 Consumer’s Code) is as follows: tourist packages mean travel, holidays and “all inclusive” with the pre-arranged combination of at least two of the following components when sold or offered for sale at an inclusive price and when the service covers a period of more than twenty-four hours or includes at least one overnight accommodation:
(a) transport;
(b) accommodation;
(c) other tourist services not ancillary to transport or accommodation (omissions) ... and accounting for a significant proportion of the “tourist package”.
LEGISLATIVE SOURCES
The purchase of a tourist package, either with services offered on national territory or abroad will be governed by the Italian Law 27/12/1977 n°1084 in ratification and implementation of the International Convention on Travel Contracts (CCV) regarding travel contracts signed in Brussels on 23.04.1970 and also by Consumer’s Code.
OBLIGATORY INFORMATION – TECHNICAL BRIEF
The operator is obliged to provide either within the catalogue or separately to it a technical brief. The details that must be included in the technical brief within the catalogue or separately to it are: - details regarding the operator’s administrative authorization; - details regarding the operator’s civil responsibility insurance policy; - period of validity of the catalogue or programs separate to the catalogue or made to measure travel; - methods and conditions for transferral (Art.89 of Consumer’s Code); - exchange rate used in the case of currency adjustments, days or value.
BOOKINGS
Reservation requests must be made on the appropriate contractual form, if electronic, filled in entirely and signed by the client, who will receive a copy. Acceptance for the booking will be complete, with subsequent conclusion of the contract, only once the operator has sent confirmation, even by telematic means, to the client via the travel agency. Indications regarding the package that are not contained in the contractual documents, brochures or in other written means, will be provided in good time before the start of the journey by the operator in accordance with his obligations under art, 87 comma 2 of the Consumer’s Code.
PAYMENT
A deposit of 25% of the price of the tourist package is to be paid at the moment of booking. The deposit must be done no less than 30 days preceding the intended departure date. In case of reservation after the above mentioned date the payment will be in its total in the act of reserving the package. Failure to pay the sums indicated above by the established date constitutes an express termination clause such as to determine rightful termination by the intermediary agency and/or the operator.
PRICE
The price of the tourist package is determined in the contract, and refers to the price indicated in the catalogue or in the separate programs which have been added subsequently. The contract provides that price revisions can be made up to 20 days before the established departure date and solely to allow for variations in: - transportation costs, including the cost of fuel; - dues, taxes or fees chargeable for certain tourist services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; - the exchange rates applied to the package in question. For these variations reference will be made to the exchange rate and costs mentioned above in effect on the date of publication of the program as printed in the technical brief of the catalogue or on the date mentioned in the above mentioned adjustments.
OBLIGATIONS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS
The participants must be in possession of a personal passport or some other document valid for travel in the countries to be visited, as well as any tourist and transit visas and health certification that might be required. They must also respect the normal rules of prudence and diligence, all information provided to them by the operator and also any regulations and administrative or legislative requirements regarding their travel and tourist package. The participants will be liable for all and any damages that may be incurred by the holiday operator that may be caused by their failure to respect the above conditions. Travelers must provide the operator with all documents, information and other elements in their possession required for the exercise of operator’s right of subrogation with regard to third parties responsible for damages. The traveller is liable towards the operator for any compromise to the right of subrogation. The consumer must also inform the operator in writing, at the moment of booking, of any special personal requests that may be the subject of specific agreements on details of the holiday, as long as these requests are possible to implement
HOTEL CLASSIFICATION
The official category of hotels is described in the catalogue or with alternative informative material only on the basis of explicit and formal indications by the competent authorities in the country where the service is provided. In the absence of official recognized classification of the competent Public Authorities of the countries, even if members of the EU, the operator reserves the right to their own description in the catalogue or brochure of the structure in order to permit an evaluation and subsequent acceptance of it from the consumer.
REGIME OF RESPONSIBILITY
The operator is responsible for damage caused to the consumer by the total or partial breach of contractual services owed, whether they are offered by him or by third party suppliers of services, unless proof can be given that the event derived from the consumer (also including initiatives carried out by him in the course of duty in offering tourist services) or by external circumstances in supplying contractual services, accidental cause, force major, or from circumstances that the operator could not, professionally or realistically foresee or resolve. The vendor where the booking for the tourist package was made is not held responsible under any circumstances for obligations that arise from the organization of the journey, but is responsible exclusively for the obligations that arise from the quality of mediation and therefore in the limits for such responsibility in respect of the legal obligations in force.
LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION
Compensation for damages to a person cannot in any event be superior to the limits regulated by international conventions to which Italy and European Union take part regarding the breach of services. In any case the compensation limit cannot exceed 50.0000 Germinal Gold Francs for damage to people, 2.000 Germinal Gold Francs for damage to things, 5.000 Germinal Gold Francs for any other damage (article 13 n°2 CCV)
OBLIGATION FOR ASSISTANCE
The operator must give assistance to the consumer with professional diligence and exclusively with reference to the obligations cited both by law and by contract. The operator and the vendor are exonerated from each others responsibility (articles 13 and 14 of these General Conditions) when the contract cannot be carried out in part or completely due to the consumer or is due to an unforeseeable or inevitable action by a third party, or rather fortuitous or by force major.
COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS
Any failure in the enforcement of the contract must be contested by the consumer without delay so that the operator, his local representative or assistant can rectify the situation as quickly as possible. The consumer must - on penalty of loss of any right to claims – make a written complaint by registered letter, with receipt of delivery, to the operator or the vendor no later than 10 working days after the date of return to the original place of departure.
NATIONAL GUARANTEE FUND
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has constituted a National Guarantee Fund to which consumers may apply (under the terms of Art. 100 of the Consumers’ Code) in the case of insolvency or bankruptcy of vendors or operators, for the protection of the following rights: a) reimbursement of price paid; b) repatriation in case of holidays abroad. The fund must also ensure immediate availability of economic assistance in the case of obligatory return of holiday makers from non-European Union countries due to emergencies ascribable or otherwise to the conduct of the operator. The details of the use of the fund are governed by Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers dated 23 July 1999. no. 349 G.U.n° 249 dated 12/10/1999.
ADDENDUM GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACTS - SALE OF SINGLE TOURIST SERVICES
A) LEGISLATION Contracts regarding the sale of single services (accommodation, transport, any separate tourist service) and those therefore that do not regard a tourist package, are governed by Travel Contracts CCV art. 1, 3 and 6, arts. 17 to 23 and arts. 24 to 31 with the exclusion of references regarding contracts for organized travel or from other specific stipulations referring to the sale of single services in the contract.
B) CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT The following clauses or conditions of the general contractual conditions can be applied to these above mentioned contracts art. 4 comma 1; art. 5; art. 7; arts.8 and 9; art 10 comma 1; art. 11; art. 15 and art. 17. The application of these clauses renders these contracts absolutely and without question those of a tourist package. The terms used in said clauses regarding contract for tourist packages (operator, travel etc) must be considered in reference to corresponding figures in single tourist service contracts (vendor, accommodation etc.)
COMPULSORY NOTE
According to the Italian Law n.269 dated 3/10/98, article 16. The Italian Law punishes the crimes concerning prostitution and juvenile pornography by means of reclusion. PRIVACY Information regarding ex art. 13 of the Legislative Decree 193/03 (legal code regarding personal data) The processing of personal data is carried out both on paper and digitally, in compliance with the Legislative Decree 196/2003 for use exclusively to conclude the contract and for the implementation of the services that constitute the tourist package. It is necessary to communicate this personal data. Personal data will not be diffused, but given solely to the suppliers of the services included in the tourist package purchased. The consumer may at any time exert their rights under art. 7 of the Legislative Decree 196/03 by contacting GIROLIBERO, info@girolibero.com, titolare del trattamento.
TECHNICAL DATA
Technical organisation: Girolibero of Zeppelin Società Cooperativa, TRAVEL AGENCY & TOUR OPERATOR in Vicenza, Contrà Manin 14, fiscal code 02941250249, registered to n° 286165/01 Register of Companies of Vicenza, in conformity with Aut. Amm, of the province of Vicenza Decree n° 618 dated 26.03.2002.
Insurance guarantee: Navale Insurance SpA, n° 4151001/A Insurance Policy with the company MONDIAL ASSISTANCE ITALIA SpA The printing ends in December 2009, changes might appear beyond our control. We apologize for any printing errors or omissions.
