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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 26 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Saturdays and Sundays: Mar 24 to Oct 27, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €760 |
| Start city: | Mantua |
| End city: | Venice |
This itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po rivers, penetrating into rural areas of the Italian countryside that are still uncontaminated, and ends in the warm embrace of the Venetian Lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pine-woods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals.
The work of man overlaps nature in a constant game of roles: reclaimed land alternates with natural canals, fisherman’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed of boats reduce the distances between strips of sand.
You have the option to ride with or without the guide, who will also be on board to advise on each day's riding. When you book, please specify which you prefer.
This itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po rivers, penetrating into rural areas of the Italian countryside that are still uncontaminated, and ends in the warm embrace of the Venetian Lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pine-woods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals.
The work of man overlaps nature in a constant game of roles: reclaimed land alternates with natural canals, fisherman’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed of boats reduce the distances between strips of sand.
You have the option to ride with or without the guide, who will also be on board to advise on each day's riding. When you book, please specify which you prefer.
Departures alternate between Mantua and Venice. Please see specific dates and route direction in the dates section.
Venice to Mantua
Day 1: Venice
Welcome on board! Vita Pugna is docked at the Giudecca island, not far from St. Mark’s square. The cabins are available from 4 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m.
Day 2: Venice Free day at leisure.
After a wonderful awakening with a view on the lagoon, the tour starts with a whole day at your disposal, discovering the wonderful historical centre of the capital of the “Repubblica Serenissima,” or its wonderful islands. At your disposal you have a free ticket allowing you to use the boat transportation network and some suggested itineraries.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 3: Venice – Chioggia (19 miles/30 km)
This is the most exciting day of the tour, riding along the two little narrow islands, which build the border between the sea and the lagoon. From Lido, one of the most impressing resorts and seat of the cinema exhibition of Venezia, you ride up to Malamocco, the first seat of the republic of the Doges. A short ferry boat ride will then take you to the isle Pellestrina with its natural natural reserve of Ca’ Roman and after the final few kilometres Vita Pugna leads you to the lively fishing harbour of Chioggia.
Overnight in Chioggia.
Day 4: Chioggia – Albarella (approx 25 miles/40 km)
You will leave the so called “small Venice” going south along the Po-Brondolo Waterway and through the mouth of the River Adige. Pedalling between the wonderful nature reserve of the Po Delta, with its incredible amount of bird species, you will then approach Albarella.
Overninight in Albarella.
Day 5: Albarella – Porto Levante – Adria (34 miles/55 km)
You go deep into the maze of the Po Delta, pedalling in the heart of nature. The destination today is Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic.
Overnight in Adria.
Day 6: Adria – Ferrara – Zelo (25 miles/40 km) by bike + 35 km by bus)
After a short navigation in the morning, you start cycling in the middle of the nature towards Ferrara. In the afternoon a short bus transfer will bring you up to Zelo.
Overnight in Zelo.
Day 7:
A short stretch of navigation brings you to Torretta on the Fissero/Bianco canal. You cycle following the Po as far as Ostiglia, a small village with the ruins of a medieval fortress. After a few kilometres you finally reach Mantua.
Overnight in Mantova.
Day 8: Mantua
After breakfast and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits, or return home, if you haven’t booked any extra nights.
Mantua to Venice
Day 1: Mantua
The cabins are available from 4 p.m. The boat is docked at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city-centre. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m. Mantua is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy, where a lot of worldwide known artists left their masterpieces, thanks to the assignment of the the famous Gonzaga family.
Day 2: Mantua – Governolo – Zelo (approx 31 miles/50 km)
The boat takes you to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates, where there is the biggest basin of Italy, built in order to control the Mincio River. Here you take the bikes and start the ride, keeping on following the River Po, until the village of Ostiglia, with the ruins of a medieval fortress. After a ride along the ‘Canal Bianco” you will reach Zelo, where the barge will moor for the night.
Overnight in Zelo.
Day 3: Zelo – Ferrara – Adria (31 miles/50 km by bike + 60 km by bus)
After breakfast you will start cycling towards Ferrara. Once you have reached the town, which earned the name of “city of bicycles” you will be enchanted by the historical centre, still surrounded by the old city walls. From Ferrara a short bus transfer will bring you to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic.
Overnight in Adria.
Day 4: Adria – Porto Viro – Albarella (approx 23-35 miles/35-55 km)
The boat will bring you to Porto Viro, from where you will start the daily ride into the maze of the Po Delta, an uncontaminated paradise between marshes and lagoons of the Po, pedalling in the heart of nature. The destination is Albarella, a private island of ancient traditions. In case of low water you will start cycling directly from Adria, for approximately 55 km.
Day 5: Albarella – Chioggia (25 miles/40 km)
You will be suspended between water and land, as you will pedal between the Po Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. You follow then the Po-Brondolo waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. You will stay overnight in Chioggia, famous as “the little Venice” A visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute ‘must’.
Overnight in Chioggia.
Day 6: Chioggia – Venice (19 miles/30 km)
The boat brings you to the Natural reserve of Ca’ Roman, a sandy islet surrounded by pinewoods. Pedalling along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: from here, riding on the new cycle path you reach the ferry landing stage. A short ferry boat ride takes you then up the Lido island, along the ‘Murazzi’, with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient harbour. The overnight is at the Island of Giudecca, not far from St. Mark’s square, with an amazing view of the lagoon.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 7: Venice Free day at leisure
After a wonderful awakening with a view on the lagoon, you have the whole day at your disposal, to discover the magnificent historical centre of the capital of the “Repubblica Serenissima”, or its wonderful islands. At your disposal you have a free ticket allowing you to use the boat transportation
network and some suggested itineraries.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 8: Venice
After breakfast and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits, or return home, if you haven’t booked any extra nights.
Please note:
High and low water issues, as well as logistic obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation points. These decisions are taken by the boat captain.
Saturdays and Sundays: Mar 24 to Oct 27, 2012
Route Direction and Boat
Starting from Venice:
March:
24 Ave Maria
April:
7 Ave Maria
21 Ave Maria
May:
5 Ave Maria
6 Vita Pugna
19 Ave Maria
20 Vita Pugna
June:
2 Ave Maria
3 Vita Pugna
16 Ave Maria
17 Vita Pugna
30 Ave Maria
July:
1 Vita Pugna
14 Ave Maria
15 Vita Pugna
28 Ave Maria
29 Vita Pugna
August:
11 Ave Maria
12 Vita Pugna
25 Ave Maria
26 Vita Pugna
September:
8 Ave Maria
9 Vita Pugna
22 Ave Maria
23 Vita Pugna
October:
6 Ave Maria
7 Vita Pugna
20 Ave Maria
21 Vita Pugna
Starting from Mantua:
March:
31 Ave Maria
April:
14 Ave Maria
28 Ave Maria
29 Vita Pugna
May:
12 Ave Maria
13 Vita Pugna
26 Ave Maria
27 Vita Pugna
June:
9 Ave Maria
10 Vita Pugna
23 Ave Maria
24 Vita Pugna
July:
7 Ave Maria
8 Vita Pugna
21 Ave Maria
22 Vita Pugna
August:
4 Ave Maria
5 Vita Pugna
18 Ave Maria
19 Vita Pugna
September:
1 Ave Maria
2 Vita Pugna
15 Ave Maria
16 Vita Pugna
29 Ave Maria
30 Vita Pugna
October:
13 Ave Maria
14 Vita Pugna
27 Ave Maria
| Vita Pugna |  |
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| Ave Maria | |
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| Superior cabin, upper deck | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Ave Maria | |
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| Standard cabin, lower deck | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Ave Maria | |
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| Bunk bed cabin, lower deck | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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There are two boats used for the tours. Please see the dates section of the website for the boat schedules.
Vita Pugna
After many years as cargo boat Vita Pugna was totally renewed at the beginning of the 1990s in order to start her new life as floating hotel along the Dutch canals. On board the Vita Pugna you will find the same style and cozy atmosphere of the bike & boat cruises in Holland enhanced by the friendly and homely management of our international crew. The typical wooden cabin area and the comfortable air-conditioned living room will welcome the customers for a well-deserved rest after a day on bike. View a video of the Vita Pugna here.
The boat is a 36 metres long, 5.4 metres wide, two-decker Dutch boat. There are 9 double cabins and a triple one, accommodating up to 21 guests. Each double cabin with pretty portholes is approx. 7/8 sq.m big and has two low beds with en-suite facilities. All the common spaces are air-conditioned and the cabins exploit the air conditioning of the corridor along which they are located.
Ave Maria
100% ITALIAN DESIGN. This Italian boat has been totally rebuilt in order to meet the most challenging clients’ requests. Only the hull of the original 1970s sand digger sailing along the Po has remained and the boat is now brand new. It has been completely designed by a renowned Italian architectural firm. Its shapes, colors and materials have been chosen carefully in order to create a warm, sober and yet sophisticated atmosphere.
The boat is 125 feet long by 25 feet wide and can host up to 40 passengers. There are 10 double cabins standard (3 of these can become triple cabins with a bunk bed), 3 double cabins superior (3 of these can become triple cabins with a bunk bed) and 4 single cabins (each of these can become double cabins with a bunk bed)- all with ensuite facilities, restaurant, a lounge and two sun decks.
There are two boats used for the tours. Please see the dates section of the website for the boat schedules.
Vita Pugna
After many years as cargo boat Vita Pugna was totally renewed at the beginning of the 1990s in order to start her new life as floating hotel along the Dutch canals. On board the Vita Pugna you will find the same style and cozy atmosphere of the bike & boat cruises in Holland enhanced by the friendly and homely management of our international crew. The typical wooden cabin area and the comfortable air-conditioned living room will welcome the customers for a well-deserved rest after a day on bike. View a video of the Vita Pugna here.
The boat is a 36 metres long, 5.4 metres wide, two-decker Dutch boat. There are 9 double cabins and a triple one, accommodating up to 21 guests. Each double cabin with pretty portholes is approx. 7/8 sq.m big and has two low beds with en-suite facilities. All the common spaces are air-conditioned and the cabins exploit the air conditioning of the corridor along which they are located.
Ave Maria
100% ITALIAN DESIGN. This Italian boat has been totally rebuilt in order to meet the most challenging clients’ requests. Only the hull of the original 1970s sand digger sailing along the Po has remained and the boat is now brand new. It has been completely designed by a renowned Italian architectural firm. Its shapes, colors and materials have been chosen carefully in order to create a warm, sober and yet sophisticated atmosphere.
The boat is 125 feet long by 25 feet wide and can host up to 40 passengers. There are 10 double cabins standard (3 of these can become triple cabins with a bunk bed), 3 double cabins superior (3 of these can become triple cabins with a bunk bed) and 4 single cabins (each of these can become double cabins with a bunk bed)- all with ensuite facilities, restaurant, a lounge and two sun decks.
Bike and Boat in Italy on the barge Ave Maria
Bike and Boat in Italy on the barge Ave Maria
Different frame sizes of unisex bikes with 27-gears Shimano Deore will be available on board. They are fully equipped with 1x side-bag, 1 water bottle, 1 map holder/front bag, 1 padlock per bike and 1 repair kit each couple.
Due to high transportation costs of the bikes in Venice and logistic issues it is strongly advised not to bring own bikes.
Different frame sizes of unisex bikes with 27-gears Shimano Deore will be available on board. They are fully equipped with 1x side-bag, 1 water bottle, 1 map holder/front bag, 1 padlock per bike and 1 repair kit each couple.
Due to high transportation costs of the bikes in Venice and logistic issues it is strongly advised not to bring own bikes.
The tour is entirely on level ground and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 km to 55 km. Much of the pedaling is along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or roads with a low volume of car traffic.
The tour is entirely on level ground and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 km to 55 km. Much of the pedaling is along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or roads with a low volume of car traffic.
"We just finished the tour. It was a great trip. We started by biking on barrier islands along the lagoon and then moved up the river. The biking was quite easy. The terrain is flat and we stopped at a cafe for cappuccino and the like about every couple of hours. We went in April and encountered some days that were sunny, others that had moderate rain. Generally, it was very pleasant. The guide was fabulous - very informative and took care to make sure that everyone in the group was happy. The ship is very comfortable. The cabins are small but they have their own bathrooms and adequate ventilation. The eating area is very large and very comfortable. The food was great. The boat also has a nice area for sitting outside (under a canopy). We were the only Americans, but there were some other Brits (as well as 16 other people from Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands), and the guide spoke mostly in English. Highly recommended."
- Ben W.
2009
"We just finished the tour. It was a great trip. We started by biking on barrier islands along the lagoon and then moved up the river. The biking was quite easy. The terrain is flat and we stopped at a cafe for cappuccino and the like about every couple of hours. We went in April and encountered some days that were sunny, others that had moderate rain. Generally, it was very pleasant. The guide was fabulous - very informative and took care to make sure that everyone in the group was happy. The ship is very comfortable. The cabins are small but they have their own bathrooms and adequate ventilation. The eating area is very large and very comfortable. The food was great. The boat also has a nice area for sitting outside (under a canopy). We were the only Americans, but there were some other Brits (as well as 16 other people from Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands), and the guide spoke mostly in English. Highly recommended."
- Ben W.
2009
Tour start and end
Nearest airports:
Nearest train stations:
Locating the boat
In Venice the boat is docked at the Giudecca island, not far from St. Mark’s square.
In Mantua the boat is docked at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city-center.
Please note:
On your arrival day, the cabins are available starting at 4 p.m.
Tour start and end
Nearest airports:
Nearest train stations:
Locating the boat
In Venice the boat is docked at the Giudecca island, not far from St. Mark’s square.
In Mantua the boat is docked at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city-center.
Please note:
On your arrival day, the cabins are available starting at 4 p.m.
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.
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.
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