Road Scholar : E-Bike the Alps: Zernez to Verona Using the Newest Trend in Cycling Adventures - Italy/Switzerland

E-Bike the Alps: Zernez to Verona Using the Newest Trend in Cycling Adventures

Program Number:

20415RJ

Start and End Dates:


	7/7/2013 - 7/16/2013; 7/6/2014 - 7/15/2014;

Duration:

9 nights

Location:

Italy/Switzerland

Price starting at:

$3,457.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Bicycling

Activity Level:

t (see description)

Meals:

16; 8 Breakfasts, 0 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Meal Options:

Low Fat; Vegetarian

Ride through cool forests and fragrant orchards, along rivers and into medieval villages on this journey through the Swiss and Italian Alps by hybrid electric bike, which kicks in when you need it. Please note that regular mountain bikes are also available if you prefer one over the E-bike.

Highlights

� Ride the Alps on a �Flyer� e-bike, a lightweight bicycle that you pedal most of the time but whose motor assists when you want. Regular mountain bikes are also available in place of the E-bike.
� Experience charming smaller villages from Zernez to Verona.
� Explore Trento�s Renaissance old town, known best as the site of the Council of Trent.

Activity Particulars

Biking 16-47 miles per day on paths and gravel trails on a �Flyer� e-bike. Up to 2,000 feet elevation change per day.

For convenience during each biking day there will always be a "follow-van" to assist participants with bike repairs, medical problem or fatigue.

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Zurich (Switzerland); coach to St. Moritz, 1 night, bike to Zernez, 1 night; bike to the Vinschgau (Italy), 1 night; bike to Meran, 1 night; bike to Bolzano, 1 night; bike to Trento, 1 night; bike to Rovereto, 1 night; bike to Verona, 1 night; departure.

Overnight flight from the U.S.A.	1 night
Arrival Zurich (Switzerland)
Coach to St. Moritz	1 night
Bike to Zernez	1 night
Bike to the Vinschgau (Italy)	1 night
Bike to Meran	1 night

Begin your journey in the mountain resort town of St. Moritz, then bike to the town of Zernez. Discover the Benedictine Convent of Saint John, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride over the Ofenpass into Italy�s fertile Vinschgau Valley, partly on historic Roman roads. Bike along the River Etsch through old forests, green meadows and apple orchards en route to Meran, a town with great Mediterranean flair.

Bike to Bolzano	1 night
Bike to Trento	1 night
Bike to Rovereto	1 night
Bike to Verona	1 night
Departure

Cycle through the Etsch Valley to Bolzano, chief town of the South Tyrol. You might choose to visit the Museum of Archaeology to see �tzi the Iceman. Ride on an unused stretch of railroad through undulating countryside past farms and castles to the wine-growing village of Kaltern. Step inside the Gothic cathedral in Trento. Bike through the hilly vineyards of Trentino and delve into the past and present of this region. Cycle along the canal via Belluno to Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet. Discover the ancient Roman Arena and lovely medieval architecture.

Accommodations
St. Moritz: Art Nouveau hotel. Zernez: Historic hotel. Vinschgau: Eco-friendly hotel. Meran: Comfortable hotel. Bolzano: Four-star hotel. Trento: Historic hotel. Rovereto: Centrally located hotel. Verona: Four-star hotel.

Meals and Lodgings
	HOTEL SOLDANELLA
		St. Moritz, Switzerland	1 night
	Hotel Il Fuorn
		Zernez, Switzerland	1 night
	Bio-Hotel Panorama
		Vinschgau, Italy	1 night
	Kolping hotel
		Meran, Italy	1 night
	Garden Hotel Premstaller
		Bolzano, Italy	1 night
	America Hotel
		Trento, Italy	1 night
	Rovereto Hotel
		Rovereto, Italy	1 night
	Hotel Victoria
		Verona, Italy	1 night

HOTEL SOLDANELLA
	Type:	Full Service Hotel
	Description:	The theme of the hotel is "your home in St. Moritz" created by the owner of the hotel Urs Degiacomi, and run by him and his brother, Enrico. Hotel is for people who are looking for comfort and tradition. Hotel was built in 1905 and has it's original Art Nouvesu. Ice Bear is the mascot of the hotel and greets each guest as it enters the lobby. Excellent location, 5 minute walk to the center of St. Moritz and the famous Corviglia cable car and views of the lake.
	Contact info:	Via Somplaz 17 St. Moritz, 7500 Switzerland phone: +41818308500 web: www.hotel-soldanella.ch
	Room amenities:	Private bathroom with bath or shower, telephone, radio, flatscreen satelite TV, i-phone station, free wireless service, safe, minibar, and hairdryer.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, bar, Bacchus wine cellar, spa bath, massage service, foot reflex therapy, and shiatsu therapy.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
	Check in time:	2:00 PM

Hotel Il Fuorn
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	Enjoy the unspoiled nature, mystical valleys, and abundance of open spaces at the only hotel in the Il Fuorn National Park. This hotel is ideally located in the middle of the park, close to hiking trails and wildlife.
	Contact info:	Il Fuorn Zernez, 7530 Switzerland phone: +41 (0)81 856 12 26 web: www.ilfuorn.com
	Room amenities:	Hair dryers are available at hotel reception.
	Facility amenities:	This hotel features a restaurant that specializes in local cuisine.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Bathroom:	Some rooms have a shared bathroom.

Bio-Hotel Panorama
	Type:	Full Service Hotel
	Description:	Sit above the town and is family owned and operated.
	Contact info:	Staatsstr.5 Mals, I-39024 Italy phone: +390473831186 web: www.biohotel-panorama.it
	Room amenities:	Private bath, TV, telephone and safe.
	Facility amenities:	Lounge and restaurant.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Bathroom:	Shower only.

Kolping hotel
	Type:	Full Service Hotel
	Description:	Ten minute walk to center of Meran located in the noble Quartere Obermais (exclusive residential area) and not far from the famous promenades.
	Contact info:	via Cavour 101 Meran, I-39012 Italy phone: +390473253200 web: www.kolpingmeran.it
	Room amenities:	Private bath, television, telephone, hairdryer, safe.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, lounge, wine cellar, heated outdoor pool, internet access, and a chapel.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Garden Hotel Premstaller
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	30 minute walk to the center of the town and surrounded by verdant fields and fruit orchards.
	Contact info:	Sigmundskronerstrabe 27/b Bolzano, I-39100 Italy phone: +390471631166 web: www.premstaller.it
	Room amenities:	Private bath, hairdryer, TV, telephone, wireless access, safe and AC.
	Facility amenities:	Lounge, dining room, fitness room, internet access, Finnish Sauna, turkish Steam Bath, and an English Garden.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

America Hotel
	Type:	Full Service Hotel
	Description:	Originally constructerd in 1923 and family owned and operated. Located in the historical town center and a short walk to the Castle del Buonconsiglio and the Dom cathedral.
	Contact info:	via Torre Verdes Trento, I-38100 Italy phone: +390461983010 web: www.hotelamerica.it
	Room amenities:	Private bath, TV, mini-bar, AC, telephone, hairdryer, internet wireless.
	Facility amenities:	Bar, Lounge, dining room, internet access.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Bathroom:	Bath and/or shower.
	Elevators available:	Yes

Rovereto Hotel
	Type:	Full Service Hotel
	Description:	Located in the historical town center. Family owned and operated in the best Italian tradition. The atmosphere is warm with stylish furniture and wood floors along with famous artists paintings on the walls in the public areas.
	Contact info:	C'so Rosmini 82/D Rovereto, I-38068 Italy phone: +390464435222 web: www.hotelrovereto,it
	Room amenities:	Sound-proofed room doors, private bath, TV, telephone, mini-bar, safe, AC, and wood floors.
	Facility amenities:	Lounge, dining room.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Hotel Victoria
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	Located in the town center with a hotel built within a Medieval era building.
	Contact info:	Via Adua 8 Verona, I-31121 Italy phone: +39045590566 web: www.hotelvictoria.it
	Room amenities:	Private bath,TV, telephone, safe, mini-fridge and bar, AC, warming pot with coffee/tea,
	Facility amenities:	Lounge, dining room, fitness room, computer room, Wi-Fi, table tennis, and billiard table.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights after:	N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
	Check out time:	11:00 AM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: Zurich Airport. Meet your group at 10:30 AM for the group transfer to St. Moritz (approx. 3 hours). (Hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM.) You will be staying at HOTEL SOLDANELLA that night.
	End of Program: Verona, Italy. After breakfast on the last day. (Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.) You will be staying at Hotel Victoria the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
	Parking availability: Not available.

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	Train or bus availability:	Public transportation available to sites.

	To Start of Program
	Location:	St. Moritz
	Nearest airport:	Zurich
	Transportation to site:	From the airport in Zurich take a Swiss National Railways train to Chur. From Chur the journey continues on the narrow-gauge Rhaetian Railway (RhB) with its modern, fast trains through twisting tunnels and over vertiginous viaducts. The 400 km (250 miles) journey from the Zrich airport to St. Moritz takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Take a taxi to the hotel.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Verona
	Transportation from site:	From the Hotel Victoria to the airport, take a taxi. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the train station (approx. 5-10 minutes), and then take the train to the airport (approx. 20-25 minutes).

Elevation Note: Elevation will range between 3500-7100 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Please supply your own helmet. We would also like to note that if you wish to ride a regular mountain bike and not an E-Bike, this will also be available.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Depart the USA for Zurich, Switzerland
(Sunday, July 7)

In Transit:

Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Zurich, Switzerland.

Day 2:

Arrivals / Transfer to St. Moritz
(Monday, July 8)

Note: Transfer to St. Moritz approximately 2 hours. Cycle path: well developed paths which are partly gravel, tarmac and dirt trails.

Arrive To:	Meet your group at 10:30 AM at Zurich airport for the group transfer by private coach to St. Moritz (approx. 3 hours).
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own in St. Moritz.
Afternoon:	After check-in pick up your "flyer" bike and proceed to take a test ride. A brief orientation with a welcome drink prior to dinner.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	HOTEL SOLDANELLA
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 3:

St. Moritz to Zernez
(Tuesday, July 9)

Note: Approximately 38 kilometers/24 miles of biking today. Cycle path: well developed paths, partly tarmac and partly gravel. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Set out on your "flyer" for Zernez. The luggage will be loaded into a van, which will follow you throughout the program. Bike ride along the Inn River down to the Unterengadin, or Lower Engadine, into the Swiss national park.
Lunch:	Stop en route to explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:	Arrive in Zernez and check in at the hotel.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Hotel Il Fuorn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4:

Ofenpass to Vinschgau, Italy
(Wednesday, July 10)

Note: Approximately 52 kilometers/33 miles of biking today. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Breakfast:	Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
Morning:	In the morning "fly" across the Ofen Pass to Muestair (5325 feet) with a lunch stop in the Muenstertal. Biking northeast through Switzerland to the South Tyrol of Italy. As you bike, stops will be made and you will hear field lectures regarding details of the land, people, culture of the area you are riding through.
Lunch:	A stop will be made to explore local fare on your own in Muenstertal.
Afternoon:	Afternoon excursion and field trip to the convent of St. John. Continue on across the border into Obervinschgau (5000 feet) in the South Tyrol. Hear a lecture by a docent at the convent regarding this ancient Benedictine Monastery in Mustair village of Val Mustair, Switzerland. The convent is an exceptionally well-preserved heritage of Carolingian art and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Continue on to Vinschgau for an overnight.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Bio-Hotel Panorama
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5:

Vinschgau to Meran - Biking through the South Tyrol, in Italy known as the Alto Adige
(Thursday, July 11)

Note: Bike approximately 62 kilometers/39 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Breakfast:	Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
Morning:	The constant companion on today's route is the River Etsch and the target, Meran (1100 feet), a town of Mediterranean flair. From asphalt surfaces to gravel roads, the cycle tracks lead through beautiful forests, green meadows, orchards and numerous keeps and castles. Hear a field lecture about the history of Vinschgau and the culture of the this Alpine region.
Lunch:	A stop will be made to explore local fare on your own along the River Etsch.
Afternoon:	Continue along the River Etsch to Meran. Meran offers cultural, musical and sporting events along with traditional celebrations making this town a unique experience. Enjoy some free time in Meran to discover the small avenue, art, history, nature and culture of this town.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Kolping hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6:

Meran to Bolzano
(Friday, July 12)

Note: Bike approximately 40 kilometers/25 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast served at the hotel.
Morning:	Cycle along the old wine route through the Etsch valley, along numerous orchards and vineyards to the village of Bolzano (860 feet), the chief town of the Alto Adige. Together with Innsbruck, Bolzano is officially the capital of the Alps, and of course is known as the home of "Otzi," the iceman. Today's field lectures will explain the agriculture of the Etsch Valley and the economics of the numerous orchards.
Lunch:	A stop will be made to explore local fare on your own in Bolzano.
Afternoon:	Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the old market town, and the world famous Museum of Archaeology with the Iceman and the Messner Mountain Museum. Bolzano is a city full of mountaineering history and culture.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Garden Hotel Premstaller
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7:

Bolzano to Trento via Kaltern am See
(Saturday, July 13)

Note: Bike approximately 62 kilometers/39 miles. (Bolzano to Kaltern is approximately 17 kilometers/10.5 miles.) Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Bike today on an unused stretch of railroad through undulating countryside, past numerous farmsteads, keeps and castles to Kaltern am See (1394 feet), one of the best known wine villages in South Tyrol. Learn about the history of this area and the vineyards and how important the wine is to the economics of this area. You will also learn why Kaltern am See is one of the best known wine villages.
Lunch:	A stop will be made to explore local fare on your own in Kaltern am See.
Afternoon:	In Kaltern there is plenty going on in the market square or the quaint side streets and there is always a wine tasting at one of the many venues. There will also be enough time to visit the Tyrolean Wine Museum (on your own) or just enjoy exploring the village before continuing on to Trento (630 feet). Upon arriving in Trento learn the history of the "old town" where in the 16th century it was the site of the Council of Trent. Trento is a major educational, scientific, financial and political center in Trentino-Alto Adige. Modern day Trento is a cosmopolitan city with highly-developed and organized modern social services.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	America Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8:

Trento to Rovereto
(Sunday, July 14)

Note: Bike approximately 30 kilometers/19 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	In the morning explore the picturesque provincial town of Trento, and visit the Trento Cathedral "Duomo di San Vigilio," the most important religious edifice in northern Italy. Duomo was built in the Gothic style in the 6th century over a pre-existing temple with a rose window as the facade.
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own in Trento before continuing the bike route to Rovereto.
Afternoon:	After lunch "fly" through the hilly vineyards of Trentino. Travel through the Etschtal (valley), which becomes increasingly narrower as we head south. A field lecture introduces "then and now" of the Etschtal valley. Trails end for today at the second largest town in Trentino, Rovereto (669 feet).
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodations:	Rovereto Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9:

Rovereto to Verona via Belluno
(Monday, July 15)

Note: Bike approximately 75 kilometers/47 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Due to the topography of the valley, today's path follows the Etsch canal. Cycle on a predominantly flat route via Belluno to Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet. Belluno (2300 feet) is located about 100 kilometres north of Venice, the capital of the province of Belluno, one of the 15 municipalities of the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi. During today's field lectures, learn why Belluno is the most important city in the Eastern Dolomite region, along with the legend of Romeo and Juliet and about the historical sights of Verona.
Lunch:	Explore local fare on your own in Belluno before continuing on to Verona.
Afternoon:	Continue on to Verona. Upon arrival there will be an excursion of Verona (223 feet). Discover all the interesting historical sights. A main attraction in northern Italy - due to the artistic heritage, shows, and operas in the Arena - is the Roman ancient amphitheatre. This town is positioned close to Lake Garda, one hour from the sea and two hours from the Dolomites, and it has a long-standing tradition of kindness to their guests.
Dinner:	Enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Accommodations:	Hotel Victoria
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10:

Departures
(Tuesday, July 16)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Departure to Verona airport for your flight home.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

"Look, it's A Cheatercycle!"

Author: Lynn Rapoport

Description: How a peadling purist learned to love (or at least not be so embarrassed by) Electric Bikes.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

8 nights accommodations
16 meals: 8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 8 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 6
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 12
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 1
Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.

Plus these special experiences...

A unique itinerary traveling by e-cycle (flyers) from the Oberengadin (Upper-Grisons in Switzerland) to Verona, Italy.
UNESCO site of the Benedictine Monastery in Mustair.
Chief town of the Alto Adige, Bolozano and the home of "Otzi", the iceman.
Most famous wine village of the South Tyrol, Kaltern am See.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Ride through cool forests and fragrant orchards, along rivers and into medieval villages on this journey through the Swiss and Italian Alps by hybrid electric bike, which kicks in when you need it. Please note that regular mountain bikes are also available if you prefer one over the E-bike.

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Biking 16-47 miles per day on paths and gravel trails on a �Flyer� e-bike. Up to 2,000 feet elevation change per day.

For convenience during each biking day there will always be a "follow-van" to assist participants with bike repairs, medical problem or fatigue.

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Zurich (Switzerland); coach to St. Moritz, 1 night, bike to Zernez, 1 night; bike to the Vinschgau (Italy), 1 night; bike to Meran, 1 night; bike to Bolzano, 1 night; bike to Trento, 1 night; bike to Rovereto, 1 night; bike to Verona, 1 night; departure.

Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

1 night

Arrival Zurich (Switzerland)

Coach to St. Moritz

1 night

Bike to Zernez

1 night

Bike to the Vinschgau (Italy)

1 night

Bike to Meran

1 night

Bike to Bolzano

1 night

Bike to Trento

1 night

Bike to Rovereto

1 night

Bike to Verona

1 night

Departure

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

Note: Transfer to St. Moritz approximately 2 hours. Cycle path: well developed paths which are partly gravel, tarmac and dirt trails.

Note: Approximately 38 kilometers/24 miles of biking today. Cycle path: well developed paths, partly tarmac and partly gravel. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Note: Approximately 52 kilometers/33 miles of biking today. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Note: Bike approximately 62 kilometers/39 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Note: Bike approximately 40 kilometers/25 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Note: Bike approximately 62 kilometers/39 miles. (Bolzano to Kaltern is approximately 17 kilometers/10.5 miles.) Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Note: Bike approximately 30 kilometers/19 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Note: Bike approximately 75 kilometers/47 miles. Snacks are available throughout the morning while biking.

Suggested Reading List

"Look, it's A Cheatercycle!"

Author: Lynn Rapoport

Description: How a peadling purist learned to love (or at least not be so embarrassed by) Electric Bikes.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs: