ITALY

What better place to start an Italian cycling adventure than Austria. We start here so we can access the northern backdoor of the Dolomites and cycle the entire length down to the flatlands.

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by towering peaks, this charming city is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Golden Roof and the stunning Imperial Palace.

Arrive during the course of the day at our starting hotel. The tour officially starts with a group meeting at 6pm followed by an included group dinner.

We start our journey on the former River Inn towpath, at the foot of Martinswand and through little villages and market towns to Stams, known for its Cistercian Stams Abbey, founded in 1273. We overnight in Imst, still in Austria, famous for its many springs.

Continuing along the River Inn, pass the monastery Zams to Landeck. From here we’ll skip a section and hop on the bus to Nauders, just 5km from the Italian border. Back on the bikes it is an uphill ride to the mountain pass Reschenpass, crossing the border, before the downhill begins. We ride via Lake Reschensee, famous for the steeple of a submerged 14th-century church. Then it’s on to Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, famous for its perfectly preserved town walls and three picturesque gate towers. Pass the Montani ruins to overnight in Schlanders/Silandro.

Today you will come across some pretty castles (mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s castle Juval). Take a break to enjoy the spectacular views of the impressive mountain massif Ortlermassiv and the mountain pass Stilfserjoch. Merano is a picturesque town known for its stunning Alpine scenery and historic architecture.

There is plenty to do with a day in Meran. Make a day ride (40km) into the Passeier Valley to the Sandwirt Inn, the birthplace of the local freedom fighter Andreas Hofer, who was executed after fighting the occupation by Napeleon’s troops.

Hike on the famous Tappeiner Trail with sweeping views of the town below, the Merano Valley Basin and down into the Adige Valley.

Or stay around town and enjoy the best of South Tyrol’s cuisine, wine, and hospitality.

Leave Merano after breakfast and cycle through numerous orchards and vineyards on the South Tyrolean Wine Road. Visit Lana, one of the most ancient fruit-growing villages in the area and witness the elaborately carved Schnatterpeck Altar. Admire the many fortresses, castles, and ruins such as Hocheppan on your way past Lake Caldaro to Newmarkt/Egna.

Cycle along the river Adige on a beautiful bike path that is rich with orchards to Salorno, where the German speaking part of South Tyrol ends and afterwards to the historic centre of Trento accompanied by the vineyards of “Teroldego” vines.

Cycle on bike paths along the river Adige via the old Tyrolean border town of Rovereto to Mori. From here, the route leads westward to Lake Garda. In Mori try the world-famous pistachio ice-cream in the Gelateria Bologna or a freshly squeezed fruit juice. After a short climb onto Passo S. Giovanni (150 metres), you will head down to the lake at Torbole.

In the afternoon we board a boat to cruise the length of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Lake Garda marks the southern extent of the European Alps with high mountains to the north of the lake and the flatlands to the south. We overnight at the southern end of the lake in Desenzano. A short ride from the pier takes us to our hotel.

Despite being out of the Dolomites it's partly flat, partly hilly as we follow Lake Guarda heading north before crossing over some hills and turning south along a canal path all the way into the heart of Verona and a rest day. There is an option for a longer route if you are happy with some harder hills and a bit more riding.

A day in Verona is yours to enjoy. A city of history and romance, it features ancient architecture and vibrant culture. Key highlights include the Arena di Verona, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater hosting operas and concerts, and the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, with its historic market. Explore Juliet's House, famous for its Shakespearean balcony. The Castelvecchio Museum, in a medieval castle, showcases significant sculptures and paintings. A walk along the Adige River offers scenic views, and the nearby Torricelle hills provide hiking with panoramic vistas.

Cycle on flattish roads through rolling farmland, then take on the hills of the "Monti Berici," the holiday area of Vicenza, with beautiful views over the city. In the rustic old town of Vicenza, you can still feel the spirit of Palladio, the famous architect of the Middle Ages.

Numerous Venetian villas are located on the exit of Vicenza, such as Villa Rotonda. Riding into Padua you’ll come to Prato del Valle, a massive public square featuring a central island surrounded by 70+ statues of historic residents. Padua known for the frescoes by Giotto in its Scrovegni Chapel from 1303–05 and the vast 13th-century Basilica of St. Anthony. In Padua's old town are arcaded streets and stylish cafes frequented by students of the University of Padua, established in 1222.

Today’s landscape is characterised by meadows and fields. Our destination is Mestra, the town on the mainland off Venice from where you can explore one of the world’s most famous destinations. A train or bus from near our hotel will get you over to Venice in a little over 30 minutes.

We will celebrate the end of our ride with a final dinner together.

If you plan to stay on to explore more of Venice we recommend looking for accommodation in Venice. Our agent can help with bookings.

The tour ends after breakfast.