2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights 3 & 4 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1320GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: ITV

Trip highlights

  • Experiencing the pretty alpine town of Innsbruck and riverside town of Verona
  • Discovering South Tyrolean wine and fruit
  • Cycling through changing, scenic landscape
  • Soaking up the warm hospitality of family run hotels en route
  • Exploring Trento’s cathedral square

The mountains of the Tyrol are some of the most admired in all of Europe. The Austrian region is famous for its classic alpine landscapes for good reason, and in the heart of it all is Innsbruck. This beautiful ride begins in the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, then skirts ancient trade routes - along mainly dedicated bike paths - towards the Festival City of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet'. Throughout the valleys of the Eisack and Adige rivers numerous old railroad tracks and dam pathways have been converted into modern cycling cycle paths. This enables you to experience the gorgeous mountain views without needing to worry about vehicles for most of the ride. Along the way, the alpine scenery at the 1370m Brenner Pass will keep you motivated in the saddle while great cities such as Brixen, Bolzano and Trento will provide further cultural highlights and welcome places to relax after cycling past orchards and vineyards. When the Mediterranean flora and fauna begin to appear you'll know you've arrived at Salurner Klause and Italy proper. At night, relax in comfortable hotels chosen for their location and soak up the warm atmosphere of the town squares with a well earned gelato and a relaxing stroll.

Countries:

Austria and Italy

Starting Point:

Innsbruck

Finishing Point:

Verona

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in the centre of Innsbruck, walk to your hotel which is ideally located to explore the sites of this lively town. You will have a welcome briefing and bike fitting. For the rest of the day, we recommend visiting Innsbruck’s famous old town with its City Tower and its “Golden Roof”.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, there will be a transfer (by minibus or train, approx 40mins - included) up to the Brenner Pass, which marks the border between Austria and Italy. From the small border town of Brenner you will cycle on the bike path, mostly along the Eisack River - first to the little village of Gossensass and then to Sterzing (Vipiteno), the once mighty city of the Fuggers. The cycle route continues to Thumberg, to the beautiful Reifenstein Castle, and via Stilfes and Mittewald to Franzensfeste with its famous fortress. The bike path passes the beautiful and quiet Lake Varna, to Varna and finally to Bressanone (Brixen), today's destination. Route details: Total of 600m descent today, though there are still some short climbs. The last 1km into Sterzing is on the Brennerstrasse which can have heavy road traffic.

Meals:  B

Cycle through the Dürer town Klausen along the Eisack River to Waidbruck (with a view of Trostburg Castle). Here, the valley gets narrower and leads into the Bolzano basin. The city where two cultures meet awaits you with many attractions (including the South Tyrol Archaeological Museum with Ötzi, the Iceman* – free admission with the Brixen Card on day of arrival. Guided tours extra). Overnight Bolzano. Route details: From Bressanone (Brixen) to Bolzano it's a smooth descent of about 300m in altitude difference. *NOTE: The museum is closed on Mondays except in Jul-Aug-Sep (open daily) and some other dates - see the website: https://www.iceman.it/en/ for details. Should you not reach Bolzano in time to visit the museum or it is closed today, it is feasible to visit the museum on day 4 before commencing tomorrow's cycle.

Meals:  B

Today you pedal through numerous orchards and vineyards in the area of the South Tyrolean wine route. Passing many castles and ruins, as you cycle to the wine village of Appiano and then further to Lake Caldaro. Tonight you overnight in the cosy wine town of Ora (Auer). Route details: There are two route options today, a hilly route via Eppan and Kaltern or a flat route along the Adige River.

Meals:  B

The cycle route today will take you primarily on a beautiful bike path along the Adige River and partially through beautiful orchards to Salorno, where the German speaking South Tyrol ends. The dam pathways lead to Trento with its lovely old town and where you will stay overnight. Route details: almost entirely on cycle paths to Trento. Mostly flat route.

Meals:  B

As the Adige valley gets narrower you get closer to one of the most important historical trade routes. As you cycle you can admire the mountain ranges, which were once lined with impressive castles. We recommend a visit to Rovereto and the city of Mozart, Ala (where you may stay overnight dependent on availability) then continue on the bike path to Rivalta and your overnight accommodation. Route details: entirely on cycle paths.

Meals:  B

The final day of cycling takes you along a well-developed bike trail along the Adige river to the heart of Verona, the magical city of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Discover this jewel of the Veneto at your leisure. Route details: mainly cycle on cycle paths. There is one longer climb of approx. 2.5km before Rivoli.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes today after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 6 nights 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, 1 night 2 star hotel (Rivalta) also on a twinshare basis with ensuite facilities
  • Bicycle, 21 or 7 speed with handlebar bag, pannier, repair kit and bicycle insurance for theft/damage (27 speed superior bike and e-bike available - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information
  • Welcome briefing
  • Transfer from Innsbruck to Brenner including bike
  • Brixen card (selected admission to museums, public transport and cable car - Plose)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Innsbruck and from Verona
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance Fees unless listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €10-15
  • Helmet - Available to purchase locally, must prebook
  • We recommend bringing a mobile phone holder to fix to the handlebar to cycle smoothly following the app
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

2,3 & 4 star hotels

A mix of 3 & 4 star hotels with one night in a charming 2 star property. All accommodation with ensuite facilities.

Twin Rooms

In Austria a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with either a 21 or 24 speed unisex bike with derailleur gears and free wheel, or a 7 speed bike with gear hub, back pedaling brake and two cable brakes. Men's/high bar 21-speed bikes are available on request. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, repair kit and lock. Helmet rental is not included but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet.

27 speed superior bike - mens/high bar frame only

This is a sportier bike with a ‘plus’ noticeable on many parts of the bike, from the saddle to the brakes and gears. On request, supplement applies.

Electric Bike

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 148cm / 4ft10in. On request, supplement applies

Trail Surface

Bike paths & quiet country roads

You will cycle on beautiful bike paths along the river valleys of lsarco and Adige. From Verona you will pedal mostly on side roads with little traffic. Cycling into towns & cities will require road cycling with more traffic.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

GRADE 2 - 6 cycle stages of between 30 and 65km (18.5 to 40mi) on relatively low gradients. The cycling is on dedicated bike paths along the river valleys of Eisack and Adige for much of the trip. You will be taken up to the Brenner Pass from where the route will take you downhill 1,300 metres in altitude. There are only a few short climbs on the trip including Lake Caldaro and before Verona. To get the most out of this trip you should have a reasonable level of fitness which you have obtained through exercising 3-4 times per week as a minimum. If taking an e-bike option, the physical fitness requirement is reduced.

Departure dates

Every Saturday from 26 Apr to 4 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 24 May to 5 Sep, Mid season is from 10 to 23 May and 6 to 26 Sep. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.

Priceper person from

£1320GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Superior 'Plus' Bike Supplement (mens frame only)GBP£70
  • E-bike supplementGBP£170
  • Single supplementGBP£400
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£420
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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